2012 Dodge RAM 3500
This year had more than double the complaints 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 | 4 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 20 |
| 1994 | 70 |
| 1995 | 108 |
| 1996 | 124 |
| 1997 | 125 |
| 1998 | 105 |
| 1999 | 104 |
| 2000 | 58 |
| 2001 | 130 |
| 2002 | 44 |
| 2003 | 286 |
| 2004 | 214 |
| 2005 | 196 |
| 2006 | 257 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 173 |
| 2009 | 105 |
| 2010 | 150 |
| 2011 | 223 |
| 2012 | 365 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
60% of complaints: steering — 220 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: electrical system — 43 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 3500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED WITH THE ENGINE OFF, THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181026
DRIVER SIDE CONTROL FOR POWER WINDOWS/POWER LOCKS - SMOLDERED, SMOKED AND THEN STARTED SMALL FIRE. LOTS OF SMOKE - TO THE POINT WE WERE SICK FROM FUMES. DOORS AND WINDOW POWER OPERATION CEASED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131210
The key loses contact and vehicle shuts off at random times. The vehicle is not able to be steered when shut off happens. Could very easily cause an accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240801
10% of complaints: engine — 35 distinct reports on file.
FIRE9% of complaints: suspension — 32 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 29 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: 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 recall campaign number is N50.
Campaign 13V344000 — check if this car was fixed
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 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.
Remedy: 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 at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 16V739000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Campaign 17V824000 — 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
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 21V398000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Dodge RAM 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (220 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V344000 (power train) has been completed.
- 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 16V739000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V824000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V821000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V398000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 have?
9 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.