2012 Dodge Ram 4500: problems, recalls and reliability
9 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Front wheel bearing on driver side went out on the truck it made a crunching sound. I was on a city street headed back home. Had to tow truck to repair shp, had to replace hub assy, brake rotor's, brake caliper, axle seal, axle collar. The cost was $1,589.43. The is a 2012 dodge ram 4500.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2019
“2012 dodge ram 4500. Consumer writes in regards to diesel fuel heater electrical connector & front axle housing recall notices repair issues. *smd the consumer stated she has received four recall notices in the mail. Each time she goes to the dealer, they inform her the parts are not available. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2015
“Left outer tie rod broke!!! Luckily only making a u turn when it happened. Recall is about a year old and still no parts available but chrysler we will take care of it and have the dealer install factory part that could break again but at least it will get you back on the road again and maybe it will last until we get the correct part.mind you this is a part that could break and cause loss of control of your vehicle and possibly kill someone. While my company truck is sitting broke down and waiting for the local dealer arrigo to call chrysler back for 5 days and let them know that I can have my truck towed to their shop at my expense for the repair that is being paid for by chrysler. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Jan 2015
Show 5 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 4500. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 13v527000 (steering) and NHTSA campaign number: 14v635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel). However, the parts needed to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 1/23/15*cn”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Dec 2014
“This has been an on going problem since I bought the truck new last year. The tipm has been replaced twice along with countless useless trips to the dealer just to listen to them say they can't fix it until it gets worse so they can find it, and go figure it is in the shop again with insufficient voltage issues which cause lights to go out or stay on or blink, the truck not to start or to involuntarily accelerate, melted chargers in the charger port that only works when it wants to, intermittent power to my trailer brakes, and lost time and money as this is my work truck!!! They are quick to replace the tipm but their fix never seems to last long. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 4500. The contact stated that he received the notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 13v527000 (steering) and 13v239000 (power train). The contact mentioned that he was concerned for his safety since the manufacturer did not have the necessary parts available in order to repair the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact of the delay on receiving the parts. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2013
“2012 dodge ram. Consumer writes in regards to front axle tube welds recall notice. *smd the consumer was informed the parts for the recall, were not available.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 4500. The contact stated that the driver's side tie rod assembly completely became fractured without warning. The contact also mentioned that the failure had previously occurred on three different occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 30,000. The current mileage was 70,000.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2013
Recalls - 9 campaigns
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
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: 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.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Remedy: On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. 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 R16.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 2, 2012, to December 22, 2012. Due to a welding issue with the front axle carrier, the front drive shaft may fracture and result in a loss of motive power and damage to surrounding components if the shaft continues to spin.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace or repair the front axle assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N26.
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: 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.
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: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 3500 trucks manufactured May 4, 2012, through August 7, 2012; and model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured May 3, 2012, through August 7, 2012. Due to a loose snap ring inside the transmission, there may be a loss of power transfer through the transmission to the wheels.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N50.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ram 4500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Dodge Ram 4500. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2012 Dodge Ram 4500 have open recalls?
9 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.