2016 Ram 4500 problems

General information about Ram-4500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.

Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.

Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

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Common 2016 Ram 4500 problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Ram 4500 2016, several common problems have been identified:

Dodge Vehicles With Recalled Takata Airbags:
- The Dodge Ram 4500 is among the vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recall, which has been one of the largest and most significant recalls in automotive history. Defective airbag inflators provided by Takata have been linked to numerous deaths and injuries, prompting a widespread recall across various vehicle models.

Ram Death Wobble:
- Owners of the Ram 4500 have reported experiencing a front-end vibration issue known as the "death wobble." This phenomenon can cause significant steering instability and vibrations in the vehicle, leading to safety concerns and potential difficulties in controlling the truck. Addressing the root cause of the death wobble is crucial to ensure the safety and stability of the vehicle while driving.

These problems highlight critical safety and performance issues that owners of the Ram 4500 2016 have encountered. It is essential for owners to be aware of these issues and take appropriate measures to address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles.

Is the RAM 4500 reliable?

Ram 4500 Reliability Problems. 4500 owners have made 11 complaints over 5 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 2nd in overall reliability out of 9 Ram models , with real windows and electrical concerns.

Is there a recall on 2016 Ram 4500 transfer case?

The Problem: The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture. If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose power, increasing the risk of a crash.

How much horsepower does a 2016 Ram 4500 have?

Under the 4500's Hood

In its basic version, this RAM has been equipped with a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 that snags 383 horsepower and 400 pounds per foot of torque.

What is the problem with the 2016 Ram 1500?

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

2016 Ram 4500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 4500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Ram 4500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2016 Ram 4500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Ram 4500.

2016-11-14

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-11-07
VIN: 3C7WRLFL1GG
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 4500. WHILE GETTING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL WELLS OVER BOTH REAR TIRES HAD FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH IF THE WHEEL WELLS WERE TO FRACTURE COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE CONTACT PLACED SAFETY STRAPS OVER BOTH WHEEL WELLS TO KEEP THEM TEMPORARILY SECURED. THE MANUFACTURER THAT INSTALLED THE WHEEL WELLS WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

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2016 Ram 4500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2016 Ram 4500.

2021-05-27

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

2018-05-17

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

2017-12-21

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

2017-12-20

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

2017-09-12

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Consequence: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.

2016-07-01

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 3500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through January 7, 2016, and 2016 Ram 4500/5500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through October 8, 2015. The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture.
Consequence: If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the driver may be unable to place the vehicle in PARK, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S48.

2015-09-23

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 13, 2015 and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.
Consequence: An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R52.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2016 Ram 4500 problems:

2015 RAM chassis cab 4500/Cummins initial impressions with ...

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/2015-ram-chassis-cab-4500-cummins-initial-impressions-with-problems.2446666/

May 7, 2018 ... I agree, you have problems. 1 problem is either your story telling ability or your recollection of your dealership encounters. Not sure how you ...

What's Wrong with the Ram 4500?

http://www.ramproblems.com/models/4500/

5 Common Ram 4500 Problems · TRW Crash Sensor Defect. There's growing concern that some sort of electrical overstress is messing with airbag control units (ACU) ...

Warnings About Service Electronic Brake System | DODGE RAM ...

https://www.ramforumz.com/threads/warnings-about-service-electronic-brake-system.269449/

Aug 21, 2019 ... I finally got an appointment with my dealer to let them try and solve this intermittent problem. The EVIC display showed Service Antilock ...

2016 4500 6.7 Overheating - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource ...

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/forums/4th-gen-engine-drivetrain-2010-up-201/2016-4500-6-7-overheating-332169/

Jun 25, 2019 ... At this point, I'm not sure what the problem is, or could be. Is there any other common causes or diagnostics methods? anything obvious i ...