2012 Dodge RAM 2500 recalls and problems

The 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 has 4 safety recalls and 283 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
283
Crashes / fires
8 / 12
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Dodge RAM 2500 recalls

Recall 17V-821: Power Train

Reported Dec 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 15V-459: Air Bags

Reported Jul 22, 2015 · 1,059,444 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 14V-635: Fuel System, Diesel, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 8, 2014 · 315,325 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 13V-529: Steering

Reported Nov 6, 2013 · 271,733 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2012 Dodge RAM 2500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering109
Electrical System51
Engine44
Power Train37
Fuel/Propulsion System24
Suspension22
Service Brakes14
Unknown or Other14
Air Bags11
Engine and Engine Cooling10
Structure8
Exterior Lighting8

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 6
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 4
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and Attachments — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,995 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Jul 29, 2026
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 · reported May 27, 2026
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…
Exterior Lighting · reported Jan 4, 2026
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 · reported Nov 6, 2025
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 Train · reported Jun 26, 2024
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.

Other Dodge RAM 2500 years

Compare all Dodge RAM 2500 years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500: 17V-821 (power train), 15V-459 (air bags), 14V-635 (fuel system, diesel, engine and engine cooling), 13V-529 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500?

Owners report steering problems most often (109 reports), followed by electrical system (51). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,995 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.