Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2012 Ram 2500
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 2012 Ram 2500, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 281 owner complaints are on file.
NCAP overall rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 109 complaints
- Electrical System 50 complaints
- Engine 43 complaints
- Power Train 35 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 24 complaints
- Suspension 22 complaints
Of the 281 complaints on file, 8 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 281 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $15,000–$30,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2012 Ram 2500 has an average reliability with 281 total complaints. The most reported issues are related to the steering, electrical system, and engine. The frequency and nature of complaints suggest careful attention should be given to these areas. However, lack of recall information limits precise evaluation.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| steering system | 80,000–120,000 miles | $400–$1,500 | common |
| electrical system | 70,000–110,000 miles | $300–$1,000 | common |
| engine | 90,000–140,000 miles | $500–$3,000 | common |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil change every 5,000 miles
- Brake inspection annually
- Tire rotation every 6,000 miles
- Coolant flush every 50,000 miles
- Transmission fluid change every 60,000 miles
- Air filter replacement annually
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Steering stiffness
- Electrical shorts
- Engine misfires
- Transmission slipping
- Fuel system leaks
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2012 Ram 2500 at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.