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
697 reports, newest first.
Engine, May 21, 2019
2012 RAM 1500 - CRANKED MY RAM TRUCK ONE MORNING AND THE ENGINE HAD A KNOCK WITH A TAPPING SOUND, TURN OFF CHECK THE OIL LEVEL WHICH WAS OK! STARTED THE ENGINE AND ONLY HEARD LIKE A MAINIFOLD LEAK. AFTER DRIVING A FEW MILES , I NOTICE THAT THE TRUCK WAS SHAKY DURING TAKE-OFF OR CLIMBING A HILL. DROP TRUCK OFF AT MY MECHANIC FOR A TUNE-UP AND LATER THAT DAY MY MECHANIC NOTIFIED ME THE TUNE-UP WASN'T THE PROBLEM. HE REMOVE THE CAMS/LIFTERS TO #5 LIFTER AND THAT LIFTER WASN'T MOVING LIKE 1,3 & 7. "IS WAS LIKE THE LUG ON THE CAM WERE WORE OUT."
Engine, May 20, 2019
EXHAUST STUDS BROKE TOOK TO SHOP FOR REPAIR GOT BACK STILL EXHAUST LEAK TOOK BACK HAD TO REPLACE DRIVER SIDE MANIFORD WAS TOLD BY DODGE DEALER SHOP THAT NEW DESIGN STUDS WAS AVAILABLE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM DODGE HAD WITH STUDS BREAKING PAID OVER $1200 FOR THIS WORK
Structure, May 20, 2019
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. UPON WASHING THE CAB WITH A LOWER PRESSURE GARDEN HOSE A LARGE HOLE FORMED IN THE BACK CORNER OF THE CAB. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION IT APPEARS TO BE RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I CHECK THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAB AND SEE THAT THE PAINT IS BADLY BUBBLED UP INDICATING RUST UNDER THE PAINT ON THAT SIDE AS WELL. THE CLEAR COAT WAS STILL INTACT IN BOTH PLACES. I WOULD'VE EXPECTED TO CAB TO OUTLAST THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BUT THAT'S NOT THE CASE. THIS TRUCK LOOKS SHOW ROOM FLOOR NEW AND HAS NEVER EVEN BEEN TO THE SALT BELT.
Engine, May 18, 2019
TRUCK SHUTS DOWN ON OCCASIONS WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKES?
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, May 16, 2019
AS I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH, AND APPROACHING THE CURVES ON THE ROAD AHEAD OF ME, I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE BECAUSE I HAD NO POWER STEERING, GAS, OR BRAKES. ALL GAUGES DROPPED TO 0 AND I HAD TO COAST TO BE ABLE TO STOP. HAD I MADE IT TO THE CURVES, BY VEHICLE WOULD OF CRASHED OFF THE SIDE OF ROAD. APPARENTLY THE PCM WENT BAD. THIS IS NOT A PART THAT SHOULD EVER GO BAD. THIS PART MALFUNCTION COULD OF KILLED ME OR SOMEONE ELSE. NONETHELESS IT WAS ALSO $1303, TOWING FEES, AND 5 DAYS OF CAR RENTAL. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE AND I DON'T WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO ANOTHER DRIVER. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OF THIS PART. I NOW HAVE A FEAR WHEN I DRIVE THE TRUCK I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED.
Engine, May 15, 2019
2012 DODGE RAM SPORT LOSES POWER AND HAS AN ANNOYING TICKING SOUND WITH IT.. TICKING IS CONSTANT AND SO IS POWER LOSS. THIS HAPPENED TWO DAYS AGO.. TRUCK HAS 155,620 MILES ON IT. HAPPENED AS I WAS GETTING ON THE THE INTERSTATE..
Electrical system, May 10, 2019
ON MY 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 THE NATION SWITCH IS LOOSE AND SHUTS OFF ALL ME WHILE I'M DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T WANT TO START THE VEHICLE
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2019
THREE TIMES THE REMOTE START FOB HAS WENT BAD AND IT WAS COVERED.THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN.NOW THAT MY WARRANTY HAS RAN OUT I HAD TO PAY 4 HUNDRED AND NINE DOLLARS.I HAVE A OPEN CASE # 57845871 FOR REIMBURSEMENT BUT A SUPERVISOR NAMED MARISA REFUSES TO CALL ME BACK. THIS IS A RECURING PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE COVERED
Air bags, Apr 26, 2019, crash
MY RAM 2012 TRUCK WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH ON THE HIGHWAY I-83 NORTH BOUND IN PA. MY TRUCK WAS IN PARK WHEN IT WAS STRUCK FROM THE BEHIND BY A JEEP LIMITED. THE FORCE LAUNCHED MY TRUCK FORWARD AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAS ABOUT 10-15 FEET AWAY. I AM GUESSING THE SPEED OF JEEP WHEN I WAS STRUCK WAS ATLEAST 40 MPH OR MORE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED. THE DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK IS ALMOST $12,000. DAMAGES WERE TO THE FRONT, REAR, AND THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. DAMAGES TO THE OTHER TWO VEHICLES WERE FAR WORST
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2019
FUEL FILLER OVERFLOW WHEN USING AUTOMATIC CUTOFF ON GAS STATION PUMPS. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FUEL SPEWING OUT. APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM. GOOD VIDEO ALREADY ON YOUTUBE. HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY FILL UP. WIDELY REPORTED ON DODGE RAM FORUM AFFECTING MODEL YEARS BACK TO AT LEAST 2009.
Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2019
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS
Air bags, Apr 17, 2019
MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN MY DASHBOARD AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF TRIED RESETTING THE COMPUTER BY DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY CABLE BUT THE AIR BAG SYMBOL LIGHT STILL REMAINS ON.
Engine, Apr 17, 2019
SERIOUS EXHAUST LEAK. ALSO, EXHAUST IS LEAKING INTO THE CABIN. MY 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK HAS 77,000 MILES. I NOTICED A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A TERRIBLE SMELL INSIDE THE TRUCK. I REALIZED THE VEHICLE HAS AN EXHAUST LEAK. THE LEAK IS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. A MECHANIC FRIEND OF MINE WHO WORKS AT A SHOP IN GAINESVILLE FL TOLD ME HIS SHOP HAS REPAIRED 125 OF THE SAME TRUCKS IN 2.5 YRS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS THE MANIFOLD BOLTS ARE FAILING/BREAKING WHICH CAUSES AN EXHAUST LEAK WHICH IN TURN CAUSES THE MANIFOLD TO WARP. MY TRUCK HAS NOW HAD THE SAME FAILURE AND IS CURRENTLY AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP. MY TRUCK WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. IN MY OPINION THIS EXHAUST LEAK IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM JUST LIKE FORD RECENTLY HAD WITH THEIR POLICE VEHICLES.
Power train, Apr 5, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN). WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ISLAND CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1239 HYLAN BLVD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10305, (844) 673-0276) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS WAITING FOR A CALL BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Steering, Apr 2, 2019, crash
2012 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. *LD *TR
Engine, Mar 26, 2019
VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD TICKING NOICE AT STARTUP ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. TICKING NOISE STOPS AROUND FIVE MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WARMS UP.
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2019
ENGINE STARTS INTERMITTENTLY. ENG. COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WHILE IN MOTION. (TWICE). WILL RESTART IN NEUTRAL WHILE MOVING. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH, WIN MODULE. DEALER SAYS MY TRUCK VIN. DOES NOT APPLY AND WILL CHARGE ME $980.00 TO FIX. IF THERE IS A FEDERAL SAFETY RECALL, SHOULDN'T THAT INCLUDE ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES? BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN OCT. 2018 WITH 66K+ MILES ON IT. 70K+ ON NOW. FIRST TIME MY WAS DAUGHTER DRIVING MY G-DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL ON ROSEVILLE CITY STREET. SECOND TIME ON I-94 DOING 65 WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AND 16 MILE IN CLINTON TWP. MICH. I DON'T HAVE THE RECALL NUMBER BUT MY SON- IN - LAW IS A MASTER MECHANIC AND TOLD ME ABOUT IT. THANK YOU!
Engine, Mar 18, 2019
THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAKS DUE TO BROKEN BOLTS ADHERING MANIFOLD TO ENGINE. THE PROBLEM IS WIDE SPREAD AND A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, IT IS POSSIBLY ALLOWING EXHAUST GAS INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DUE TO LEAK FROM POOR DESIGN, COSTING CONSUMER MORE THAN 1000$ TO FIX BOTH SIDES OF MANIFOLD.
Engine, Mar 18, 2019
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING APPRX 65 ON THE FREE WAY. I CHECKED THE CODE P0305. SLIGHT SPUTTER AT FIRST. NOW LOW POWER BELOW 30MPH AND MAJOR JUMP INTO GEAR HIGHER THAN 30MPH. ALMOST AS IF SKIPPING A GEAR. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS A CAM FAILURE CAUSING A MISFIRE, POSSIBLY FROM EVIDENCE OF SPRING SEIZURE.
Seats, Engine, Mar 14, 2019
MY RAM 1500 HAD VALVE SPRINGS BREAK. IT HAS A TICK IN THE ENGINE AND THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A LIFTER. HE SAID 2012 RAMS ALWAYS GET BAD LIFTERS, ALSO THE FRONT SEATS THE WAY THEY ARE SHAPED, WHEN GETTING IN OR OUT THE EDGES ARE RUBBED AND MY LEATHER IS TORN. THE LIFTER IS A MAJOR ISSUE. I'LL NEVER BY ANOTHER RAM AGAIN BECAUSE OF IT. MY TRUCK SOUNDS AWFUL. I HAVE 97000 MILE IT'S 2012, LOOKS BEAUTIFUL, AND SOUNDS LIKE A BEATER. IT TICKS WHEN I START IT AND SOUNDS WORSE WHEN I DRIVE. WHEN MY SPRINGS BROKE I WAS DRIVING 70 ON THE INTETSTATE.. THE LIFTER ISSUE CAME FIRST, NOT SURE IF IT CAUSED THE SPRINGS TO BREAK.
Engine, Mar 13, 2019
THE LIFTERS HAVE FAILED AND THERE IS ONLY AROUND 80,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE HEMI ENGINES THAT HAVE THE MDS SYSTEM. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HAVE IT FIXED WHEN THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND DESIGN FLAW
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 12, 2019
FUEL PUMP RELAY FAULTY WHICH COULD OF CAUSED ACCIDENT.INFERIOR DESIGN THAT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL THAT SOME OTHER VEHICLES BY SAME MANUFACTURER WERE.NO EASY PERMANENT FIX EXCEPT TAKING TO DEALER FOR 90.00 BYPASS KIT OR A 1000.00 TIPM UNIT.THANKFULLY VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN FAILED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 7, 2019
2012 RAM 1500 VIN NOT INCLUDED IN RECALLED VIN HAD THE FRONT FUEL STRAP PULL OUT OF FRAME AND WAS NOT HOLDING UP THE GAS TANK. I AM UNSURE IF THIS LET LOOSE WHEN STATIONARY OR WHILE DRIVING. THE FRONT OF THE GAS TANK WAS CLOSE TO THE GROUND NEARLY MAKING CONTACT. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL GROUP AND THERE MAY BE MORE VIN'S THAT NEED RECALLED.
Engine, Mar 7, 2019
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ARE BROKE OFF IN THE BLOCK!!!!!
Air bags, Mar 7, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A TWO LANE ROAD, TWO VEHICLES IN THE LEFT LANE WERE RACING. THE CONTACT HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID A HEAD ON COLLISION. WHEN THE CONTACT SWERVED TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE FRONT END FRAME WAS BENT. THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE FACE, SHOULDERS, AND EYES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT ALSO SUFFERED MEMORY LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER INVESTIGATED THE FAILURE AND CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TRAVELING FAST ENOUGH FOR THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING AT LEAST 18 MPH FOR THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 57184099. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A BODY SHOP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000. *DT*JB