Is the 2012 Dodge RAM 4500 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge RAM 4500?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge RAM 4500 have?

9 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Dodge RAM 4500

○ Not enough data

2012 Dodge RAM 4500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:06:46.396Z

Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 10
Recalls: 9
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2012: 10 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2008	10
2009	4
2010	0
2011	14
2012	10

Known problem areas

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

5 of 10 total reports mention: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge RAM 4500.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-13

2012 Dodge Ram. Consumer writes in regards to front axle tube welds recall notice. *smd the consumer was informed the parts for the recall, were not available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-06

Steering

5 of 10 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge RAM 4500. The contact stated that the driver's side tie rod assembly completely became fractured without warning. The contact also mentioned that the failure had previously occurred on three different occasions.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-18

Fuel system, diesel

2 of 10 total reports mention: fuel system, diesel.

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing diesel.

Wheels

1 of 10 total reports mentions: wheels.

Safety timeline

9 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2013-10-17Power train13V344000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2014-05-01Power train13V239000 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 2, 2012, to December 22, 2012. Due to a welding issue with the front axle carrier…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace or repair the front axle assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's…

Check if this car was fixed →
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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.

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2015-05-12Steering13V527000 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Remedy: On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners…

Check if this car was fixed →
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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.

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2016-12-23Electrical system16V739000 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.

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2018-02-14Equipment17V824000 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.

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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.

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I
2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
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2021-08-26Wheels21V398000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Dodge RAM 4500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 5 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, diesel: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V344000 · Power train
Recall 13V239000 · Power train
Recall 14V635000 · Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel
Recall 13V527000 · Steering
Recall 15V459000 · Air bags
Recall 16V739000 · Electrical system
Recall 17V824000 · Equipment
Recall 17V821000 · Power train
Recall 21V398000 · Wheels

FAQ

Is the 2012 Dodge RAM 4500 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge RAM 4500?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge RAM 4500 have?: 9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.