Most common 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 problems
Share of the 366 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 3500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 3500 years: 2002, 2000, 1999. Years to avoid: 2012, 2011, 2006, 2007, 2008. Compare all years →
2012 Dodge Ram 3500 recalls (8)
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge.
Equipment
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Air bags › Frontal
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends.
Fuel system, diesel
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of…
Show 2 more recalls
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Remedy: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 3500 trucks manufactured May 4, 2012, through August 7, 2012; and model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured May 3, 2012, through August 7, 2012.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500:
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
What 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 owners say
Steering all 222 →
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel was loose. The contact pulled over and discovered that the steering shaft had detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who repaired the steering shaft. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
While driving, the vehicle will, if going over a bump, begin shaking uncontrollably, and render the driver helpless to remain in control of steering other than to slam on the brakes and hope another vehicle does not hit them. Vehicle ceases shaking when brought down to a slow rate of speed and then drives as normal. I have replaced multiple parts and cannot locate the problem. Happens frequently.
Electrical system all 45 →
The WIN Module for the ignition system on my truck is faulty. There has been several time where I'm driving down the highway and the vehicle just shuts off completely. This disables my power steering and brakes. So I either have to shift into neutral and try to start the engine while rolling with a trailer hooked on behind me with no road shoulders to pull off on or if shoulders on road pull off and try to restart the truck then again. There has also been times when I start the truck that the dash lights just flash or the truck starts for a second and then shuts off again on its own with the key still turned to run. The dealer said that this has been happening a lot on these trucks and there is no recall for it. In my opinion this is a major safety hazard for myself and others traveling on the road.
My key fob ignition switch is going bad. The 1st time I noticed is when I was pulling my camper on vacation and the truck just shut off all the lights everything. I safely pulled over and then I tried to start it and it wouldn't start.. I then wiggled the key and then it started. I talk to other people that own rams and they say they have the same problem. So I talked to the dealer and they said the only thing they can do is replace the Ignition. Which could cost more than $600. Now I would think being that this is quite a common thing that Chrysler would take care of the problem before somebody gets hurt or even killed from their vehicle shouting off and not knowing what to do. There are videos on YouTube on how to Terra park and clean the Ignition but I don't think that is a good idea.
Engine & cooling all 44 →
The contact owned a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, a fire started under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The hood was completely consumed by the fire. The fire department declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that inspection by the fire department declared that the fire was an electrical fire that started on the driver's side under the hood. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 259,500.
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while that while the vehicle was in for service, the independent mechanic discovered fuel leaking from the fuel filter heater assembly. The contact was advised that the fuel filter heater assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 202,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 a good car?
Based on 366 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Ram 3500 rates avoid: 3.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Ram 3500 at the same age. It is one of the Ram 3500 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?
The steering — 222 complaints, 61% of all complaints for this model year, most often about linkages › tie rod assembly. Next are the electrical system (45) and engine & cooling (44).
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 have?
There are 8 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500, the most recent from May 27, 2021 (lugs/nuts/bolts/studs). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram 3500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2000 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2011, 2006, 2007 and 2008. See the full Dodge Ram 3500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 47,000 miles; 52% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.