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2016 RAM 2500 airbags problems

critical Owners of the 2016 RAM 2500 have filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →

Complaints
8
Recalls
3
Avg fix
$1,100
airbags complaints on the RAM 2500, by model year
Model yearairbags complaints
2013 2500 4
2014 2500 9
2015 2500 7
2016 2500 (this page) 8
2017 2500 4
2018 2500 7
2019 2500 5
4crashes
4injuries
1fatality
What stands out

Among the 9 model years of RAM 2500 in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.

All 3 active airbags recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 21V632000 August 12, 2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs

A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
severe NHTSA 17V302000 May 9, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles

If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
severe NHTSA 25V010000 January 16, 2025

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin 9003758 Jul 2017

EGR Cooler If a customer comes in with a check engine light for P0401, P2281 or P0234 and the,technician has determined the EGR Cooler is plugged with soot, please contact Stephen Alvarado at the STAR Center at (866) 799-1695 ext. (4720271). Cummins Engineering is currently investigating root cause of this condition. If you do not receive an answer or call back within 15 minutes, proceed with normal diagnostics.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 13111 Oct 2015

Title Control Module - Air Bag Electronic Control w/side Capability Start Date: 10/19/2015 7:00 AM End Date Message You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of following part numbers: 68085880AD, 68085880AF, 68085881AE, 68085881AF, 68085881AG. Replacement part numbers are: 68085880AG, and 68085881AH. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 09 November, 2015. Return any open orders in process too. Direct all questions via email to mopardmail@fcagroup.com.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 12398 Aug 2015

STOP SALE SafetyRecall R47 - Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC)- Dealer Notification

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had airbags trouble with your 2016 RAM 2500? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the airbags problem on the 2016 RAM 2500?

It's a serious issue. 8 complaints have been filed, including 4 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.

At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?

Based on the 8 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 33,250 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to airbags?

Yes — 3 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/RAM/2500. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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