SEAL - OUTPUT SHAFT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 RAM 5500 powertrain problems
severe 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 6 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 RAM 5500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 38% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Among the 5 model years of RAM 5500 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SEAL - OUTPUT SHAFT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transfer Case Shift Lever Design Change
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. On several occasions, while the vehicle was parked, it rolled away. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be parked with the parking brake engaged to prevent it from moving. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to maguire Dodge Ram (located at 959 hiawatha blvd w, syracuse, ny 13204, (315) 487-6211) to be diagnosed,…
Our transfer case failed (blow apart) causing a fire . We had the truck towed to our dealer and for the last three weeks Dodge has not allowed the repair to proceed or provided us with contact information or a path forward. We have no truck or plan for it to be fixed. The truck was being driven on a highway at about 50 MPH when the transfer case failed.
Was driving 65 MPH in cruise control, on the highway, in motion when I felt a vibration for maybe 10 seconds, dash lights came on within a couple seconds of vibration starting, pulled over to the side of the highway, truck would not go into park. Someone had to bring a truck and trailer to come pick up myself and the truck and a wrecker to load truck on trailer. When truck was loaded, you could…
While driving down the road, I felt a slight vibration and then a loud banging noise from underneat the truck. I lost power and had to pull over to the side of the road and then found parts of the transmission on the road and alot of fluid. The engine was smoking but did not catch fire
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transfer case. The contact…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake an vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v495000 (power train). The failure mileage…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 RAM 5500?
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 powertrain problem on the 2016 RAM 5500?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 101,531 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/5500.
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.