2012 Dodge RAM 5500
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 19 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 22 |
| 2012 | 40 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
45% of complaints: steering — 18 distinct reports on file.
20% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.
18% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ON DEC. 21, 2013 WAS DRIVING 2012 DODGE 5500 4 X 4 IN NEWBURY OHIO AND TRUCK LOW FUEL GAUGE CAME ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140319
ON MARCH 2, 2014 WHILE SITTING IN OUR 2012 DODGE 5500 4 X 4 THE LOW FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND WE OPENED HOOD AND TIPM WAS SMOKING AGAIN. WE JUST GOT THE TRUCK BACK FROM THE DEALER FROM THE FIRST TIPM FIRE 4 DAYS BEFORE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140319
THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY! THE SWITCH MUST BE MOVED AROUND IN THE SWITCH TO START THE TRUCK. ADDITIONALLY WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK MAY JUST QUITE RUNNING, THIS CAUSES THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES TO BECOME MANUAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181227
8% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ON THE EVENING OF JULY 30, 2015 WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 DODGE RAM 5500 UTILITY TRUCK, THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH I BELIEVE WAS DUE TO RECALL P65. THIS RECALL IS FOR THE DIESEL FUEL HEATER ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150813
5% of complaints: suspension — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
2012 DODGE RAM 5500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFICIENT WELDS ON THE FRONT DRIVE AXLE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED AS DIRECTED BY THE NOTICE, BUT DID NOT FULLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180319
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 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 2, 2012, to December 22, 2012. Due to a welding issue with the front axle carrier, th
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 re
Campaign 13V239000 — 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 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 three
Campaign 13V527000 — 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 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 5500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V344000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V239000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V527000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V459000 (air bags) 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.
FAQ
Is the 2012 Dodge RAM 5500 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 5500?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge RAM 5500 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.