2012 Dodge RAM 3500 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

8 safety recalls on file

The 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 has 8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 366 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 8 fires, 3 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Steering (223 reports).

8Recalls
366Owner complaints
4Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your RAM 3500?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2012 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls

Wrong lug nut torque spec can break wheel studs

Recall 21V398May 27, 2021447,985 vehicles affected

Some RAM 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks and cab chassis were built with incorrect torque information in the Service and Owner's Manuals.

Fire Extinguisher May Clog or Fail to Discharge

Recall 17V824Dec 21, 201761,791 vehicles affected

Some in-vehicle Kidde fire extinguishers, sold with certain Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM vehicles, may become clogged.

Transmission can shift out of Park without brake pedal

Recall 17V821Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehicles affected

A brake interlock pin in the column-shift transmission can stick in the open position after the brake pedal is pressed for a long time while the vehicle is running and in Park.

Alternator May Suddenly Fail, Causing Stalls or Fire

Recall 16V739Oct 13, 201674,811 vehicles affected

The alternator in certain RAM heavy-duty trucks may suddenly fail.

Driver airbag may deploy unexpectedly, raising injury risk

Recall 15V459Jul 22, 20151,059,444 vehicles affected

On certain 2012-2014 Ram pickup trucks built between January 2011 and October 2014 with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option, the steering wheel wiring harness can rub against the driver airbag module retainer spring.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel; Fuel System, Diesel

Recall 14V635Oct 8, 2014315,325 vehicles affected

Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Recall 13V529Nov 6, 2013271,733 vehicles affected

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Recall 13V344Aug 6, 201385 vehicles affected

Most common 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 problems

Problem areas named in the 366 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Steering223
Electrical System46
Suspension36
Engine35
Fuel/Propulsion System29
Power Train28
Wheels15
Air Bags15
Service Brakes14
Engine And Engine Cooling12

What owners report

2026-09-04, Engine And Engine Cooling
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 w
2026-04-30, Engine
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
2026-04-13, Steering
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.
2025-09-22, Air Bags
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.
2025-09-17, Wheels
Drivers side rear wheel broke loose from hub and bounced into the opposing lane of traffic.

2012 Dodge RAM 3500 questions

Does the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls for the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500: Wrong lug nut torque spec can break wheel studs; Fire Extinguisher May Clog or Fail to Discharge; Transmission can shift out of Park without brake pedal; Alternator May Suddenly Fail, Causing Stalls or Fire; Driver airbag may deploy unexpectedly, raising injury risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500?

Based on 366 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (223), Electrical System (46), Suspension (36).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Dodge RAM 3500 years

Other 2012 Dodge models