2012 Dodge RAM 3500

366 complaints on file, page 1 of 19.

1. Filed Sep 4, 2026Failure Aug 17, 2026259,500 milesWest Manchester, OHEngine and engine cooling, Fuel system, DieselFire

   The contact owned a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, a fire started under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The hood was completely consumed by the fire. The fire department declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that inspection by the fire department declared that the fire was an electrical fire that started on the driver's side under the hood. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 259,500.

   NHTSA complaint 11762214
2. Filed Apr 30, 2026Failure Nov 28, 2025Wasilla, AKEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

   Driving my 2012 dodge ram 3500, just as I was crossing one of the busiest intersections in my town my truck lost all power and dropped from 35mph to 5 mph. Barley made it acrossed and pulled over. As soon as I pulled over the engine light comes on, checked code, and U010C lost coms with turbo actuator comes up. Turned truck off and rest code and everything back to normal. About a week later it happened again, luckily not as busy of a spot. Called dealer and soonest appointment was in April. Meanwhile I look up code and see hundreds of post for same issue, bad actuator replace. 28 years as a diesel mechanic for the military, so I found the part online and ordered. Replaced the actuator, drove about 50 miles, light comes back on. Finally get my appointment with dealer and they say my turbo is bad, they want $8k to fix. I ordered the turbo and replaced it myself along with another actuator, test drove. Light still comes on but have not lost power yet?? Dealer is not helping. This is a major issue that is all over the internet! The truck just goes to limp and your in the middle of traffic. If this has not caused an accident it’s only a matter of time before it does. The dealer ship just wants to replace big parts for lots of money. I’m already $2500 into this and still having an issue

   NHTSA complaint 11734962
3. Filed Apr 13, 2026Failure Apr 3, 2026151,000 milesTrenton, SCSteering

   The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel was loose. The contact pulled over and discovered that the steering shaft had detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who repaired the steering shaft. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11730792
4. Filed Sep 22, 2025Failure Sep 2, 2025New Bern, NCAir bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

   This truck has had to have several high temp burnoffs because of failures in the EGR and Carbon build up. The recent recall for Rams does not cover the 2012, and began at 2013, however, we are experiencing the same exact issues with the same type of system. In addition, we have had repeated airbag issues due to the positioning of the cockspring and wiring getting choked out.

   NHTSA complaint 11688894
5. Filed Sep 17, 2025Failure Sep 8, 2025Duncan, OKWheels

   Drivers side rear wheel broke loose from hub and bounced into the opposing lane of traffic.

   NHTSA complaint 11687970
6. Filed Mar 11, 2025Failure Mar 6, 2025202,000 milesGrandview, TXEngine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel

   The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while that while the vehicle was in for service, the independent mechanic discovered fuel leaking from the fuel filter heater assembly. The contact was advised that the fuel filter heater assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 202,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11647551
7. Filed Feb 20, 2025Failure Feb 13, 2025Tillamook, ORElectrical system, Engine, Power train

   The wireless ignition module loses connection internally and the truck will lose power while driving. It usually happens when hitting a small bump and the key in the ignition moves. Truck loses electrical power which shuts the engine off which means loss of power steering and brakes.

   NHTSA complaint 11644035
8. Filed Feb 14, 2025Failure Nov 29, 2024215,000 milesWhitwell, TNAxle assembly, Lower ball joint

   The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 55 MPH, the contact became aware that the vehicle was not exceeding 55 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to the destination. The vehicle was parked; however, upon inspection, the contact became aware that there were damages on top of the front driver’s side ball joint, the rear driver’s side axle leaf spring shackle, and the driver’s side overload spring. Additionally, there were metal fragments found in the engine oil, and a diagnostic scan retrieved DTC: P0087, P0471, U029D. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11642736
9. Filed Dec 12, 2024Failure Dec 12, 2024La Plata, MDSteering

   Driving vehicle and lost the ability to steer. The inner drag link tie rod broke at pitman arm.

   NHTSA complaint 11630408
10. Filed Aug 1, 2024Failure Jun 15, 2023Mccook, NEElectrical system, Unknown or other

    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. It has happened driving on the highway at highway speeds and also on county roads driving slower. There are no warning messages. I have inspected it myself and believe the ignition box needs replaced

    NHTSA complaint 11605941
11. Filed May 21, 2024Failure May 21, 2024Uvalda, GAPower train

    Valve body issue

    NHTSA complaint 11589949
12. Filed Aug 28, 2023Failure Aug 25, 202397,000 milesHarrisonville, MOStructure

    The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while reversing at approximately 1 MPH, the front driver’s tie rod fractured and put a whole in the aluminum wheel. The contact who works as an independent mechanic completed the repair. The contact stated that a recall repair for the driver’s side outer tie rod had been completed in July 2019. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11541274
13. Filed Aug 4, 2023Failure Jul 31, 2023307,000 milesBig Rapids, MILugs/nuts/bolts/studs

    The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after driving at an undisclosed speed, he stopped at the gas station and went inside to pay for fuel; however, when the contact returned to the vehicle, he became aware that the rear passenger’s side wheel was missing five studs. The contact stated that he was able to safely drive the vehicle to the dealer, where the wheel was inspected and the dealer was able to diagnose the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that there was a previous safety recall for the vehicle, but when the vehicle was taken for the recall repair, the recall repair was not completed; the wheels were only inspected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact stated that the manufacturer originally approved completing the repair as a recall repair and then declined the approval. The failure mileage was approximately 307,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11536453
14. Filed Jul 19, 2023Failure Jul 10, 202392,500 milesWaterford, OHTires

    The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500 equipped with Duraturn Tires, Tire Line: Travia A/T, Tire Size: 235/85/R17, DOT Number: DOTUFPPFLB1117. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the two front tires made abnormal sounds. The contact stopped and inspected the tire and became aware that the treads on both tires had separated. The contact stated that he purchased the tires from Pro Puller and contacted the store and made them aware of the failure. The contact stated that he was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint because there had been several failures reported regarding the tires. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,500.

    NHTSA complaint 11533323
15. Filed Jul 13, 2023Failure Jul 11, 2023Gaffney, SCAir bagsCrash1 injured

    2 days ago my vehicle was in a wreck. A car T-bone the truck on the passenger side, causing the axle to break and the wheel to deflate. The airbag did not deploy during this accident, even though the car was rammed into a pole. Causing Slight injury to the driver.

    NHTSA complaint 11532156
16. Filed May 1, 2023Failure Apr 27, 2023Glenwood, MNElectrical system

    Vehicle will, at random, completely lose all power while driving unexpectedly. There seems to be no cause that precipitates this loss of power. During the night, it is extremely dangerous, because the lights and everything go out.

    NHTSA complaint 11519874
17. Filed May 1, 2023Failure May 1, 2023Glenwood, MNSteering, Unknown or other

    While driving, the vehicle will, if going over a bump, begin shaking uncontrollably, and render the driver helpless to remain in control of steering other than to slam on the brakes and hope another vehicle does not hit them. Vehicle ceases shaking when brought down to a slow rate of speed and then drives as normal. I have replaced multiple parts and cannot locate the problem. Happens frequently.

    NHTSA complaint 11519872
18. Filed Jul 26, 2022Failure Apr 20, 2022247,000 milesManchester, TNLugs/nuts/bolts/studs

    The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormally roaring sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while slowing down, the rear wheels detached from the wheel studs with the lug nuts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the lug nuts were torqued too tight on the studs. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels). The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that he also noticed that the lug nuts on the front wheels were missing. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The failure mileage was 247,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11475949
19. Filed Feb 1, 2022Failure Aug 28, 2021Williamsport, PAElectrical system

    My key fob ignition switch is going bad. The 1st time I noticed is when I was pulling my camper on vacation and the truck just shut off all the lights everything. I safely pulled over and then I tried to start it and it wouldn't start.. I then wiggled the key and then it started. I talk to other people that own rams and they say they have the same problem. So I talked to the dealer and they said the only thing they can do is replace the Ignition. Which could cost more than $600. Now I would think being that this is quite a common thing that Chrysler would take care of the problem before somebody gets hurt or even killed from their vehicle shouting off and not knowing what to do. There are videos on YouTube on how to Terra park and clean the Ignition but I don't think that is a good idea.

    NHTSA complaint 11449788
20. Filed Dec 27, 2021Failure Dec 27, 2021Defuniak Springs, FLElectrical system

    Key fob will randomly come loose when driving causing all systems to shut down. Shuts down fuel, steering, and power brakes. Any amount of vibration or small bump can cause it to shut down.

    NHTSA complaint 11445115