CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Dodge RAM 5500 has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 fires.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (21 reports).
2012 Dodge RAM 5500 recalls
Wrong lug nut torque spec can break wheel studs
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
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
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
The alternator in certain RAM heavy-duty trucks may suddenly fail.
Driver airbag may deploy unexpectedly, raising injury risk
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.
Most common 2012 Dodge RAM 5500 problems
Problem areas named in the 40 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 21 |
| Power Train | 9 |
| Electrical System | 7 |
| Engine | 3 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph the vehicle started making noise coming from the engine compartment. The smoke originates from the engine compartment and the exhaust pipe in the rear of the vehicle and when the accelerator was depressed the vehicle did not accelerate. Additionally, the check engine safety warning light became illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the side of the road where the vehicle was turned off but the engine continued to run. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the Engine, Intake system, and Exhaust needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified, The failure mileage was 73,0
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 5500. WHILE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED IN THE REAR ON BOTH SIDES NEAR THE REAR WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WICKSTROM CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (LOCATED AT 660 W NORTHWEST HWY, BARRINGTON, IL 60010, (847) 382-5400), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER TOOK PICTURES OF THE FAILURE AND SENT IT TO THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A WELDING SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 58372436. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
FRAME ON TRUCK HAS CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES JUST BEFORE THE REAR WHEELS.
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. THIS BECOMES VERY DANGEROUS WHEN HAULING LOADS AS STOPPING DISTANCES ARE GREATLY INCREASED, NOT TO MENTION NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. IF YOU ARE GOING AROUND A CORNER WHEN THIS HAPPENS YOU MAY NOT MAKE THE CORNER RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH ONCOMING VEHICLES. THIS IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE IS COMMON IN THIS YEAR OF RAM TRUCK IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF YOUR DRIVING OR SETTING AT A LIGHT THE TRUCK QUITS RUNNING AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART WITHOUT REPLACING OR REPAIRIN
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. THERE WERE STILL SERIOUS CRACKS IN THE AXLE AND FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS
2012 Dodge RAM 5500 questions
Does the 2012 Dodge RAM 5500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2012 Dodge RAM 5500: 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 5500?
Based on 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (21), Power Train (9), Electrical System (7).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Dodge RAM 5500 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.