2012 Ram 2500 Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~18.9 complaints per year on the road — ranking 6 of 10 Ram 2500 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Steering is the most-reported problem area on the 2012 Ram 2500, cited in 109 of 283 filed complaints (39%).
Electrical System is next (51 complaints, 18%), followed by Engine (44), Power Train (35), Fuel/Propulsion System (24).
Across all complaints, 8 report a crash, 12 report a fire, 4 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 2 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2012 Ram 2500, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 283.
Steering 109 2 crash
“I NOTICED FOR 6-8 MOS STEERING ISSUE TO THE LEFT, CALLED DEALER SAID NOTHING WRONG. AT VARIOUS TIMES A STRANGE CLUNKING CLICKING LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA AS DECELERATING AND TURNING LEFT WEIGHT TO THE FRONT. NOW CHOPPY TIRE LEFT FRONT AS THERE ARE NO BALL JOINTS IT APPEARS TIE ROD IS BAD OR SOMETHING. WHILE PULLING INTO A TURN THE OTHER DAY AUGUST 17,2015 THE VEH PULLED HEARD THE CLANK AGAIN AND THE STEERING PULL CAUSED US TO STRIKE FIXED OBJECT. DEALER SAYS NOT AFFECTED BY RECALL, BUT WE HAVE ALL THE SAME ISSUES, AND NOTED FOR AWHILE STEERING AT INTERMITTENT TIMES PROBLEMS... WHAT CAN I DO VER…”
NHTSA complaint #10749629, 2015 · crash
“STEERING WENT OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND RUN INTO SIGN . PAID $60000 FOR THIS TRUCK AND I HAVE HAD TO PUT 30K BACK INTO IT FOR REASONS I HAD NO CONTROL OF> THAN CHRYSTLER OFFERED ME 22000 FOR THE TRUCK WHICH IS 4000 BELOW WHAT IS OWED ON TRUCK BIGGEST MISTAKE I MADE WAS BUYING A DODGE VERY UNPROFESSIONAL HOW THEY ARE HANDLINFG THESE BUYBACK TRUCKS SELLING U GARBAGE IS ONE THING THAN TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE ON THE BUYS BACKS ON RECALLED TRUCKS IS UNCALLED FOR”
NHTSA complaint #10811474, 2014 · crash
“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 the front track bar bracket had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11552066, 2022
Electrical System 51 7 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COVERT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (8107 RESEARCH BLVD, AUSTIN, TX 78758, (512) 730-3300) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RELAY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11132137, 2018 · fire
“BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2017 I WAS AT WORK AT OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE WHEN I RECEIVED SEVERAL MESSAGES FROM THE PAPILLION FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE LA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND MY APARTMENT STAFF HAD BEEN DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET AHOLD OF ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT MY RAM 2500, WHICH I HAD NOT DRIVEN IN OVER 10 DAYS, HAD CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN ITS PARKING SPOT NEAR MY APARTMENT BUILDING. MY FIRST THOUGHT AFTER BEING COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY BY THE FACT THAT A LIGHTLY USED TRUCK THAT HADN'T EVEN BEEN DRIVEN COULD SPONTANEOUSLY CATCH ITSELF ON FIRE WAS THAT THANK GOODNESS THE TRUCK WAS PARKED OUTSIDE AND…”
NHTSA complaint #11065433, 2017 · fire
“HAVE A SHAKE IN THE TRUCK! HAVE TAKEN IT IN MANY TIME TO BE FIXED! FOR FOUR YEARS HAVE HEARD IT NORMAL TO YOU WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. FINALLY AFTER 6 OR 7 DEALER ONE DECIDED IT WOULD OPEN IT UP. THE HOOKED IT UP TO THIS MACHINE THAT WOULD TELL THEM WERE IT'S COMING FROM. THEY TELL ME THE ONLY THING THEY CAN FIND IS A TRANS MOUNT. SO AFTER THAT THEY OPEN THE REAR END THEY HAD TO REBUILD IT. THEN THEY HAD TO PUT ALL NEW FROM REAR END UP TO THE ENGINE WHILE POWER TRAIN. IT STILL HAD A SHAKE! THEN THEY GOT AN OK TO OPEN THE ENGINE FROM CHRYSLER. SO THEY ADJUSTED THE VALUE LASH. O ALMOST FORGOT…”
NHTSA complaint #11010428, 2017 · fire
Engine 44 4 fire
“BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2017 I WAS AT WORK AT OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE WHEN I RECEIVED SEVERAL MESSAGES FROM THE PAPILLION FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE LA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND MY APARTMENT STAFF HAD BEEN DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET AHOLD OF ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT MY RAM 2500, WHICH I HAD NOT DRIVEN IN OVER 10 DAYS, HAD CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN ITS PARKING SPOT NEAR MY APARTMENT BUILDING. MY FIRST THOUGHT AFTER BEING COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY BY THE FACT THAT A LIGHTLY USED TRUCK THAT HADN'T EVEN BEEN DRIVEN COULD SPONTANEOUSLY CATCH ITSELF ON FIRE WAS THAT THANK GOODNESS THE TRUCK WAS PARKED OUTSIDE AND…”
NHTSA complaint #11065433, 2017 · fire
“HAVE A SHAKE IN THE TRUCK! HAVE TAKEN IT IN MANY TIME TO BE FIXED! FOR FOUR YEARS HAVE HEARD IT NORMAL TO YOU WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. FINALLY AFTER 6 OR 7 DEALER ONE DECIDED IT WOULD OPEN IT UP. THE HOOKED IT UP TO THIS MACHINE THAT WOULD TELL THEM WERE IT'S COMING FROM. THEY TELL ME THE ONLY THING THEY CAN FIND IS A TRANS MOUNT. SO AFTER THAT THEY OPEN THE REAR END THEY HAD TO REBUILD IT. THEN THEY HAD TO PUT ALL NEW FROM REAR END UP TO THE ENGINE WHILE POWER TRAIN. IT STILL HAD A SHAKE! THEN THEY GOT AN OK TO OPEN THE ENGINE FROM CHRYSLER. SO THEY ADJUSTED THE VALUE LASH. O ALMOST FORGOT…”
NHTSA complaint #11010428, 2017 · fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOOK WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DICK HUVAERES DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TICKING IN THE MOTOR WAS DUE TO A FAULTY WATER PUMP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WATER PUMP; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE BERLIN TOWNSHIP AND ELMONT FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO EXTINGUI…”
NHTSA complaint #11012157, 2015 · fire
Power Train 35 1 crash 3 fire
“HAVE A SHAKE IN THE TRUCK! HAVE TAKEN IT IN MANY TIME TO BE FIXED! FOR FOUR YEARS HAVE HEARD IT NORMAL TO YOU WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. FINALLY AFTER 6 OR 7 DEALER ONE DECIDED IT WOULD OPEN IT UP. THE HOOKED IT UP TO THIS MACHINE THAT WOULD TELL THEM WERE IT'S COMING FROM. THEY TELL ME THE ONLY THING THEY CAN FIND IS A TRANS MOUNT. SO AFTER THAT THEY OPEN THE REAR END THEY HAD TO REBUILD IT. THEN THEY HAD TO PUT ALL NEW FROM REAR END UP TO THE ENGINE WHILE POWER TRAIN. IT STILL HAD A SHAKE! THEN THEY GOT AN OK TO OPEN THE ENGINE FROM CHRYSLER. SO THEY ADJUSTED THE VALUE LASH. O ALMOST FORGOT…”
NHTSA complaint #11010428, 2017 · fire
“I LEFT THE TRUCK RUNNING, I WALKED ABOUT 20 FEET AWAY WHILE DOING SOME CLEANING ON MY PROPERTY AND WHEN I TURNED AROUND I SAW WHAT LOOKED LIKE THE GROUND ON FIRE. IT LOOKED LIKE FIRE DRIPPING DOWN FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK AND IN NO TIME THE TRUCK BURNED TO THE GROUND. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AT THIS POINT? SHOULD I GET AN ATTORNEY? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10663004, 2014 · fire
“TOWING 5TH WHEEL TRAILER UPHILL IN LOW GEAR, LOST POWER,BIG BANG SMOKE FIRE.!!! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10654892, 2014 · fire
Fuel/Propulsion System 24 1 fire
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL VAPORS AS WELL AS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILE…”
NHTSA complaint #10678567, 2014 · fire
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11708616, 2026
“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, the "replacement" fuel tank does not work (completely wrong configuration), there is not an aftermarket tank. We have a Million Mile bumper to bumper warranty with MOPAR. "Customer Care" does not care.”
NHTSA complaint #11697955, 2025
Suspension 22 2 crash 1 fire
“I LEFT THE TRUCK RUNNING, I WALKED ABOUT 20 FEET AWAY WHILE DOING SOME CLEANING ON MY PROPERTY AND WHEN I TURNED AROUND I SAW WHAT LOOKED LIKE THE GROUND ON FIRE. IT LOOKED LIKE FIRE DRIPPING DOWN FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK AND IN NO TIME THE TRUCK BURNED TO THE GROUND. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AT THIS POINT? SHOULD I GET AN ATTORNEY? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10663004, 2014 · fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AFTER THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FA…”
NHTSA complaint #10811783, 2015 · crash
“I NOTICED FOR 6-8 MOS STEERING ISSUE TO THE LEFT, CALLED DEALER SAID NOTHING WRONG. AT VARIOUS TIMES A STRANGE CLUNKING CLICKING LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA AS DECELERATING AND TURNING LEFT WEIGHT TO THE FRONT. NOW CHOPPY TIRE LEFT FRONT AS THERE ARE NO BALL JOINTS IT APPEARS TIE ROD IS BAD OR SOMETHING. WHILE PULLING INTO A TURN THE OTHER DAY AUGUST 17,2015 THE VEH PULLED HEARD THE CLANK AGAIN AND THE STEERING PULL CAUSED US TO STRIKE FIXED OBJECT. DEALER SAYS NOT AFFECTED BY RECALL, BUT WE HAVE ALL THE SAME ISSUES, AND NOTED FOR AWHILE STEERING AT INTERMITTENT TIMES PROBLEMS... WHAT CAN I DO VER…”
NHTSA complaint #10749629, 2015 · crash
Service Brakes 14 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND LOWER BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND A COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,9…”
NHTSA complaint #10885031, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE EXHAUST FRACTURED CAUSING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WIRING AND THE ABS WIRING TO MELT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPES ,THE ABS, AND THE WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10786982, 2015 · fire
“DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF THE TRUCK SLAMMED ON BRAKES. I WAS ROUGHLY 30 FT BEHIND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND THE PEDAL FELT SPONGY BEFORE GOING TO THE FLOOR. THE TIRES DID NOT LOCK UP, AND THE TRUCK SLOWED 20MPH IN ABOUT 30 FT. THE TRUCK MADE IMPACT WITH A CHEVROLET TAHOE AT 50 MPH. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT FAILED TO LOCK, THROWING MY KNEES INTO THE DASH. THE CHEVROLET TAHOE WAS TOTALED. THE CURRENT ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE RAM IS $5,448. THE BUMPER, DRIVER FENDER, GRILLE, AND HOOD…”
NHTSA complaint #11047387, 2017 · crash
Unknown Or Other 14 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury
“OUR 2012 DODGE RAM 2500 TRUCK 4 DOOR WAS PARKED, UPON PARKING THE TRUCK WHEN THE GEAR WAS PUT INTO P THE DOORS UNLOCKED AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED. WENT INTO THE BACK DRIVER SIDE DOOR REMOVED SOME ITEMS CLOSED ALL DOORS AND LOCKED DOORS WITH REMOTE. LEFT THE AREA FOR ABOUT 1 HOURS UPON RETURN A FRIEND SAID IS THAT YOUR TRUCK ROLLING TOWARDS THE BOAT RAMP. SURE ENOUGH I LOOKED OVER AND SAW OUR TRUCK MOVING PICKING UP SPEED TOWARDS THE BOAT RAMP. LUCKILY IF YOU WANT TO CALL IT THAT IT WAS STOPPED BY ANOTHER TRUCK AND TRAILER AS OUR TRUCK SWIPED THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE OTHER TRUCK WHICH WAS TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10745374, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2017 I WAS AT WORK AT OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE WHEN I RECEIVED SEVERAL MESSAGES FROM THE PAPILLION FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE LA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND MY APARTMENT STAFF HAD BEEN DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET AHOLD OF ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT MY RAM 2500, WHICH I HAD NOT DRIVEN IN OVER 10 DAYS, HAD CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN ITS PARKING SPOT NEAR MY APARTMENT BUILDING. MY FIRST THOUGHT AFTER BEING COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY BY THE FACT THAT A LIGHTLY USED TRUCK THAT HADN'T EVEN BEEN DRIVEN COULD SPONTANEOUSLY CATCH ITSELF ON FIRE WAS THAT THANK GOODNESS THE TRUCK WAS PARKED OUTSIDE AND…”
NHTSA complaint #11065433, 2017 · fire
“TRUCK WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES WILL START BACK UP A SECOND LATER, SOMETIMES NEED TO BRING IT TO A FULL STOP, TO RESTART THE TRUCK. IT WILL DO IT AT RANDOM NO MATTER WEATHER TYPE OF DRIVING, IT WILL JUST DO IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11131529, 2018
Air Bags 11 3 crash 2 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. A DETERMINATION WAS NOT MADE AS TO WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A FRACTURED VERTEBRAE, MODERATE BRUISING, AND SEVERE SWELLING. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. *DT *TR *TT CONSUMER STATED AIR…”
NHTSA complaint #11130966, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND LOWER BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND A COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,9…”
NHTSA complaint #10885031, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF THE TRUCK SLAMMED ON BRAKES. I WAS ROUGHLY 30 FT BEHIND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND THE PEDAL FELT SPONGY BEFORE GOING TO THE FLOOR. THE TIRES DID NOT LOCK UP, AND THE TRUCK SLOWED 20MPH IN ABOUT 30 FT. THE TRUCK MADE IMPACT WITH A CHEVROLET TAHOE AT 50 MPH. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT FAILED TO LOCK, THROWING MY KNEES INTO THE DASH. THE CHEVROLET TAHOE WAS TOTALED. THE CURRENT ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE RAM IS $5,448. THE BUMPER, DRIVER FENDER, GRILLE, AND HOOD…”
NHTSA complaint #11047387, 2017 · crash
Fuel System 10 1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AND IN PARK, THE UNDERCARRIAGE AREA OF THE CABIN CAUGHT FIRE WHICH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT OR HOW THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) AFTER THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10676624, 2014 · fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PARK. THE CONTACT USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LANDERS CHEVROLET OF NORMAN (1221 ED NOBLE PKWY, NORMAN, OK 73072, 405-321-7021), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNAWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL), 15V459000 (AIR BAGS) ,AND 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…”
NHTSA complaint #11119573, 2018
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 6/11/15*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10712174, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling 9 2 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE EXHAUST FRACTURED CAUSING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WIRING AND THE ABS WIRING TO MELT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPES ,THE ABS, AND THE WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10786982, 2015 · fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AND IN PARK, THE UNDERCARRIAGE AREA OF THE CABIN CAUGHT FIRE WHICH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT OR HOW THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) AFTER THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10676624, 2014 · fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11128121, 2018
Exterior Lighting 8
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11708616, 2026
“MY PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE BULB IS GOOD. THE WIRING HARNESS INSIDE OF THE HOUSING HAS BEEN CHANGED AND DID NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE. IT WILL WORK FOR A MONTH OR SO THEN NOT WORK.”
NHTSA complaint #11024557, 2017
“BEGAN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE MOST SERIOUS, WHILE DRIVING AFTER DARK, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. AIRBAG LIGHT INDICATOR GOES ON INTERMITTENTLY. RADIO GOES DEAD. REPLACED HEADLIGHT BULBS AND HAD TIPM FLASHED BUT OCCURRED AGAIN. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10937470, 2016
Structure 8 2 fire 1 injury
“HOOD CLOSING SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING WHILE CHECKING ENGINE OIL......UPDATED 04/01/16 *BF”
NHTSA complaint #10822247, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)
“I LEFT THE TRUCK RUNNING, I WALKED ABOUT 20 FEET AWAY WHILE DOING SOME CLEANING ON MY PROPERTY AND WHEN I TURNED AROUND I SAW WHAT LOOKED LIKE THE GROUND ON FIRE. IT LOOKED LIKE FIRE DRIPPING DOWN FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK AND IN NO TIME THE TRUCK BURNED TO THE GROUND. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AT THIS POINT? SHOULD I GET AN ATTORNEY? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10663004, 2014 · fire
“TOWING 5TH WHEEL TRAILER UPHILL IN LOW GEAR, LOST POWER,BIG BANG SMOKE FIRE.!!! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10654892, 2014 · fire
Tires 6
“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 it and a bubble started to form that was 1/2” high and 3” around with just 20psi, operating PSI for the tire is 80PSI. I immediately stopped inflation and contacted Treadwright. They tried to convince me that it was “overlap” and safe to use. I told them it is not over lap and showed them multiple pictures of the tire f…”
NHTSA complaint #11507383, 2023
“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 to drive back to the tire shop and was informed that the front passenger’s side tire was showing tread separation. The tire shop replaced the front passenger’s side tire. The contact stated that approximately two weeks later, he experienced the same failure with the front driver’s side tire. The contact took the vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11490842, 2022
“WHILE DRIVING MY TRUCK ON THE INTERSTATE AND PULLING A TRAVEL TRAILER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD A BLOWOUT WITHOUT WARNING. MY TRUCK AND TRAILER MOMENTARILY SWERVED BUT I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. I HEARD THE REMAINING TIRE TREAD STRIKE THE WHEEL WELL REPEATEDLY BEFORE I COULD STOP THE TRUCK. THE BLOWOUT CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FENDER, WHEEL WELL LINER, BATTERY, HEADLIGHT BRACKET, BUMPER AND WIRING HARNESS. ASIDE FROM THE BODY DAMAGE, NUMEROUS WIRES WERE TORN AND RENDERED THE TRUCK INOPERABLE. DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE, MY INSURANCE CA…”
NHTSA complaint #11349130, 2020
Vehicle Speed Control 6
“R03 (REPLACES L25) WIRELESS IGNITION NODE (WIN) MODULE WIN MODULE FAILURE. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THE ENGINE AND POWER SHUTS OFF TO THE VEHICLE, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKING POWER. THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME SITUATION ON MULTIPLE OTHER DODGE/CHRYSLER VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE SAME WIN MODULE PART/PART# AS MY 2012 RAM. 'THE WIRELESS IGNITION NODE (WIN) MODULE ON THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE UNINTENTIONAL MOVEMENT OF THE FREQUENCY OPERATED BUTTON IGNITION KEY, OR FOBIK, FROM THE 'ON' TO THE 'ACCESSORY' POSIT…”
NHTSA complaint #11172632, 2018
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 2500. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IN COLD TEMPERATURES, IT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,800.”
NHTSA complaint #10703509, 2015
“I WAS GIVEN NOTICE OF RECALL ON DECEMBER 9TH 2014.RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTICE THIS MONTH ON THE FUEL HEATER. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PART.IT HAS BEEN OVER 6 MONTHS SINCE THE FIRST RECALL NOTICE THEN THEY SEND ANOTHER ONE AND STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS.WHAT GOOD IS A RECALL OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURE DOES NOT SUPPLY THE PARTS! I HAVE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM AND MADE A REPORT BEFORE ABOUT THE TRUCK NOT STOPPING OR SLOWING DOWN.THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE STICKS AND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS.”
NHTSA complaint #10717828, 2014
Wheels 5 2 crash
“I NOTICED FOR 6-8 MOS STEERING ISSUE TO THE LEFT, CALLED DEALER SAID NOTHING WRONG. AT VARIOUS TIMES A STRANGE CLUNKING CLICKING LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA AS DECELERATING AND TURNING LEFT WEIGHT TO THE FRONT. NOW CHOPPY TIRE LEFT FRONT AS THERE ARE NO BALL JOINTS IT APPEARS TIE ROD IS BAD OR SOMETHING. WHILE PULLING INTO A TURN THE OTHER DAY AUGUST 17,2015 THE VEH PULLED HEARD THE CLANK AGAIN AND THE STEERING PULL CAUSED US TO STRIKE FIXED OBJECT. DEALER SAYS NOT AFFECTED BY RECALL, BUT WE HAVE ALL THE SAME ISSUES, AND NOTED FOR AWHILE STEERING AT INTERMITTENT TIMES PROBLEMS... WHAT CAN I DO VER…”
NHTSA complaint #10749629, 2015 · crash
“STEERING WENT OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND RUN INTO SIGN . PAID $60000 FOR THIS TRUCK AND I HAVE HAD TO PUT 30K BACK INTO IT FOR REASONS I HAD NO CONTROL OF> THAN CHRYSTLER OFFERED ME 22000 FOR THE TRUCK WHICH IS 4000 BELOW WHAT IS OWED ON TRUCK BIGGEST MISTAKE I MADE WAS BUYING A DODGE VERY UNPROFESSIONAL HOW THEY ARE HANDLINFG THESE BUYBACK TRUCKS SELLING U GARBAGE IS ONE THING THAN TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE ON THE BUYS BACKS ON RECALLED TRUCKS IS UNCALLED FOR”
NHTSA complaint #10811474, 2014 · crash
“DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE TRUCK SHAKES SO BAD YOU HAVE TO GET STOPPED BEFORE IT GOES AWAY. ALMOST FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO FLIP THE TRUCK”
NHTSA complaint #11404879, 2021
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3 1 crash
“STEERING WENT OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND RUN INTO SIGN . PAID $60000 FOR THIS TRUCK AND I HAVE HAD TO PUT 30K BACK INTO IT FOR REASONS I HAD NO CONTROL OF> THAN CHRYSTLER OFFERED ME 22000 FOR THE TRUCK WHICH IS 4000 BELOW WHAT IS OWED ON TRUCK BIGGEST MISTAKE I MADE WAS BUYING A DODGE VERY UNPROFESSIONAL HOW THEY ARE HANDLINFG THESE BUYBACK TRUCKS SELLING U GARBAGE IS ONE THING THAN TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE ON THE BUYS BACKS ON RECALLED TRUCKS IS UNCALLED FOR”
NHTSA complaint #10811474, 2014 · crash
“FRAME BROKE IN 3 SPOTS, ALONG WITH A FRAME AND WHEEL BEARINGS, GEAR CONTROL BOX, ALIGNMENT, THE TRUCK BODY MOVES WHEN TURNING NOT THE WHEELS. THE TIRE STABILIZER HASN'T TURNED OFF IN OVER A YEAR AFTER POURING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS.. TRUCK IS UNDRINKABLE AND NOT EVEN 10 YEARS OLD. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11329345, 2020
“FRONT END VIBRATION LOOSE STEERING. OVER 60MPH VERY BAD VIBRATING ALMOST FEELS AS IF THE TRUCK WAS BEING PUSHED ONE WAY AND GOING THE OTHER. BRAKING ALSO CAUSES THE STEERING TO WOOBLE OR PULL DEPENDING ON THE SPEED, WHEN HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD WAY IS THE WORST I NEVER KNOW WHERE I MAY END UP. ALL HIGHWAY AND TURNING INTO COMPANIES I USE IT AS A SALES VEHICAL”
NHTSA complaint #10908020, 2016
Seat Belts 2 2 crash 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND LOWER BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND A COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,9…”
NHTSA complaint #10885031, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF THE TRUCK SLAMMED ON BRAKES. I WAS ROUGHLY 30 FT BEHIND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND THE PEDAL FELT SPONGY BEFORE GOING TO THE FLOOR. THE TIRES DID NOT LOCK UP, AND THE TRUCK SLOWED 20MPH IN ABOUT 30 FT. THE TRUCK MADE IMPACT WITH A CHEVROLET TAHOE AT 50 MPH. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT FAILED TO LOCK, THROWING MY KNEES INTO THE DASH. THE CHEVROLET TAHOE WAS TOTALED. THE CURRENT ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE RAM IS $5,448. THE BUMPER, DRIVER FENDER, GRILLE, AND HOOD…”
NHTSA complaint #11047387, 2017 · crash
Seats 1 1 fire
“ON MONDAY 9-2-2013 I DROPPED OF MY TRUCK AND TOOK MY CAR FOR A RIDE. WHEN I RETURNED TO GET MY TRUCK FOR WORK I REALIZED THAT THE CENTER DASH HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.THE TRUCK WAS FULL OF SMOKE SO I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY. ON 9-3-2013 I CONTACTED CHRYSLER CORPORATION TO REPORT THE INCIDENT BUT I AM NOT GETTING ANY CALL BACKS FROM THEM SO KNOW IM LETTING THE INSURANCE COMPANY HANDLE IT.I HAVE OBTAINED A SURVEILLANCE TAPE COPY OF THE FIRE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10543352, 2013 · fire
Visibility/Wiper 1
“THE SPRAY NOZZLES ON ALL DODGES ARE BREAKING WAY BEFORE THEY SHOULD. THE HARD PLASTIC NOZZLE BREAKS WHERE IT IS ATTACHED TO THE FLUID TUBE. THIS MAKES IT SO THE NOZZLE DOES NOT SPRAY THE WINDSHIELD TO CLEAN IT WITH THE WIPERS. MY TRUCK IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND BOTH NOZZLES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THERE ARE MANY OTHER DODGE OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM, MANY VIDEOS TO SEE ON YOUTUBE.”
NHTSA complaint #10929002, 2016
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2012 Ram 2500 draws about 18.9 complaints per year on the road, ranking 6 of 10 among the Ram 2500 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.