2012 Dodge Ram 3500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500: 8 recalls, 366 owner complaints.
Recalls
8 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #13V344000 · 2013 · 85 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to a loose snap ring inside the transmission, there May be a loss of power transfer through the transmission to the wheels.
Why it matters: An unexpected loss of power transfer May increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2013.
Steering Vehicle recall #13V529000 · 2013 · 271,733 vehicles
What's wrong: The left tie rod assembly May break.
Why it matters: A failure of the tie rod assembly May result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In…
Fuel system (diesel), Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #14V635000 · 2014 · 315,325 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater May overheat.
Why it matters: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater May leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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 necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V459000 · 2015 · 1,059,444 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that May rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.
Why it matters: This abrasion May result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag May increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The 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 ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015.
Electrical Vehicle recall #16V739000 · 2016 · 74,811 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that May suddenly fail.
Why it matters: If the alternator fails, the vehicle May stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator May short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #17V821000 · 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Equipment Vehicle recall #17V824000 · 2017 · 61,791 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Wheels Vehicle recall #21V398000 · 2021 · 447,985 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
The 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 charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign y36 owner notification…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #16E041000 · 2016 · 345 vehicles
What's wrong: These mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
Why it matters: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags May not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (222): the most common themes are steering problems (149), noise or vibration (9).
- Electrical (45): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (23), electrical failure (12), fire / smoke (7).
- Suspension (36): the most common themes are steering problems (8).
- Engine (35): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), electrical failure (4).
The 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 has 366 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 22 Ram 3500 model years for complaints (2.6× the average Ram 3500 year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (181 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 46,840 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (225 complaints, 5 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 problems?
Owners have filed 366 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (222), electrical (45), suspension (36).
Where can I get a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.