2012 Dodge RAM 3500 engine problems

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 259,500 miles · OH · fire

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. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 259,500.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AK

Driving my 2012 dodge ram 3500, just as I was crossing one of the busiest intersections in my town my truck lost all power and dropped from 35mph to 5 mph. Barley made it acrossed and pulled over. As soon as I pulled over the engine light comes on, checked code, and U010C lost coms with turbo actuator comes up. Turned truck off and rest code and everything back to normal. About a week later it happened again, luckily not as busy of a spot. Called dealer and soonest appointment was in April. Meanwhile I look up code and see hundreds of post for same issue, bad actuator replace. 28 years as a diesel mechanic for the military, so I found the part online and ordered. Replaced the actuator, drove about 50 miles, light comes back on. Finally get my appointment with dealer and they say my turbo is bad, they want $8k to fix. I ordered the turbo and replaced it myself along with another actuator, test drove. Light still comes on but have not lost power yet?? Dealer is not helping. This is a major issue that is all over the internet! The truck just goes to limp and your in the middle of traffic. If this has not caused an accident it’s only a matter of time before it does. The dealer ship just wants to replace big parts for lots of money. I’m already $2500 into this and still having an issue

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Airbags, Engine · NC

This truck has had to have several high temp burnoffs because of failures in the EGR and Carbon build up. The recent recall for Rams does not cover the 2012, and began at 2013, however, we are experiencing the same exact issues with the same type of system. In addition, we have had repeated airbag issues due to the positioning of the cockspring and wiring getting choked out.

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 202,000 miles · TX

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 202,000.

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OR

The wireless ignition module loses connection internally and the truck will lose power while driving. It usually happens when hitting a small bump and the key in the ignition moves. Truck loses electrical power which shuts the engine off which means loss of power steering and brakes.

Filed Oct 20, 2021 · Engine · AZ

Break down of high pressure fuel pump causing lose of power and complete replacement of the fuel system

Filed Dec 10, 2020 · Engine · 87,196 miles · MT

Water pump failure, vehicle equipped with a concentric water pump with no weephole. Same concern as t51 water pump recall affecting 2013-2017 ram trucks with 6.7 diesel engine. This vehicle built 12/2012 but is considered a 2012 not a 2013. Current recall applies to 2013 models built after oct 24th 2012.

Filed Nov 14, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 56,500 miles · MI · fire

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. Harness was glowing orange all the way from the firewall to the fuse box (power distribution module) next to battery. Went into garage to get wrenches and fire extinguisher. Disconnected driver side battery but the electrical harness was still glowing orange and smoking. Next, disconnected auxiliary battery on passenger side and wiring harness stopped glowing and burning. Truck was parked in driveway, in front of garage, next to the house. Keys were not in the vehicle at the time. Vehicle was parked and not running at the time. Vehicle had not been started or driven for approximately 2 weeks prior to the spontaneous thermal event. Vehicle had approximately 56,500 miles at time of thermal event. Massive short circuit appears to have originated in the fuse box (power distribution module) under the hood, causing all wires leading out of the module to short circuit, causing massive and total electrical system failure. Reference the federal safety agency complaints: 10926543 ' november 16, 2016 11084301 ' april 10, 2018 11142816 ' october 26, 2018

Filed Sep 30, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 73,000 miles · ME

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.

Filed Jul 28, 2020 · Engine · 37,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to griffin chrysler dodge jeep ram (1121 s main st, jefferson, wi 53549) where the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the water pump bearing was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v562000 (engine and engine cooling) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.*ln*jb *js*dt consumer stated engine and water pump both subject to a recall but vehicle was not included in the recall.