Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 55 MPH, the contact became aware that the vehicle was not exceeding 55 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to the destination. The vehicle was parked; however, upon inspection, the contact became aware that there were damages on top of the front driver's side ball joint, the rear driver's side axle leaf spring shackle, and the driver's side overload spring. Additionally, there were metal fragments found in the engine oil, and a diagnostic scan retrieved DTC: P0087, P0471, U029D. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.
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. …
I have had the so called " death wobble" 4 times now on my truck. I have taken it to the dealership to be repaired 3 times and I'm waiting to take it again today. They said they have fixed it each time but obviously they haven't. Out of the blue at 60 to 65 MPH the truck starts shaking violently and there is no stopping it until it stops on it's own. Hitting the brakes, letting off the gas or flooring it (as the dealership told me to do) when they supposedly fixed it last time doesn't help. I am so afraid that something bad is going to happen. I am scared every time I drive this truck and they just keep telling me nothing is wrong. I have also contacted Chrysler to have them by back the truck but they said it has had the recall done on it so it's not eligible. Well why does this keep happening then.
Driving on interstate at 65 MPH. After hitting an elevation bump where a bridge and main highway join the steering immediately began to shimmy violently. Loss of control was possible. I believed I had a blowout or steering linkage failure. I put on the 4 way flashers and managed to make my way to the emergency lane. The shimmy discontinued after I slowed below 40 MPH.. This could have easily caused a disastrous and even fatal situation. This vehicle is sometimes used to tow a 5th wheel rv. In addition, the vehicle was purchased new, has never been in an accident and only has approximately 21,000 miles on the odometer. This is in line with the "death wobble" information I found on line. This is very scary and unacceptable!! I was on a straight stretch of highway at the time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced violent shaking, while driving approximately 58-74 MPH. In addition, the vehicle experienced the shaking when the vehicle was driven over divots. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the third steering stabilizer, control arm, tie rod needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. Updated 04/07/16 updated 05/11/18
Had my Ram truck alignment done 10 times and it still pull to the right as soon as I let go of the steering wheel. Everytime they test drive it they said its fine. They said its the crown of the road. But its not its something to do with the steering rack or components. It has less 32000 miles and been doing this since 2476 miles. I have had it to 4 different alignment shop and everytime they said it was a little off. Didnt get even 3 blocks and it still pulled to the right and the steering wheel is always offset to the right instead of straight across.
Driving on snow covered road I started hearing a banging noise. Jacked up truck this morning and discovered a lot of up and down movement in ball joints. This truck hasn't even been off road, Dodge has had this issue for years, it's time to get these issues resolved. I am a fleet manager, we have Dodge, Ford and GM, Dodge is the only truck with front end problems. Please help us get this issue taken care of. My truck has just over 38,000 miles, and has never been abused, even if it was, ball joints should never go out at this mileage.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving 65 MPH, fuel leaked from the front of the vehicle. The contact also experienced the vehicle swerving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the complete axle housing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. After driving 50 MPH over divots, the front end of the vehicle experienced severe vibration. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The track bar bracket cracked. The crack is located 2 inches above bolt hole. It didn't crack at the weld. I noticed it when the truck became a little harder to control , zig zagging in the lane. I had it temporarily welded but unknown strain causing continuing failures in bracket.
Suspension complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500, 10% of the model year's 366 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower ball joint (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles, and 54% before 25,000 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.