2012 Dodge Ram 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 ranks worst of 8 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 100, 366 complaints, and 8 recalls. Steering problems dominate, making up 61% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 27,750 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 8 Ram 3500 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 366
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 8
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 8
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering222 (61%)
- Electrical System53 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires52 (14%)
- Engine47 (13%)
- Fuel System40 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain28 (8%)
- Brakes16 (4%)
- Airbags15 (4%)
- Other10 (3%)
- Structure & Body5 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering linkage failing or the tie rod separating, sometimes causing loss of control at highway speed.
- Some describe the truck veering suddenly with a wheel and axle assembly coming off while driving.
- Several owners report electrical fires starting in door switches, window controls, or the power module, sometimes while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied.
- One owner reported the brakes overheating and all four calipers catching fire after new brakes were installed.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in crashes, including one where the vehicle was T-boned and the axle broke.
- One owner reported the truck shifting into drive unexpectedly, resulting in a crash into a residence.
2012 Dodge Ram 3500 recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V398000May 27, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires447,985 vehicles
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.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
- NHTSA 17V824000Dec 21, 2017Other61,791 vehicles
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. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
- 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.
2012 compared with other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?
- Among the 8 model years with data, the 2012 Ram 3500 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst overall, earning an Avoid verdict. Steering complaints alone account for 61% of all reported issues.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Ram 3500?
- Steering is the top problem area, representing 222 of 366 complaints (61%), with a median failure mileage of 27,750 miles.
- Does the 2012 Ram 3500 have a steering recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 13V529000 covers a left tie rod assembly issue on 2008-2012 Ram 2500 4X4 and 3,500 4X4 trucks, plus related cab chassis models.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2012 Ram 3500, covering steering, transmission, engine, electrical, airbags, suspension, and other components.
- How does the 2012 Ram 3500 compare to the 2011 model?
- The 2011 Ram 3500 also carries an Avoid verdict with a complaint index of 86, but the 2012 model's index of 100 is higher, making it the worst-ranked year of the 8 tracked.