Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Ram 2500
The 2016 Ram 2500 has a notable number of complaints and recalls, especially concerning power train and engine components. With 14 recall campaigns and 259 owner complaints, potential buyers should be cautious and attentive during inspection and test drive. Issues span across multiple categories including steering and electrical systems. However, recall resolutions may have addressed some concerns, so verify repair history. Documentation review and thorough inspection are recommended.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Ram 2500 has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 259 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V010000 Side Curtain Air Bag Inflators May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V632000 Side Curtain Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V347000 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V021000 Steering Linkage May Separate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18E096000 Incorrectly Machined Steering Knuckle may Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V486000 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V824000 Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V821000 Vehicle May Rollaway NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V562000 Water Pump Leak may cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V499000 Wheels may Fracture Causing Rapid Air Loss NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V302000 Side Curtain Air Bags may not Deploy in a Rollover NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16E041000 Seat Cover Affects Air Bag Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V592000 Defective Engine Control Module may Cause Stall NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 64 complaints
- Engine 53 complaints
- Steering 43 complaints
- Electrical System 38 complaints
- Service Brakes 34 complaints
- Unknown or Other 33 complaints
Of the 259 complaints on file, 16 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 259 complaints, owners report 10 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine stalling without warning
How to check: Inspect for error codes or history of engine stalling issues.
Transmission linkage issues
How to check: Test gear shifts for smoothness and responsiveness.
Steering linkage failures
How to check: Examine for wear or looseness in steering components.
Electrical short circuits
How to check: Check for blown fuses or electrical warnings in the dash.
Airbag inflator ruptures
How to check: Verify airbag recall repairs and functionality.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or excessive vibration.
Red flag: Loud knocking or shaking.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Examine dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights present.
- 03
Steering test
What to check: Evaluate steering control and response.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive.
- 04
Acceleration
What to check: Observe transmission shifts and power delivery.
Red flag: Rough shifting or lag in response.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Test braking for noise or vibration.
Red flag: Brakes feel spongy or noisy.
- 06
Highway driving
What to check: Listen for alignment issues or pull.
Red flag: Vehicle pulls to one side.
- 07
Full stop
What to check: Check idle smoothness when stopped.
Red flag: Engine stalls at stop.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine control module been replaced?
- Were all recall repairs completed?
- Any history of steering issues?
- Has the transmission ever been serviced?
- Have electrical issues been resolved?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Ram 2500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Ram 2500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.