2012 Dodge Ram 2500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 has a complaint index of 29 and ranks 6th of 8 model years, earning a Good verdict. Steering complaints dominate at 39% of the 283 complaints, followed by electrical system issues, many involving fires.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 29/100
- #6 of 8 Ram 2500 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 283
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 12
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering109 (39%)
- Electrical System57 (20%)
- Engine56 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain35 (12%)
- Fuel System34 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires31 (11%)
- Brakes17 (6%)
- Other14 (5%)
- Airbags11 (4%)
- Structure & Body9 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering components including tie rods and steering linkage wear out early, causing clunking noises and pulling to one side while turning.
- Electrical wiring under the hood or dash ignites without warning, sometimes while the truck is parked and unoccupied.
- Engine wiring harness connectors overheat, producing smoke or fire, in some cases while towing a trailer.
- Fuel vapors and smoke enter the cabin through air vents while driving at various speeds.
- Exhaust pipes crack and melt nearby ABS and parking brake wiring, disabling those systems.
- Loss of engine power occurs while towing, sometimes accompanied by smoke or a loud bang.
2012 Dodge Ram 2500 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V821000Dec 20, 2017Transmission & Powertrain1,482,874 vehicles
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. 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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 15V459000Jul 22, 2015Airbags1,059,444 vehicles
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. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 14V635000Oct 8, 2014Engine315,325 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine: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.
Risk: 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.
2012 compared with other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012 Ram 2500 has a complaint index of 29 and ranks 6th out of 8 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other Ram 2500 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ram 2500?
- Steering issues account for 39% of complaints (109 of 283), followed by electrical system problems at 20% (57 complaints) and engine problems also at 20% (56 complaints).
- Does the 2012 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Ram 2500 covering steering linkage, engine wiring harness connectors, airbag wiring, and a transmission park-brake interlock issue. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How many fires were reported for the 2012 Ram 2500?
- NHTSA complaint data lists 12 fires for the 2012 Ram 2500, many tied to electrical system wiring and engine harness connectors.
- What year Dodge Ram 2500 should I avoid?
- Among the 8 model years with data, 2005 and 2006 carry the highest complaint indexes (86 and 100) and Avoid verdicts, while 2010 and 2011 are rated Best.