2012 RAM 3500 Problems: 4 Known Issues

2012 RAM 3500 Problems: 4 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls22 recalls

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Campaign #23V79900028/11/2023

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #24V19900014/03/2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #26V22500009/04/2026

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles equipped with a 3.5" cluster and column shifter. A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

Campaign #25V29700008/05/2025

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #25V76500006/11/2025

+ 17 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common RAM 3500 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,500+ owner reports, the 2012 RAM 3500 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing, Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure (6.7L Cummins), Front Hub Bearing Failure Under Heavy Load. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the RAM 3500 reliable?

The 2012 RAM 3500 has 4 known issues documented across 4,500+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common RAM 3500 problems?

Repair costs for known RAM 3500 issues range from $80 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing, typically costs $400-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2018 RAM 3500 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing?

The 2007-2018 RAM 3500 with the 68RFE 6-speed automatic transmission suffers from premature failure when towing heavy loads (over 10,000 lbs). The 68RFE is a derivative of the older 545RFE and was not adequately engineered for the torque output of the 6.7L Cummins. The overdrive… Repairs typically run $400-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure (6.7L Cummins)?

The exhaust manifold mounting studs on the 6.7L Cummins break due to repeated thermal expansion and contraction cycles. Broken studs allow the manifold to separate from the cylinder head, creating exhaust leaks that produce a ticking noise and reduce turbo efficiency. The center… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Front Hub Bearing Failure Under Heavy Load?

The front hub bearings (wheel bearing assemblies) in the RAM 3500 fail prematurely, particularly on trucks that carry heavy loads in the bed or tow heavy trailers. The factory hub bearings are adequate for unloaded driving but wear rapidly under sustained heavy GVWR/GCWR conditio… Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Grid Heater Relay Failure (6.7L Cummins)?

The intake grid heater relay fails, preventing the grid heater from warming intake air during cold starts. The grid heater draws significant current (up to 200 amps), and the relay contacts eventually burn and weld or fail open. Without the grid heater, cold-start performance deg… Repairs typically run $80-$250. Severity: medium.

2012 RAM 3500 Problems: 4 Known Issues

All 4 Known Issues

2007-2018 RAM 3500: 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2010-2025 RAM 3500: Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure (6.7L Cummins)#

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2010-2025 RAM 3500: Front Hub Bearing Failure Under Heavy Load#

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How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2010-2025 RAM 3500: Grid Heater Relay Failure (6.7L Cummins)#

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What you need to fix it

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Other RAM Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common RAM 3500 problems?

Is the RAM 3500 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common RAM 3500 problems?

What is the 2007-2018 RAM 3500 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing?

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure (6.7L Cummins)?

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Front Hub Bearing Failure Under Heavy Load?

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Grid Heater Relay Failure (6.7L Cummins)?