VehicleVerdict

2012 Dodge Ram 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 sits mid-pack among Ram 2500 years: 385 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 360, with 5 recalls and one closed investigation.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 109 reports (28% of the total).

385

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

24

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Ram 2500 years?

See all Ram 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering10928%
Engine5414%
Electrical System5314%
Transmission3710%
Fuel System349%
Suspension226%
Other144%
Brakes144%
Tires & Wheels113%
Airbags113%
Body & Structure82%
Lighting82%
Speed Control62%
Seat Belts21%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Seats10%

Does the 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V821000TransmissionDecember 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 units

Defect

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. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Consequence

Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

16E041000OtherMay 16, 2016 · 345 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

Consequence

If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.

15V459000AirbagsJuly 22, 2015 · 1,059,444 units

Defect

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. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

Consequence

This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

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. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.

14V635000Fuel SystemOctober 8, 2014 · 315,325 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

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 charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.

13V529000SteeringNovember 6, 2013 · 271,733 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

STEERING WENT OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND RUN INTO SIGN . PAID $60000 FOR THIS TRUCK AND I HAVE HAD TO PUT 30K BACK INTO IT FOR REASONS I HAD NO CONTROL OF> THAN CHRYSTLER OFFERED ME 22000 FOR THE TRUCK WHICH IS 4000 BELOW WHAT IS OWED ON TRUCK BIGGEST MISTAKE I MADE WAS BUYING A DODGE VERY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 18, 2014 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE EXHAUST FRACTURED CAUSING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WIRING AND THE ABS WIRING TO MELT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPES ,THE ABS, AND THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 18, 2015 · fire

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY FOR 6.5HRS. WAS UNOCCUPIED AND NOT RUNNING. KEY WAS NOT IN VEHICLE. NO ACCESSORIES WERE PLUGGED IN. FLAMES SUDDENLY ERUPTED FROM UNDER HOOD DRIVER'S AREA. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HEARD THE HORN SOUND PRIOR TO NOTICING THE SMOKE AND SEVERAL TIMES IN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 11, 2015 · fire

I LEFT THE TRUCK RUNNING, I WALKED ABOUT 20 FEET AWAY WHILE DOING SOME CLEANING ON MY PROPERTY AND WHEN I TURNED AROUND I SAW WHAT LOOKED LIKE THE GROUND ON FIRE. IT LOOKED LIKE FIRE DRIPPING DOWN FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK AND IN NO TIME THE TRUCK BURNED TO THE GROUND. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AT THIS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 2, 2014 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AND IN PARK, THE UNDERCARRIAGE AREA OF THE CABIN CAUGHT FIRE WHICH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT OR HOW THE FIRE WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 2, 2014 · fire

2012 Dodge Ram 2500 — common questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram 2500: 385 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2012 Ram 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (109 complaints), engine (54 complaints), electrical system (53 complaints).

Does the 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Dodge Ram 2500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 2500 years to avoid are 2006, 2003, 2004, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 2500 years belongs to 1991.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.