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2012 Dodge RAM 3500 transmission problems

28 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 73,000.

owner complaints
28
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
73,000
crashes
0
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Axle assembly
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge RAM 3500 transmission problems in other years

19921995200020052012

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported December 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (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 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Recall number 17V821000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported August 6, 2013 · 85 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler 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 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured May 3, 2012, through August 7, 2012. Due to a loose snap ring inside the transmission, there may be a loss of power transfer through the transmission to the wheels.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power transfer may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N50.

Recall number 13V344000 · Recall details

What 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 Feb 14, 2025 · Suspension, Transmission · 215,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 55 MPH, the contact became aware that the vehicle was not exceeding 55 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to the destination. The vehicle was parked; however, upon inspection, the contact became aware that there were damages on top of the front driver’s side ball joint, the rear driver’s side axle leaf spring shackle, and the driver’s side overload spring. Additionally, there were metal fragments found in the engine oil, and a diagnostic scan retrieved DTC: P0087, P0471, U029D. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.

Filed May 21, 2024 · Transmission · GA

Valve body issue

Filed Jan 14, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · 5,000 miles · KY

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. ??

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 May 8, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 161,000 miles · TX

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/the federal safety agency 14v‑373.

Filed Dec 30, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 141,000 miles · UT

While driving check engine light came on, took it to the mechanic shows multiple fault codes. Mechanic and dealer cannot find cause of codes. Replaced every sensor and computer 2 times still has the same codes.

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 Feb 21, 2019 · Transmission · 54,000 miles · MT

Differential out, 54,000 miles, either faulty workmanship or faulty parts.

Questions about the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 transmission

Does the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the transmission of the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500, 8% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 73,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 transmission?

Yes, 2 recalls: 17V821000, 13V344000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge RAM 3500 have bad transmission?

The Dodge RAM 3500 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2004 (64 complaints), 2005 (32 complaints) and 2012 (28 complaints).

Other 2012 Dodge RAM 3500 problems

Steering 222Electrical 45Engine 44Fuel system 40Suspension 36Airbags 15Wheels 15Brakes 14Lights 11Body 5Visibility 5Acceleration 3Tires 3Driver assistance 2

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