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: electrical system
175 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Jan 30, 2023, crash
Abs speed sensor not working causing the abs traction control and 4x4 not to work, also cruise control also won't work, truck spun out due to no abs and was stranded in winter condition not being able to use 4x4
Electrical system, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 10 attempts. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 15, 2023
My 2012 Dodge Ram shuts off or stalls for no apparent reason. Sometimes upon starting, while going down the freeway (at freeway speeds), as well as speeds in between, This has happened with my family in the vehicle and even when we are towing our stock trailer with animals inside. This is very scary for all of us and dangerous for all those on the round around us. While we have not been involved in any accidents, its just a matter of time. There is never any warning when this happens and it not only shuts off it looses power to everything. So times it catches its self and restarts, other times we have to manually restart the engine.
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2022
My truck has completly shut off on me while driving several times. The last time my truck shut off I was in 4 wd due to snow and ice and the truck shut down I lost steering and slid sideways. It was scary. I could have been seriously injured or hurt someone else due to a crash. I know the win module is the issue because if I just barely touch the key fob while its in the ignition my truck immediately shuts off. I have talked to the dealership and they said the win module failure is a common problem.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 25, 2022
Intermittent fault from the TIPM module. When slowing to a stop, or slowing to make a turn, the engine dies without warning resulting in loss of power steering and operability while in traffic. The only indication that the engine has died is the tachometer reads 0 RPM, loss of power steering, and the excelerator becomes inoperable. The radio, headlights, and A/C stay on during this. Coming to a complete stop and putting the truck into park (P) and turning the ignition to OFF and then restarting the truck resolves the problem, but on the highway this is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. This has been diagnosed as an intermittent fault derived from a faulty TIPM module and involves multiple RAM 1500, 2500, 3500 owners. Various issues of similar nature reported to dealerships and on forums.
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2022
Tipm malfunctions and stalls out vehicle. Will not crank back up and truck fries new Tipm within 5 months and stalls out driving down the road.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2022
I just received this truck, 2012 RAM 1500, from my uncle. Worked great for a couple of months but then started having issues with the engine stalling and losing power while driving. Then I would have issues getting it to start again. The last time I was stranded was at a friend's house and wasn't able to get it to start again. His cousin that works on cars initially determined it was a fuel pump issue because he could get it to start by spraying ethanol in the engine but wouldn't stay started. Then another friend of his inquired about the truck and he told him the issue. He knew of the known issue with the TIPM in this year/model truck which was a fuel pump relay issue. He was able to clean some contacts and got it to start again which allowed me to get it home. I did some research and it is widely known of this issue with the TIPM. There are even bypass cables you can get for a work around. I do consider this a safety issue since at any time it will stall while driving down the road including once on a highway.
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2022
Starting around 2020 when I moved to the new house and I constantly had to make a slow left turn underneath this underpass. I noticed that it would die every time. And I started noticing that it was a pattern because I have the blinker on the brake pressed and I turn the wheel the left that’s when it would die every time and I’ve had the gas pedal off I wouldn’t be giving any gas. I looked it up in several people have been having this issue since 2009 on all dodge trucks. Yes has put me in the ditch a few times I almost got hit a couple of times the probability and statistics are going to catch up and I can guarantee you I’m certain that somebody has had an accident because of this.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2022
While operating the vehicle at highway speed the vehicle shut off causing total loss of power. This happened on a road with speeds at 55 mph. It also occured while pulling into my driveway at a low speed, and i have had 3 occurences of the vehicle power "surging" at varied speeds. I had the fuel pump replaced, which did not remedy the problem. After hearing my fuel pump running with the vehicle shut off, i did some further research and found that the TIPM (toatally integrated power module) is the culprit and has been found to cause several other electrical system issues. Loss of power in a low speed scenario, such as turning left from one roadway to an intersecting road can cause the vehicle to be stranded in the middle of the road and place the stranded vehicle in the line of incoming traffic posing a serious risk for injury or death from a "T-Bone" motor vehicle crash.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2022
Failure of fuel pump relay on above listed 2012 Ram 1500 at 69,999 miles. Current repair requires replacement of entire TIPM module (at a cost of $1,000 to 2,000) as this relay is soldered to the circuit board deep inside the module, making it nearly impossible to cost effectively replace this critical $10.00 part. Of note, the TIPM installed in this vehicle has 10 slots (9 relays installed and 1 open slots) for "replaceable" relays under the cover. Of these replaceable relays at least 2 (blower motor and park lamp) are less critical with one empty slot available. Further a safety recall was issued in December of 2014 (Safety Recall P54/14V530 Fuel Pump Relay) for 2011 models of the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, but no other models despite that the same or very similar designed TIPM's are used in virtually all Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep vehicles along with many VW models. If this was a SAFETY ISSUE for select 2011 models, why not the other vehicles using the same or similar TIPM's. Further experience has shown that the Chrysler fix tends to have a high failure rate also. Suggestion: Recall all vehicles with TIPM's which have soldered in Relays, for replacement with a re-designed part which allows for all the relays that can be readily replaced. Further consideration in the design of a new part should include the minimization or elimination of multiple points of failure (is a relay really necessary on a circuit?).
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 5500. The contact stated that the service light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but parts were not ordered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to another local dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 12, 2022
Wireless ignition module fails to maintain connection with key fob inserted. Looses power on highway if I hit a bump. Dealer will not address the issue. Door locks are also now not functioning. Am assuming it is the trash TIPM in this 2012 ram 1500 chrysler installed. This whole 2012 ram should be recalled totally unsafe vehicle to have my 5 year old and 5 month old in.
Electrical system, Seats, Dec 11, 2021
Both airbag harnesses under the driver and passenger seat had to be replaced because of faulty connections that kept throwing air bag codes on dash display
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2021
TIPM is sending intermittent signal to fuel pump relay cause truck to stall at highway speeds.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 25, 2021
THE TRUCK STALLED OUT ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 60 MILES PER HOUR ALMOST GOT IN SERIOUS ACCIDENT. NO STEERING OR BRAKES. (COULD BE DEADLY). THIS ALSO HAPPENED AGAIN MAKING A RIGHT TURN THRU AN INTERSECTION. WAS TOLD IT IS SOMETHING TO DO WITH FUSE BOX TIPM TOTAL INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2021
THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT NOTICE EVEN WHILE DRIVING AND HAS TO BE RESTARTED IN ORDER TO MOVE AGAIN. FOR INSTANCE, I WAS DRIVING ALONG ON OR ABOUT 08/02/2021 AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF BY ITSELF WHILE I WAS DRIVING CAUSING ME TO ALMOST GET REAR ENDED. THE COMPONANT HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND FOUND FAULTY. THE OTHER SYMPTOMS ARE PROBLEMS LOCKING DOORS AND OPENING WINDOWS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2021
THE TRUCK SHUTS DOWN WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING, NO CODES COME UP,YOU STILL HAVE RADIO PLAYING AND AIR, ITS LIKE YOU TURNED IT OFF ,IT DOES START BACK, THIS HAPPENS RANDOM, I WAS LUCKY AN ACCIDENT HASN'T OCCURRED YET, I BELIEVE IT'S THE IGNITION SWITCH,I ALSO NOTICED THAT IF YOU TOUCH THE KEY IT WILL SHUT OFF BUT STILL BE IN THE OPERATION MODE
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2021
THEIR IS A RECALL ON CHRYSLER VECHICLES 2008 THROUGH 2010 THE WIRELESS IGNITION NODE (WIN) MODULE ON YOUR VEHICLE MAY HAVE UNINTENTIONAL MOVEMENT OF THE FREQUENCY OPERATED BUTTON IGNITION KEY (FOBIK) FROM THE 'ON' TO THE 'ACCESSORY' POSITION WHILE DRIVING. THIS COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ENGINE SHUT OFF AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. INITIALLY MY 2012 DODGE RAM 1500, HAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM THE IGNITION (WIN )HAS PLAY IN THE SWITCH , PROBLEM WITH INTERMITTENT START , MECHANIC HAS TO WIGGLE KEY , OR TURN HARD TO START , SAYS WIN NEEDS REPLACING , ONLINE I HAVE SEEN THAT THIS IS A TYPICAL PROBLEM OF THIS YEAR OF DODGE RAM, SEVERAL POSTS OF THIS ISSUE.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 4, 2021
THE FUEL PUMP REMAINS RUNNING AFTER VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 23, 2021
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND AT SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY, INTERSTATE, OR STREET OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF CAUSING NO LIGHTS IF OPERATING AT NIGHT TIME AND NO POWER STEERING AND GAUGE CLUSTER IS ALSO OFF. AFTER PULLING OVER AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE AND JIGGLING THE IGNITION KEY AND TURNING IGNITION KEY TO START THE VEHICLE THEN IT WILL START AND RUN NORMALLY UNTIL THE NEXT INCIDENT ACCRUES. I HAVE FOUND THAT THE IGNITION ON THESE PARTICULAR VEHICLES GO BAD FOR WHATEVER REASON AND LOSE CONTACT WHICH TURNS THE VEHICLE OFF WHILE DRIVING AT ANYTIME. ON MY VEHICLE IT DOESN'T ACCRUE ALL THE TIME BUT ENOUGH TO MAKE IT VERY UNSAFE. MY VEHICLE JUST TURNED 59,000 MILES AND HAVEN'T HAD ANY ISSUES UNTIL NOW.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 14, 2021
POWER WINDOWS WORKED WEN THEY WANTED TO . WHILE DRIVING ALL WARNING LIGHTS WOULD FLASH ON IN THE CLUSTER LIKE I TURNED THE KEY OFF THEN ON . TRUCK KEPT RUNNING . STARTED GETTING HARD TO START . ONCE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING LIKE IT WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS . NOW IT DOESN'T START AT ALL . HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE TIPM . I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE RAM TRUCKS .
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2021
WITH THE COLD WEATHER, IT'S NOT CRANKING. I HAD A NEW BATTERY AND STARTER INSTALLED AND IT STILL DOESN'T CRANK UNLESS IT'S IN NEUTRAL AND I PRESS THE FUEL PEDDLE. IF IT SETS FOR TOO LONG IN COLD, I HAVE TO REPEAT THE PROCESS AND NO LONGER AM ABLE TO USE REMOTE START AND SOMETIMES HAVE TO BE JUMPED OFF.
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jan 21, 2021
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON AND MY HORN OR CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. NOT SURE IF I GOT IN AN ACCIDENT THAT MY AIR BAG WOULD ACTUALLY DEPLOY.. THINKING IT IS A CLOCK SPRING ISSUE.. HAD A RECALL ON MY 2011 WRANGLER AND SAME THING WAS HAPPENING TO THAT VEHICLE ALSO..THIS HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER I STARTED THE VEHICLE AFTER WORK TODAY.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 28, 2020
MY 2012 RAM 1500 IS EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE WIN MODULE AND WILL SHUT OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME. IT WILL SOMETIMES NOT START AND IT HAS DIED ON ME ON THE INTERSTATE RUNNING 55MPH+. THE WIN MODULE HAS BEEN RECALLED ON OTHER MODELS OF CHRYSLER DODGE MODELS BUT NOT THE RAM. IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE OFTEN TIMES I HAVE MY CHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE AND I LOOSE STEERING WHEN IT SHUTS OFF. I'VE READ IN NUMEROUS FORUMS AND TALKED WITH OTHER WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AND HAVE GOTTEN NO WHERE WITH GETTING IT FIXED. I WOULD LIKE THIS SAFETY ISSUE TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE ME AND MY CHILDREN OR SOMEONE ELSE IS SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS SIMPLE YET VERY EXPENSIVE FIX AT OWNERS COST.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 21, 2020
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION OR NOT WORK. DRIVER SIDE LOCK, RADIO, POWER TO ENGINE STALLING. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS THE RELAY FUSE COMPARTMENT UNDER THE HOOD.