2012 Dodge RAM 2500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 12%of 283 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,250miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500, 12% of the 283 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,250 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Front end vibration loose steering. Over 60mph very bad vibrating almost feels as if the truck was being pushed one way and going the other. Braking also causes the steering to wooble or pull depending on the speed, when hitting bumps in the road way is the worst I never know where I may end up. All highway and turning into companies I use it as a sales vehical”
NHTSA complaint #10908020, filed 2016-09, 40,000 miles“The transfer case of the truck broke suddenly and since I was driving at 75 miles, the rotation of the metal parts keep going and broke mayor parts under the rucks such as transmition, suspension, oil lines, diesel lines, and much and much more even made a hole under the cabin. The part under the truck just look like something exploded because the damage is too big. Even beyond repair for me.”
NHTSA complaint #10855119, filed 2016-04, 31,000 miles“I left the truck running, I walked about 20 feet away while doing some cleaning on my property and when I turned around I saw what looked like the ground on fire. It looked like fire dripping down from underneath the truck and in no time the truck burned to the ground. What do I need to do at this point? Should I get an attorney?”
NHTSA complaint #10663004, filed 2014-12, 60,000 miles“After receiving notification from Dodge that parts were available to correct the diesel fuel heater electrical connector (recall p65/NHTSA 14v-635) my Dodge dealer (rairdon Dodge, bellingham) told me the parts for the recall were on back order from Dodge. Subsequently the check engine light came on shortly thereafter and when diagnosed the problem was with the oxygen sensor system. …”
NHTSA complaint #10734222, filed 2015-07, 15,033 miles“Vehicles transmission will default into 4th gear. At 75 MPH on the freeway, my truck began lurching and the RPM fluctuated then the transmission downshifted on its own and would not shift from 4th gear. I limped the truck to my destination, and contacted ram customer care who put me in touch with my local dealer. Still waiting on the appointment to have my transmission checked. Note that I could not manually shift the transmission up or down either. I was stuck in 4th gear, at 75mph.”
NHTSA complaint #11098146, filed 2018-05, 58,500 milesRelated recalls
- 17V821000Dec 20, 2017Chrysler (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…Covers: Dodge RAM 2500 2010–2012, Ram 1500 2009, 2013–2017, 2500 2013–2017 +7 more
Related service bulletins
- 11012318Dec 19, 2024Seal - output shaft
- 11012351Dec 17, 2024Gear - reaction sun
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10228020Apr 2, 2022Customer Satisfaction Notification V51 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
- 10229031Mar 6, 2022Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter…
- 10222880Jan 5, 2022Transfer Case Shift Lever Design Change
- 10218451Aug 25, 2021MASTER CYLINDER, Brake A new master cylinder reservoir has been made available that is backward compatible but not interchangeable with old parts as follows: 68144489AA MASTER…
- 10221150Apr 16, 2021Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during…
- 10220837Mar 10, 2021GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 35 | 12% |
| 2011 | 16 | 5% |
| 2010 | 13 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 20 | 6% |
| 2007 | 17 | 5% |
| 2006 | 37 | 6% |
| 2005 | 63 | 15% |
| 2004 | 110 | 19% |
| 2003 | 55 | 8% |
| 2002 | 19 | 12% |
| 2001 | 28 | 6% |
| 2000 | 15 | 7% |
| 1999 | 35 | 11% |
| 1998 | 29 | 13% |
| 1997 | 32 | 15% |
| 1996 | 44 | 15% |
| 1995 | 39 | 15% |
| 1994 | 24 | 14% |
| 1993 | 6 | 15% |
| 1992 | 3 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500
109 complaintsElectrical system
51 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTires
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology