The Government Owned Vehicle (GOV) was traveling North on 31E in Nashville, when truck shuttered then truck passenger side wheel fell off. Tire/wheel pinned to truck and caught fire. Drive pulled truck off to side of roadway and called 911.
2016 RAM 3500 wheels problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $400 · see wheels across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$400
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 18 wheels complaints filed for the 2016 RAM 3500, 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
Of the 9 model years of RAM 3500 we track for wheels problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 18.
No new NHTSA wheels complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Owners report early belt separation in factory-equipped Nexen tires (at 8k–22k miles), wheel stud failures causing wheels to separate at highway speed, and rim cracking—all carrying serious safety risk. Multiple complaints document poor manufacturer and dealer responsiveness, with Nexen denying liability and FCA/Dodge refusing to investigate or take responsibility.
Factory-equipped Nexen Roadian HTX tires (LT235/80R17) are failing early and frequently on 2016 Ram 3500 models. Owners report belt separation between 8,000 and 22,000 miles, causing severe vibration, cab shake above 50 mph, and loss of steering control. One owner with 8,010 miles experienced belt separation and spent $1,800 replacing all six tires; a tire shop confirmed the defect was the worst case they'd seen. Another owner had two separate belt failures at 11,000 and 13,000 miles. A third replaced all six Nexen tires after tread separated in multiple locations at 55,000 miles; the service advisor called it the worst Nexen failure he'd encountered.
Wheel stud failures are also documented. One owner's dual rear wheels separated from the vehicle at highway speed with all eight studs broken simultaneously—no prior warning. Another owner experienced a front wheel separation at 80 mph after aftermarket wheel installation; all eight studs broke in a split second. A third case followed Safety Recall Y26 service: the dealership confirmed yielded wheel studs caused the catastrophic wheel separation on 2/22/2022, just 19 days after recall work on 2/3/2022.
Tire sidewall cracking, pin holes at 14,000 miles, and wheel rim cracking with air loss are also reported. Chrysler, FCA, Nexen, and dealers consistently refuse investigation or responsibility. One owner documented a Nexen warranty claim pending two months without resolution.
Same RAM 3500 wheels reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Belt Separation in Nexen Original Tires
Internal tire belts separate, causing vibration, wobbling, and unsafe vehicle control. Occurs early in tire life despite proper maintenance and pressure. Affects Nexen Roadian HTX and similar Nexen LT235/80R17 models that came factory-equipped.
When: Between 8,010 and 22,690 miles; some cases around 11,000-13,000 miles on new trucks
Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration and truck pulling to one side at highway speeds; Steering wheel vibration; Violent shaking of cab above 50 mph; Wobbling sensation; Noticeable change in truck feel after tire rotation
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced all six Nexen tires at cost of over $1,800; tire shops confirmed the separation defects. Tire center noted this as the worst case they had seen with this brand. Some owners cite Nexen warranty claim denials or slowness; one owner waiting two months for reimbursement for failed tire at 11k miles. Multiple owners report Nexen refusing to acknowledge responsibility or demanding all six tires be shipped for testing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nexen stated warranty covers only tread wear, not separation. Nexen advised owners to change tires immediately because company disclaimed liability once notified of problem. FCA/Dodge declined responsibility, claiming tire issue is manufacturer defect. Dealerships unable or unwilling to investigate quickly. FCA closed case without dealer follow-up.
Wheel Stud Failure and Wheel Separation
Wheel studs break or yield, causing wheels to separate from the vehicle without warning during normal highway driving. Occurs on both front and rear wheels, including dual rear wheels on dually models. One instance documented immediately after Safety Recall Y26 service.
When: Varies: one case at approximately 4,000 miles after aftermarket wheel installation; one case at 55,000 miles with original equipment; recall-related case on 2/22/2022 after 2/3/2022 recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Wheel and tire separate from vehicle during highway travel; No warning signs prior to separation; All eight studs on dual rear wheel broken simultaneously; Loss of wheel/tire assembly while driving
Repairs/costs cited: One owner with aftermarket wheels reported all eight studs broke within a split second at 80 mph. Dealership and wheel/tire manufacturers blamed each other; no investigation completed. Recall Y26 case: dealership in Raleigh, NC confirmed yielded wheel studs caused catastrophic failure; vehicle transported by flatbed to Ocala, FL dealership for repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall Y26 was performed per instructions at Raleigh dealership on 2/3/2022, yet failure occurred 2/22/2022. FCA/Dodge and dealerships have not provided public explanation. Owner requested recall investigation and adjustment of existing remedy. Wheel and tire manufacturers each blamed the other; no investigation initiated by vehicle manufacturer.
Tire Sidewall and Bead Cracking
Cracks develop on tire sidewalls and at the bead seat area, creating risk of tire-wheel separation. Pin holes and splits appear in sidewall. Tires lose air continuously. Affects low-mileage vehicles.
When: At 14,000 miles; cracks developing on in-service tires
Symptoms owners cite: Pin holes in sidewall; Splitting visible between treads; Continuous air loss from tire; Cracks along circumference at bead seat
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported pin holes and splits cannot be repaired. Tires continuously losing air. Owner replaced tires; manufacturer and Chrysler declined responsibility.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler assuming no responsibility. Tire manufacturer (Nexen) being less than cooperative. Owner notes lawsuits in Florida and BBB complaints in California for similar issues with little success.
Wheel Rim Cracking
Cracks develop along circumference area at bead seat of wheel rim, creating risk of tire-wheel separation. Occurs on wheels that owner believed were Alcoa brand but were not manufactured by Alcoa.
When: Discovered in-service; not specified when cracks initially appeared
Symptoms owners cite: Cracks developing along circumference at bead seat; Risk of tire-wheel separation
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has extended warranty on wheels until 2021. Alcoa stated they do not manufacture wheels for Ram 3500 2016.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Local Ram dealer has not contacted owner or offered to rectify issue despite extended warranty coverage.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Failures
TPMS sensors fail repeatedly across multiple wheels, with replacements required at intervals over 13 months. Failures occur without clear pattern or cause.
When: May 2016, November 2016, May 2017, June 2017 (total of 6 sensor failures)
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS sensor failure; Failures occur under various conditions: after sitting overnight, on highway, during rest stops
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced: 1 in May 2016, 2 in November 2016, 1 in May 2017, 2 in June 2017
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge not forthcoming with information on cause or permanent fix.
Spare Tire Size Mismatch
Spare tire is a different size than the four wheels in service, creating safety concern when towing heavy loads. Truck came from Dodge with this mismatch as factory configuration.
When: Present from new vehicle purchase in October 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Spare tire LT275/70R18E does not match service tires LT285/60R20E
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA Case Management told owner this is normal and poses no problems. Dealership confirmed same. Owner concerned about transfer case and differential impact when using mismatched spare while towing 40-foot fifth-wheel camper.
Rear Hubcap Retention Failure
Rear hubcaps detach and fly off vehicle during normal highway driving after minor bumps.
When: Two hubcaps lost within one year
Symptoms owners cite: Hubcaps come flying off when hitting small bumps on highway
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
I purchase a 2016 Dodge Ram 3500 duall limited with 2k miles on it. The truck has garbage nexan tires on it. Nexan claims it is a 40k mile warranty tire. Funny though, at 11k miles I had one nexan tire failure due to tread separation. Took truck to dealer, dealer got with nexan, working with nexan like 'going to the dentist to get anything done. Said they would reimburse me for the tire that…
I forgot to include the tire size etc with my original complaint. Original complaint #11279115 shifted belt in tires nexen lt235 80r17e on & off road tires original equipment on my 2016 Ram 3500 dually
Vibration in front wheel, diagnosed at dealership that the tire has a shifted belt. This tire is on the driver's side. We already replaced the passenger side front tire 2/13/19. This is a dually truck and we are concerned that this will also happen to the 4 rear tires. The vehicle currently only has 21,390 miles. This should not be occurring and is a safety hazard. I tried to contact the…
2016 Dodge Ram 3500 laramie longhorn dually - original tires that came on vehicle nexen htx lt235/80r17e bsw all season tires. Safety concern with these tires because the wall on the inside is giving way causing the tire to wobble, which makes your whole truck shake violently when you get to above 50 MPH. Cab of truck along with steering wheel making it unsafe due to possible blow out.…
Cant keep rear hubcaps on vehicle I have lost 2 hubcaps this year. While driving down the highway and if I hit a little bump the rear hubcaps come flying off.
Had wheels 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 wheels problem on the 2016 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $400.
At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most wheels failures cluster between 12,400 and 43,000 miles, with the median around 21,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,400; a quarter make it past 43,000. 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 $400 for wheels 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 wheels?
No active recalls currently cover wheels 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/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.