Total Complaints
498 filings
DODGE RAM 3500 · model year
498 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2012DODGERAM 3500 carries 498 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 6 crashes, 11 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 RAM 3500 is steering with 219 filings, followed by electrical system (43) and engine (34). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 2012 RAM 3500, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
498 filings
Crashes Reported
6 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 219 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 43 |
| ENGINE | 34 |
| SUSPENSION | 32 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 28 |
| POWER TRAIN | 26 |
| AIR BAGS | 15 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 14 |
| WHEELS | 11 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | 10 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 8 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL | 5 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
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.
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.
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.
Drivers side rear wheel broke loose from hub and bounced into the opposing lane of traffic.
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.
Mileage: 202,000
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.
Mileage: 202,000
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.
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.
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.
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 driverâs side ball joint, the rear driverâs side axle leaf spring shackle, and the driverâs 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.
Mileage: 215,000
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 driverâs side ball joint, the rear driverâs side axle leaf spring shackle, and the driverâs 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.
Mileage: 215,000
Driving vehicle and lost the ability to steer. The inner drag link tie rod broke at pitman arm.
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
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
Valve body issue
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while reversing at approximately 1 MPH, the front driverâs 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 driverâs 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.
Mileage: 97,000
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 passengerâs 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.
Mileage: 307,000
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.
Mileage: 92,500
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.
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.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.