MotorDeets

Dodge Ram 4500 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Ram 4500 from 2008 to 2012: 38 owner complaints and 20 recalls across 5 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (14), 2008 (10), 2012 (10).

Dodge Ram 4500
Photo: Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Steering26
Suspension6
Transmission & drivetrain5
Electrical3
Brakes3
Engine & cooling2
Fuel system (diesel)2
Brakes (hydraulic)1

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2008310–
200934–
201010–
2011414–
2012910–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Dodge Ram 4500.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Dodge Ram 4500?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (14), 2008 (10), 2012 (10).

How many recalls has the Dodge Ram 4500 had?

Across 2008–2012, NHTSA lists 20 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).