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: other or unspecified
67 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2026
Hello I have a 2012 Dodge ram 1500 and fuel tank bracket holder rusted off there is a recall x75 code that they're now telling me expired 2024, I've had to strap it up with bungee cords, but this is a safety hazard how do I go about getting a Goodwill warranty extension? It's the same issue detailed in TSB 14-002-18 REV. A. Bought in [XXX] and I live in [XXX] the salt state is on the list. This is a safety hazard recall how do I go about getting this done they don't seem to want to honor this or help me. Thank you for your help. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2026
Dodge Ram 1500 2012 model, vehicle randomly turns off without warning while driving. It is as if someone turns off the key no warning lights before , no check engine lights , after is shuts down no codes shown, so far able to coast out of the way and restart vehicle with key fob once in neutral. this is a safety issue and according to my research others have had the same issue. but no diffident resolve. Dealership is currently attempting to diagnose the issue. You need to check into this before someone is killed. I am sure by now Ram dodge is aware of the problem but not doing anything about it.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 8, 2026
The truck will just shut off driving down the road at highway speeds. This has occurred multiple times.
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)
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 13, 2025
On my way home. Going through in town (slow)traffic all of sudden I notice I had no power steering & no brakes, no please pull out , I noticed if I keep my rpm about 1500, I would get a little power steering & brakes back!, 4 miles to get home , I drove home slowly What happened was I lost my serpentine belt tensioner!!! .MY MAIN Purpose, for my truck is to toe my fifth wheel RV!!, I live in the north west of US, LIKE! in the mountains!! Terrified that it won’t happen again!️
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Nov 8, 2024
Front frame bracket on gas tank has rotted out. There is a recall on this already for other 2012 ram 1500 vehicles. Nhtsa 18v-160 frame bracket
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2023
As a number of customers have complained about i have a 2012 RAM and I have the tick on the right side.why is there no recall on this problem , it's in the dealership know going to cost over 1,000 to fix something should be done about this thay won't have to worry about selling me another one
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2023
When using iPhone through Bluetooth connect it stops working and then freezes. You have to shut the vehicle off wait for a few minutes and then turn vehicle back on. When I say it freezes it makes the whole radio unusable.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2023
Gas tank sagging loosely, strap is not supporting tank.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 10, 2023, crash
Malfunction of electronic stability control while in 4x4 driving in heavy snow. Almost hit a light pole, could have caused significant harm. Unknown. No. No precursors. Hit a pot hole while on the on ramp unloading the suspension and the truck started to yaw clockwise. Applied throttle to have front end pull truck straight. ESC applied brakes and chopped power inducing a significant yaw rate counterclockwise driving the rear of the truck into the hard snow bank perpendicular to vehicle travel. Another excessive clockwise yaw occurred at this time. NO throttle control and brakes unresponsive. 1. Had the driver been allowed to retain throttle control upon initial yaw this was easily recoverable. 2. Anti-lock brakes, needed to be disabled so the truck could slide across the snow and not into the ditch when the second clockwise yaw started. 3. This caused minor body damage to the vehicle.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2023
I'm currently having the Recall no.18V160000 problem on my 2012 ram 1500 slt 4.7 but since the vin number on my truck doesn't show this recall, the dealer doesn't want to fix it. My truck currently has the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket broken.
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2021
Shifter slips out of gear unexpectedly at times (eg. drive to neutral) while driving and without cause. Unable to place it in park at times as well. We attempted to fix the problem, but a necessary part (gearshift cable) is discontinued and cannot be located anywhere. The truck is not safe and cannot pass a safety inspection and cannot be repaired.
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
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
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2020
THE SERVICE 4WD LIGHT COMES ON AND THE TRUCK MAKES A WEIRD NOISE AND IT HAS THE RIGHT FLUID IN THE TRANSFER CASE AND THE DIFFERENTIALS ARE ALL GOOD BUT WHENEVER THE FULL SERVICE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT COMES ON THE TRUCK MAKES UP FUNNY GRINDING IN A RED UP ON THE INTERNET AND NOBODY KNOWS WHY AND THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM I AM.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2020
I AM GETTING A LOUD HUMMING VIBRATION NOISE, SOUNDS LIKE A TURBO ISSUE WITH THE HEMI COMING EITHER FROM MY TRANSMISSION OR REAR AXEL AT HIGH AND LOW SPEED. IT'S MORE NOTICEABLE AT 65 TO 75 MPH HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO BILL BRYAN IN FLORIDA AND THEY WHERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUES EXPERIENCING LOST OF POWER. ONGOING ISSUE WAITING FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN .
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2020
GEAR SHIFT INDICATORS GO OUT FROM TIME TO TIME RADIO VOLUME COMES ON AND GOES OFF CONSISTENTLY ENGINE VALVE NOISE ARE TICKING SOUND VIBRATION AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS EVEN AFTER 3 DIFFERENT TIRE BALENCES
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 15, 2020
EXISTING CASE #11308350 HISSING SOUND IN GAS TANK WHILE ON ROAD IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET, AND A HIGHWAY AND TURNING AND STATIONARY, EVEN NOTICED IT WHEN TRUCK IS TURNED OFF AND SOUND WILL NOT TURN OFF, KILLED ONE BATTERY ALREADY, TRUCK DOES NOT SMELL LIKE GAS. MAYBE ELECTRICAL DEFINITELY SHOULD BE RECALLED SEEMS DANGEROUS. MAY ALSO ADD THAT DRIVER SEAT IS FLAT AND RIPPED DUE TO MANUFACTURE DEFECT LIKE MOST CARS AND TRUCKS, COMMON ISSUE SHOULD BE RECALLED THANK YOU
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2020
RAM 1500 EXPRESS 2012, LACK OF CABIN AIR FILTER CAUSES DIRT TO ACCUMULATE IN THE A/C EVAPORATOR CORE, WICH COMBINED WITH THE MOISTURE CAUSED BY THE NORMAL USE OF THE A/C CAUSED ACCELERATED CORROSION IN THE EVAPORATOR CORE CAUSING A/C GASES LEAK INSIDE THE CABIN WICH WENT TO THE ATMOSPHERE. ITS A DESIGN FLAW FOR WICH I CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE IF THERES A RECALL FOR AND RECIVED A NEGATIVE ANSWER, I HAD TO PAY 402 DOLLARS TO BUY A REPLACEMENT AND 33 DOLLAR MODIFICATION KIT TO ADD A CABIN FILTER. THE GAS LEAK OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO A TOOL STORE TO GET TOOLS FOR MY JOB AND HEARD SOME NOISE LIKE A LEAK AND FELT DIZZY SO I WENT AHEAD AND OPENED THE WINDOWS TO BREATH FRESH AIR BECAUSE THE GAS LEAK MADE ME FEEL SICK SO I DAD TO STOP, ALL FREON LEAKED WITHIN MINUTES. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIX THIS KNOWN ISSUE BECAUSE AFTER LOOKING ONLINE FOR AIR FILTERS FOR THAT YEAR WICH BY DESIGN DON'T HAVE IT I WAS SHOWN MODIFICATION KITS FROM A LOT OF DIFERENT SITES SO ITS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WICH I FEEL THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. LEAK ON OLD EVAPORATOR CAN BE SEEN ON THE PICTURE AS A STAIN, CLEARLY ON THE MORE DIRTY SIDE OF THE EVAPORATOR. THANK YOU .
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 11, 2020
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE NOTICED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH IT. PLEASE HELP ME TO HAVE CHRYSLER - FIAT HONOR THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND BUY BACK THIS VEHICLE. IT IS A DEATH TRAP AND A LEMON. *DT TO START, THERE'S A CYLINDER MISFIRE CODE THAT IS A PROBLEM ACROSS THE RAM HEMI LINE UP. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS GOOGLE SEARCH AND IT AND YOU COME ACROSS A PLETHORA OF LINKS ADDRESSING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ONE VEHICLE TO HAVE A PROBLEM BUT WHEN THERE ARE COUNTLESS FORUMS ONLINE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM OVER AND OVER THE PROBLEM IS THE MANUFACTURER. CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE NIGHTMARE HTTPS://WWW.RAMFORUMZ.COM/THREADS/CYLINDER-3-MISFIRE-NIGHTMARE.241581/ THE TRUCK CAN START WITHOUT PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE TRUCK TAKES MULTIPLES CRANK ATTEMPTS IN ORDER TO START HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/RAM/1500/2012/ENGINE/ENGINE_STALLS_SHUTS_DOWN_WHILE_DRIVING.SHTML ENGINE STALLS/SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING 2012 RAM 1500 HTTPS://WWW.CARANDDRIVER.COM/NEWS/A15353911/MORE-THAN-1-MILLION-RAM-PICKUPS-RECALLED-FOR-ACCIDENTAL-AIRBAG-DEPLOYMENT/ ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYED (MY VEHICLE HAS A DEPLOYED AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT) THE TRUCK LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/RAM/1500/2012/ELECTRICAL/LOSS_OF_POWER_WHILE_DRIVING.SHTML PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND SAFETY LAWS. THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT EVEN HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE FOR ME TO PURCHASE IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. UNFORTUNATELY NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEMS AND BUY IT IN GOOD FAITH. I THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP AND GUIDANCE REGARDING THIS MATTER. SHOULD YOU NEED TO CALL ME, MY NUMBER IS [XXX] SINCERELY, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 1, 2019
I HAVE A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 THAT WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW. THE TRUCK SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREETS OR TURNING AND SOMETIMES WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. IT STARTED A COUPLE YEARS AGO BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I PUT MY VIN # IN AND THERE IS NO RECALL WHICH THERE SHOULD BE AFTER READING THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF CUSTOMERS THAT'S HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE THIS PROBLEM TO BE FIXED WITHOUT MYSELF HAVING TO PAY FOR THIS. VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS TRUCK.