2012 Dodge Ram 2500

Above average

Owners filed 283 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
52,995 milesMedian miles at failure

177 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,00050,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering103
100
Electrical System43
060
Engine31
020
Power Train24
110
Fuel/Propulsion System13
010
Suspension11
100
Service Brakes9
000
Air Bags8
201
Unknown or Other6
101
Exterior Lighting6
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift17V821000
Filed Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Risk. Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

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. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Equipment16E041000
Filed May 16, 2016345 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

Risk. If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.

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.

Air Bags › Frontal15V459000
Filed Jul 22, 20151,059,444 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

Risk. This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

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. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.

Fuel System, Diesel14V635000
Filed Oct 8, 2014315,325 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. 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. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

Risk. If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

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. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly13V529000
Filed Nov 6, 2013271,733 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. 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. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Risk. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 29, 2026KY

The switch to start the vehicle has to be pushed down and turned at the same time. Vehicle starts but shuts the engine down when the key returns sometimes. On one occasion vehicle shut down while driving.

Engine
Filed May 27, 2026MT

We purchased our 2012 Dodge Ram heavy duty with tow package new. At just over 152000 miles, the engine started knocking while on vacation. We were not towing at the time. We put in injector cleaner to try and help the knocking. During our vacation, we were on the freeway when we suddenly lost power, the service engine light popped on, and the engine died. We were literally driving one minute and the next were trying to get out of the traffic lane with no control. We restarted the engine, the knocking had stopped and power was restored. Two days later, another episode of power decrease but with no engine service light. We used premium gas, injector cleaner and listened for the knocking that came and went, to drive home. We were told by our local dealership it is a lifter failure and the truck needs a replacement engine.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 4, 2026MT

My passenger headlights keeps going in and out. The wiring harness has been replaced twice and it still does it. My check engine light keeps coming on for the evap system even though its been replaced.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 6, 2025TN

Our 2012 RAM 2500 truck with 135k miles, had it's fuel tank fail. The dealership in Oak Ridge, TN tested the vehicle and found that the gas tank tubes were broken causing us to not be able to fill the tank. The dealership recommended "NEED TO REPLACE GAS TANK". Mopar aka Stellantis does not make the fuel tank anymore, the "replacement" fuel tank does not work (completely wrong configuration), there is not an aftermarket tank. We have a Million Mile bumper to bumper warranty with MOPAR. "Customer Care" does not care.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Jun 26, 2024MN

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. I came out of building and it shifted into gear on its own and rolled backwards into a pole.

Steering
Filed Oct 26, 2023205,000 milesCA

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. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the reinforcement bracket over the front track bar bracket had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 20, 2023220,000 milesPA

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. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2023168,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Tires
Filed Feb 15, 2023TX

I purchased a pair of Treadwright warden tires for the rear of my wife’s truck. In less than 100 miles the tread separated from the casing on one of the tires. I caught it before it completely blew out and have pictures. The replacement they sent has a blown sidewall. I mounted it and a bubble started to form that was 1/2” high and 3” around with just 20psi, operating PSI for the tire is 80PSI. I immediately stopped inflation and contacted Treadwright. They tried to convince me that it was “overlap” and safe to use. I told them it is not over lap and showed them multiple pictures of the tire from different angles to prove it has a blown belt. They still insisted it was a serviceable tire. It’s not and I have pictures. I’ve used Treadwright tires for the last 5 or so years. Over the last year and a half to 2 years I’ve received 6 defective tires. All defects were fatal defects, all being broken belts. That’s 1 out of every 4.5 tires purchased. If I’ve received that many fault tires I can be the only one. On top of that the insistence of Treadwright trying to convince people to use fatally defective tires is negligent, reckless and dangerous.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 27, 2023OH

While driving, my dodge shut off and it was hard to control my vehicle and come to a safe stop, out of the way of other motorists. Lost all power, as if I turned the key off while driving. Turns out that there is a weak/loss of connection in the WIN module. while the vehicle is running at idle, the truck will shut off as if I turned the key to the off position. This is dangerous and scary. There was no warning or heads up or any issues prior to this incident.

Steering
Filed Jan 13, 2023GA

Tie rod end sheared/broke causing the vehicle to be un-stearable. Fortunately, it happened as I was backing out of my driveway.

Engine
Filed Dec 20, 2022MI

Exhaust Manifold on passenger side is leaking. It has a broken bolt due to manifold warping. This is causing exhaust to leak into the cab.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 25, 2022151,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2012 RAM 2500 equipped with Kenda Tires, Tire Line: Klever, Tire Size: LT275/70/R18, DOT Number: 02T6NAANL12228260. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started bouncing. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive back to the tire shop and was informed that the front passenger’s side tire was showing tread separation. The tire shop replaced the front passenger’s side tire. The contact stated that approximately two weeks later, he experienced the same failure with the front driver’s side tire. The contact took the vehicle back to the tire shop and had the front driver’s side tire replaced with the spear tire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that he had left a voicemail with the manufacturer but had not yet received a callback. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 7, 2022NC

When driving at highway speed, if I hit the seam between the road and a bridge and it is not smooth my truck goes into a, "Death wobble." The steering wheel and the whole truck shakes uncontrollably. I can barely keep it in the road. It will only stop when the vehicle slows below 30mph. This problem started about 48,000 miles, I only have a little over 56,000 now. I have changed the stabilizer, got new tires and an alignment. I will be taking it to a mechanic on the 17th but I really believe the manufacture should have a recall on this vehicle. It is very dangerous. I am not the only person to own one of these trucks and this happens to.

Engine
Filed May 24, 2022IA

The exhaust manifold bolts on both sides of the engine warp due to two different metals being put together under heat. Steel and aluminum expand at different temperatures. This causes the bolts to break off of the exhaust manifold creating an exhaust leak into the engine bay. Yes, this can be inspected upon request. The safety of myself and the general public is at risk due to the exhaust leak into the engine bay being pulled into the cab via the heating or airconditioning system. The exhaust fumes are pulled into the cab of the truck via the heating and airconditioning system. When running, the truck has a very noticeable smell inside the cab. It has caused me headaches as well. This poses a risk to the public if the driver were to pass out from said fumes. The problem can be reproduced and is a known issue with Dodge. It is very well documented online that this problem happens to nearly all Dodge Ram trucks. It has never been recalled because Dodge says its not a "safety" concern. This is very much so a safety issue. The components have been inspected by others, and verified as broken. I will not take it to a dealership to have it inspected as they want to charge 150$/hr to diagnose something that even they recognize as a known issue. There were no warning lamps, messages or any visible indication of this problem. A loud ticking noise and a strong smell of exhaust fumes are what brought the issues to attention.

Engine
Filed Feb 27, 2022GA

My Dodge Ram 2500, 2012 Hemi engine started making a ticking sound so got a tune up. The machinic changed the spark plugs and distributors around after I complained. Nothing he was able to do enable the truck to function properly. I spoke with the Dodge dealership, the spoken informed me that when Dodge merged with MERCEDE the problem persisted and to this date a fix was not provided. I spoke with other Dodge owner who experience the same problem. The engine was not functioning properly because of internal damage. The cost of repair would cost between $8K and $10K to replace or repair the engine. The dealership stated that NHTSA nor Dodge have provided a fix and that the problem still persist to this day.

Engine
Filed Feb 12, 2022CA

Engine has been making a ticking noise on the passenger side for the past few months. The passenger side exhaust manifold warped and broke two bolts in the engine block. This caused an exhaust leak and made the truck run rich due to the leak before oxygen sensor. Fuel efficiency declined. Replaced the exhaust manifold, gasket, and bolts to repair the problem.

Engine
Filed Jan 22, 2022MA

The bolts holding the exhaust manifold to the engine cylinder head, are breaking off. This has occurred in the past, on the drivers and passengers side. I had the problem repaired, by a dealer, which required the replacement of the passenger side cylinder head as well. This issue has re-occurred on the drivers side, which has been confirmed by a Ram dealer, as shown in the attached documentation. In every instance, the issue starts with a tapping noise, as the exhaust manifold pulls away from the head. Passengers in my truck have complained about the smell of exhaust fumes, which is a safety and health issue. This truck only has 85,000 miles, yet this is the 3rd incident of this issue occurring.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 8, 2021216,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-60 mph, on several occasions after driving over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle loss steering and braking functionality before the vehicle loss motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the wireless ignition node module was faulty. The mechanic retrieved a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V200000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was 216,000.

Steering
Filed May 21, 2021170,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after making the third right turn while driving approximately 3 -5 MPH, the steering linkage fractured and the vehicle loss steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the drag link and the steering system needed to be replaced. The drag link was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

20 of 283 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2012 — this page2835120Above average
2011297460Above average
2010236440Above average
2009214530Do not drive
2008317980Do not drive
20073611192Do not drive
2006669940Do not drive
2005422981Do not drive
2004582974Fatalities reported
2003661922Do not drive
2002155211Fatalities reported
20014692110Above average
2000211250Above average
1999313220Above average
1998225230Above average
19972131140Above average
19962911150Above average
19952671130Above average
1994168160Routine
199339000Routine
199232020Routine
199116000Routine

Compare every Ram 2500 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 20, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.