The 2012 RAM 5500 has 6 recalls, with the most serious being a left tie rod that can break and cause sudden, complete loss of steering control.
Two other recalls carry significant crash or fire risk. The alternator can fail without warning, stalling the truck, and in some cases short-circuit and start a fire. The diesel fuel heater's electrical connectors can overheat and leak fuel, also raising the risk of fire. On four-wheel-drive models, insufficient welding in the front differential housing can allow the front driveshaft to bind and fracture, cutting drive power and potentially damaging surrounding components. Wheel stud damage is another concern: incorrect torque specifications in the owner's and service manuals may have led to over-tightened lug nuts during past servicing, which can crack the studs over time and allow a wheel to detach from the truck. There is also an airbag concern on vehicles equipped with an Electronic Vehicle Information Center, where the steering wheel wiring harness can wear against the driver airbag and cause an unintended airbag deployment.
