2012 Dodge Ram 4500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Ram 4500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)527.8%
- Steering527.8%
- Engine211.1%
- Fuel system211.1%
- Suspension15.6%
- Electrical15.6%
- Other / unspecified15.6%
- Brakes15.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR OUR BASIC LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCE N26/NHTSA 13V-239 FOR FRONT AXLE TUBE WELDS. THE NOTICE ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CRASH OR HAVE A LOSS IN MOTIVE POWER IF USED. WE HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER MANY TIMES TO HAVE THIS EMERGENCY AMBULANCE REPAIRED BUT THEY HAVE NOT REPAIRED, INSPECTED OR EVEN SEND CORRESPONDENCE WHEN THE VEHICLE MAYBE REPAIRED IN MORE THEN TEN WEEKS. THIS VEHICLE IS A 4 WHEEL DRIVE AMBULANCE WHICH IS NEEDED FOR OUR REMOTE COVERAGE AREA FOR ACCESS TO HOMES ON DIRT LANES, SNOW AND ICE TRAVEL. WE FEEL THAT AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A HIGHER PRIORITY TO GET REPAIRED AND WE ARE LOOSING REVENUE NOT BEING ABLE TO USE THIS UNIT YET WE ARE PAYING INSURANCE AND LOAN PAYMENTS. WE ARE A VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION SO OUR RESOURCES ARE LIMITED AND HAVING THIS AMBULANCE OUT OF SERVICE IS A GREAT HARDSHIP TO OUR COMMUNITY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .