2012 DODGE RAM 4500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
19
Owner Complaints
9
Recalls
15
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2012 DODGE RAM 4500
The 2012 DODGE RAM 4500 has received a total of 19 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 12 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS. 15 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (5 complaints), Steering (4 complaints), and Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel (2 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 DODGE RAM 4500
NHTSA has recorded 12 recalls for the 2012 DODGE RAM 4500, potentially affecting up to 4,695,383 vehicles.
Recall 21V398000 — WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
| 447,985 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 21V398000 — WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
| 447,985 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 21V398000 — WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
| 447,985 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 17V821000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
| 1,482,874 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 17V824000 — EQUIPMENT
| 61,791 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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...
View full details →Recall 16V739000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
| 74,811 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
View full details →Recall 15V459000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 1,059,444 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 13V527000 — STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
| 36,151 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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:...
View full details →Recall 14V635000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
| 315,325 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
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...
View full details →Recall 14V635000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
| 315,325 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
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...
View full details →Recall 13V239000 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
| 5,622 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Damage to other components, or sudden loss of drive power may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
View full details →Recall 13V344000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 85 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power transfer may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 DODGE RAM 4500
19 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 DODGE RAM 4500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Diesel | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
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
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
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
Safety Rating for the 2012 DODGE RAM 4500
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2012 DODGE RAM 4500 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 DODGE RAM 4500
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 15 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 DODGE RAM 4500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
102389 — POWER TRAIN
SEAL - OUTPUT SHAFT
9004022 — SUSPENSION
Air Suspension Components Star Parts Catalog has been updated to show individual service parts for the compressor assembly. This will allow service technicians to repair the root cause without over repairing the system. Replace only the part deemed failed by the diagnostics performed. Individual parts include: - Compressor - Valve...
55311 — ENGINE
Damper-Steering
31115 — EQUIPMENT
Cover - Roof Rack Youhave been identified aseither having stock,or have stock in transit toyour dealership. Please return allsuspect stock of part numbers:68212041AC,68141170AC,55112738AA.See attachmentsfor identifying suspect material. Please return suspect partsback toyour facing depot using Return Code 02,before 19April,2017.
17109 — EQUIPMENT
You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of following part number: 68188889AE and replacement part number is 68188889AF which isin stockand available. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 05...
Z5091195A$ — EQUIPMENT
RES / RHA / REB radio that supports Bluetooth and Hands-Free For issues with Bluetooth, Hands-Free Calling, and/or Voice Commands, DO NOT replace the radio. Diagnose the Hands-Free Module system (also called the Telematics Module). The Telematics Module (and associated components) is the system responsible for these features. A power...
68317270A — POWER TRAIN
2014 KL 9-Speed service transaxle with 2015 common hardware This 9-speed transaxle must be ordered thru Mopar?s Powertrain Service Center (PSC) for a specific VIN and must be installed in that vehicle or the correct calibration will not load to the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM).~...
08-086-14 — EQUIPMENT
RBZ Or RHB Radio Software Enhancements This bulletin involves upgrading the software on the RBZ or RHB Radio. The customer may experience one or more of the following. ? When changing the language on the radio, the navigation may still display English. ? Help prevent navigation lockup. ? Ghost image...
18-016-14 — ENGINE
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
N26060613 — AIR BAGS
New Safety Recall Advanced Communication ? N26060613 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on certain 2012 model year (DP) 4500/5500 series RAM 4x4 Trucks. Some of the above trucks may have a front axle with improper axle tube-to-differential housing welds. If the axle tube welds fail, the front...
Showing 10 of 15 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 DODGE RAM 4500
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM 4500
- 2007 DODGE RAM 4500 — 0 complaints
- 2008 DODGE RAM 4500 — 11 complaints
- 2009 DODGE RAM 4500 — 5 complaints
- 2011 DODGE RAM 4500 — 18 complaints
- 2012 DODGE RAM 4500 (current)
Other DODGE Models
- DODGE DURANGO — 19,139 total complaints
- DODGE GRAND CARAVAN — 18,729 total complaints
- DODGE RAM 1500 — 15,420 total complaints
- DODGE CARAVAN — 14,266 total complaints
- DODGE DAKOTA — 9,227 total complaints
- DODGE CHARGER — 8,114 total complaints
- DODGE RAM 2500 — 8,092 total complaints
- DODGE INTREPID — 8,078 total complaints