2012 Dodge RAM 3500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 222about this part
- Share
- 61%of 366 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,750miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 222 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500, 61% of the 366 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,750 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“We were turning around in a parking lot when we heard a bang come from the front of the truck. The steering wheel then had no resistance, we then put the truck in park, exited the vehicle, saw that the lower end of the steering drag link ball joint had sheared off. Then we parked the vehicle and waited for a tow.”
NHTSA complaint #11182278, filed 2019-02, 143,500 miles“While travelling down the highway at approximately 70 MPH, I crossed over a small overpass that went over a stream. At the transition point of the pavement to bridge, the front end started shaking uncontrollably. I could barely hold the wheel and guide the truck to the side of the road. I had to slow down to approximately 10-15 MPH before I was able gain control.”
NHTSA complaint #10924532, filed 2016-11, 41,000 miles“While driving 72 MPH with cruise control on, I hit a bump in the road and the truck started shaking violently, I thought I was going to lose control. I hit the brakes and headed to the shoulder to get off of the busy interstate. When I slowed down, all of a sudden the shaking stopped and I continued on my way.”
NHTSA complaint #10851868, filed 2016-03, 64,500 miles“I received a recall notice in january about the left tie rod ball stud possibly breaking. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that my vehicle was in need of this repair but that they did not currently have the parts. It has now been over six months and I still have not heard any word from the dealer that they have the parts to do this needed repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10606138, filed 2014-06, 20,000 miles“Highway driving mostly. Going through tires. Tires keep getting chopped. We haul heavy loads and worry the vehicle is not safe for the type of business we do. But we can't get rid of it because of all this recall. The previous owner had part of the recall addressed but we still feel the vehicle is not safe. We see signs of wear and damage that should not be. Like the chopped tires.”
NHTSA complaint #10780060, filed 2015-10, 95,000 milesRelated recalls
- 13V529000Nov 6, 2013Chrysler 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…Covers: Dodge RAM 3500 2008–2012, RAM 2500 2008–2012, RAM 1500 2008
Related service bulletins
- 10151698Oct 28, 2015Title 68245351AB: Switch - Steering Wheel Lt Start Date: 10/27/2015 7:00 AM End Date Message You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 222 | 61% |
| 2011 | 164 | 73% |
| 2010 | 92 | 61% |
| 2009 | 69 | 66% |
| 2008 | 94 | 54% |
| 2007 | 88 | 42% |
| 2006 | 75 | 29% |
| 2005 | 61 | 31% |
| 2004 | 41 | 19% |
| 2003 | 37 | 13% |
| 2002 | 8 | 18% |
| 2001 | 17 | 13% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 11 | 11% |
| 1998 | 8 | 8% |
| 1997 | 10 | 8% |
| 1996 | 10 | 8% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 7 | 10% |
| 1993 | 4 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500
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 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