MYRModel Year Report

2012 Dodge RAM 2500

● Typical for this model
2012 Dodge RAM 2500
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
283
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

39% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1993: 39 complaints 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 267 complaints 1996: 291 complaints 1997: 213 complaints 1997 1998: 225 complaints 1999: 313 complaints 2000: 211 complaints 2000 2001: 469 complaints 2002: 155 complaints 2003: 661 complaints 2003 2004: 581 complaints 2005: 422 complaints 2006: 668 complaints 2006 2007: 361 complaints 2008: 317 complaints 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2011: 298 complaints 2012: 283 complaints 2012 283
1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1993: 39 complaints 1993 1994: 168 complaints 1995: 267 complaints 1995 1996: 291 complaints 1997: 213 complaints 1997 1998: 225 complaints 1999: 313 complaints 1999 2000: 211 complaints 2001: 469 complaints 2001 2002: 155 complaints 2003: 661 complaints 2003 2004: 581 complaints 2005: 422 complaints 2005 2006: 668 complaints 2007: 361 complaints 2007 2008: 317 complaints 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2011: 298 complaints 2012: 283 complaints 2012 283
1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1992 1993: 39 complaints 1993 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 267 complaints 1995 1996: 291 complaints 1996 1997: 213 complaints 1997 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 313 complaints 1999 2000: 211 complaints 2000 2001: 469 complaints 2001 2002: 155 complaints 2002 2003: 661 complaints 2003 2004: 581 complaints 2004 2005: 422 complaints 2005 2006: 668 complaints 2006 2007: 361 complaints 2007 2008: 317 complaints 2008 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2010 2011: 298 complaints 2011 2012: 283 complaints 2012 283

2012: 283 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199116
199232
199339
1994168
1995267
1996291
1997213
1998225
1999313
2000211
2001469
2002155
2003661
2004581
2005422
2006668
2007361
2008317
2009214
2010236
2011298
2012283

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

39% · 109 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started to shake violently.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-26

You can not control the movement of the truck when towing. It wonders from side to side of the road. Took to dealer to have the front end checked. It checked ok. Bf goodrich installed 4 new tires at 1900 miles. Truck still road walks when towing.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-05

Also filed under Suspension

Electrical system

18% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

On Monday 9-2-2013 I dropped of my truck and took my car for a ride.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-12

Also filed under Seats

The switch to start the vehicle has to be pushed down and turned at the same time. Vehicle starts but shuts the engine down when the key returns sometimes. On one occasion vehicle shut down while driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29

Engine

16% · 44 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Towing 5TH wheel trailer uphill in low gear, lost power,big bang smoke fire.!!!

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-13

Power train

13% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-26

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled away. The contact was standing near the vehicle with the key fob. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-20

Fuel/propulsion system

8% · 24 reports
FIRE

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2014-01-16Steering13V529000 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.…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2015-04-27Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel14V635000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2015-09-18Air bags15V459000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2016-07-01Equipment16E041000 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.

    Remedy: 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's number for this recall is S30.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2018-02-26Power train17V821000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Dodge RAM 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 109 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 51 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 44 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V529000 · Steering
  • Recall 14V635000 · Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel
  • Recall 15V459000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16E041000 · Equipment
  • Recall 17V821000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.