Most common 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 4500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 4500 years: 2009. Compare all years →
2012 Dodge Ram 4500 recalls (9)
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 3 more recalls
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Remedy: On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for…
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.
Power train › Axle assembly
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 2, 2012, to December 22, 2012. Due to a welding issue with the front axle carrier, the front drive shaft may fracture and result in a loss of motive power and damage to surrounding components if the shaft continues…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace or repair the front axle assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 1, 2014. 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 4500:
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 4500 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 4500. He received two recall notices, NHTSA recall 13V239000 power train was received in July 2013; and NHTSA recall, 13V527000 , steering was received in January 2014 both recalls indicated he could lose control and crash without warning. He was required to sign a motor vehicle document indicating the vehicle was safe to drive for commercial purposes including carrying a load. He now has limited use of the vehicle due to the potential safety risk stated in both recalls one of which indicated that the front end could fail due to improper welding and the left tie rod many fracture. There are no failures at this time. He was advised by the Chrysler recall center that they will discuss what actions they would take regarding a crash only when or if a crash did occur. The contact is extremely concerned about the safety risk involved.
2012 Dodge Ram 4500. Consumer writes in regards to diesel fuel heater electrical connector & front axle housing recall notices repair issues. The consumer stated she has received four recall notices in the mail. Each time she goes to the dealer, they inform her the parts are not available.
Steering
Left outer tie rod broke!!! Luckily only making a u turn when it happened. Recall is about a year old and still no parts available but Chrysler we will take care of it and have the dealer install factory part that could break again but at least it will get you back on the road again and maybe it will last until we get the correct part.mind you this is a part that could break and cause loss of control of your vehicle and possibly kill someone. While my company truck is sitting broke down and waiting for the local dealer arrigo to call Chrysler back for 5 days and let them know that I can have my truck towed to their shop at my expense for the repair that is being paid for by Chrysler.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 4500. He received two recall notices, NHTSA recall 13V239000 power train was received in July 2013; and NHTSA recall, 13V527000 , steering was received in January 2014 both recalls indicated he could lose control and crash without warning. He was required to sign a motor vehicle document indicating the vehicle was safe to drive for commercial purposes including carrying a load. He now has limited use of the vehicle due to the potential safety risk stated in both recalls one of which indicated that the front end could fail due to improper welding and the left tie rod many fracture. There are no failures at this time. He was advised by the Chrysler recall center that they will discuss what actions they would take regarding a crash only when or if a crash did occur. The contact is extremely concerned about the safety risk involved.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Ram 4500 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Ram 4500 at the same age. 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 4500?
The transmission & drivetrain — 5 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (5) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 have?
There are 9 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 4500, 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 4500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009. See the full Dodge Ram 4500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 32,000 miles; 60% 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.