Buyer Research

2016 Ram 3500 (6.7L Cummins Aisin) — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $32,000–$48,000. There are 3 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.

Kestrel Take

The high-output Cummins with the Aisin AS69RC automatic is the strongest factory drivetrain combination in a pickup from this era. It tows enormous weight without complaint. The emissions hardware is still the recurring bill, and the front end still needs watching.

Known Issues for the 2016 Ram 3500 (6.7L Cummins Aisin)

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

Emissions system (DPF, SCR, DEF) failuresHigh — wallet impact

DEF pumps, NOx sensors, and the particulate filter all fail and all cost real money. A derated truck at the side of the road is the failure mode.

Repair cost range: $1,500-$5,000

Front end wear and death wobbleHigh — wallet impact

Solid front axle geometry means worn track bars and ball joints produce violent oscillation. Common on heavily loaded or lifted trucks.

Repair cost range: $600-$2,500

Turbo VGT sticking from sootMedium

Underboost codes and reduced power. Cleaning helps; replacement is expensive.

Repair cost range: $1,200-$2,800

CP4 fuel pump (later builds)High — wallet impact

Ram moved to the CP4 pump on some later builds. If this truck has one, the same catastrophic fuel system contamination risk applies.

Repair cost range: $8,000-$12,000

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Death wobble on the test drive
✗Deleted emissions with no documentation
✗Commercial fleet history with 250k+ miles
✗Fuel filter with metallic debris

Good Signs

✓Aisin automatic transmission
✓Complete DEF and emissions service history
✓Front end rebuilt with quality components

Found a specific Ram 3500 (6.7L Cummins Aisin)?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2016 Ram 3500 (6.7L Cummins Aisin) in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

Get My Verdict — $7.99

No account required. Delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.

Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.