2012 Dodge RAM 3500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 12%of 366 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500, 12% of the 366 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,000 miles. 5 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.
“The integrated brake controller is intermittent at best. I purchased a trailer and it hooked up fine. Worked fine towing until I disconnected the trailer and seven pin connector. Now the controller tells me there is no trailer on the controller and the dash alerts. Upon pulling the trailer again the controller tells me I'm not towing when I am. ??”
NHTSA complaint #11388248, filed 2021-01, 5,000 miles“While driving down the highway, the vehicle stalled. I lost power steering, brakes, all electrical, and engine power. Everything stopped working and went black. Luckily I was not pulling a trailer, have to stop, or turn fast. If I would have, I would have crashed. Consumer stated fuel pump failed and it had a bad ground. Above the rear axle. It had electrical issues. Backup camera blacked out, reverse lights come on and stay on, lights and blinkers flicker.”
NHTSA complaint #11194665, filed 2019-04, 118,000 miles“While driving down the highway/roads every so often the truck would shut down completely. Been doing this a couple of times. Luckily I never got into a wreck because of this issue. Now the truck won?t start and it happened at home. After troubleshooting the problem I have found the wireless ignition node to be bad. After a little research on this I came up on a recall for the same problem and the same ignition system on other Dodge?s and was wondering why the Dodge ram was left out. Recall number r03/NHTSA 14v-373.”
NHTSA complaint #11323833, filed 2020-05, 161,000 miles“At approximately 11:30 pm, I heard a vehicle horn honking outside in the driveway. Got out of bed to investigate. Observed my 2102 RAM 3500 diesel truck with lights on and flashing and horn was honking. Keys for truck were in the house. Went outside with keys and tried key-less entry fob to open the cab door with no success. Smelled smoke. Opened drivers side door with regular key to see lights on dashboard all lit up. Opened the hood to see lots of smoke and observed glowing wiring harness next to driver's side battery. …”
NHTSA complaint #11374635, filed 2020-11, 56,500 miles“Win modules and/or ignition switch randomly turns engine off and all electronics including trailer brake controls. Vehicle loss of power brakes and power steering. Loss of trailer brake controls. I was driving pulling a 10,000lbs. Trailer and truck was near impossible to stop. I was driving down the highway. Glad I wasn't driving around pedestrians, and no traffic, or driving into a city rush hour like I usually am. Now I don't pull a trailer anymore with this truck because I'm scared of smashing someone or something. …”
NHTSA complaint #11183861, filed 2019-03, 195,000 milesRelated recalls
- 16V739000Oct 13, 2016Chrysler (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…Covers: Dodge RAM 3500 2010–2012, Ram 3500 2007–2009, 2013, 5500 2008–2010, 2013 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 11021585Jul 28, 2025LAMP - DOME
- 11019776Jun 12, 2025LAMP - DOME
- 11017451May 1, 2025LAMP - DOME
- 11004993Jul 19, 2024Replacement Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Displays Incorrect Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Current and Active
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error…
- 10244348Sep 15, 2023Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error…
- 10225951Sep 14, 2022CONNECTOR Trailer Tow,WIRING Trailer Tow,CONNECTOR 7 Way,WIRING Rear Bumper If the connector or wiring is physically damaged, burned, melted or corroded, prior to replacing the…
- 10221380Jun 29, 2022CONNECTOR/WIRING, Trailer Tow If the connector or wiring is physically damaged, burned, melted or corroded, prior to replacing the part, please contact FCA Redacted Content If no…
- 10214527May 18, 2022CONNECTOR/WIRING, Trailer Tow If the connector or wiring is physically damaged, burned, melted or corroded, prior to replacing the part, please contact FCA Redacted Content If no…
- 10229252Jul 1, 2020CONDENSER, Air Conditioning CONDITION 1: If it is determined that the A/C compressor does not engage due to a refrigerant leak at the receiver/drier plug on the A/C condenser…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 45 | 12% |
| 2011 | 17 | 8% |
| 2010 | 17 | 11% |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% |
| 2008 | 18 | 10% |
| 2007 | 24 | 11% |
| 2006 | 53 | 21% |
| 2005 | 15 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 7% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 5% |
| 2000 | 7 | 12% |
| 1999 | 5 | 5% |
| 1998 | 14 | 13% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 10 | 8% |
| 1995 | 8 | 7% |
| 1994 | 14 | 20% |
| 1993 | 3 | 15% |
| 1992 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500
222 complaintsFuel system
40 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsEngine
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsWheels
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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