VehicleVerdict

2012 Dodge Ram 3500 transmission problems

The 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 has 28 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

28

Transmission complaints

6%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

13V344000TransmissionAugust 6, 2013 · 85 units

Defect

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. Due to a loose snap ring inside the transmission, there may be a loss of power transfer through the transmission to the wheels.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power transfer may increase the risk of a crash.

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. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N50.

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 have?

NHTSA has 28 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 transmission — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 13V344000, 17V821000.

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.