CarModelProblems.com

2012 Dodge RAM 3500 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 9.7× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
365Complaints
0Recalls
4Crashes
7Fires
3Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Steering (60.3% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Steering complaints here are 9.7× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering220 · 60.3%not available
Electrical System43 · 11.8%not available
Engine35 · 9.6%not available
Suspension32 · 8.8%not available
Fuel/propulsion System29 · 7.9%not available
Power Train27 · 7.4%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

STEERING220 · 60.3%
ENGINE35 · 9.6%
SUSPENSION32 · 8.8%
POWER TRAIN27 · 7.4%
AIR BAGS15 · 4.1%
SERVICE BRAKES14 · 3.8%
WHEELS11 · 3%
Unspecified / other10 · 2.7%

Percentages are the share of the 365 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls

No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V529000 (STEERING) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER…”NHTSA complaint 10585453 — filed 04/29/2014 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V529000 (STEERING) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE…”NHTSA complaint 10585425 — filed 04/29/2014 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V529000 (STEERING) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE…”NHTSA complaint 10584949 — filed 04/25/2014 · STEERING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

72012192072014112302016281820182614202013220227420241142026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500?

Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 220 of 365 NHTSA complaints (60.3%), followed by electrical system (43), engine (35), suspension (32). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 have?

365 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 3 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 have any recalls?

No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.