2012 Dodge RAM 3500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 3%of 366 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 230,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500, 3% of the 366 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 230,750 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owned a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, a fire started under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The hood was completely consumed by the fire. The fire department declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that inspection by the fire department declared that the fire was an electrical fire that started on the driver's side under the hood. …”
NHTSA complaint #11762214, filed 2026-09, 259,500 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while that while the vehicle was in for service, the independent mechanic discovered fuel leaking from the fuel filter heater assembly. The contact was advised that the fuel filter heater assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). …”
NHTSA complaint #11647551, filed 2025-03, 202,000 miles“2012 Dodge RAM 3500. Consumer writes in regards to tie rod assembly recall issues. The consumer also experienced loss of power. The consumer stated there were times, where he couldn't obtain a speed greater than 40 MPH. Also, he was experiencing poor fuel economy.”
NHTSA complaint #10632859, filed 2014-09“2012 Dodge RAM 3500. Consumer writes in regards to front end tie rod recall part issues. The consumer stated he received the recall notice in december 2013. The dealer informed him, the parts were on back order. As of july 2014, the problem was still not resolved. The consumer stated there was a problem with the emission system and the check engine light illuminated. The problem was diagnosed as an o2 sensor issue. The sensor would be replaced, and 1-2 days later the check engine light would illuminate again. The o2 sensor was replaced several times. Sometime, twice in one month. …”
NHTSA complaint #10610424, filed 2014-07“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge RAM 3500. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v635000 (engine and engine cooling , fuel system, diesel) however, the vehicle was unable to be serviced under the recall because the part needed was unavailable to perform the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 4/15/15”
NHTSA complaint #10690325, filed 2015-02Related service bulletins
- 10236933Apr 15, 2023wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
- 10227983Apr 2, 2022If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
- 10230180Jul 6, 2021Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
- 10221594Jul 6, 2021Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
- 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…
- 10190584Mar 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…
- 10215879Jan 16, 2021Customer 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…
- 10187058Jan 16, 2021Customer 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…
- 10166546Aug 28, 2019CONDENSER, Air Conditioning 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, order the…
- 10162490May 8, 2019Tailpipe - exhaust
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 10 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 13 | 8% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% |
| 1998 | 7 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500
222 complaintsElectrical system
45 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 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