2012 Dodge Ram 3500

366 federal complaints (504 component records) · 8 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 253 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 22 model years of the Dodge Ram 3500 →
Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Midgrade, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
366
Recall campaigns
8
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
223
Engine & cooling
47
Electrical system
46
Suspension
36
Fuel system
29
Power train
28
Wheels
15
Air bags
15
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 11 complaints01 years old: 80 complaints2 years old: 138 complaints3 years old: 37 complaints4 years old: 24 complaints5 years old: 18 complaints56 years old: 13 complaints7 years old: 12 complaints8 years old: 8 complaints9 years old: 7 complaints10 years old: 1 complaints1011 years old: 7 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 5 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 366 of 366 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 40 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 28 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 22 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 14 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 9 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 12 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 10 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 12 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 5 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 3 complaints200,000+ miles: 7 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 162 of 366 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

223 complaint records2 crash reports
"RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN OCTOBER 2013. MANUFACTURER IS NOT PROVIDING REPLACEMENT PARTS TO DEALER. CANNOT GET REPAIRS DONE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

47 complaint records2 fire reports
"TRUCK SHUTS OFF AT RANDOM AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND AFTER COASTING WILL START ITSELF UP AGAIN. THROWS EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH ON INCLUDING TRAILER BRAKE MALFUNCTION BUT THROWS NO ECM CODES. I'M PRETTY SURE IT HAS TO DO WITH THE KEY FOB/STARTER RELAY RECOGNIZING THE KEY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

46 complaint records5 fire reports
"PICKUP ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. REQUIRES TURNING THE IGNITION TO RESTART. DOES WHEN DRIVING ON SMOOTH OR BUMPY ROADS...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA19001
opened Apr 2019
closed Sep 2024Air BagsElectrical overstress - led to recall 20V024
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
21V398000WheelsChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.Normally free
17V824000EquipmentChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.Normally free
17V821000Power TrainChrysler (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...Normally free
16V739000Electrical SystemChrysler (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.Normally free
15V459000Air BagsChrysler (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...Normally free
14V635000Fuel System, DieselChrysler 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.Normally free
13V529000SteeringChrysler 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.Normally free
13V344000Power TrainChrysler 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...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2014449
2014-10-09
Fuel System59,432On certain vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines, an electrical connection at the fuel heater could overheat, potentially rendering the heater inoperative and causing a fuel leak and fuel odour.
2013396
2013-11-07
Steering6,674Certain Ram 4500 and 5500 four wheel drive vehicles may experience a fracture of the ball stud on the left outer tie rod assembly, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage.
2013397
2013-11-07
Steering48,517On certain 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
S1203000003 REV.A
Jun 2026
Service BrakesTrac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
112906
Jun 2026
EngineBEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
106241
Jul 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
104974
Jun 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
103774
May 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
102389
Dec 2024
Power TrainSEAL - OUTPUT SHAFT
102387
Dec 2024
Power TrainSEAL - OUTPUT SHAFT
102307
Dec 2024
Power TrainGEAR - REACTION SUN
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
S2408000078
Jul 2024
Electrical SystemReplacement Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Displays Incorrect Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Current and Active
9100229
Sep 2023
SuspensionLIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
9100226
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability.
9100196
Jul 2023
EquipmentLubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
1804823
Apr 2023
EquipmentwiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
9004470
Sep 2022
StructureCONNECTOR Trailer Tow,WIRING Trailer Tow,CONNECTOR 7 Way,WIRING Rear Bumper If the connector or wiring is physically damaged, burned, melted or corroded, prior to replacing the part, please contact FCA Redacted Content If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair.
3100122
Aug 2022
StructureApproved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural...
9004470
Jun 2022
Electrical SystemCONNECTOR/WIRING, Trailer Tow If the connector or wiring is physically damaged, burned, melted or corroded, prior to replacing the part, please contact FCA Redacted Content If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair.
9004470
May 2022
Trailer HitchesCONNECTOR/WIRING, Trailer Tow If the connector or wiring is physically damaged, burned, melted or corroded, prior to replacing the part, please contact FCA Redacted Content If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair.
S2209000004
Apr 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingIf a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
V51
Apr 2022
Power TrainCustomer Satisfaction Notification V51 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
S1709000010
Mar 2022
Power TrainCustomer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary.
9004470
Jan 2022
Trailer HitchesCONNECTOR/WIRING, Trailer Tow If the connector or wiring is physically damaged, burned, melted or corroded, prior to replacing the part, please contact FCA Redacted Content If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair.
9004445
Jan 2022
Power TrainTransfer Case Shift Lever Design Change
78880
Nov 2021
Air BagsUPDATES - SAFETY RECALL Y26 WHEEL STUDS
S2109000004
Jul 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingIssue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
9004374 Rev. A
May 2021
WheelsNUT, Wheel Flange Wheel Nut Service Torque should be 175 N-M.
9004374RevA
May 2021
WheelsNUT, Wheel Flange Wheel Nut Service Torque should be 175 N-M.
9004374-1
May 2021
WheelsNUT, Wheel Flange Wheel Nut Service Torque should be 175 N-M.
9004374
May 2021
WheelsNUT, Wheel Flange Wheel Nut Service Torque should be 190 N-M.
S1821000001
Apr 2021
Power TrainGear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
9004009
Apr 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
9004350
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingGEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to T-Case. Please reference Star Online publication S2121000003 for further details.
S2121000003
Mar 2021
Power TrainTransfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
9004351
Feb 2021
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityPLATE - CLUTCH PRESSURE For 68RFE trans use selective fit pressure plates between the overdrive and reverse clutch packs and hence use all three 52119929A$, 52119930A$, 04799116A$ maintain clearance For 65RFE & 66RFE no selectives for this pressure plate: 65RFE use 04799116A$...
S1709000010 Rev.
Jan 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingCustomer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary.
9003968
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemCONDENSER, Air Conditioning CONDITION 1: If it is determined that the A/C compressor does not engage due to a refrigerant leak at the receiver/drier plug on the A/C condenser, order the receiver/drier plug kit P/N 68447796A$ and follow the repair instructions included on the...
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
18-039-20
Apr 2020
Fuel SystemPossible Driveability Issues due to the Winter-Blend Fuel into the Warmer Season
S2021000002
Apr 2020
Electrical SystemValve Body Pressure Testing Plug Inspection
9004251
Apr 2020
Electrical SystemRFE Valvebody Plug Installation OEM RFE valve bodies require seven (7) 06030035 plugs installed and torqued to 45 in-lb (5Nm). Notify independant repair facilities when they order valve body.
S1508000480
Mar 2020
Electrical SystemSpeed Control Operates Intermittently
V51
Dec 2019
Power TrainCustomer Satisfaction Notification V51 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
9004022
Dec 2019
SuspensionAir Suspension Components Star Parts Catalog has been updated to show individual service parts for the compressor assembly. This will allow service technicians to repair the root cause without over repairing the system.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-004-19
Nov 2019
VisibilityAuthentic Mopar® Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar® Glass.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100419
Nov 2019
VisibilityAuthentic Mopar® Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar® Glass.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
9003968
Aug 2019
Electrical SystemCONDENSER, Air Conditioning If it is determined that the A/C compressor does not engage due to a refrigerant leak at the receiver/drier plug on the A/C condenser, order the receiver/drier plug kit P/N 68447796A$ and follow the repair instructions included on the instruction...
9003220
Aug 2019
EquipmentRADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF".
55488
May 2019
Service BrakesPadKit- Front Disc Brake
55502
May 2019
Service BrakesPadKit- Front Disc Brake
55429
May 2019
EquipmentMat Kit- Floor Front
55308
May 2019
EquipmentBin- Storage
55189
May 2019
EquipmentActuator-Multiaitr
Volume 5 Issue 5
May 2019
EquipmentWarranty Operations Newsletter ? Volume 5, Issue 5

Showing 60 of 253 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 8 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Ram 3500 →