2012 Ram 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 697 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 32 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 27 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingMar 8, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.
If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.
Campaign 18V160000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentDec 21, 2017
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
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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.
Campaign 17V824000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftDec 20, 2017
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V821000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentMay 16, 2016
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16E041000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 22, 2015
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V459000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, differential unitFeb 6, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, 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 N08.
Campaign 13V038000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsMay 2, 2012
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 RAM 1500 TRUCKS, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 2012 THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2012. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE A SPARE TIRE THAT DOES NOT MATCH THE SPECIFICATIONS LISTED ON THE TIRE PLACARD. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.
IF INSTALLED, THE INCORRECTLY SIZED SPARE TIRE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM, ALTERING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ESC SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR VEHICLES AS NECCESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 12V192000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
80 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Sep 26, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT FELT AN ABNORMAL JOLT IN THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP, BUT A CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MODERATE STIFFNESS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 7, 2018
VEHICLE WILL NOT COME OUT OF CRUISE BY SWITCH OR SOMETIMES NOT BY BRAKE ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S BEEN RAINING. NO ACTION. WHEN VEHICLE IS IN HIGHWAY ABOVE 60 MILES /HR.
Air bags, Jun 26, 2018
TAKATA RECALL - DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET IN WESTPORT WA. UNKNOWN FAULTY AIRBAG DUE TO MOISTURE AND SALT IN THE AIR
Air bags, Jun 14, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK A WALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEN FLIPPED OVER ONTO ITS ROOF. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PERFORMED AN INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. *TT *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 6, 2018
MFG RECALL # T79 AND NHTSA # 17V-821 ALSO THIRD REAR CAB BRAKE LIGHT IS LEAKING INTO THE CAB WHICH CAN LEAK INTO AIRBAGS, MAY CAUSE A MALFUNCTION DUE TO CORROSION.
Air bags, Dec 28, 2017
TAKATA INFLATORS. WHEN I START MY TRUCK THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON FOR AWHILE THEN IT GOES OFF. IT CAN COME ON AT ANYTIME , STARTING IT UP OR IN MOTION .I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP WERE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK, BUT THEY TELL ME THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS TO BE ON WHEN I BRING IT IN, OR THEY CAN'T RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. IT SEEMS EVERY TIME I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP THE LIGHT INCONVENIENTLY GOES OFF. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR ABOUT 6MO , OFF AND ON.
Air bags, Dec 9, 2017, crash
VEHICLE STRUCK HIGHWAY GUARD RAIL IN CRASH WHILE WE WERE IN MOTION. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
Electrical system, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 31, 2017
ELECTRICAL, AIRBAG SENSOR TO LEFT SIDE, ABG, ANTISKID SENSORS, FOLLOWING CODES BOO2013, BOO2813, B105892, C1020, C2100, U1417, PO441.
Air bags, Service brakes, Jun 22, 2017
FRONT, RIGHT SIDE BRAKES I.E. ROTOR AND CALIPERS FAULTY AFTER ONLY 35,000 MILES. VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND BRAKE COMPONENTS BEGAN TO SMOKE ON JUNE 20, 2017 WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE IS USED FOR GENERAL DRIVING AND NEVER USED FOR PAYLOADS HEAVIER THAN 500 POUNDS NOR USED TO PULL A TRAILER.#
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR CAMERA APPEARED ON WHILE DRIVING. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE GEAR INDICATORS ILLUMINATED GREEN, BUT THE REVERSE GEAR ILLUMINATED RED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
Air bags, Jan 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,430. UPDATED 03/03/17*LJ *CN
Air bags, Jan 10, 2017
THE FIX FOR THIS DANGEROUS RECALL IS TAKING WAY TO LONG TO COME UP WITH A FIX FOR THIS TYPE OF A DANGEROUS PROBLEM. MANY MORE INJURIES WILL HAPPEN AND POSSIBLY MORE LIVES WILL BE LOST OR PEOPLE MAIMED.I URGE YOU TO PUSH THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURE COME UP WITH A FIX OR REPLACE THESE DANGEROUS VEHICLES. AT FULL REPLACEMENT PRICE.
Air bags, Nov 16, 2016
2012 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO REPAIR RECALL NOTICE 15V-459. *SMD
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2016, crash
2012 DODGE RAM 1500 WAS IN AN ACCIDENT SUSTAINING MODERATE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. SPEED LIMIT AT THE TIME OF IMPACT IS ESTIMATED TO BE OVER 10 MPH AND THE AIRBAGS DIDNT DEPLOY NOR ARE THERE ANY WARNINGS LIGHTS. BASED ON THE LOCATION OF THE DAMAGES AND THE FRAME SHIFTED, SHOULDNT THE AIRBAGS HAVE DEPLOYED?
Suspension, Air bags, Structure, Oct 13, 2016, crash
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTY ROAD, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN IN FRONT OF ME I SWERVED AND THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE OFF THE ROAD AND IMPACTED HEAD ON TO OTHER SIDE OF THE DRAINAGE DITCH OFF THE ROAD. MY AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED AND MY HEAD IMPACTED THE STEERING WHEEL.
Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 13, 2016
TAKATA INFLATORS, AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AFTER ENGINE IS CRANKED. LIGHT STAYS ON AS LONG AS ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Air bags, Sep 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jun 16, 2016
MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR ABOUT A DAY THEN WENT OFF. AT THE SAME TIME I NOTICE THE BACK SEAT DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK BY USING THE KEY FOB OR AUTO DOOR LOCKS. SINCE THEN, THE DOOR LOCKS WORK BUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. HOOKED UP A DIAGNOSTIC AND SHOWS NO ERRORS. TRUCK ONLY HAS 30K MILES AND WARRANTY IS OUT. I DO HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT FEEL THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AT THIS LOW MILEAGE.
Air bags, Jun 9, 2016, crash
TAKATA RECALL. I WAS INJURED IN A COLLISION. I WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED INJURING MY HEAD. I ENDED UP UNCONSCIOUS. 12 STITCHES TO MY HEAD AND A TBI (TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY). THE WRECK OCCURRED ON FEBRUARY 17, 2016 ON A RURAL ROAD HEADING TOWARD TOWN.
Steering, Fuel system, Diesel, Air bags, Engine, May 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V529000 (STEERING), 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL), AND 15V459000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Mar 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V459000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Mar 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V459000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Mar 7, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V459000 (AIR BAGS) BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Mar 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V459000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 04/22/2016*LJ *TR
Air bags, Feb 22, 2016
S-10 DIRECT REPLY- REQUESTING ASSISTANCE WITH A FAULTY AIRBAG IN A 2012 DODGE RAM TRUCK. * LD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THEE MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WOULD BE FIXED. HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $ 106.40 BECAUSE THE AIR BAG IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAD BEEN TAMPERED WITH. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A WEIGHT SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. HOWEVER, IT WAS DETERMINED THE VEHICLE DID COME EQUIPPED WITH A WEIGHT SENSOR, BUT THE ORIGINAL SEAT HAD BEEN REMOVED. *JB