RECALLS — MAKE · MODEL · YEAR
2012 RAM 3500 recalls
21 safety recall campaigns have been filed for the 2012 RAM 3500 with Transport Canada and the U.S. NHTSA. Here is what both agencies say.
- Canadian recalls
- 12
- U.S. recalls
- 09
- Total campaigns
- 21
Transport Canada recalls
12- Label#2024548
314,717 units affected
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
- Wheels#2021336
30,899 units affected
Issue: On certain pickup and chassis-cab trucks, the owner's manual and service manual list the wrong torque specification for the wheel nuts. As a result, some trucks may have had the lug nuts over-tightened during servicing. This can damage the wheel studs and, over time, they could break. If this happens, a wheel could separate from the truck. Note: This recall only affects trucks equipped with dual rear wheels and flanged lug nuts. Safety Risk: A wheel separation could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. A wheel that separates could also hit another person or vehicle. Corrective Action: FCA Canada will contact owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to a dealer to inspect and replace the wheel studs, as necessary. They will also provide an update for the torque specification listed in the owner's manual.
- Other#2019420
5,327 units affected
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
- Accessories#2017663
7,391 units affected
On certain vehicles equipped with the Roadside Emergency Kit containing a Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate. Also, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury, and fail to discharge. In case of fire, failure of the extinguisher to function could result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the suspect Kidde fire extinguisher with a new Kidde fire extinguisher with a steel nozzle. For more information about recalled fire extinguishers, please visit <a href="https://inmarmarketaction.com/kidde/Kidde284CA/">www.kidde.com</a>.
- Powertrain#2017659
290,200 units affected
On certain vehicles equipped with a steering column gear shifter, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) may become inoperative. This could allow the steering column gear shifter lever to be shifted out of the PARK (P) position without depressing the service brake pedal or having the key in the ignition, which could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the BTSI as necessary. The Body Control Module (BCM) will also be updated.
- Electrical#2016500
10,077 units affected
On certain vehicles equipped with a 220 amp alternator, frequent load cycling at the rated amperage capacity and particularly in hot ambient conditions could cause the alternator to develop a short, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire. If a short develops in the alternator while the vehicle is being driven, it could also result in the engine stalling, causing a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Both situations could increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the alternator.
- Accessories#2016214
42 units affected
*** This notice is provided for information purposes only as the subject equipment is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act *** Certain Mopar canvas seat covers, sold as aftermarket parts, may not be compatible with vehicles equipped with seat thorax airbags and could impede deployment. This could increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant in a side impact crash where seat thorax airbag deployment is warranted. Correction: FCA Canada will notify owners who may have purchased the Mopar Canvas Seat Covers, and advise them to remove the covers and return them for a refund.
- Airbag#2015330
235,925 units affected
On certain vehicles equipped with Electronic Vehicle Information Centers, the steering wheel wiring harness may wear against the driver frontal airbag retainer spring, potentially resulting in an electrical short which could cause unintended driver frontal airbag deployment. Unintended airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could result in injury and increase the risk of a vehicle crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will secure the wiring harness and add protective caps to the retainer spring.
- Fuel System#2014449
59,432 units affected
On certain vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines, an electrical connection at the fuel heater could overheat, potentially rendering the heater inoperative and causing a fuel leak and fuel odour. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the fuel heater, and replace it if required, as well as replace the fuel heater wiring harness electrical connector.
- Steering#2013397
48,517 units affected
On certain 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will install a redesigned left outer tie rod assembly. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2011-253 (L16). Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.
- Steering#2013396
6,674 units affected
Certain Ram 4500 and 5500 four wheel drive vehicles may experience a fracture of the ball stud on the left outer tie rod assembly, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: As an interim repair, dealers will align the left tie rod end. Dealers will install a redesigned left outer tie rod assembly once parts are available. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2010-465 (K28). Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.
- Powertrain#2013270
6 units affected
On certain vehicles, the snap ring on the automatic transmission’s primary clutch drum could move out of position, which could cause a sudden loss of power transfer. Loss of vehicle propulsion, in conjunction with traffic, road conditions and the driver’s reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the transmission assembly.
Canadian data updated August 24, 2026
U.S. NHTSA recalls
09- WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS#21V398000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
- EQUIPMENT#17V824000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT#17V821000
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR#16V739000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
- EQUIPMENT#16E041000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
Risk: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL#15V459000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.
Risk: This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL#14V635000
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
- STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY#13V529000
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall remedy program due to parts quality concerns, and then re-initiated it on or about April 14, 2014. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N49.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION#13V344000
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.
Does this recall apply to my vehicle?
Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.
What to do
Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer in both countries. To confirm a recall applies to your specific vehicle, or to book the work, contact your manufacturer or dealer with your full VIN, or use the official channel:
- NHTSA recall lookup (search by VIN) — U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Defects and recalls database — Transport Canada
Check a 2012 RAM 3500 VIN
A VIN decode confirms your vehicle's exact model year, trim and assembly plant, then runs this same recall check against it.