2012 Dodge RAM 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 8%of 366 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500, 8% of the 366 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are 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“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 uphill I incurred lose of power to the rear wheels. It gave a small shake and I lost power causing my RPM to raise. Pulled the truck over onto side of road and checked for any possible leaks or damage and notice none. While driving the truck again I only had first gear. There is a recall by Dodge referenced as the n50 and Dodge is telling me this does not pertain to my pickup however, the symptoms in my truck are the same as the n50 recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11071819, filed 2018-02, 160,000 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“Turned key on, put gear selector into n position. Allowed truck to roll forward, downhill 12 . Tried to put into park and it continued to roll down the driveway. I had started to open the door to get out as it started to roll. Tried several times to put it into park by several different methods, I.e. Engine running, not running, reversed prior steps etc. Repair shop said something is broken inside the transmission. They stated it will have to be torn apart to find the problem, most likely a complete rebuild? We just got back from a vacation hauling a 38' 17,000# 5th wheel rv. …”
NHTSA complaint #10730440, filed 2015-06, 101,800 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 3500 2010–2012, Ram 1500 2009, 2013–2017, 2500 2013–2017 +7 more
- 13V344000Aug 6, 2013Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 3500 trucks manufactured May 4, 2012, through August 7, 2012; and model year 2012 RAM…Covers: Dodge RAM 3500 2012, RAM 5500 2012, RAM 4500 2012
Related service bulletins
- 11012318Dec 19, 2024Seal - output shaft
- 11012314Dec 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
- 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 | 28 | 8% |
| 2011 | 9 | 4% |
| 2010 | 8 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 10 | 6% |
| 2007 | 14 | 7% |
| 2006 | 22 | 9% |
| 2005 | 32 | 16% |
| 2004 | 64 | 30% |
| 2003 | 26 | 9% |
| 2002 | 5 | 11% |
| 2001 | 14 | 11% |
| 2000 | 8 | 14% |
| 1999 | 22 | 21% |
| 1998 | 19 | 18% |
| 1997 | 26 | 21% |
| 1996 | 19 | 15% |
| 1995 | 19 | 18% |
| 1994 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500
222 complaintsElectrical system
45 complaintsFuel system
40 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsEngine
35 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 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