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: fuel/propulsion system
92 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 28, 2026
Fuel tank strap corroded due to environmental exposure to water and salt in West Virginia.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 25, 2026
i CALLED MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER, BROWN MOTORS IN PETOSKEY MI., A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO TO HAVE A COUPLE OF UNCOMPLETED RECALLS PERFORMED. I TOOK MY TRUCK IN TO THE DEALER TODAY AND WAS NOTIFIED LATER THAT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL AND IT WOULD COST ME NEARLY $1700 TO PERFORM THE RECALL, MOSTLY PERTAINING TO THE FUEL BRACKET RECALL. I FIND THIS VERY ODD AS IT WOULD MAKE SENSE THAT ALL RELATED PARTS THAT HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO PERFORM THIS SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL INCLUDING ANY SAID LABOR COSTS. MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE CURRENT HAS ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS THAT HAS COME LOOSE AND NOW I AM FORCE TO DRIVE THAT WAY UNTIL I CAN GET THIS VERY HAZARDOUS OSSUE RESOLVED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 22, 2025
While driving my Ram truck at approximately 55 MPH, the front gas tank strap failed, causing the front portion of the fuel tank to drop below the vehicle’s body. Upon inspection, I found that the strap securing the tank had detached from its connection point on the frame. The failed part is available for inspection upon request. This incident presented a serious safety hazard to myself and others on the road, as the entire fuel tank could have separated from the vehicle, creating a significant risk of fire or collision. The issue was reported to a local dealership, which advised me to contact Dodge. Dodge acknowledged the issue but stated there is no warranty coverage or recall, and that any repair would be at my expense. No formal inspection has been performed other than my own, and I have implemented a temporary repair to secure the tank. There were no warning lights or prior symptoms before the failure. The only indication was a loud clunking noise followed by the sound of the strap repeatedly striking the drivetrain.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 15, 2025
I noticed while looking underneath my vehicle the front fuel tank strap was no longer attached. Further inspection show the frame had rusted enough that the fuel tank strap is no longer attachable. I noticed a recall (U04 / NHTSA 18V-160) was available however my VIN shows no record of this recall being available. So no dealer will assist me with it although my vehicle meets all of the prerequisites the recall states. Currently undriveable due to safety concerns.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 5, 2025
Front gas tank strap pulled out from (rusted)-frame. Dropping front of (full) gas tank inches from road. I’m told there was an extended warranty for the issue. That I never received notice of. It has since expired. I found recall - U04/NHTSA 18V-160 That I’m also told doesn’t apply to my vehicle. Odd that the extended warranty would have. But the recall doesn’t?
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 10, 2025
While driving down the highway I hit a bump then got a severe grinding noise in my 2012 Ram 1500. I pulled over and found the front gas tank strap had pulled out of the welded frame bracket for the fuel tank strap. The strap was not broken, the front fuel tank frame bracket had rusted out. The front fuel tank bracket which is welded to the frame needs to be repaired so the fuel tank strap will be held securely. The grinding I heard was the front fuel tank strap that had become detached was rubbing on the driveshaft.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 24, 2025
Fuel tank strap came loose from frame
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 23, 2025
Fuel pump won’t shut off when car is turned off, I had to pull out fuel pump fuse because my battery kept getting drain, I’ve had difficulty starting and it’s only been a month since I bought this car,I’ve had to buy a bypass cable to temporarily fix the issue, this has happen to so many people, there should be a recall on the timp failing
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2025
Bracket for fuel tank straps broke, causing gas tank to fall during operation without any warning,it could of caused a fire or explosion causing harm to driver and others or death.My local service center confirmed the problem and repaired the bracket and secured the gas tank back into place with new straps.This happened on our about [XXX] about [XXX].Friday (Rush Hour)!! I was at Walmart when I saw the problem returning to my truck.I went to the auto service center to buy some cargo straps to secure the gas tank back into place so it was safe to drive,the service manager was shocked! Thank God that I saw the problem and secured the gas tank!!! I was a mechanic and service manager earlier in life.I called a local Ram Dealer Ganley in Bedford Ohio and found out that this problem had a extended warranty on it that expired 4 or 5 days ago.[XXX].I never received any information of this from the Dealer I bought it from or the manufacturer, I could of been Killed and others due to the neglect of the Dealer and Manufacturer,Buyers of Columbus,Ohio and Fiat, Chrysler ! Why didn't NHTSA Make sure I was warned of this? It was a Life Threatening Problem! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 16, 2025
Fuel pump randomly shuts down while driving. Or no start condition. Loss of cruise control hitting bumps in the road. Service 4x4, no tc, no cc, trailer lights disconnect. Dealer has recalls on other same year vehicles w same motor w same TIPM defective part. Not on truck. Warranty will not cover due to common problem. Since fuel relay is part of fuse box, will not cover part. Part alone is $2200. Dealer only. Can't get remanfactured, rebuilt, or part store item. Stuck with a truck that barely runs and almost $3000 to fix a non warranty issue. And very common.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 16, 2024
TIPM failure. Vehicle fails to start ("crank, no start" or it acts likes it's out of gas) and/or fuel pump continues pumping after turning the vehicle off (draining battery).The vehicle stalls while driving which has created very unsafe conditions. There has been recalls on other dodge vehicles with same problem. This needs to be a uniform recall on all affected vehicles.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 1, 2024
Front fuel tank strap rusted off of the frame
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2024
Catalytic converter, sensors, knocking loss of power, bogging , hot and cold engine , was on a road trip back home passing a 18 wheeler and it starts to lose power Boggs down and then takes off , steering wheel was iffy, fumes are stong in and out of truck. Threw my suitcase and dog in floor . I have replaced sensors , knock sensor , coils, sparks plugs - no fix muffler shop said catalytic is not plugged up . Sent me to mechanic said ram / dodge designed these years messed up common problem ,one mechanic telling me new engine parts might fix won’t pass inspection so now it just sits and drys up that’s not right for what it has cost my insurance said there nothing they can help with it only has 84k miles please emission and knock common problem that is mana factory defect surely loss of power in traffic scary please help with insurance and parts , gas I have no money for deep engine problems 84 k should still run like new truck the trip there drove great then I went to start to go back home 2 days later and knocking and wouldn’t drive putting scanner said sensor . This truck was running awesome I like driving . But to malfunction no reason. The codes are not right . need my truck back on the road I live in Texas has to pass emission to get inspection sticker
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2024
Looking under my truck, I found that the front Gas Tank Strap had fallen down from the vehicle frame mount. During further inspection of the vehicle it was that the gas tank strap mounting point has rusted through and that the strap has pulled thru the rusted point. The front of the gas tank has fallen down and pushed the gas tank strap into the drive shaft. Th only thing supporting the gas tank is the rear gas tank strap
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 23, 2024
Shut off vehicle and fuel pump kept running. Tapped on Totally Integrated Power Managment module and stuck relay corrected, so the fuel pump shut off. Found a safety recall (Safety Recall R09/NHTSA 15v-115) for stuck relay in TIPM on same year Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. A quick search of many automotive enthusiast forums indicates this issue is common in my particular year, make, and model vehicle as well. I believe this recall should be expanded to include all Dodge products using similar TIMP/Fuel Relay configurations. It is very likely this relay could have been stuck off, while driving causing an unexpected engine shutdown. In my case I was lucky it was stuck on.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 10, 2024
Happen to notice something hanging under my truck while in a parking lot. Looked under and the front of my fuel tank was almost touching the ground. After further inspection the front strap had pulled out of the frame that was suppose to be holding it. The frame was completely rusted out and can no longer hold the fuel tank strap. I never received a letter regarding the extended warranty so was unaware of that this issues could occur. Now not covered because the extended warranty expired 20 days ago. First time while owning any vehicle where I though the vehicle was putting me in danger because of a failed component. This should be a safety recall not a extended warranty. I had over 22 gallons of fuel in the tank when it failed.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 24, 2024
Went to drive my truck to the store this morning and heard metal scraping against pavement. I immediately pulled over and looked under truck and noticed my fuel tank was hanging down and the front bracket came undone. Luckily was only a couple blocks from the house slowly drove back home so I could more in depth diagnose the issue. I noticed the strap to hold fuel tank up seemed fine but the bracket it sits in, in the frame rusted out causing the strap to come out and the tank to drop. Now no options to fix and without a vehicle until I can get it figured out… I did some research and noticed that there was a recall for this and the year of my truck was included so typed my vin on NHTSA and showed my truck has 0 unrepaired recalls but this is a recall and unsafe if I would not have noticed so soon could have been very bad.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2024
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) system installed in 2009-2012 Ram vehicles is prone to premature failure, resulting in the sudden cessation of the fuel pump while the vehicle is in operation. This critical malfunction poses significant safety hazards, including the potential for collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects. Despite the persistence of this issue over several years, no official recall has been initiated to address it. Furthermore, in an attempt to mitigate the TIPM's failure and maintain continuous fuel pump operation, some individuals have resorted to unauthorized modifications, commonly referred to as "Jerry rigging," by bypassing the system with improvised wiring to maintain a constant "hot status." However, this makeshift solution introduces additional risks, including the heightened potential for serious fires due to the bypassed safety mechanisms. Given the severity of these safety concerns and the absence of a comprehensive recall, there is a pressing need for the manufacturer to take decisive action to rectify the TIPM system's deficiencies and ensure the safety of affected vehicles and their occupants.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2023
GAS TANK STRAP IS NOT CONNECTED I SEE A RECALL ON THE YEAR OF MY TRUCK BUT WHEN I LOOK UP MY VIN # IT DONT SHOW MY TRUCK HAVING THE PROBLEM BUT IT SAYS IN THE RECALL MY TRUCK ON IT WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THAT
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 14, 2023
The TIPM is failing in several areas... Starter, fuel pump and passenger compartment heater. This seems to be a common problem and Ram has never been held accountable... This plastic box and wires that should cost under a hundred dollars to replace is being sold on line between $500 and $1500 The manufacturer also has a built in design flaw where the electrical auto start function is disabled if the consumer has to replace the battery. They must pay a dealer to reprogram the truck to auto start... Seems like Dodge new they would be robbing the public on both of these items...
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 17, 2023
Vehicle i cranks but doesn't always start. I did notice even after it started it seemed to run normally .But when I turn the key off I can still hear fuel pump running. It never shut off. I had to pull the relay fuse. After doing some research. I found that there was or is a safety recall on the fuel pump relay on other Chrysler vehicles having the same issue .Safety recall P54/NHTSA 14V-530. The vehicles that were recalled uses the same tipm as my vehicle. Just wanting to know if you can tell me if my vehicle falls under the same recall if so how can I get it repaired. And if it doesn't fall under the same recall why not. It doesn't seem to be very safe for a fuel pump to be running constantly. I do not have the best of hearing. My wife was the one that noticed that it was still running.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2023
In having my vehicle serviced, my mechanic noticed that one of the straps on my gas tank was corroded and needed to be replaced. He advised me that a safety recall was issued (TSB- 14-002-18) covering this issue. I was never issued a recall notice. I contacted the RAM recall # to raise the issue. I was told by 2 separate agents that the recall was VIN specific and that my RAM was not part of the recall. The vehicle was purchased and registered in CT as new in early 2013. I have been the owner since. When I questioned why the same model having the same issue would not be covered, I was told that is not covered since it was inspected when manufactured. This makes no sense since the issue and notice of recall happened years later. I was told I need to remediate this safety issue at my own expense. Again....this is totally unsatisfactory.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 7, 2023
Van shuts off while driving on the highway When attempting to restart no fuel is provided to the fuel rail Engine cranks but remains with a no start condition Negative battery terminal must be disconnected to reset the PCM. After reconnection and reset of PCM vehicle will start. No diagnostic trouble codes are provided through OBD port. No check engine light eliminates Issue has happened numerous times and is documented on the internet through various chat boards
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2023
Gas tank strap pulled through where it is mounted.
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2023
The fuel strap frame bracket failure has occured on my vehicle and i'm wondering why it was not covered under the recall? ref: Safety Recall U04 / NHTSA 18V-160 Frame Bracket