2016 Ram 3500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 9%of 134 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,554miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Ram 3500, 9% of the 134 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,554 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“On 1/17/2017 I took my 2016 Ram 3500 into the selling dealer service department (dwayne lane's everett, wa) to check for the cause of a check trailer wiring visual and audible warning which had been present intermittently with brake pedal application since shortly after purchase of the vehicle (new). When present, the defect would occur if the vehicle was stationary or in motion, particularly in damp road conditions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10947244, filed 2017-01, 6,554 miles“I had a brake fault in my 2016 Ram 3500 about a month ago. While pulling into a 150ft long driveway about 8inch of snow in 4 lo I pulled in the driveway at about 10mph or sojust to keep momentum into the driveway as the snow plow had blocked the driveway with a little snow. I let off the gas peddle at about 100ft left of the driveway rolled for about 10-20 ft theb started to try ro apply the brake peddle but was unable to get the brake peddle to move or get any braking power tapped the brakes a couple still nothing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11191397, filed 2019-03, 19,000 miles“On may 25 we experienced catastrophic brake failure while backing our new 2016 5th wheel trailer into our driveway. This included backing down our hill and turning to the right into our driveway. The road we live on is a private road. After the incident it was determined that the brake booster retaining clip was either not installed or was missing causing the brake pedal assembly to come apart from the brake booster arm which resulted in our inability to operate the brakes of our pickup or 2016 trailer. This incident caused over $18000 in damage to the trailer and our property. …”
NHTSA complaint #10873745, filed 2016-06, 2,100 miles“Oem trailer brake controller barely works. Tried with all 4 settings (trailer towing should have needed electric heavy setting) had to turn the gain all the way up to get the brakes to engage, pulling an empty trailer. Should be able to completely lock the trailer brakes on setting 10 for gain. Trailer brakes are adjusted correctly and aftermarket brake controller works fine with that trailer.”
NHTSA complaint #10824706, filed 2016-02, 2,300 miles“Manufacturer recall numbert51 NHTSA recall number17v-562 recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available summarythe water pump may experience a failure which may result in an engine compartment fire. Safety riska water pump failure resulting in an engine compartment fire can cause the vehicle to crash without prior warning increasing the risk of injury to motor vehicle occupants or persons outside the vehicle. Remedythe water pump must be inspected and replaced if required. …”
NHTSA complaint #11072451, filed 2018-02, 24,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034393Jun 26, 2026Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
- 11014235Feb 10, 2025"Antilock brake system Attention: Please return removed ABS modules ASAP to the supplier. Components are needed by Engineering and Production due to limited availability. To…
- 10231735Jan 23, 2023Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
- 10223808Jul 20, 2022Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the Engine Control Module/Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM) with the latest available…
- 10222970Jan 6, 2022Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator…
- 10220620Feb 24, 2021Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the Engine Control Module/Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM) with the latest available…
- 10220496Feb 24, 2021PLATE - CLUTCH PRESSURE For 68RFE trans use selective fit pressure plates between the overdrive and reverse clutch packs and hence use all three 52119929A$, 52119930A$…
- 10188620Feb 24, 2021PLATE - CLUTCH PRESSURE For 68RFE trans use selective fit pressure plates between the overdrive and reverse clutch packs and hence use all three 52119929A$, 52119930A$…
- 10215881Jan 21, 2021Customer may complain of a MIL lamp on. Upon further investigation there could be a fault code in the PCM for P1524 ? Oil Pressure Out of Range ? Camshaft Advance/Retard Disabled.
- 10223577Jun 3, 2020Flash: Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the ABS module with the latest software available. Customers may experience a Malfunction…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 39% |
| 2025 | 19 | 44% |
| 2024 | 12 | 27% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 12 | 6% |
| 2021 | 6 | 10% |
| 2020 | 8 | 7% |
| 2019 | 9 | 7% |
| 2018 | 668 | 83% |
| 2017 | 194 | 62% |
| 2016 | 12 | 9% |
| 2015 | 24 | 18% |
| 2014 | 15 | 7% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ram 3500
29 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsWheels
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsTires
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