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 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge RAM 5500 have?

9 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Dodge RAM 5500

○ Not enough data

2012 Dodge RAM 5500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:55.155Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 40
Recalls: 9
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2012: 40 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2008	19
2009	7
2010	0
2011	22
2012	40

Known problem areas

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

Steering

53% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and column.

Power train

23% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing axle assembly.

Electrical system

18% · 7 reports

FIRE

Show 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, 2014-03-19

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, 2014-03-19

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, 2018-12-27

Engine

8% · 3 reports

FIRE

Show 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, 2015-08-13

Suspension

5% · 2 reports

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, 2018-03-19

Also filed under Structure

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 →
R

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 →
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.

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R

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…

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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.

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R

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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R

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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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.

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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 5500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 21 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 7 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 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 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge RAM 5500 have?: 9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.