2012 Dodge RAM 3500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 10%of 366 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500, 10% of the 366 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Something in transmission (68rfe) failed and dumps fluid out of the transmission dip stick tube onto the turbo which could cause a fire. This happened while driving and smoke started coming out of engine compartment. I was driving on a city street in the town I lived.”
NHTSA complaint #11361986, filed 2020-09, 73,000 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“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“I pull a light weight 40' gooseneck trailer, and while driving I noticed the fuel mileage dropped tremendously and the coolant temp stayed around 220deg and I noticed a horrible loss of power which would not let me drive any faster than around 40-45mph! …”
NHTSA complaint #10555154, filed 2013-12, 12,000 miles“While driving the vehicle completely looses all power,press on the accelator and nothing and after about 6 seconds it's back to normal,,this has happened on the freeway and on city streets...I called chrysler about the problem and was told there was no recall and for me to take it in to the dealer and tell them about it,I took it in today and they checked for trouble codes and said there were none and no recalls were on the truck for that problem and there was nothing they could do about it...the truck is a diesel and only has 32000 miles...and has no warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10788785, filed 2015-11, 32,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034373Jun 17, 2026BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
- 11034337Jun 17, 2026BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
- 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…
- 10162500May 22, 2019Sensor-nitrous oxlde
- 10162499May 21, 2019Damper-Steering
- 10162498May 20, 2019Head-Cylinder
- 10162497May 20, 2019Head-Cylinder
- 10162520May 17, 2019Vehicles Eligible For CSN U07 And V08, V11 or V16 Important Update To U07 Dealer Instructions
- 10162495May 16, 2019Engine Oil- OW20
- 10162477May 15, 2019ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) Engineering is seeking information regarding OFA leaks. Questions/info can be directed to: Bob Jackson (248) 944-0466…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 35 | 10% |
| 2011 | 21 | 9% |
| 2010 | 17 | 11% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 11 | 6% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 1 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500
222 complaintsElectrical system
45 complaintsFuel system
40 complaintsSuspension
36 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