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.
Power train, Sep 13, 2018
THIS IS MY 2ND COMPLAINT . IN SHORT MY DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT .PROBLEY ISN'T. I WAS TOLD AFTER 7MONTHS OF PHONE CALLS THAT THAT AS OF 20 SEPT 2018 I CAN PUT MY NAME ON A LIST TO ORDER AND GET IN LINE TO REC. MY PART T79 RECAL BRAKE TRANS SHIFT INTERLOCK .NO WONDER THEY SAY ON TV THAT 70%OF THE CARS ON THE ROAD HAVE SAFETY RECALLS.NOTHING HAPPENED YET ! WOULD BE NICE TO GET IT FIXED BEFORE IT DOES. OVER 7 MONTHS. THANKYOU
Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2018
FOR YEARS NOW, WHILE DRIVING, SOME OF MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD BE OFF, BUT NOT ALL OF THE TIME. NOW ALL OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE OFF EXCEPT FOR THE SPEEDOMETER. I CAN'T SEE THE GAS GAGE OR TACHOMETER OR TEMPERATURE READINGS. THIS DOESN'T MATTER IF I AM STOPPED OR MOVING.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 6, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (LIGHTNING BOLT WARNING SYMBOL) INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. STERLING HEIGHTS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (40111 VAN DYKE AVENUE, STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN 48310, (586) 939-3900) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2018
EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 31, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO HALL CHRYSLER/JEEP(15123 NORTH RD, FENTON, MI 48430) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE CALIPER SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT, APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS LATER, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE CALIPER EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. RECENTLY, THE SAME BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Engine, Aug 28, 2018
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAK. MOST PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO WITH A 4TH GENERATION RAM HAVE OR HAD THE SAME ISSUE. IT IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 35K MILES ON IT.
Power train, Aug 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PROGRESSIVE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (7966 HILL AND DALES RD NW, MASSILLON, OH) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AFTER STRIKING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SLOWLY TURNING THE IGNITION KEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY. BIMIDJI CHRYSLER CENTER LLC (755 PAUL BUNYAN DRIVE NW, BIMIDJI, MINNESOTA 56601, (218) 751-8006) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. *DT*JB
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2018
TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIPM) FAILURE IN 2012 DODGE RAM 1500
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 7, 2018
VEHICLE WILL NOT COME OUT OF CRUISE BY SWITCH OR SOMETIMES NOT BY BRAKE ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S BEEN RAINING. NO ACTION. WHEN VEHICLE IS IN HIGHWAY ABOVE 60 MILES /HR.
Engine, Jul 31, 2018
TRUCK ENGINE BEGAN TAPPING AND HAD POOR ACCELERATION. DEALERSHIP HAS DIAGNOSED A CYLINDER 5 MISS FIRE. CHANGING LIFTERS AND CAM SHAFT. TRUCK HAS 74,000 MILES.
Suspension, Jul 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE PINON NUT WAS LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO BYERS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (465 S HAMILTON RD, COLUMBUS, OH) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V038000 (SUSPENSION) BECAUSE THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,126.
Service brakes, Jul 26, 2018
FAILURE OF DEALER TO TAKE CARE OF A BTSI RECALL IN A TIMELY MANNER. RECALL WAS DEC 2017 AND IT IS NOW END OF JULY 2018 WITH NO FIX IN SITE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 25, 2018
"TAKATA RECALL" PROBLEM TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID CIRCUITS
Service brakes, Jul 20, 2018
I RECEIVED AN URGENT WARNING VIA POST CARD REQUIRING A FIX TO THE BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK IN JULY 2018. DEALER CANNOT INSTALL FIX UNTIL JANUARY 2019. THIS IS NOT TIMELY.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 16, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND BECAME STUCK. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER AND HEADLIGHTS WERE DAMAGED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
Power train, Jul 13, 2018
REAR AXLE BEARING GOING OUT. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2011 MODELS
Power train, Jul 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (JOHNSON DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM, 481 US-46, BUDD LAKE, NJ 07828, (908) 850-8700) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 11, 2018
I'M ONE OF THE FEW OWNERS OF A RAM 1500 WITH A COMMON PROBLEM. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. IT HAS BECOME A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH RAM OWNERS LIKE MYSELF. FIRST IT SEEMS AS IF YOUR FUEL PUMP HAD GONE OUT AND YOUR TRUCK WILL NOT START. AFTER CONTACTING MECHANICS AND PAYING AROUND $900TO REPLACE IT THE PROBLEM STILLS EXIST. THEN AFTER SONOROUS ATTEMPTS TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS IT'S THE RELAY THAT RAM DEALERS KNOW ALL ABOUT. IT COST AROUND A$1000 OR MORE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I'VE CONTACTED THEM AND MADE THEM AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THAT MYSELF AND OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING AND THEY SAY THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO THEY WILL NOT RECALL THE PROBLEM THEY KNOW YOUR GOING TO HAVE PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE TRUCK. PLEASE HELP US TO RESOLVE THIS ONGOING ISSUE. THANKYOU.
Air bags, Jun 26, 2018
TAKATA RECALL - DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET IN WESTPORT WA. UNKNOWN FAULTY AIRBAG DUE TO MOISTURE AND SALT IN THE AIR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 15, 2018
TIPM COMPUTER ISSUES. FUEL PUMP NOT SHUTTING OFF DUR TO RELAY STICKING INSIDE THE TIPM. RANDOM ENGINE SHUTDOWN IN TRAFFIC. ABS SYSTEM INACTIVE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES INSIDE THE TIPM. ENGINE CODES FROM OPTIONS NOT INSTALLED IN THE TRUCK FROM FACTORY. TIPM NOT RECOGNIZING KEY IN IGNITION (CANNOT START WITH KEY. ONLY BY REMOTE) BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO ABS MODULE NOT GETTING SIGNAL FROM TIPM.
Engine, Jun 14, 2018
WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE IS A DISTINCT TICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. AS THE VEHICLE WARMS UP IT GOES AWAY. AFTER LATER DIAGNOSIS, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BOLTS ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAD BROKE OFF OR SHEARED OFF FROM THE HEAD. THIS WAS SAID TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH RAM TRUCKS BECAUSE OF THE HEAT DISPLACEMENT ISSUE. I COME TO FIND OUT THAT CHRYSLER HAS NO RECORD OR INTENTION OF ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. THE CURRENT WARRANTY WILL ONLY COVER A FRACTION OF COST. IF THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE, IT SHOULD BE FIXED INSTEAD OF MAKING THE CONSUMER PAY MORE FOR THE PRODUCT DEFECTS.
Air bags, Jun 14, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK A WALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEN FLIPPED OVER ONTO ITS ROOF. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PERFORMED AN INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. *TT *TR
Engine, Jun 14, 2018
CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS ARE NOT WORKING RIGHT AND DAMAGING THE CAMSHAFT
Steering, Power train, Jun 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVESHAFT DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE REAR WHEELS TO SEIZE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SLID DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND OFF TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PATRIOT DODGE (2499 MARYLAND HWY, OAKLAND, MD 21550), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A CALL BACK TO SEE IF THEY COULD ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR FEES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.