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Air bagsPart report

2016 Ram 3500 Air bags Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
6%of 134 total for the year
Median mileage
80,562miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the air bags of the 2016 Ram 3500, 6% of the 134 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,562 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My 2016 Ram 3500 drw limited leans to the right approximately 3/4 inch. When I place my truck camper on top, the passenger side air bag/sensor does not rise equally with the left. As a result, I am driving down the road with an approximate 2 inch lean to the right. I did not notice the truck leans to the right until I purchased a truck camper 3 months ago. I took it to Ram, they put it on a computer to try and adjust the settings. It did not work. Apparently, only a few Ram mechanics in the us understand the system and can fix my issue. I'm more than happy to go anywhere to fix my issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #11326166, filed 2020-05, 107,000 miles

“I was traveling w/b on I-78 approximately 45 MPH(in a snow storm),and I was trying to pass a tractor -trailer.when I was about 150ft from his trailer, their tractor proceeded to jack-knife in front of me.he then came to rest along the jersey barrier wall(tractor facing east bound in west bound lanes and trailer facing north/south across interstate) , and I went into a skid and hit their front end at about 35mph. Upon impact I pushed him off the wall and spun him in a 100 degree rotation,so he was facing w/b off the shoulder and the trailer was partially in the right lane of the w/b lanes. …”

NHTSA complaint #10969495, filed 2017-03, 61,242 miles

“Involved in a front end, and driver side collision at a speed over 50mph, and the airbags didn't deploy. The vehicle also caught fire, there was a mini explosion. The vehicle had to be towed. I contacted chrysler, but they have not done anything, about this matter.”

NHTSA complaint #10873428, filed 2016-06, 49,000 miles

“Took vehicle to dealership for repair of heater. Once the repair was complete the dealership called to say the heater was fixed but the airbag light is now on. Once doing more testing they called back to say my steering wheel airbag harness either shorted or was crushed during the heater repair The part is no longer available and no remedy was available. I just have to take my car back compromised I refused the vehicle back and requested management get involved.”

NHTSA complaint #11699554, filed 2025-11

“The contact owned a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, he crashed into another vehicle waiting at a stop light. The driver-side air bag did not deploy upon impact. The other driver was taken to the hospital; however, the driver's whereabouts are unknown. The contact also sustained whiplash which he was treated for days after the accident. A police report was filed. Due to the damage, the contact's vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. …”

NHTSA complaint #11502345, filed 2023-01, 242,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024511%
202316%
202221%
202022%
201943%
201851%
201731%
201686%
201543%
2014105%
201333%

Other parts of the 2016 Ram 3500

Steering
29 complaints
Engine
21 complaints
Wheels
21 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
19 complaints
Other or unknown
16 complaints
Brakes
12 complaints
Electrical system
10 complaints
Suspension
10 complaints
Fuel system
7 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Engine cooling
4 complaints
Tires
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Ram 3500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology