2012 RAM 3500 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2012 RAM 3500 has 7 complaints and 12 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to loss of power while driving, fuel leaks, and engine warning lights. Several reports mention problems with the wireless ignition module causing the engine to shut off unexpectedly, and fuel leaks associated with the fuel filter heater assembly.
Common Issues
- Engine power loss. The vehicle fails to exceed speeds above 55 MPH, accompanied by check engine warnings and metal fragments found in the engine oil.
- Suspension damage. Reports include damage to front driver side ball joints, rear driver side axle leaf spring shackles, and overload springs.
- Ignition module failure. The wireless ignition module loses internal connection when the key moves, causing the engine to shut off and resulting in loss of power steering and brakes.
- Fuel leaks. Fuel leaking from the fuel filter heater assembly was discovered during service, and has been linked to prior recall repairs.
The 2012 RAM 3500 is subject to 12 recalls addressing various components including steering, transmission, fuel system, airbags, wheels, electrical systems, and equipment. Several recalls focus on fuel heater connectors and known fire risks, steering linkage failures, and potential transmission power loss.
Recalls
- Steering tie rod assembly. Recall 13V529000 affects 271,733 vehicles due to potential left tie rod assembly breaks causing loss of steering control and increased crash risk. Owners were offered inspection and replacement, repurchase, or incentives. Parts quality concerns briefly halted the remedy.
- Transmission assembly. Recall 13V344000 covers 85 vehicles with a loose snap ring inside the transmission that may cause power loss to wheels and crash risk. Dealers will replace the transmission free of charge.
- Diesel fuel system and engine cooling. Recall 14V635000 affects 315,325 trucks with diesel fuel heater electrical connectors that may overheat, leading to fuel leaks and fire risk. Dealers replace connectors and inspect for leaks free of charge.
- Frontal airbags. Recall 15V459000 covers over 1 million vehicles with steering wheel wiring harness abrasion that may cause unintended driver airbag deployment, increasing injury risk. Dealers will inspect, secure wiring, and add protective caps at no cost.
- Wheel lug nuts and studs. Recall 21V398000 applies to 447,985 vehicles due to potential over-tightening causing broken wheel studs and wheel separation risk. Dealers update torque specifications and inspect or replace studs free of charge.
- Alternator failure. Recall 16V739000 involves 74,811 vehicles with 220 amp alternators that may suddenly fail, causing stalling or fire hazard. Dealers replace alternators free of charge.
- Seat cover obstruction. Recall 16E041000 covers 345 vehicles with aftermarket Mopar canvas seat covers that may impede seat thorax airbag deployment, reducing protection in crashes. Owners are instructed to remove covers for a full refund.
- Fire extinguisher defects. Recall 17V824000 affects 61,791 vehicles with Kidde extinguishers that may clog or detach nozzles, preventing function and increasing fire injury risk. Owners are directed to obtain free replacements from Kidde.
- Brake transmission shift interlock. Recall 17V821000 involves over 1.4 million vehicles where the brake transmission shift interlock pin can stick open, allowing transmission to shift out of PARK without brake pedal or key, increasing rollaway risk. Dealers update software and inspect or replace components free.
Owners dealing with repeated repairs, safety defects, or unresolved recall issues related to these serious malfunctions may have rights under their state’s lemon law.
2012 RAM 3500 Summary
2012
Model Year
7
Total Complaints
9
Total Recalls
3714393
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2012 RAM 3500
447985 vehicles affected
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
2012 RAM 3500
1482874 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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.
2012 RAM 3500
61791 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
2012 RAM 3500
74811 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
2012 RAM 3500
345 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
Risk: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
2012 RAM 3500
1059444 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
2012 RAM 3500
315325 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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.
2012 RAM 3500
85 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 3500 trucks manufactured May 4, 2012, through August 7, 2012; and model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured May 3, 2012, through August 7, 2012. Due to a loose snap ring inside the transmission, there may be a loss of power transfer through the transmission to the wheels.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power transfer may increase the risk of a crash.
2012 RAM 3500
271733 vehicles affected
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
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.
Complaints
2012 RAM 3500
ID: 2072376FUEL 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.
2012 RAM 3500
ID: 2072375ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
2012 RAM 3500
ID: 2067227POWER 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.
2012 RAM 3500
ID: 2067226ENGINE
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.
2012 RAM 3500
ID: 2067225ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
2012 RAM 3500
ID: 2065260SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM: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.
2012 RAM 3500
ID: 2065259POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
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.