Ram · 2500 · 2012
2012 Ram 2500
5
Recalls
281
Complaints
3/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Ram 2500 has 5 recalls and 281 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 3 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: steering (91 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2012 Ram 2500 page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is steering with 91 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2012 Ram 2500 reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Compare the recall list with the complaint mix to see whether the most reported issues overlap with formal NHTSA safety campaigns.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Ram 2500 currently shows 5 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 281 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 3/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are steering (91), electrical system (33), power train (21).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Ram 2500
- Recalls
- 5
- Complaints
- 281
- Safety Rating
- 3/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
15.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 17V821000December 20, 2017
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 16E041000May 16, 2016
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.
Remedy Status
Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
NHTSA ID: 15V459000July 22, 2015
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 14V635000October 08, 2014
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 13V529000November 06, 2013
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
281 totalEXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 3, 2026
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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 6, 2025
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 Stell...
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POWER TRAIN
CRASHJun 17, 2024
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 in...
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POWER TRAIN
Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled away. The contact was standing near the vehicle with the key fob. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or r...
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TIRES
Feb 10, 2023
I purchased a pair of Treadwright warden tires for the rear of my wife’s truck. In less than 100 miles the tread separated from the casing on one of the tires. I caught it before it completely blew out and have pictures. The replacement they sent has a blown sidewall. I mounted i...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 27, 2023
While driving, my dodge shut off and it was hard to control my vehicle and come to a safe stop, out of the way of other motorists. Lost all power, as if I turned the key off while driving. Turns out that there is a weak/loss of connection in the WIN module. while the vehicle is r...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not rep...
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STEERING
Nov 15, 2022
Tie rod end sheared/broke causing the vehicle to be un-stearable. Fortunately, it happened as I was backing out of my driveway.
STEERING
Oct 26, 2022
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 th...
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TIRES
Oct 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 RAM 2500 equipped with Kenda Tires, Tire Line: Klever, Tire Size: LT275/70/R18, DOT Number: 02T6NAANL12228260. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started bouncing. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 281 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Ram models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Ram 2500 Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Ram 2500 have?
The 2012 Ram 2500 has 5 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has received 281 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Ram 2500.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Ram 2500?
The 2012 Ram 2500 received an overall safety rating of 3 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ram 2500?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Ram 2500 are steering (91 reports), electrical system (33 reports), power train (21 reports).
Does the 2012 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 5 recalls on record for the 2012 Ram 2500. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.