Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but also occurred while towing a 30-foot trailer or a 24-foot trailer. Occasionally, after pulling over, turning off, and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. On other occasions, the vehicle was towed back to the residence after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and diagnosed using a handheld scanner, and a fault code associated with the turbo actuator for the diesel engine was retrieved. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact depressed the parking brake pedal and the vehicle stopped. The warning messages "Brake Fluid Low" and "Service Electronic Braking System" appeared on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and the brake warning light were illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the brake pedal responded while depressed. The vehicle was drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,500.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started making abnormal sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he veered to the side of the road for a short while and then drove to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the heater thread bolt had failed and damaged the engine. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
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. …
I was driving my truck on the freeway pulling a loaded stock trailer. The truck suddenly down shifted into fourth gear and the engine RPM's maxed out! I almost crashed the truck because the momentum of the trailer pushed the truck sideways on the freeway. I had to avoid traffic and get to the shoulder. Truck would not shift out of fourth gear and truck shifted into 4WD low also on its own. Had truck towed to dealers ship and was told a shift solenoid went out. Because of that they now have to change the torque converter and replace the transmission from the damaged it caused. It is unknown if it damaged any of the engine components at this time or any other parts of the drivetrain. Now I'm stuck paying for a transmission because Dodge didn't put a safety backup into their system to prevent this in case of a failure. …
Engine Fan / Radiator Shroud. During hot weather and engine temperature, the engine fan engaged. Due to the high ambient, I believe the radiator shroud was hot and the material was soft, it became deformed under the vacuum created by the fan cause it to interfere with the engine fans path of rotation. The interference caused the fan and shroud to shred each other sending shrapnel in all directions, including into the back side of the radiator, engine compartment. Plastic debris was found on top of the valve cover, battery, radiator, exhaust manifold. This problem has been reported by numerus online forms. This failure was inspected by the dealer and I was informed it was not under warranty, but drivable and safe. Their recommendation however was to replace the fan, shroud and radiator. …
This message is in regards to Static NHTSA Bulletin 09-005-22 / D- 22- 06 Dated March 16, 2022. The above listed warranty extension extends Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel Model year 2015 to 150,000 miles or 15 years if code U010C is indicated on MIL. My truck meets all above criteria but is a model year 2016. However, there is no changes in mechanicals between the 2015 and 2016 model year. My truck, at 114,000 miles just indicated this issue and the estimated cost of repairs is over 2,000 dollars. Considering that this has already been a widespread notable issue with this truck and engine, my hopes is to include 2016 model years in this extension. Thank you.
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.
The vgt actuator failed the truck only has 127000 miles on it ram extended the warranty for 2015 trucks but not 2016. The part to replace it from ram has almost doubled in a years time. It is now $2170. For this part whose internal computer components have failed. The files uploaded was just for the part. I can upload the repair cost when done. I am just trying to get everyone to see how corrupt these companies are becoming. They could have saved themselves some problems if they would just paid the $3000 to fix it this is a rough estimate.
The service engine lamp came on. When the mechanic investigated, it was determined that the problem is identical to the Warranty Bulletin titled Cummins 6.7L Turbocharger Actuator - X99 Warranty Extension that pertains to the 2015 RAM 2500 pickup. My vehicle is a 2016 and there is no warranty extension, even though it is an identical problem. The vehicle was not drivable as is and I had to replace the Turbocharger Actuator. I am assuming that this is a known problem to Cummins and to RAM. There should be a Warranty Bulletin for the 2016 also.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
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.
Engine complaints in other 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Ram 2500, 22% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › fan (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Ram 2500 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-562 (diesel, Sep 12, 2017); NHTSA recall 15V-592 (engine, Sep 23, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Ram 2500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 6,000 miles, and 63% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.