Model year guide

2012 RAM 2500

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 RAM 2500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 272 on record.

2012 RAM 2500 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 RAM 2500 at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints282
Typical price$27,147

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 RAM 2500 recalls 5

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #15V459000 · 22/07/2015

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.

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 ma…

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift NHTSA Campaign #17V821000 · 20/12/2017

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 is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission …

Fix: 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 recall is T79.

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #16E041000 · 16/05/2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.

Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly NHTSA Campaign #13V529000 · 06/11/2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Fix: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In…

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel NHTSA Campaign #14V635000 · 08/10/2014

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.

Fix: 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 owners on December 8, 2014. The re…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 RAM 2500 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 282 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

2012 RAM 2500 safety ratings

Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Ram 2500 Mega PU/EC 4WD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2012 RAM 2500 worth?

Low
$16,100
Typical price
$27,147
High
$39,000

From 271 comparable 2012 RAM 2500 listings.

2012 RAM 2500 trims & engines on record

Trims
SLT · ST · Laramie · Laramie Longhorn Edition · Powerwagon · Longhorn · Power Wagon
Engines
6.7L 8-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl

2012 RAM 2500 vehicles on record

Other RAM 2500 model years

2012 RAM 2500 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 RAM 2500 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2012 RAM 2500. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 RAM 2500?

Based on 282 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, fuel/propulsion system, power train.

What is the 2012 RAM 2500 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 RAM 2500 crash-test ratings of rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2012 RAM 2500 worth?

Comparable 2012 RAM 2500 listings run roughly $16,100–$39,000, typically around $27,147 (from 271 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.