NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
This page covers 6 recalls and 365 owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge Ram 3500.
Steering dominates the complaint picture for the 2012 Ram 3500, accounting for more than half of all reports filed for this model year. Owners most commonly describe the steering shaft separating or coming loose while driving, resulting in a sudden loss of steering control. Some describe the wheel feeling loose or unresponsive before the failure becomes complete. Suspension complaints are the next most-reported category, with owners describing wheel and hub failures, including wheels separating from the hub assembly while the truck is moving. Electrical complaints round out the top three, with owners reporting intermittent power loss, turbo actuator communication faults, and airbag-related wiring issues tied to the clock spring. A smaller number of reports mention fuel filter heater assembly leaks discovered during service.
365
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Ram 3500 has 6 recalls, with several serious issues including an airbag that can deploy without warning, a transmission that can suddenly cut power to the wheels, and an alternator that can stall the engine or catch fire.
On the transmission side, a loose internal snap ring can cause the gearbox to stop transferring power to the wheels without warning, and a separate issue with the column shifter allows the gear selector to be moved without pressing the brake or having a key in the ignition, creating a rollaway risk. The alternator recall covers vehicles with a 220-amp unit that can fail suddenly, either stalling the truck or short-circuiting and starting a fire. The airbag concern involves a steering wheel wiring harness that can wear against the driver airbag retainer spring, causing an electrical short that triggers an unintended deployment. There is also a wheel safety issue: incorrect torque guidance in the owner's manual can lead to over-tightened lug nuts, broken wheel studs, and wheel separation while driving. Finally, certain trucks equipped with a factory-supplied fire extinguisher may have a unit that fails to discharge properly when needed.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while parked may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick open, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 220 amp alternator may suddenly fail, leaving the vehicle without charging power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel wiring harness may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring, potentially causing damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, add protective caps to the air bag retainer spring ends, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A loose snap ring inside the transmission may prevent power from being transferred to the wheels, causing loss of driving power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.