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2016 RAM 3500 airbags problems
severe
Owners of the 2016 RAM 3500 have filed 7 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 →
Of the 7 airbags complaints filed for the 2016 RAM 3500,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
1 (100%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)
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
Of the 5 model years of RAM 3500 we track for airbags problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 7.
All 3 active airbags recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
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.
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.
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.
Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the TCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the followingDTC has been set:U1111-00 - Lost Odometer Message(DD, DF, and DP with Diesel Engine Only). In addition, the customer may notice one or more of the following conditions: The customer may notice a harsh 2-3 and/or 3-4 shift(2017 MY D2 with ETK 6.7L Diesel and DF2 Transmission Only). 1-2 hard shift. 3-4 flare issue fix. Trans quick learn fix(Gas Engine Only). Transmission oil temperature light illumination during high engine a
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.
AS69RC Transmission For DD, DF, and DP Models ONLY; Code P2757 ? TCC PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID CONTROL CIRCUIT PERFORMANCE~ Transmission Part Numbers: RL300150AA [4x4], or RL300149AA [4x2 LHS PTO], RL300152AB 4x2 RHS PTO]~ If you are ordering an Aisin Transmission AS69RC [sales code DF2] for replacement due to code P2757 present [for 2016MY only] with the following symptoms:~ 1. Code P2757 with MIL on [Check engine light on]~ 2. Harness check is good~ 3. Vehicle build dates are from 10/15/2015 to 4/17/2016~ 4. Low miles - approximately below 1500 miles.~ Suggested repair actions:~ 1. Clear the code and test drive with light throttle attempting to engage torque converter lock up. The code P27
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting
3 most recent
airbags
· filed 11/16/2016
Ran into the rear end of 18 wheeler dead stopped in middle of road driving at a speed of 40 - 45 MPH . My airbags did not deploy yet the complete front end of truck was bashed in and probably totaled.
airbags
· filed 11/15/2025
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…
airbags · 62,000 mi
· filed 11/08/2019
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the air bag indicator periodically illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the failure was within the driver's side air bag. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. Northpoint Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (4441 us-5,…
Had airbags trouble with your 2016 RAM 3500?
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 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 7 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 102,673 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.
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/3500.
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.