2012 Dodge RAM 3500: sudden loss of power

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 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 May 1, 2023 · Electrical · MN

Vehicle will, at random, completely lose all power while driving unexpectedly. There seems to be no cause that precipitates this loss of power. During the night, it is extremely dangerous, because the lights and everything go out.

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 Oct 24, 2019 · Transmission · 94,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 3500. While driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal noise occurred, the vehicle lost power, and became uncontrollable. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road and noticed that the transfer case shattered and was on the ground. Also, the front and rear driveshafts were detached. The vehicle was towed to a transmission shop where it was diagnosed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 118,000 miles · SD

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.*dt 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.

Filed Mar 4, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 195,000 miles · WY

Win modules and/or ignition switch randomly turns engine off and all electronics including trailer brake controls. Vehicle loss of power brakes and power steering. Loss of trailer brake controls. I was driving pulling a 10,000lbs. Trailer and truck was near impossible to stop. I was driving down the highway. Glad I wasn't driving around pedestrians, and no traffic, or driving into a city rush hour like I usually am. Now I don't pull a trailer anymore with this truck because I'm scared of smashing someone or something. A lot of people use these trucks as commercial vehicles and towing and this needs addresses before someone gets hurt or killed. *dt*jb *dt

Filed Oct 26, 2018 · Electrical · 11,694 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 3500. The contact stated that there was a sudden loss of power while driving various speeds and hauling a trailer. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer (value ford & chrysler, 205 state hwy 9, morris, mn 56267, (800) 568-5431) stated that there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and also indicated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The VIN and failure mileage were not available. *tt VIN is not valid updated 12/12/18*jb

Filed Apr 23, 2018 · 158,000 miles · TX

After stopping at stop sign, vehicle turned off after hitting bump at 10mph in intersection. Key came loose in ignition. Vehicle lost power breaks and power steering. Vehicle was difficult to restart. There are no, nor has there been any keys or weight added to key since purchase in early 2016.

Filed Feb 8, 2018 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · OR

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.

Filed Nov 15, 2016 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 3500. While driving various speeds, the key was engaged in the ignition. The contact inadvertently touched the key and the vehicle lost power. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, but the key had to be held in various positions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Nov 10, 2015 · Airbags, Electrical · 194,322 miles · ND

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and all the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that it needed to be repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v459000 (air bags). The dealer did not schedule an appointment for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 194,322.