2012 Dodge Ram 5500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 ranks worst of the 5 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 40 complaints across 9 recall campaigns. Steering problems dominate, making up 53% of complaints, alongside electrical fires and a transmission recall with a long parts-availability delay.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 5 Ram 5500 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 40
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering21 (53%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (23%)
- Electrical System7 (18%)
- Engine4 (10%)
- Fuel System3 (8%)
- Airbags2 (5%)
- Structure & Body2 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (5%)
- Other1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wanders and pulls left and right at varying speeds, with some owners told the steering box needs replacement.
- Low fuel gauge activation reportedly preceded wiring and instrument panel (TIPM) meltdowns with smoke and burning wires.
- Engine compartment fires occurred that owners linked to a diesel fuel heater electrical connector recall.
- Vehicles caught fire while parked and turned off, with smoke reported after the driver noticed it and used a fire extinguisher.
- Owners under the transmission power train recall reported the replacement part was unavailable for extended periods, leaving some unable to drive the truck.
2012 Dodge Ram 5500 recalls
9 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 5500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 5500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Ram 5500 ranks worst among the 5 model years with available data, with a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Dodge Ram 5500?
- Steering is the top complaint area, accounting for 53% of complaints (21 of 40), with a median mileage at failure of 34,814 miles.
- Does the 2012 Ram 5500 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2012 Ram 5500, covering steering (tie rod), transmission, electrical (alternator), airbags, engine, and suspension/wheels, none marked do-not-drive.
- Were there fires reported in the 2012 Ram 5500?
- Yes, NHTSA complaints list 4 fires, mostly tied to the electrical system, including cases of smoking wiring and engine compartment fires.
- How does the 2012 Ram 5500 compare to other years?
- The 2012 model has the highest complaint index (100) and worst rank (1st worst) among the years with data, compared to 2011's 50, 2009's 75, and 2008's 25.