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

NHTSA records 47 engine complaints for this model year, which is 13% of the 366 total complaints filed for the 2012 Ram 3500.

Is there an engine recall for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?

Yes, recall 14V635000 covers engine, engine cooling, and diesel fuel system electrical connectors on 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5,500 trucks; the remedy is a connector replacement.

At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2012 Ram 3500?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints is 94,598 miles.

Are engine complaints for the 2012 Ram 3500 worse than other years?

Engine complaint share was 13% in 2012, compared to 16% in 2010 and 12% in 2011, so 2012 sits between those two years.

Did the engine problems cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint set shows 1 crash and 2 fires, with 0 injuries reported.

2012 Dodge Ram 3500 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 47 engine complaints for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500, 13% of all 366 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 94,598 miles. A related recall, 14V635000, covers engine, engine cooling, and diesel fuel system connectors.

Engine complaints: 47; 13% of 366
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 94,598 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of power and turbo boost problems while towing, with coolant temperature climbing and top speed limited to around 40-45 mph.
Some describe engine or under-hood fires occurring while the truck was parked, with fire department reports pointing to an electrical origin.
Several owners recall a 2012 Ram 3500 unexpectedly shifting into drive without manual force, leading to a crash into stationary property.
Multiple complaints describe delays completing the 14V635000 recall repair because the replacement connector part was unavailable for months.
A few owners report the check engine light illuminating alongside emission system faults tied to the same recall campaign.

When 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 17, 2013, latest Sep 4, 2026.

47 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2013 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2015 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500

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.

Engine complaints by Ram 3500 model year

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

200518 (9%)
200614 (5%)
200736 (17%)
200825 (14%)
20092 (2%)
201024 (16%)
201126 (12%)
201247 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?: NHTSA records 47 engine complaints for this model year, which is 13% of the 366 total complaints filed for the 2012 Ram 3500.
Is there an engine recall for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?: Yes, recall 14V635000 covers engine, engine cooling, and diesel fuel system electrical connectors on 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5,500 trucks; the remedy is a connector replacement.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2012 Ram 3500?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints is 94,598 miles.
Are engine complaints for the 2012 Ram 3500 worse than other years?: Engine complaint share was 13% in 2012, compared to 16% in 2010 and 12% in 2011, so 2012 sits between those two years.
Did the engine problems cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint set shows 1 crash and 2 fires, with 0 injuries reported.