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: engine
170 reports, newest first. Show all
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, 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?).
Engine, Jun 26, 2022
I believe there should be a recall by Dodge on their Dodge 1500 Laramie Longhorn with the 5.7 Hemi engines. It's really the Hemi exhaust manifold that is the problem. I have this ticking noise which hundreds if not thousands of others also have. Copied from the Internet ** (Broken or loose exhaust manifold bolts (this is the most common answer). I've had my truck diagnosed and this is what they say is bad. They will not fix it for no charge. The fix is close to and/or over $1,000. Good reason for the to not admit it's their problem. There should definitely be a Class Action Lawsuit against Dodge. This is a very common problem and because hundreds if not thousands of engines have this issue it should be a RECALL issue. I would hope your organization could do something about this. I don't think it's fair that their mechanical problems they caused are my costly problems. I'll pay for wear and tear and things I've done to my car but they should stand up and take responsibility of their manufactures defects. Please help. [XXX] P.s. Not sure of the date this started but it had about 40,000 miles. Now has 69,000. I've been driving it this way for sometime now but would like to get it fixed. Dodge is denying my request to have them pay for it. We hope you have some clout to get this issue resolved not only for me but for hundreds of others. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2022
Engine ticking heavily and diminishes some when engine warms up. Vehicle dies randomly while driving and loss of power steering and assisted breaking. Almost had an accident while turning a corner and vehicle died.
Engine, Apr 1, 2022
2012 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS.
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.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 10, 2021
Exiting the freeway the truck vibrated and shut off going 55 mph, no brakes, no power steering going into a curve. I managed to keep it on the road and had it Towed to nearest dealership where they were able to diagnose the problem immediately and I was told that this is a know problem with this truck. $6000 to fix, contacted Ram customer service and a very rude woman put the dealership on the line and berated them for claiming there was an issue while explaining that it is completely normal for an engine to blow at 130k miles regardless of maintenance and as it’s out of warranty they were not responsible. “Normal” for an engine to blow, absolutely ridiculous and someone could have died. There are now 533 cases of this happening and Ram refuses to address it.
Engine, Dec 5, 2021
Camshaft lobe warn down from, from faulty rocker arm roller (needle bearing) (there is no to very little compression in cylinder 5), apparently engine is lubricated "by splash oil design" and people smarter then me have diagnosed that it is a design flaw.(having to do with the well and the height of the bores that accept the rocker arms) The engine only had 118,000 miles when the engine light came on, resulted in a severe knocking sound and misfiring. I expected a well taken care of motor with regular oil changes would last 200,000 miles. My choices are to rebuild the motor and or replace, both are costly. Thanks for taking the time to read my complaint. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 18, 2021
SEEMS LIKE THIS IS NOT NEW, OTHERS THAT OWN THE SAME 1500 MODEL HAVE ISSUES WITH LIFTS AND CAMSHAFT CAUSING A MISS FIRE, P030SOMETHING (MINES IS P0303). THE SPARK PLUS/ FUEL INJECTORS/ AND COIL PACKS HAVE BEEN CHANGED. OUT OF NOWHERE I GET A CODE WHILE DRIVING OUT OF TOWN. THE TRUCK HAS ALWAYS HAD A RUNNING TICK TO IT. I HAVE MY VECHILE SERVICED BY DODGE THEMSELVES. THEY NEVER STATED IT WAS AN ISSUE. THIS IS A BIG ISSUE IN HEMI 5.7 ENGINES MANUFACTURED AFTER THE REDESIGNED FROM THE MAGNUM PLATFORM.
Engine, May 2, 2021
2012 RAM 1500 HEMI TICK ISSUE. SUPPOSED TO BE A LIFTER. REPLACED ALL LIFTERS AND NOW MY TRUCK WONT START. TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE.
Engine, Mar 23, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MISFIRE AND SHUDDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000.
Engine, Mar 22, 2021
ALONG WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN THE SAME MODEL OF TRUCK I HAVE EVERYONE HAS SEEMED TO COME ACROSS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS CAUSING EVERY CAR PLACE IN MY STATE TO BE OUT OF THE PARTS TO FIX IT. I NOTICED THE TRUCK WAS HAVING A HARD TIME SHIFTING AND ACTING WEIRD SO I BROUGHT IT IN TO GET CODED AND WHEN IT WAS GETTING CODED I WAS TOLD BY THE TECH THAT THE 7TH CYLINDER WAS OUT ALONG WITH ISSUES WITH THE CAMSHAFT AND HE HAS SEEN IT IN AN ALARMING AMOUNT OF TRUCKS. SO MUCH THAT THEY COULDN'T GET HANDS ON THE PARTS TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. UPON LOOKING ONLINE THIS IS INDEED A HUGE ISSUE IN HEMI 5.7 ENGINES MANUFACTURED AFTER 2010.
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.
Engine, Feb 21, 2021
EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUD/BOLT FAILURE CAUSING EXHAUST LEAK AND TICKING NOISE. PASSENGER SIDE.
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 11, 2021
THE ENGINE COOLING HAS A BAD DESIGN FOR THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS SO 2 BOLTS ON EACH SIDE BROKE OFF IN THE ENGINE BLOCK AND NOW THERE IS LARGE EXHAUST LEAKS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ENGINE. THIS IS THE MOST COMMON DEFECT I HAVE SEEN BY TALKING TO PEOPLE AND ON ANY FORUM AND AM VERY SURPRISED THIS ISN'T A RECALL ALREADY
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 21, 2020
EXHAUSTED MANIFOLD ON DRIVER SIDE MAKING LOUD NOISE, TOTALLY DEFECTIVE COMPONENT
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.
Engine, Nov 26, 2020
ENGINE MAKING TICKING NOISE ON PASSENGER SIDE OF ENGINE. TICKING GOES AWAY AFTER IT WARMS UP.
Engine, Oct 16, 2020
RAM 1500S HAVE AN ISSUE WHERE IMPROPER MATERIALS WERE USED IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD RESULTING IN BOLTS BREAKING OFF AND CAUSING HAZARDOUS EXHAUST LEAKS. MINE CURRENTLY HAS THE SAME ISSUE AND UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET, IT IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM THAT SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT. THE LEAK IS DIAGNOSABLE BY A TICKING COMING FROM THE ENGINE BAY AT START UP FROM WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD ON THE MANIFOLD VIBRATE DUE TO THE BROKEN BOLTS, OFTEN CAUSING AN EXHAUST LEAK AT THE SITE OF THE BROKEN BOLT.
Engine, Sep 26, 2020
VEHICLE HAS 138,358 MILES AND HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER, THE CAM SHAFT HAS WORN AND ROCKER ARM HAS BECOME LOOSE AND IS CAUSING CYLINDER 5 TO MISFIRE (P0305). THIS FAILURE HAS CAUSED THE TRUCK TO LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY OR TIMES OF ACCELERATION TO CROSS TRAFFIC OR CLIMB STEEP ROAD GRADES. INITIAL INVESTIGATION BY AUTO MECHANIC STATES THAT CAM SHAFT AND ROCKER ARM NEED REPLACING. ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED TO SEE IF VALVLES ARE DETERIORATING AND NEED REPLACING.