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
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?
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2016
THE WIN MOD HAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT ON IT. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND IF IT IS STARTED STALLS OUT. I CAN BE AT A STOP OR IN MOTION AND LOOSE ALL POWER TO VEHICLE. YESTERDAY DAY 11/12/16 WHILE IN MOTION GOING 70 ON THE FREEWAY I LOST ALL POWER. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE UP TO 2010. THIS PROBLEM PART IS A DEALER ONLY PART ( AND ALTHOUGH THE PART IS CHEAP THE LABOR RATE TO FUX THIS IS TERRIBLY INSANE) SO THE CONSUMER CAN'T FIX THIS SAFETY HAZARD
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2016
TRUCK RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH COME ON, ONCE YOU GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD YOU TURN TRUCK OFF AND RESTART IT MAY RUN FINE FOR DAYS OR A HALF MILE. THIS CAN HAPPEN GOING 65MPH DOWN THE TURNPIKE OR STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN TOWN. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK WITH 28K AND THIS ISSUE STARTED AROUND 32K. HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD "DON'T KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM". MY WIFE REFUSES TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE HER AND MY SON NEARLY GOT KILLED WHEN IT SHUT OFF GOING THRU AN INTERSECTION. I HAVE READ UP ON THIS ON MANY FORUMS AND THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. YOU IN FACT HAD DONE A RECALL CAMPAIGN # PE05027 BACK IN 05. THERE ARE OTHER MODELS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IS GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE LOOSING THEIR LIFE FOR THIS TO GET CORRECTED. MAKE A PAYMENT OF 400.00 DOLLARS A MONTH FOR A TRUCK THAT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!!!!
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2016
DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW DETACHES FROM WINDOW CLIPS WHEN 30 DEGREES OR COOLER. HAVE HAD CLIPS AND REGULATOR REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. DEALER CAN NOT LOCATE PROBLEM TO CORRECT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT HAS SNOWED OR RAINED, IT'S THE TEMPERATURE THAT EFFECTS IT. TRUCK HAS BEEN WARMED UP AND DRIVEN BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO PUT WINDOW DOWN TO SCAN INTO WORK LOT. NO VISIBLE ICING ON WINDOW WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PUT IT DOWN. THE OTHER 3 WINDOWS ON THE TRUCK WORK FINE AND DO NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE, JUST THE DRIVER WINDOW. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES EACH WINTER SINCE OWNING THE TRUCK.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2016
2012 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FCA SETTLEMENT OPTION TO RE-PURCHASE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES CONSUMER VEHICLE RE-PURCHASE REQUESTS AS A VEHICLE "TRADE IN". *SMD
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2015
UCONNECT. WE HAVE A LATE MODEL 2012 BUILT IN NOVEMBER 2012 WITH THE UCONNECT SYSTEM. WE FEEL THAT OURS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE 2013 UCONNECT RECALL DUE TO HOW LATE OUR VEHICLE WAS BUILT, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS A 2013.
Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2015
PURCHASE A BRAND NEW TRUCK IN 2012. TIRES INSTALLED ON TRUCK WERE FROM 2010. HAD TO REPLACE TIRES TO TO OLD AGE. TRUCK IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND THE TIRES WERE ALREADY 5 YEARS OLD AND STARTED DRY ROTTING. DEALER WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. NOT SURE HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES ARE OR WERE LIKE THIS. ITS A GOOD THING THEY DID NOT BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. INCLUDED IS MY RECEIPT WITH OLD AND NEW TIRES WITH DOT NUMBERS AND DATE CODES.
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2015
I HAVE A MAJOR CONCERN WITH CONTROLLING MY DODGE PICKUP. WHILE TOWING A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, I HIT A BUMP ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I ATTRIBUTED IT TO THE SWAYING OF THE TRAILER. BUT NOW BEING VERY SENSITIVE TO THE EVENT, 1) I'VE RECALLED THAT IT HAS HAPPENED PRIOR TO PULLING THE TRAILER AND 2) RECENTLY HAPPENED AGAIN; ALSO NOT TOWING A TRAILER. THE FEELING IS THOUGH ONCE THE BUMP IS IMPACTED, THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE VIBRATION THROUGH THE STEERING ARM AND MOST IMPORTANTLY AN IMMEDIATE FEELING OF LOSS OF CONTROL. WHEN TOWING THE TRAILER, I WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY ROUNDING A CURVE JUST APPROACH A BRIDGE/GUARD RAILS WHEN I HIT THE BUMP. FOLLOW-ON INCIDENT OCCURRED IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. WHILE THE SPEED WAS SLOWER ON THE CITY STREET, THE MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL FEELING WAS NOTICEABLE ENOUGH TO CATCH MY ATTENTION AND CAUSED CONCERN.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2015
THE RAM1500 WAS BEING STARTED AND PUT IN REVERSE THEN DRIVE AND IT MAKES A GRINDING NOISE. STARTED GETTING WORSE AND FAMILY MEMBERS WOULD NOTICE THE NOISE WHEN LEAVING THEIR HOMES. THEN ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO (JUNE 2015) WE TOOK IT IN TO DODGE AND THEY HEARD THE PROBLEM AND SAID THEY HAD CONTACTED THE ENGINEERS AND JUST KEEP AN EYE ON IT. NO FIXING OF ANY KIND. NOW EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, AS IT SHIFTS GEARS IT CLONKS INTO GEAR. THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ALWAYS SHIFT PROPERLY. IT STAYS IN A GEAR LONGER THAN IT SHOULD. YOU CAN HEAR THE GEARS NOT PROPERLY SHIFTING. THE BRAKES ON THE TRUCK DONT SEEM TO STOP FAST ENOUGH. TAKING TRUCK IN FOR THAT NEXT WEEK.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2015
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING AND THEN THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON. BEFORE I COULD PULL INTO A GAS STATION THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF ON ME. I TURNED THE KEY AND THE CAR WOULD NOT TURNOVER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY HOUSE FOR THE NIGHT AND THEN TO MY MECHANIC THE NEXT MORNING. HE COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND THAT'S WHEN I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT TOOK THEM 2-3 DAYS TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. WHAT THEY FOUND WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS HOW THEY STATED IT ON THE INVOICE: 29303 NO START P0688 ASD CIRCUIT FAULT, FOUND FUSE M19 BLOWN- REPLACED AND ATTEMPTED TO START- FUSE BLEW AGAIN. TRACED ASD CIRCUIT. FOUND IGNITION COIL #5 MELTED. TESTED FURTHER, FOUND #5 SPARK PLUGS FOULED AND CIRCUIT K16 SHORTED TO GROUND. REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, IGNITION INSUFFICIENT IONIZATION FAULT SET DIA AS A PCM WITH INTERNAL DRIVER FAULT CAUSED BY SHORT, REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED PCM. THIS OF COURSE HAPPENED 5 DAYS AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED, GRANTED I DID NOT EVEN HAVE 30,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2015
2012 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER DID NOT STATE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. HOWEVER, THE DEALER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK AS A TRADE-IN AND NOT A BUY BACK. *JB
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2015
WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING OUR TRUCK DOWN THE ROAD AT NO MORE THAN 20 MPH THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED INTO THE CAB OF THE TRUCK. GLASS WENT EVERYWHERE. LUCKILY NOTHING (GLASS) EMBEDDED IN ANYTHING BUT HIS HAND.
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2015
THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING. IT WAS A NICE DAY AND WAS NOT HIT BY AN OBJECT. SHARDS OF GLASS WAS SENT EVERYWHERE IN THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED INJURY.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2015
BACKING UP BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. THEN THEY WORK .
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 3, 2015
2012 DODGE RAM 1500 CREW CAB 4X4, WOULD STALL WHEN DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS AROUND 10-20 MPH LIKE WHEN IN A TRAFFIC JAM,,(HAPPENED TO ME AND INTERSTATE 75) HAPPENED TO ME ON INTERSTATE 75) IT WILL EVEN STALL WHEN IDLING JUST PARKED OR SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, NOT ALL THE TIME JUST OUT OF THE BLUE, YOU WAIT 5/10 MINUTES STARTS BACK UP LIKE NOTHING EVER WAS WRONG ,,,TOOK IT IN TO THE LOCAL DEALER 3 TIMES ABOUT TO BE THE 4TH ,,, THE 1ST TIME THEY (DEALER) COULDNT FIND ANYTHING WRONG??? 2ND TIME THEY (DEALER) SAID IT WAS THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND HAD TO RESET THE KEYS,, A WEEK LATER SAME THING CALLED THE DEALER AND INFORMED THEM THEY TOLD ME TO TRY THE OTHER KEY IT SEEMS TO WORK FINE FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW BUT RIGHT BACK TO THE SAME THING STALLING AT LOWER SPEEDS OR JUST IDLING WHEN YOU TRY TO START IT ,IT'S ALMOST LIKE THE IGNITION IS STUCK?? YOU WAIT 5/10 MINUTES STARTS UP LIKE NOTHING EVER WAS WRONG ???? IT COULD BE DANGEROUS IF IT STALLS OUT ON THE HIGHWAY
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2013
SOMETIMES WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP IT FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS BEING REAR ENDED EVEN THOUGH NO ONE IS BEHIND IT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2013
I HAD THE OIL CHANGED, ABOUT 9 DAYS EARLIER AND I WAS IN A DRIVE THRU WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING HORRIBLY LOUD SOUNDED LIKE A DIESEL. IT HAPPENED ON A SATURDAY NIGHT SO I GOT OT HOME , I CALLED RHE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT IN , I TOLD THE SERVICE GUY THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO BLOW UP HE SAID OK BUT GET IT AS FAR AS U CAN. MY FRIEND FOLLOWED ME. THEY TOLD ME THEIR COMPUTER READ MISS DIRE IN CYLINDER1 AND WRONG ENGINE TYPE OIL FOR THE ENGINE. THEY PUT THE WRONG OIL IN MY NEW TRUCK AND LIED TO ME ABOUT THE PROCESS. NOW THE ENGINE HAS NEVER BEEN EVEN CLOSE TO AS GOPD AS IT WAS.. 2 NOW THE TRASMISSION IS GETTING BAD IT DOESNT SHIFT RIGHT AT ALL P.S. THAT WAS THE SECOND TIME THEY SCREWED UP THE ENGINE. I THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A RELIABLE VEHICLE!!! NOW WHAT DO I DO MY TRUCK HAS BARELY 11000 MILES ON IT!!!!!!!HELP