Most common 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 problems
Share of the 40 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 5500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 5500 years: 2009. Years to avoid: 2012. Compare all years →
2012 Dodge Ram 5500 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 5500:
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 5500 owners say
Steering all 21 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 5500. While driving 30 MPH, the tie rod separated and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle away from roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tie rod failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 13V527000 (steering), 14V635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel), and 15V459000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ram 5500. While driving approximately 5-10 MPH, the steering failed due to the driver side tie rod ball detaching from the vehicle. The failure happened without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver side tie rod assembly detached and needed to be replaced. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was notified that the vehicle was remedied according to NHTSA campaign numbers: 13V527000 (steering) and 15V459000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,386.
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 5500. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the adapter that secured the axle assembly fractured and caused the steering wheel to lock. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 13V239000 (power train). The dealer verified the failure and stated that the axle assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact believed that the remedy was inadequate. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. ....updated 09-03-14
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 5500. The contact received NHTSA recall campaign number: 13V239000 (power train). The manufacturer and the dealer were contacted and stated the part was not available for repair. The contact did not experience a failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.
Electrical system
On October 1 2015 at 6:45 in the morning our Ram 5500 was backed into the driveway and turned off. Shortly thereafter the driver noticed smoke and opened the hood. There was a fire. He used the fire extinguisher to put it out and disconnected the battery cables. We had the truck towed. I contacted Dodge and wasn't informed that I would hear from an investigator from Dodge that was going to look at the truck. I was told they wanted to investigate why the fire happened. After multiple phone calls over the next few days placed to Dodge I was getting no answers. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told I would hear back in 24 to 48 hours. I did not hear back at all in the following days. I then got the truck fixed at my own expense. I operate a small business and had to have this truck running. The auto shop replaced the alternator as that was burnt and appeared to be the problem. …
On the evening of July 30, 2015 while driving my 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 utility truck, there was a fire in the engine compartment which I believe was due to recall p65. This recall is for the diesel fuel heater electrical connector. This vehicle was taken to dealerships multiple times for repair, yet I was told that no part was available to perform recall. This truck was deemed a total loss.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 a good car?
Based on 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Ram 5500 rates use caution: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Ram 5500 at the same age. It is one of the Ram 5500 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 5500?
The steering — 21 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year, most often about linkages › tie rod assembly. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (9) and electrical system (7).
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 have?
There are 9 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 5500, 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 5500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012. See the full Dodge Ram 5500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 30,000 miles; 68% 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.