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2012 RAM 5500

9 recalls Risk Grade: A Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #17V821000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The column shift lever in your vehicle is the part that lets you switch gears. In certain models, the brake pedal can get stuck in the down position, which can cause the gearshift to stick in the 'P' position without your control.
Risk if Unfixed
If the gearshift is stuck in 'P' but you're not pressing the brake pedal, you could accidentally shift the transmission into gear and the vehicle could roll away, which could cause an accident or injury.
Free Fix
Your dealer will update the vehicle software, check the gearshift mechanism, and replace it if needed – all at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #14V635000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Manufacturer
Chrysler Group LLC
What Happened
The diesel fuel heater in your Ram truck is a component that helps your engine warm up in cold weather. It's connected to the engine by a special wire harness.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wire harness gets too hot, it could melt and cause fuel to leak. This could lead to a fire, which is a serious safety risk.
Free Fix
Your Chrysler dealer will upgrade the wire harness with a new, more heat-resistant connector and inspect the fuel heater for any signs of leaks. If there's a problem, they'll replace the fuel heater as well – all free of charge.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #13V527000 Plain English
Component

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
Chrysler Group LLC
What Happened
The tie rod assembly in your RAM 4500 or 5500 truck is a critical part that helps steer your vehicle. It's like a strong, flexible arm that connects the steering wheel to the wheels.
Risk if Unfixed
If the tie rod assembly breaks, you could lose control of your vehicle's steering, which could cause a crash.
Free Fix
Your Chrysler dealer will replace the tie rod assembly with a new one, free of charge. You'll also have the option to have your vehicle repurchased at its fair market value plus 10%, or to receive an incentive towards purchasing a new vehicle.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 20, 2007, through December 22, 2012. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
On May 19, 2015 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. 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 R16.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #13V344000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Manufacturer
Chrysler Group LLC
What Happened
The transmission in your RAM 3500/4500/5500 truck is the system that helps your vehicle move forward. Inside, a small metal ring called a snap ring helps keep the gears in place. In some 2012 models, this ring might be loose, which could cause problems.
Risk if Unfixed
If the snap ring fails, you could lose power to the wheels while driving, making it harder to control your vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the entire transmission assembly with a new one, at no cost to you. This is a free repair, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An unexpected loss of power transfer may increase the risk of a crash.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #13V239000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
Chrysler Group LLC
What Happened
The front axle assembly in your RAM 4500 or 5500 truck is the part that connects your wheels to your transmission. There was a problem with how it was welded, which could cause the front drive shaft to break.
Risk if Unfixed
If the drive shaft breaks, it could cause a loss of power to your wheels, making it harder to control your truck and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace or repair the front axle assembly with a new one that's safe and reliable — at no cost to you. You'll be notified when the repair is ready, and you should schedule it right away.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured February 2, 2012, to December 22, 2012. Due to a welding issue with the front axle carrier, the front drive shaft may fracture and result in a loss of motive power and damage to surrounding components if the shaft continues to spin.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Damage to other components, or sudden loss of drive power may increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace or repair the front axle assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N26.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V398000 Plain English
Component

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
What Happened
The lug nuts on your RAM truck are tightened with the help of a special manual, but there's a mistake in that manual that could lead to a serious problem.
Risk if Unfixed
If the manual is followed incorrectly, the lug nuts could be tightened too tightly, which could break the wheel stud and cause your wheel to come loose while driving. This could lead to a serious crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will update the manual to show the correct lug nut tightening instructions, and they'll also inspect your wheel studs to make sure they're safe. If any studs need to be replaced, they'll do that for free, too.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15V459000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The part in question is the steering wheel wiring harness in your Ram truck. It's what connects the airbag to the rest of the electrical system, but it might be rubbing against a metal spring and causing a problem.
Risk if Unfixed
If this issue isn't fixed, it could cause your airbag to deploy unexpectedly while you're driving. This could lead to serious injury and a higher risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect the wiring harness, fix any damage, and add protective caps to the airbag retainer spring to prevent further issues. This repair is completely free, and you should schedule it as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #16V739000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The alternator in your vehicle is the component that recharges your battery while you're driving. In certain models, a 220 amp alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk if Unfixed
If the alternator fails, your vehicle could stall without warning, making it hard to control. It could also cause an electrical short that might lead to a fire.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the old alternator with a revised one, completely free of charge. You'll receive a notification with next steps.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #17V824000 Plain English
Component

EQUIPMENT

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The fire extinguisher in your vehicle is designed to help put out small fires in an emergency. In certain models, the extinguisher's nozzle can become clogged or detach, making it harder to use or even causing injury.
Risk if Unfixed
If the fire extinguisher doesn't work as it should, it could lead to serious injuries in the event of a fire. You could be at risk of burns or other harm if you can't put out the fire quickly.
Free Fix
Your dealer will instruct you to contact Kidde to get a new, improved fire extinguisher – free of charge. You should schedule this replacement as soon as possible to ensure your safety.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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