ABS FAILURE, WHICH TURNS OFF TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL. This is a known issue for the HCU to fail. How is this not a recall on 2016 but it is on 17 and 18. Same parts.... have replace front hubs with new ABS sensors and rear ABS sensors, still on. It has to be the HCU or the module.
2016 RAM 2500 electrical problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 31 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 RAM 2500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2016 RAM 2500 trucks describe harrowing electrical failures: complete power loss while driving at highway speed, with no lights, brakes, steering, or engine function—power returns after seconds to minutes but leaves drivers stranded with dead batteries and inoperable vehicles. One owner with only 10 engine failures in the first month points to an overtorqued TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module, part #68243265AD) that snaps its main terminal, causing intermittent power and shutdowns. Vehicle stalling at low speed with no warning lights and multiple failed restart attempts has been diagnosed as TIPM relay issues but remains unrepaired in multiple cases.
Backup cameras fail intermittently with scrambled displays; nav and radio screens black out on startup. Cruise control either won't engage or revs the engine uncontrollably; one replacement speed control switch failed again. Low-beam headlights burn out repeatedly; dealers acknowledge this as a known issue.
The ABS/traction control system is a widespread problem: the HCU module fails, disabling cruise, 4WD, and normal braking; owners note this system is under recall for 2017–2018 models using identical parts, but the 2016 lacks that recall status. Alternators fail early and recur after replacement. One diesel owner reports grid heater bolts corroding and dropping into the engine, causing catastrophic damage costing tens of thousands to rebuild. Battery corrosion with cracking and acid leakage occurs on OEM batteries within three years. Steering wheel controls and horns go dead. Transmission shifts itself without driver input.
Same RAM 2500 electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden Complete Electrical Shutdown During Driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power while in motion, including engine, lights, power steering, power brakes, and dashboard. Occurs without warning and can last seconds to minutes before power returns. Owners report this as a life-threatening condition happening at highway speeds.
When: Early in ownership (as early as 4,000 miles reported); also at 24,000 miles; occurs during low-speed driving and highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power; All electrical systems dead; Headlights go dark; Dashboard goes out; Power steering fails; Power brakes fail; Emergency flashers inoperable during shutdown; Vehicle will not crank after shutdown; Power returns after several seconds to minutes
Codes mentioned: U010C (code mentioned in one narrative regarding Cummins diesel warranty extension)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) part #68243265AD with overtorqued main terminal input causing internal snap and intermittent power. One owner reports ignition switch module part #68271986AA failure (ESD Feb 2016) as secondary damage from electrical arcing. Dealer diagnosis of power distribution module corrosion and wiring harness corrosion also noted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer reportedly told that TIPM and PDC Intel Power module is the issue (part #68243265AD). Manufacturer referenced in narrative #1 as knowing about the problem. Campaign 14V530000 and 18V332000 mentioned by owners as related recalls.
Vehicle Stalling at Low Speed or Traffic Stops
Engine stalls when vehicle is slowing down, at traffic signals, or rolling slowly. Vehicle will not restart easily and requires multiple attempts. No warning lights illuminate before failure.
When: At approximately 10 mph during deceleration; at low speeds around 5+ mph; at 125,000 miles; early in vehicle ownership (24,000 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; No warning lights illuminate; Vehicle requires multiple restart attempts; Failure becomes constant over time; Vehicle loses power and control
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis: TIPM-7 bypass to new TIPM relay needed. One owner reports vehicle had to be towed to dealer; another states vehicle has not been repaired despite dealer diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 14V530000 (Electrical System) referenced by owner as related to this failure. One owner reports dealer could not determine cause despite multiple visits.
Backup Camera Malfunction / Display Issues
Backup camera fails to display or displays scrambled image when reverse gear is engaged. Problem occurs intermittently, sometimes when needed most. Also reported: nav/radio display blacks out during starting; dashboard display issues on startup.
When: Approximately 24,000 miles reported; occurring for up to two years intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Camera display shows squiggly lines; Complete loss of backup camera image; Scrambled display in reverse gear; Nav/radio display blacks out during startup; No warning lights or indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspection found no fault with system despite persistent failure. Owner reports issue unresolved after dealer visit.
Cruise Control Failure and Speed Control Switch Failure
Cruise control malfunctions with engine revving without warning while engaged, or fails to engage/disengage properly. Speed control switch failure requiring replacement. Failures recur after repair.
When: At 83,888 miles reported for speed control switch failure
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs without warning while cruise control engaged; Cruise control will not engage; Cruise control will not turn off with button operation; Speed control switch failure
Repairs/costs cited: Speed control switch replaced at dealer (Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep Tucson), but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control) referenced. Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA. Parts unavailable for recall remedy as of complaint date.
Headlight Bulb Premature Failure
Low beam headlights burn out repeatedly despite replacement. Dealer acknowledges this as a known issue but has not issued full recall to owner.
When: By 18,000 miles; bulbs replaced three times
Repairs/costs cited: Bulbs replaced three times at dealer. Technician stated this is a known issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered reimbursement for replacement bulbs. Related to unknown recall for electrical system and exterior lighting per owner. Owner reports not receiving recall notification.
ABS / Traction Control / Cruise Control Module Failure (HCU)
Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) or ABS module fails, triggering multiple warning lights and disabling traction control, cruise control, and 4WD system. Problem persists or recurs even after sensor replacement.
When: Occurring across multiple model years; one owner reports HCU out for years; another had ABS repaired once and needed repair again
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates; Cruise control disabled; 4WD system fails; Check engine light flashes; Service electronic brake system message displayed; Erratic braking / brakes locking up; Humming sound at slow speed or stop
Repairs/costs cited: Front and rear ABS sensors replaced in some cases; owner reports HCU or module suspected as root cause. No repairs completed in some cases despite diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners note HCU recall exists for 2017 and 2018 models with same parts, but not for 2016. No recall status provided for 2016 models.
Alternator Failure
Alternator fails to charge vehicle, triggering battery warning light. Battery warning illuminates and vehicle fails to start.
When: At 57,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates; Vehicle fails to start; Alternator failure
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced at White Motors Inc. Failure recurred after initial repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA after being notified of recurrence.
Battery Corrosion and Cracking
Severe corrosion on battery negative posts with multiple cracks in battery housing itself. Cracks allow battery acid and fumes to escape, creating corrosion hazard, breathing hazard, and explosive fume risk.
When: By 27,022 miles / 33 months in one report
Symptoms owners cite: Severe corrosion on negative battery posts; Multiple cracks in battery housing at negative post attachment; Battery acid and fumes escaping; OEM batteries affected
Repairs/costs cited: OEM batteries affected; owner removed connections and identified cracks.
Steering Wheel Control / Horn Inoperability
Electrical functions on steering wheel fail to operate, including horn and control buttons. Horn may work via key lock but not via steering wheel buttons.
When: By 28,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel electrical functions fail; Horn inoperable via steering wheel; Steering wheel control buttons non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in reported case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed owner VIN was not under recall.
Transmission Shift and Electrical Control Anomalies
Transmission shifts without driver input, such as shifting from Drive to Park while vehicle is in motion. Multiple electrical and control system failures occur simultaneously (transmission mode change, cruise control loss, horn failure, seat belt warning, airbag warning, ESC warning, steering wheel controls).
When: One report at approximately 4,000 miles for transmission shift; another report with multiple simultaneous failures at highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts from Drive to Park without driver input; Transmission shifts from Automatic to Manual 4th gear and won't respond; Cruise control stops working; Horn fails; Seat belt warning light comes on and won't go off; ESC light comes on and won't go off; Steering wheel controls non-functional; Airbag warning light comes on and won't go off; No function of gas or brake pedal during one extreme event
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives.
Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Cummins Diesel)
Grid heater bolt on bottom of grid heater assembly fails and falls into engine intake, destroying cylinder, piston, cylinder wall, and valves. Repair costs range from $1,000 for preventive kit to $20,000–$30,000 for engine rebuild/replacement.
When: Not specified for 2016 models, but noted as recurring issue; one owner caught failure at 114,000 miles during warranty extension discussion
Symptoms owners cite: Grid heater bolt corrosion and breakage; Bolt drops into engine intake; Catastrophic engine damage; Destroyed piston and cylinder in #6 cylinder; Destroyed cylinder wall and valves; Engine stalling during deceleration (one report)
Codes mentioned: U010C (mentioned in context of Cummins diesel warranty extension for 2015–2016 models)
Repairs/costs cited: Preventive repair kit costs approximately $1,000. Full engine rebuild or replacement costs $20,000–$30,000. One owner reports catching failure before engine destruction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report Ram is doing nothing to address the issue despite it being a widespread, known problem. Warranty extension (Static Bulletin 09-005-22 / D-22-06) available for 2015 models only as of complaint; 2016 owner requested inclusion in extension.
Door Handle Failure
Interior door handle plastic screws break, making door unstable and unsafe to operate. Owner concerns inability to safely close driver door.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Plastic screws on interior door handle break; Door loses structural integrity; Handle becomes unsafe to use
Repairs/costs cited: Owner contacted RAM customer care; no solution offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM customer care declined to address the issue.
Brake Pedal Feel / Braking Anomaly
During hard braking or abrupt stops, owner feels abnormal movement in brake pedal and delay before braking fully engages.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Weird movement on brake pedal during abrupt stop; Delay of several seconds before truck fully stops; Abnormal braking feel
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
When pulling a camper the truck shut off (there was no function of the gas or brake pedal) causing the camper to jack knife and hit the rear tail light. When the camera caught up to the truck wet spun 180 degrees at 65 MPH then flipped. No airbag went off and the seatbelt did not stay locked. My son who was sitting in the back climbed out of the backseat without unlatching his seatbelt.
Drivers window falls down when 'rolling' the window down.
ABS system/ Traction control system/ 4wheel drive system/ cruise control. I had the ABS system repaired/replaced once this year already and now i need it done again. ABS failure makes the 4wheel drive system fail and it's winter time and i need 4 wheel drive for safety.
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2016 RAM 2500?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 18,000 and 34,000 miles, with the median around 24,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 34,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
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.