RoadVitals

2012 Dodge Ram 5500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
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Latest Apr 11, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
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Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Ram 5500, 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

  • Steering2142.0%
  • Electrical714.0%
  • Engine48.0%
  • Fuel system36.0%
  • Suspension24.0%
  • Body & structure24.0%
  • Airbags24.0%

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

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2012 DODGE 5500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING ANGLE SENSOR AND CLOCKSPRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ISSUES AND OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WERE INOPERABLE. THIS INCLUDES THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. UPDATED 09/11/2017*JS

NHTSA ID 11021970 · filed Sep 11, 2017

HAVE PROBLEMS WITH TRUCK WANDERING ALL OVER ROAD AT SPEEDS OVER 40-45-MPH FROM WHEN TRUCK WAS NEW... MANY TIMES I TRIED TO GET TRUCK IN AFTER RECALL NOTICES AND DID NOT HAVE PARTS. NOT RESOLVED TO THIS DATE. NOW NEW PROBLEM I HAVE IS STEERING IS VERY TIGHT AND DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER TURNING AND IS A MAJOR DANGER. TRUCK WAS JUST IN DEALER FOR THE PROBLEM AND FIXED ONE RECALL WHICH WAS TO REPLACE STEERING LINKAGE THAT WAS DONE BUT DID NOTHING NOTHING TO FIX MY HARD STEERING AND NOT RETURNING TO CENTER STEERING PROBLEM .I HAVE BEEN WAITING ALMOST A WEEK FOR A CALL BACK FROM DODGE CUSTOMER CAR NOW. THERE IS STILL A RECALL ON FRONT AXLE WELDS THAT HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BECAUSE OF LACK OF PARTS THAT I HAVE TRIED TO TAKE CARE OF ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS ?

NHTSA ID 10898510 · filed Aug 25, 2016
All 21 reports naming steering

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 5500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ADAPTER THAT SECURED THE AXLE ASSEMBLY FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V239000 (POWER TRAIN). THE DEALER VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE AXLE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE REMEDY WAS INADEQUATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. ....UPDATED 09-03-14 *BF

NHTSA ID 10622204 · filed Aug 14, 2014

OVER 9 MONTHS AGO WE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FROM CHRYSLER: SAFETY RECALL N26 / NHTSA 13V-239 FRONT AXLE TUBE WELDS LETTER STATES THAT PARTS NEEDED TO DO REPAIRS ARE NOT ON HAND. AS SOON AS THEY ARE MADE AVAILABLE THEY WILL CONTACT US FOR REPAIRS. HERE IT IS 9MONTHS LATER AND WE GET THE SAME EXACT LETTER. THE LETTER STATES THAT THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO WRECK AND LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I FEEL THAT TIME HAS EXCEEDED FOR THEM TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10560408 · filed Jan 17, 2014
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY! THE SWITCH MUST BE MOVED AROUND IN THE SWITCH TO START THE TRUCK. ADDITIONALLY WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK MAY JUST QUITE RUNNING, THIS CAUSES THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES TO BECOME MANUAL. THIS BECOMES VERY DANGEROUS WHEN HAULING LOADS AS STOPPING DISTANCES ARE GREATLY INCREASED, NOT TO MENTION NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. IF YOU ARE GOING AROUND A CORNER WHEN THIS HAPPENS YOU MAY NOT MAKE THE CORNER RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH ONCOMING VEHICLES. THIS IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE IS COMMON IN THIS YEAR OF RAM TRUCK IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF YOUR DRIVING OR SETTING AT A LIGHT THE TRUCK QUITS RUNNING AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART WITHOUT REPLACING OR REPAIRING THE SWITCH. SO FAR FIAT CHRYSLER HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THE DESIGN, IT APPEARS THEY ARE HAPPY COLLECTING THE $300 + DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE SWITCH JUST TO HAVE THEM GO OUT AGAIN IN LESS THAN A YEAR. JUST LOOK AT THE INTERNET, MANY ISSUES. THIS IS DEFIANTLY A SAFTY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. *DT*JB

NHTSA ID 11163746 · filed Dec 27, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 5500. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V739000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,025.

NHTSA ID 10984734 · filed May 10, 2017

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph the vehicle started making noise coming from the engine compartment. The smoke originates from the engine compartment and the exhaust pipe in the rear of the vehicle and when the accelerator was depressed the vehicle did not accelerate. Additionally, the check engine safety warning light became illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the side of the road where the vehicle was turned off but the engine continued to run. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the Engine, Intake system, and Exhaust needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified, The failure mileage was 73,031.

NHTSA ID 11516561 · filed Apr 11, 2023

ON THE EVENING OF JULY 30, 2015 WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 DODGE RAM 5500 UTILITY TRUCK, THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH I BELIEVE WAS DUE TO RECALL P65. THIS RECALL IS FOR THE DIESEL FUEL HEATER ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIPS MULTIPLE TIMES FOR REPAIR, YET I WAS TOLD THAT NO PART WAS AVAILABLE TO PERFORM RECALL. THIS TRUCK WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ID 10748608 · filed Aug 13, 2015

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON THE EVENING OF JULY 30, 2015 WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 DODGE RAM 5500 UTILITY TRUCK, THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH I BELIEVE WAS DUE TO RECALL P65. THIS RECALL IS FOR THE DIESEL FUEL HEATER ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIPS MULTIPLE TIMES FOR REPAIR, YET I WAS TOLD THAT NO PART WAS AVAILABLE TO PERFORM RECALL. THIS TRUCK WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ID 10748608 · filed Aug 13, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) AND 13V527000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS 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.

NHTSA ID 10717177 · filed May 18, 2015

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FRAME ON TRUCK HAS CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES JUST BEFORE THE REAR WHEELS.

NHTSA ID 11204115 · filed Apr 27, 2019

2012 DODGE RAM 5500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFICIENT WELDS ON THE FRONT DRIVE AXLE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED AS DIRECTED BY THE NOTICE, BUT DID NOT FULLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE STILL SERIOUS CRACKS IN THE AXLE AND FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS

NHTSA ID 10689351 · filed Mar 19, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 5500. WHILE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED IN THE REAR ON BOTH SIDES NEAR THE REAR WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WICKSTROM CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (LOCATED AT 660 W NORTHWEST HWY, BARRINGTON, IL 60010, (847) 382-5400), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER TOOK PICTURES OF THE FAILURE AND SENT IT TO THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A WELDING SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 58372436. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.

NHTSA ID 11220183 · filed Jun 14, 2019

2012 DODGE RAM 5500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFICIENT WELDS ON THE FRONT DRIVE AXLE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED AS DIRECTED BY THE NOTICE, BUT DID NOT FULLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE STILL SERIOUS CRACKS IN THE AXLE AND FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS

NHTSA ID 10689351 · filed Mar 19, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 5500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TIE ROD SEPARATED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE AWAY FROM ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V527000 (STEERING), 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL), AND 15V459000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID 10789383 · filed Nov 9, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V459000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID 10783738 · filed Oct 20, 2015

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

Data on this page last refreshed .