What 253 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ram 2500 Regular Cab

Some time as i apply the brakes i get a pulse pushing back on the brake pedal , it results in a slower braking action . Also i have a power steering fluid leak coming from the brake booster system . The brakes and the power steering go through the same system . The brake problem has been happening about a year and the power steering leak at the booster about 2 months

NHTSA ODI 11602722

On 7/11/2024, I had a service performed at a local independent automotive repair facility because I purchased new tires for the truck. The repair service history on the truck was limited because I inherited this vehicle from my deceased son. I intend to transfer ownership to my other son who will be towing a large RV Trailer with it. Prior to this service, I was unaware of an important safety recall identified as V06 Drag Link. After the alignment service was completed, the local service technician explained he was able to perform the alignment and confirmed the V06 repair had been previously done. He said the steering box nuts on each end of the Adjuster Sleeve had been welded, which was the recommended fix presented in the FCA US LLC safety recall notification. The truck steering wheel was not centered since I acquired it in 2021. At times it was cocked to the left between the 11/12 o'clock position. I attributed this to the well worn tires not knowing about the V06 safety recall issue. The service technician advised that while doing the alignment he noted the welded adjuster sleeve "had play" in it and recommended I take the vehicle to an authorized RAM dealership for this issue because he stated "an updated sleeve" was made available subsequent to issuance of the V06 safety recall notification. He warned a potential failure of the adjuster sleeve could result in loss of steering and a crash. I followed the service technician advice and took the vehicle to the local RAM dealership. I presented the alignment service finding to a management official who responded the recommended safety recall issue had been fixed and no updated sleeve available. The manager never offered to inspect the adjuster sleeve "play" issue and proceeded to list over $3,000 of other 60,000 mile recommended services. Because of the potential safety issue identified as described, I am deeply concerned the RAM dealership was intentionally discarding my safety concerns.

NHTSA ODI 11602340

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V140000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11593664

My ABS lights is on causing my cruise control to not be functioning. When I first start the vehicle, i get a message to "service electronic brake system." I have new brake pads with rotors and still have this message.

NHTSA ODI 11590973

It is known that the 2016 Ram crew cab 4x4 has exhaust leak problems. The bolts on the exhaust manifold will break and exhaust will escape the manifold causing extra heat to flow into the engine bay, and fumes to enter the cabin of the vehicle. carbon monoxide is colorless and orderless and causes headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even death if inhaled. The exhaust manifold leaks must be fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11591048

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was taken for an alignment, the independent mechanic became aware that the steering linkage was loosened. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11590122

Service ABS SYSTEM warning light came on dash - July 2023. ABS is not functional. Traction /stability control is not functional. Scanned codes - OBDII code C0020. Took to RAM dealer 7/2023- RAM dealer stated and confirmed ABS module required replacement but the part was not available and unknown when it would become available. I have called several times every few months for updates- no parts available. This is unacceptable. My family’s safety is at risk because ABS and stability control are not functional- especially in winter icy conditions.

NHTSA ODI 11587004

Abs module failure is common in alot of rams part number 68252611ae

NHTSA ODI 11570136

The tailgate will not stay closed. It comes open when driving and sometimes won’t stay closed at all. This is a common problem/recall with this model truck but for some reason doesn’t show up with my VIN #

NHTSA ODI 11566716

My truck, like those of numerous other Ram owners, has a malfunctioning ABS Control Module. Because of this malfunction, the ABS and cruise control do not work. In turn, this places me and other owners of this vehicle in an unsafe situation in that lack of an operating ABS system is conducive to skidding and accidents. Some owners have even reported that they cannot drive their vehicles due to locked brakes which resulted from this malfunction. I have tried every source in existence in my efforts to find a replacement module, but I have been totally unsuccessful. I have been told by one of your Customer Service representatives that your Company is “…unable to maintain a complete inventory for an indefinite period of time and the lower the demand, the less likely it is we will have stocked parts. As such, the part you are requesting is no longer in our inventory.”

NHTSA ODI 11559441

ABS system/ Traction control system/ 4wheel drive system/ cruise control. I had the ABS system repaired/replaced once this year already and now i need it done again. ABS failure makes the 4wheel drive system fail and it's winter time and i need 4 wheel drive for safety.

NHTSA ODI 11558248

I took my 2016 Dodge Ram to the dealership that I purchased it from and asked for an alignment. The dealership informed me that they would not perform the alignment as the V06 Recall had been performed, which had welded the adjustment nuts to vehicle's drag link. I was told that in order to get the vehicle aligned properly, the drag link would need to be replaced by contacting FCA. When FCA had called the dealership informing them of how to go about replacing the drag link, the dealership refused to discuss with them. The welded adjustment nuts should only be a temporary fix, and I would expect Doge to replace the defective component. The welds also seem of questionable quality, you would expect a higher standard for a critical component that could fail and cause a major accident.

NHTSA ODI 11557464

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was pulling to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle needed an alignment; however, since the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18E096000 (Steering) the alignment could not be performed. The contact was informed that due to the welding that was performed as part of the recall repair, the wheels could not be aligned. The manufacturer was contacted numerous times about the failure, but the contact was not given an answer as to when a repair would become available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11549785

2016 Ram 2500 ABS and HCU have caused problems while driving. My brakes are engaged and will sometimes bring the vehicle to a stop. While having problems with my brakes, I scheduled an appointment with my local Dodge/Ram service department. On the way to the service department March 2023, the brakes again started having problems and completely engaged on a busy bridge bringing the truck to an immediate stop. Not a fun moment. The closest tow truck was two hours away and after 40 minutes, I was able able to get the brakes dis-engaged and limped the truck to the service center. The service department had trouble replicating the issue because the computer reset after i drove the vehicle in. It wasn't till the third test drive the technician had the issue happen to him. I've read about numerous other similar issues with the same truck and braking system, and this could cause a serious incident where someone could get hurt. Even after getting a new ABS, I'm still having issues 6 months later with the brakes locking up. I took it to a new service center and again, the technicians are saying there is no issue because the computer has reset when the issue went away while driving it in to get looked at. It concerns me the Ram has not stepped up to fix this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11549233

We were driving our 2016 Ram in July 20, 2023 to Yakima, WA which is 200 miles away from our home. About 50 miles north of town, our check engine light came on and our power was reduced to a minimal speed. We cautiously drove to the next rest area and turned the engine off. We waited about 30 minutes, restarted the engine and continued to Yakima. We had the code checked and turned off at an Oreily's parts store. We drove it to an Independant diesel service center since the Ram dealership's schedule was 2 months out to look at it. After several hours and troubleshooting, the diesel technician determined that the Cumins Actuator and Turbo were failing. Each time they cleared the code and drove the truck, they could recreate the problem. They told us that it was the same problem that the 2015 Cumins Turbos & actuators were having. They said there is a chance that our truck was manufactured with the same parts as a 2015 Cumins. They were able to repair our truck and said that we should notify the NHTSA, Mopar and our local Ram dealer of the problem. Mopar told me there is no recall for this issue, so they cannot help. The local Ram dealer told me that since they did not do the repair, they cannot report the issue. Please help us as this was an expensive repair, not including the cost of being standed out of town for days. Our Ram only has 39,000 miles and is like new, always garaged and drove for pleasure. How can we get this investigated or reimbursed?

NHTSA ODI 11546887

Abs light and traction control light came on. The rear parking sensors and 4 wheel drive were also disabled. Repair shop stated that a wheel speed sensor was bad, replaced it and on the way home the lights came on again. Took truck back to shop and they stated another wheel speed sensor was bad. Replaced and then once again, lights came back on while driving home. Took back to the shop and they stated the connections to abs module were dirty, cleaned and sent me back home. Once again, lights came back on. Lights are now on and I have no idea how to repair other than to continue throwing parts and money at it. With Abs disabled, mine and my family's safety are at risk while driving, especially considering this truck is used to tow heavy loads, including livestock. Apparently this is a wide spread issue based on internet reports and has been reported on many of these trucks, regardless of mileage.

NHTSA ODI 11545883

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500 equipped with Landsail Tires, Tire Line: CLX-1, Tire Size: LT275/70/R18, DOT number: TBDEF75C. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the tread of the front passenger’s side tire separated, causing the vehicle to start shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the front passenger’s side tire tread had separated. The tire as not replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 42,000. The tire failure mileage was 34,449.

NHTSA ODI 11541238

Abs/hcu failure causing erratic braking brakes locking up. Diagnosed idepentdant shop,not yet repaired. No inspection Abs warning

NHTSA ODI 11540338

Hello! We have the driver seat and passenger seat that unlock after driving every mile. I have called the dealership and Chrysler and they say they cannot help me. This is a safety issue and I need assistance now

NHTSA ODI 11536236

Right rear air bag twisted and got against the exhaust which caused the vehicles suspension to drop or not hold air. I was told it was the compressor leaking through and had compressor replaced. It is not the compressor and the vehicle right rear suspension continues to loose air. When the vehicle was looked at again the airbag was untwisted and had a burn mark from exhaust. This is definitely a safety issue concern! This has been ongoing since 2017 with no recall on this vehicle. I had it in the shop again for the same thing and was told this issue could not be resolved!

NHTSA ODI 11533992

Driving truck and automatic changed to manual 4th gear - would not stay in automatic and would not go into any other manual gear at same time cruise stopped working along with the horn, seat belt light came on and would not go off , ESC light came on and did not go off, non of the steering wheel controls would work work , air bag light came in and would not go off , horn would not work at steering wheel but will when using key lock

NHTSA ODI 11532525

All brake warning lights came on , cruise control stopped working abruptly, service brake system warning dinger dinging , abs not working , engine braking all stopped working while loaded going steep grade , nearly lost control of the truck and was nearly in a serious accident , abs module and hcu said to be problem , issue still persists after said problem supposed to be resolved , truck is a death trap and there are multiple complaints about it , hcu and abs module are months back ordered , this needs recalled

NHTSA ODI 11532403

ABS/traction control lights on dash and cruse control won’t work with these on. Haven’t taken to dealer but researched online and believe it to be the abs/hcu unit.

NHTSA ODI 11526865

6.7L Cummins diesel Known Grid heater bolt broke and could leave people stranded as it causes catastrophic engine failure and or damage leading up to $20 to $30K in engine repairs. Ram knows about this issue and is doing nothing about it. Mine broke and I caught it just before it destroyed my engine. the fix was a $1k kit. This bolt corrodes and and drops down into the intake in which destroys the #6 cylinder, piston, wall and valves. Ram is doing nothing to fix the problem and leaving people stranded who haul trailers and with the big repair bills.

NHTSA ODI 11518672

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off with the key out of the ignition, the vehicle rolled backward and crashed into some trees. Additionally, the contact was able to move the gear shifter while the vehicle was turned off. The contact's son was inside the vehicle when the failure occurred; however, no injuries were sustained. No Police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the recall repair failed prevent the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509458