2012 Ram 2500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
386 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2012 Ram 2500, alongside 5 recall campaigns and 3 defect investigations. It scores 13/100 on the trouble index — one of this model's quieter years. Steering leads the reports, typically around 42,600 miles.
One of the quieter years. Relative to its siblings, the 2012 Ram 2500 has drawn well-below-average complaint volume with at least four years on the road.
Better year
Where 2012 sits among all 2500 years
What owners report
“Driving down the road the truck shakes so bad you have to get stopped before it goes away. Almost felt like i was going to flip the truck”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 2500
“Win module shut my truck off while driving down the highway 4 times in 2 days. This is dangerous when my 4 children are in the vehicle.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 2500
“Exhaust Manifold on passenger side is leaking. It has a broken bolt due to manifold warping. This is causing exhaust to leak into the cab.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 2500
“Recall T79 or 17V-821 or break transmission shift pin stuck in open position. This is the 2nd time this has happened and serious damage has occurred to the vehicle. Dodge won't do anything about it. Vehicle was parked, turned off, no key. I came out of building and it shifted into gear on its own…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 2500
“My passenger headlights keeps going in and out. The wiring harness has been replaced twice and it still does it. My check engine light keeps coming on for the evap system even though its been replaced.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 2500
Mileage when trouble shows up
Among the 248 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 55,370 miles. Half of those reports fall between 31,000 and 98,000 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.
Recalls (5)
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…
Fix: 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 (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the…
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.…
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a…
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring…
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.
Fix: 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…
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.
Fix: 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…
Federal defect investigations
Led to recall campaign 20V024.
Technical service bulletins
299 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on electrical and engine — are on file for the 2012 Ram 2500. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2012 Ram 2500 reliable?
The 2012 Ram 2500 drew 386 complaints in federal safety records — one of this model's quieter years. Its trouble index is 13/100, scored against the model's worst year (2018).
What are the most common 2012 Ram 2500 problems?
The top reported problems for the 2012 Ram 2500 are steering (109 complaints), electrical (59), and engine (54).
At what mileage do 2012 Ram 2500 problems show up?
Owners most often report 2012 Ram 2500 problems around 55,370 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 31,000 and 98,000 miles.
Does the 2012 Ram 2500 have recalls?
5 recall campaigns apply to the 2012 Ram 2500. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.