repaired · 2019 Q4
Lever and linkage: column shift
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…
2012 Dodge RAM 2500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 283 owner complaints about the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 13V-529 the manufacturer reports only 58% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 has problems
283 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
109Steering2 crash/fire/injury
51Electrical system7 crash/fire/injury
44Engine4 crash/fire/injury
35Power train4 crash/fire/injury
24Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
22Suspension
14Service brakes
11Air bags
9Engine and engine cooling
5011 other systems10 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 109 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 51 | 7 |
| Engine | 44 | 4 |
| Power train | 35 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 24 | 1 |
| Suspension | 22 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 14 | 3 |
| Air bags | 11 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 9 | 2 |
| 11 other systems | 50 | 10 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 Dodge RAM 2500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Engine: diesel
Risk. If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
42kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 51 steering complaints. 84% were reported before 100,000 miles.
17under 30k miles43under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other RAM 2500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAM 2500 median. How we score
'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500, and the recalls they led to.
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
In owners' words
What RAM 2500 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started to shake violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the reinforcement bracket over the front track bar…
Tie rod end sheared/broke causing the vehicle to be un-stearable. Fortunately, it happened as I was backing out of my driveway.
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after making the third right turn while driving approximately 3 -5 MPH, the steering linkage fractured and the vehicle loss steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the drag…
Own a 2012 RAM 2500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.