How common are electrical problems in the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?

NHTSA lists 53 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Ram 3500, making up 14% of the 366 total complaints filed for the model year.

Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?

Yes. Recall 16V739000 covers the alternator on certain 2007-2013 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis and related trucks; dealers replace it with a revised alternator at no charge.

Have there been fires linked to the electrical system?

NHTSA records 5 fires among the 53 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Ram 3500, including incidents involving window switches and the power module.

At what mileage do electrical failures typically occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for electrical system complaints on the 2012 Ram 3500 is 110,386 miles.

How does 2012 compare to other Ram 3500 model years for electrical complaints?

Electrical complaints rose from 17 in 2010 (11% share) and 18 in 2011 (8% share) to 53 in 2012 (14% share), the highest of the three years shown.

2012 Dodge Ram 3500 Electrical System Problems

Owners filed 53 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500, 14% of its 366 total complaints, including 5 reported fires. Median mileage at failure was 110,386. A related recall (16V739000) covers alternator replacement on affected trucks.

Electrical System complaints: 53; 14% of 366
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 110,386 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Power window and door lock control panels have smoldered, smoked, or caught fire near the driver's side switch.
The totally integrated power module has caught fire while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, sometimes with headlights flashing and the horn sounding on its own.
Rear door window switches have caught fire and filled the cabin with smoke even with all windows closed.
Headlights have failed suddenly at highway speed, later traced to broken wires or damaged pin connectors in the wiring harness.
Ignitions have shut off unexpectedly while driving, forcing the truck into neutral and a restart, reportedly happening repeatedly at both slow and highway speeds.
The accelerator pedal has failed to respond during passing maneuvers, with dealers unable to find a diagnostic code.

When 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 12, 2012, latest Feb 20, 2025.

53 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2012 to Feb 2025; peak Feb 2015 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500

NHTSA 16V739000Oct 13, 2016Electrical System74,811 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.

Electrical System complaints by Ram 3500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200521 (11%)
200678 (30%)
200724 (11%)
200819 (11%)
20098 (8%)
201017 (11%)
201118 (8%)
201253 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems in the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?: NHTSA lists 53 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Ram 3500, making up 14% of the 366 total complaints filed for the model year.
Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?: Yes. Recall 16V739000 covers the alternator on certain 2007-2013 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis and related trucks; dealers replace it with a revised alternator at no charge.
Have there been fires linked to the electrical system?: NHTSA records 5 fires among the 53 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Ram 3500, including incidents involving window switches and the power module.
At what mileage do electrical failures typically occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for electrical system complaints on the 2012 Ram 3500 is 110,386 miles.
How does 2012 compare to other Ram 3500 model years for electrical complaints?: Electrical complaints rose from 17 in 2010 (11% share) and 18 in 2011 (8% share) to 53 in 2012 (14% share), the highest of the three years shown.