2012 Dodge Ram 3500 Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 222 steering complaints for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500, 61% of its 366 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 27,750. A related recall (13V529000) covers a left tie rod assembly on 2008-2012 Ram 2500/3,500 trucks.
- Steering complaints
- 222
- 61% of 366
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 27,750 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners report the left lower tie rod bolt or ball stud snapping while turning at low speed, causing sudden loss of steering control.
- Some describe the tie rod disengaging and dropping into the wheel, in one case puncturing the rim and disabling the truck.
- Several drivers experienced violent steering wheel and truck shaking (described as 'death wobble') at highway speed, sometimes while towing a trailer.
- Multiple complaints describe receiving the steering recall notice (13V529000) but being told replacement tie rod parts were unavailable for months, leaving the defect unrepaired.
- One report describes wheels coming off the axle at highway speed, leading to the truck leaving the road.
When 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 steering complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 4, 2013, latest Apr 13, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500
- NHTSA 13V529000Nov 6, 2013Steering271,733 vehicles
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.
Steering complaints by Ram 3500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steering complaints does the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 222 steering complaints for the 2012 Ram 3500, which is 61% of the 366 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500?
- Yes. Recall 13V529000, reported November 6, 2013, covers the left tie rod assembly on 2008-2012 Ram 2500 4x4 and 3,500 4x4 trucks and related models. Chrysler notified owners it would inspect and replace the steering linkage assembly.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints on this model year is 27,750 miles.
- Did the steering problems cause any crashes?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 2 injuries linked to steering complaints on the 2012 Ram 3500, with no fires reported.
- How does 2012 compare to other Ram 3500 years for steering complaints?
- NHTSA shows steering complaints made up 61% of all complaints in both 2010 and 2012, and 73% in 2011, so steering issues were a large share of complaints across those three model years.