2016 RAM 2500 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2016 RAM 2500, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 25,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “chrysler dodge” (16% of reports).
- 64power train complaints
- 25,500median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 41%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Chrysler dodge: mentioned in 10 of 64 complaints (16%)
- Engine cooling power: mentioned in 5 of 64 complaints (8%)
- Dead pedal: mentioned in 5 of 64 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 40 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 64 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury.
RAM 2500 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 2500 | 3 | 11% | — |
| 2025 2500 | 7 | 11% | 15,000 |
| 2024 2500 | 7 | 12% | — |
| 2023 2500 | 6 | 12% | — |
| 2022 2500 | 50 | 28% | 9,900 |
| 2021 2500 | 25 | 23% | — |
| 2020 2500 | 20 | 12% | 7,250 |
| 2019 2500 | 29 | 15% | 6,620 |
| 2018 2500 | 75 | 3% | 30,000 |
| 2017 2500 | 42 | 6% | 47,518 |
| 2016 2500 | 64 | 25% | 25,500 |
| 2015 2500 | 44 | 20% | 40,000 |
| 2014 2500 | 62 | 18% | 43,984 |
| 2013 2500 | 22 | 12% | 64,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I am reporting a transmission safety problem with my 2016 Ram 2500 Cummins that began shortly after FCA campaign U29 was performed. Before the recall work, the transmission and original solenoid were functioning normally. I had no transmission symptoms, warning lights, or transmission codes. The…
On August 25, 2026, my 2016 Ram 2500 was parked on private property. The driver states that she placed the automatic transmission in PARK before exiting the vehicle. After she exited, the unoccupied vehicle unexpectedly began rolling and struck a tree, causing vehicle damage. No one was injured…
Grid heater nut/bolt detached and entered engine, causing catastrophic internal failure and total engine loss while driving.
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2016 RAM 2500s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 64 owner complaints about power train for the 2016 RAM 2500 (25% of the 258 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2016 RAM 2500 power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 25,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2016 RAM 2500?
The most frequent phrase is “chrysler dodge”, in 10 of 64 complaints, followed by “engine cooling power” (5).
Other 2016 RAM 2500 problems
- Engine problems (53)
See all 2016 RAM 2500 problems or power train problems across all 2500 years.