2012 Dodge RAM 2500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 16 |
| 1992 | 32 |
| 1993 | 39 |
| 1994 | 168 |
| 1995 | 267 |
| 1996 | 291 |
| 1997 | 213 |
| 1998 | 225 |
| 1999 | 313 |
| 2000 | 211 |
| 2001 | 468 |
| 2002 | 155 |
| 2003 | 661 |
| 2004 | 579 |
| 2005 | 422 |
| 2006 | 668 |
| 2007 | 361 |
| 2008 | 317 |
| 2009 | 214 |
| 2010 | 236 |
| 2011 | 297 |
| 2012 | 282 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
39% of complaints: steering — 109 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20231026
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, 20120305
17% of complaints: electrical system — 47 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ON MONDAY 9-2-2013 I DROPPED OF MY TRUCK AND TOOK MY CAR FOR A RIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130912
16% of complaints: engine — 44 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TOWING 5TH WHEEL TRAILER UPHILL IN LOW GEAR, LOST POWER,BIG BANG SMOKE FIRE.!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20141113
12% of complaints: power train — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20240626
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, 20230920
9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 24 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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. Th
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 rem
Campaign 13V529000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V635000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 15V459000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16E041000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V821000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical overstress
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Dodge RAM 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (109 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (47 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V529000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V459000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16E041000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V821000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.