2012 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 3 Ram 2500 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 has 283 NHTSA complaints, the highest complaint index (100) among the 3 model years with data, ranking worst of the group. Steering is the top problem area with 109 complaints, and the truck carries 4 recalls including one for steering linkage.
- Complaints
- 283
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 12
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report dashboard and under-hood fires starting spontaneously while the truck was parked and not running.
- Steering pull to the left develops gradually, accompanied by clunking or clicking near the front wheel that worsens during turns.
- Engine loses power while towing, sometimes followed by a loud bang, smoke, and fire.
- Electrical wiring near the exhaust melts, affecting the ABS and emergency brake systems.
- Fuel vapors and smoke were noticed coming from the air vents while driving.
- Brake or steering failure was reported leading to loss of control and a collision.
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?
- Compared with the other Ram 2500 model years with data, 2012 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst of the 3 years tracked, with 283 complaints logged.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Ram 2500?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 109 complaints (39% of the total) with a median failure mileage of 42,300 miles.
- Does the 2012 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Ram 2500, covering steering linkage, engine wiring connectors, airbag-related wiring, and a transmission park-related campaign.
- Are there fire risks with the 2012 Ram 2500?
- NHTSA complaint data shows 12 fire-related complaints for the 2012 Ram 2500, with several describing dashboard or under-hood fires, some occurring while the vehicle was parked.
- How does 2012 compare to 2011 and 2010 Ram 2500 model years?
- The 2012 model year has a complaint index of 100, higher than 2011's 50 and 2010's 0, and also has more raw complaints (283) than 2010 (236), though slightly fewer than 2011 (298).