Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
On highway 174, approximately 20 miles nw of meridian, tx, the 2012 Ram 3500 veered to the right and went off the road into a steep ditch. According to the state trooper's report, a witness was driving behind this truck and saw the passenger side dual wheels with axle attached come off of the truck and go across the road before the truck left the pavement. Two different employees of the wrecking yard where the truck was taken said it looks like the axle came apart. Since this accident, I have spoken to another individual that this happened to also. Updated 09/17/15 updated 11/02/2017
Truck had accident steering just like lock up and makes since why accident accured from recalls on steering and air bags did not go off now innsurance co made it a rebuilt or salvage title so FCA has the buy back program but will get a deduction in price for buy back there has been 0 recalls done if we had known of recalls accident could of been prevented would like to get repaired or buy back.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. While driving down a hill at 65 MPH, the contact heard a clunking noise. Upon inspection, he noticed that the power steering pump made the clunking noise. The contact searched underneath the hood and noticed leakage from the steering gear box. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering gear box was leaking and that the vehicle needed to be taken to a Chrysler dealer. The vehicle was towed to anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram center (located at 2601 e 5th ave, anchorage, ak 9950[phone]) where it was diagnosed that the pitman arm was damaged and loose and the steering gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact was provided case number: [redacted]. The failure mileage was 81,000. …
This is the second time I reported this issue. On August 26 the front end started vibrating unexpectedly when hitting a minor rough patch in the road. I was on virginia 81 heading north of roanoke traveling at roughly 70 MPH. This required me to have a death grip on the steering wheel to keep it on the road until I could slowly apply the brakes and get to the side of the road. Vibration stopped after coming to a complete stop, at that point you could reenter the highway and it might not happen again for a few days. The local Dodge dealer said the tie-rod was replaced on a recall and that was all they would do until further notice. As suggested by a dealer, a month ago I replaced all four tires to factory specifications thinking this might help. It has not! …
Part 01: noticed premature inboard front tire wear and cupping on both lh and rh front tires at around 28000 miles. Part 02: experienced "death wobble" (uncontrollable shaking of vehicle, severe shaking of steering wheel, inability to steer vehicle) at approx 34500 miles. This happened when crossing railroad tracks at approximately 40 MPH. Shaking stopped when I brought the truck to a complete stop in the roadway, which nearly caused an accident with a semi truck following behind. Part 03: took vehicle to tire shop to purchase 2 new front tires, and also asked for steering alignment. Was told and shown by tire shop that alignment could not be performed due to defective/worn/loose front ball joints (both sides, upper and lower). Vehicle has 35200 miles when new tires purchased. Tire shop suggested that root cause of "death wobble" might be defective ball joints. …
When driving down the highway, any time the vehicle hits a discontinuity such as grooves made by heavy trucks, the vehicle drives erratically and tries to move suddenly into the other lane or off the road. I brought it into the dealer prior to warranty expiring and they misdiagnosed it to be a rear end problem and told me I had to buy a rear stabilizer. I brought it back again and they could not figure out why. I brought it to 2 other shops and another dealer. The 2nd dealer said the whole front end was needing to be replaced but now the warranty expired. I had purchased an extended warranty and they covered part of it but they are not affiliated with Dodge. This did not fix the problem. I have called their customer service line numerous times they refuse to let me talk to a manager. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle jerked and the rear end vibrated. The contact also stated that the front end was vibrating while driving at any speed. As a result of the failure, the tires were replaced on four occasions. The contact stated that under the manifold intake that there was an exhaust leak and there was a fuel odor. In addition, the fuel gauge failed to function. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13V529000 (steering) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that an abnormal popping noise was heard coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unable to be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,000. The VIN was not available.
I have reported this before but it keeps happening! I paid 46,000 for a used 2012 Ram 3500 with only 35,000 miles on it and its a piece of junk. In and around town the steering is fine but on highway driving the truck steering wheel starts shaking unexpectedly. It takes both hands to keep it on the road and the vibration will not stop until you get the truck stopped. I was told that this was happening because I had off road tires. I spent close to $1,000 and changed to the factory spec tires. This did not solve the issue! It keeps happening on highway driving. The Dodge dealers refuse to acknowledge this has a manufacture defect somewhere in the front end. I am afraid to tow anything or have my family ride with me in the truck. This issue must be investigated and Ram held accountable to come up with a solution!
Related 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.
Steering complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 222 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500, 61% of the model year's 366 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-529 (tie rod assembly, Nov 6, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 46% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.