2012 Ram 3500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
502 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2012 Ram 3500, alongside 9 recall campaigns and 3 defect investigations. It scores 45/100 on the trouble index — a below-average year for this model. Steering leads the reports, typically around 27,750 miles.
Below average
Where 2012 sits among all 3500 years
What owners report
“Violent vibration at highway speed. Vibration stopped after bringing truck to a halt.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 3500
“Key fob will randomly come loose when driving causing all systems to shut down. Shuts down fuel, steering, and power brakes. Any amount of vibration or small bump can cause it to shut down.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 3500
“Scr catalyst system, engine light on for it, every other rtuck with this system has been recalled already”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 3500
“Have 2 recalls the steering 1 was last year call and talk severl time, also have fuel tank heater been sence beginning of this year. Was told both on back order and never seem have them come in so can get them taken care of. I would think this be a big safty problem.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 3500
“All 4 ball joints have required replacing within the first 4 years of the life of the truck.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 3500
“While driving check engine light came on, took it to the mechanic shows multiple fault codes. Mechanic and dealer cannot find cause of codes. Replaced every sensor and computer 2 times still has the same codes.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 3500
Mileage when trouble shows up
Among the 235 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 47,000 miles. Half of those reports fall between 15,527 and 118,000 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.
Recalls (9)
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…
Fix: 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…
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:…
Fix: 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…
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 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…
Fix: 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…
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…
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 3500 trucks manufactured May 4, 2012, through August 7, 2012; and model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured May 3, 2012, through August 7, 2012. Due to a loose snap ring…
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's…
Federal defect investigations
Led to recall campaign 20V024.
Technical service bulletins
312 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on engine and electrical — are on file for the 2012 Ram 3500. 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 3500 reliable?
The 2012 Ram 3500 drew 502 complaints in federal safety records — a below-average year for this model. Its trouble index is 45/100, scored against the model's worst year (2018).
What are the most common 2012 Ram 3500 problems?
The top reported problems for the 2012 Ram 3500 are steering (223 complaints), electrical (57), and engine (46).
At what mileage do 2012 Ram 3500 problems show up?
Owners most often report 2012 Ram 3500 problems around 47,000 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 15,527 and 118,000 miles.
Does the 2012 Ram 3500 have recalls?
9 recall campaigns apply to the 2012 Ram 3500. 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.