2012 Dodge RAM 3500 Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
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) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Steering complaints here are 9.6× the median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 220 · 60.3% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 43 · 11.8% | No official action | — |
| Engine | 35 · 9.6% | No official action | — |
| Suspension | 32 · 8.8% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 29 · 7.9% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 27 · 7.4% | No official action | — |
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
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
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 07/14/2026. 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?
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
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.
