2016 Ram 3500 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 134 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the fuel system of the 2016 Ram 3500, 5% of the 134 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,750 miles.
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.
“The def tank suddenly read empty and it was over 3/4 full it began to countdown the warning of reduced speed in 200 miles I was driving between ca and az at night . I was over 250 from any town driving at 65 it suddenly slowed to 5 MPH. This caused vehicles to swerve around me and brake. I understand you don't want people not to use def but for safety the vehicle should at least be able to keep the min freeway speed of 55. Then upon restart idle only for cold environment situations.”
NHTSA complaint #10954296, filed 2017-02, 13,000 miles“2016 3500 cummins turbo diesel with aisin automatic transmission and 342 gear ratio has sluggish acceleration and what seems to be an unresponsive throttle and what seems to be called a dead pedal or torque management system, maybe to help fuel economy to meet government guide lines. Dealer says it's normal according to good brothers dodge weymouth ma. Pulling out into traffic I feel I will get into a rear end collision since truck will not accelerate like every other vehicle when you step on the go pedal. Please help protect my kids.”
NHTSA complaint #10966215, filed 2017-03, 17,000 miles“When accelerating from a full stop, the truck accelerates for less than one second. After the short burst of acceleration, it stops even though the accelerator pedal position has not changed. There is now zero acceleration for one to three seconds, leaving the truck in a potentially dangerous position. The acceleration comes back within one to three seconds and the truck drives normally after that. When you come to a full stop at a stop light or stop sign, the behavior repeats and the delay seems to decrease as the truck 'warms up'. …”
NHTSA complaint #11365193, filed 2020-10, 150,000 miles“Installed a northern tool gravity fed auxiliary diesel fuel tank for diesel truck. Worked great for almost a year. All of a sudden when coming to a stop, noticed diesel fuel pouring out of filler tube. The 2016 Ram 3500 diesel does not come with a fuel cap and relies on valve in filler tube to prevent fuel coming up, usually in a warm day situation. With weakened valve, and using gravity fed auxiliary fuel tank, Ram truck can create safety and environmental hazard. The only way to eliminate hazard with fuel in auxiliary tank is to manually turn off valve on auxiliary tank. …”
NHTSA complaint #11096355, filed 2018-05, 26,500 miles“My def pump failed. Paid for repair. Now they have a recall for the part. I submitted a claim they denied my claim because I didn't have download 67a done before repair download wasn't available at that time. My truck is in the milage and dates required. I need help”
NHTSA complaint #11618029, filed 2024-10Related service bulletins
- 10226002Sep 22, 2022Guidelines For The Use Of Alternative Diesel Fuels.
- 10230344Jul 20, 2022Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the Engine Control Module/Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM) with the latest available…
- 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…
- 10218576Aug 13, 2021Diesel Injector Freezing This bulletin involves installing a insulator over the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injector. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)…
- 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…
- 10181560Sep 29, 2020External Fuel Pump Relay Kit Now Available
- 10181513Sep 23, 2020Power Distribution Center If the PDC is being replaced due to a failed internal fuel pump relay, the relay can now be serviced as a separate component. Please use relay…
- 10181512Sep 23, 2020Intelligent Power Distribution Center If the PDC requires replacement due to a failed internal fuel pump relay, the relay can now be serviced as a separate component. Please use…
- 10175733Apr 21, 2020Possible Driveability Issues due to the Winter-Blend Fuel into the Warmer Season
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 14 | 7% |
| 2021 | 5 | 8% |
| 2020 | 57 | 49% |
| 2019 | 50 | 37% |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 | 9 | 3% |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 | 22 | 11% |
| 2013 | 20 | 17% |
| 2007 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2016 Ram 3500
29 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsWheels
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsAir bags
8 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 28, 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