Does the 2012 RAM 2500 have recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2012 RAM 2500, including Air Bags › Frontal; Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift; Equipment. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2012 RAM 2500 problems?

Owners filed 283 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (109), electrical system (51), engine (44), power train (35).

How much does a 2012 RAM 2500 cost to own for 5 years?

About $44,852 over 5 years ($748/month) at an estimated $13,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2012 RAM 2500

The 2012 RAM 2500 earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 55/100. Expect about $44,852 to own it for five years, or $748 a month. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 283 complaints.

Recalls: 5
Complaints: 283
5-yr cost: $45k
MPG (EPA): —

Fair

Ownership Score

Looking at a specific 2500?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

5 recalls may apply

For the 2012 RAM 2500. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $13,000 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$44,852

$748/month · $0.75/mile

Depreciation	$2,675
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,750
Fuel / charging	$10,580
Maintenance	$9,375
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$3,592
Taxes & fees	$1,880

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

283 complaints8 involved a crash12 involved a fire

Steering109
Electrical System51
Engine44
Power Train35
Fuel/Propulsion System24
Suspension22

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Rated as: 2012 Ram 2500 Crew PU/CC 4WD

What to check on a used 2012 RAM 2500

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Steering
- Does the car drift or pull on a straight road?
- Turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for clunks or whines.
Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2012 RAM 2500 problems

Cheaper alternatives

2012 Ford Maverick
Same year, known for low running costs
5-yr $38k · ↘ $7.3k less
2012 Ford Ranger
Same year, known for low running costs
5-yr $41k · ↘ $3.8k less

FAQ

Is the 2012 RAM 2500 a good car to buy?: The 2012 RAM 2500 earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 55/100. Expect about $44,852 to own it for five years, or $748 a month. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 283 complaints.
Does the 2012 RAM 2500 have recalls?: NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2012 RAM 2500, including Air Bags › Frontal; Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift; Equipment. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2012 RAM 2500 problems?: Owners filed 283 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (109), electrical system (51), engine (44), power train (35).
How much does a 2012 RAM 2500 cost to own for 5 years?: About $44,852 over 5 years ($748/month) at an estimated $13,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.