2016 RAM 2500 power train problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
Related recalls
- 17V821000 · Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift
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…
Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“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 dealership performed U29 and replaced the transmission solenoid May 4-6, 2026. I picked the truck up May 6 at 149,091 miles. About 79 miles later, the check-engine light came on and transmission proble…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/31/2026
“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. There were no known warning lights or messages indicating a problem before the incident. The cause has not yet been determined and the vehicle has not yet been inspected for this incident. The vehicle is…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/25/2026 · crash
“Grid heater nut/bolt detached and entered engine, causing catastrophic internal failure and total engine loss while driving.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 04/22/2026
“Got into my truck after letting it warm up and the shifter broke out of the handle. It’s a known problem cause the design is flawed by putting so much pressure on the part. So in the end it breaks and then you can’t get your vehicle out of park or whatever gear it broke in. I was charged 718.00 for it to get fixed when I think this should be a recall or tsb.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 02/14/2026
“Incident Report – Gear Shift Failure Date of Incident: 11/10/2025 Vehicle: 2016 Ram 2500 Pickup Truck VIN [XXX] Mileage: [Insert Mileage] Location: [Insert Location of Incident] Description of Incident While attempting to shift the vehicle from Park (P) into Drive (D), the shift lever suddenly went limp and lost all resistance. Upon applying slight additional pressure to engage the transmission, the shift lever snapped off completely. The gear shift bracket—the component securing the shift r…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 11/10/2025
“I previously had recall 17V-821 work completed. This recall was for The Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) locking pin may become stuck in the open position. I have the same issue now and see that NHTSA is investigating failed recall fixes. I have taken this to the dealer and an independent shop and am now trying to figure out how to get this repaired.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 10/13/2025
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the shift solenoid change message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a recall repair. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift and had no power. The vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty shift solenoid. The replacement parts were on backorder. The local dealer later informed the contact that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was con…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/29/2025
“Transmission gear selector lever can be moved from park to reverse, neutral, and drive without having the brake pedal depressed. This is the way the transmission gear selector currently operates. This is not a one-time incident. I bought this vehicle recently and noticed this transmission gear selector lever issue about a month ago.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 07/14/2025
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
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- How common are 2016 RAM 2500 power train problems?
- 64 owners reported power train issues to NHTSA for the 2016 RAM 2500, 7 involving a crash and 1 a fire. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2016 RAM 2500 power train problems?
- Yes — campaign 17V821000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.