2012 Dodge RAM 2500 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 283 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500.

4
recalls
283
owner complaints
8
complaints mentioning a crash
12
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Dodge RAM 2500 recalls

Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift

NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · reported December 20, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,482,874 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 15V459000 · reported July 22, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,059,444 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Fuel system, diesel · Engine and engine cooling: engine, diesel

NHTSA campaign 14V635000 · reported October 8, 2014 · Chrysler Group LLC · 315,325 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.

Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly

NHTSA campaign 13V529000 · reported November 6, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 271,733 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 29, 2026 · Electrical system

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.

May 27, 2026 · Engine

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…

Jan 4, 2026 · Exterior lighting

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.

Nov 6, 2025 · Fuel/propulsion system

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…

Jun 26, 2024 · Power train · crash reported

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…

RAM 2500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 521463
2010 423654
2011 429837
2012 4283812

Across all years, the 2006 RAM 2500 has the most complaints (670). All Dodge RAM 2500 years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500, the most recent reported on December 20, 2017 (Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500?
Owners have filed 283 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (109 complaints), followed by electrical system (51).
How many 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
8 of 283 complaints report a crash and 12 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 29, 2026.