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, Jan 2, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEARS MALFUNCTIONED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEARS WOULD NOT SWITCH TO DRIVE WHEN PROMPTED AND SWITCHED OUT OF GEAR INDEPENDENTLY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, Dec 28, 2017
TAKATA INFLATORS. WHEN I START MY TRUCK THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON FOR AWHILE THEN IT GOES OFF. IT CAN COME ON AT ANYTIME , STARTING IT UP OR IN MOTION .I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP WERE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK, BUT THEY TELL ME THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS TO BE ON WHEN I BRING IT IN, OR THEY CAN'T RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. IT SEEMS EVERY TIME I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP THE LIGHT INCONVENIENTLY GOES OFF. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR ABOUT 6MO , OFF AND ON.
Exterior lighting, Dec 23, 2017
DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHTS, BOTH HIGH BEAM AND LOW BEAM , WILL NOT WORK. I HAVE REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 6 MONTHS, RESET THE TIPM ONCE, AND WILL HAVE TO AGAIN. THIS IS A CHRONIC ISSUE WITH RAM TIPM. (GOOGLE IT, PAGES OF RESULTS) I AM DRIVING WITHOUT A HEADLIGHT HALF THE TIME NOW, KEEPING BULBS IN MY TRUCK, BUT IT IS NOT EASY ACCESS TO CHANGE BULBS ON THE FLY ALONG THE HIGHWAY.
Exterior lighting, Dec 14, 2017
HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. WAS TOLD IT IS A FAILED TIPM. WAS HEADED HOME FROM THE STORE AT DUSK. TURNED THE LIGHT SWITCH AND NO LIGHTS. HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH FLASHERS.
Exterior lighting, Dec 12, 2017
RIGHT OR LEFT HEADLIGHT GOS OUT AND ON WELL DRIVING. TIPM ???? WIRE HARNESS HAS BEEN REPLACED, DID NOT FIX
Air bags, Dec 9, 2017, crash
VEHICLE STRUCK HIGHWAY GUARD RAIL IN CRASH WHILE WE WERE IN MOTION. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
Exterior lighting, Dec 5, 2017
MY HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2012 RAM 1500 ST ARE HORRIBLE. MY FOG LIGHTS ARE BRIGHTER THEN THE LOW BEAM ON THE VEHICLE WHICH MAKES IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS, BOTH LOW AND HIGH ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE PAST 10 FEET.
Engine, Nov 29, 2017
IN THE MORNING WHEN ENGINE IS FIRST STARTED THEIR IS A KNOCKING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD FOR ABOUT 10 MIN AND THEN GOES AWAY. ALSO IF TRUCK SITS TOO LONG THE KNOCKING NOISE WILL HAPPEN AGAIN FOR ABOUT 10 MINS. 5.7 HEMI ENGINE. MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS REGARDING THIS NOISE AND CONCERNED THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR A KNOWN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO THE DEALER AND GOVERNMENT FOR QUITE SOMETIME NOW.
Engine, Nov 29, 2017
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE FROM SPEEDS 0 - 40MPH A "WHIRLING/WHINING" NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE TRUCK AND IS ONLY HEARD WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE NOISE IS NOT PRESENT WHEN CAR IS PARKED OR STOPPED AT A LIGHT. I HAVE 160,000.00 MILES ON TRUCK AND IT HAS JUST STARTED MAKING THIS NOISE IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS. I SEE OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED ON ALL TRUCKS. WE HAVE JUST BOUGHT A 2017 RAM TRUCK AND THAT WILL BE OUR THIRD RAM TRUCK AND AM UPSET THAT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM YET
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2017
WIN MODUEL(WIRELESS IGNITION NODE MODULE) VEHICLE HAS 90,000 MILES. WHEN KEY IS INSERTED INTO IGNITION AND TURNED TO THE START POSITION THE WIN MODULE FAILS TO MAKE A CIRCUIT INTERNALLY AND WILL NOT CRANK THE VEHICLE. THE FAULTY CONNECTIONS INSIDE WILL ALSO MOVE WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF AT SOMETIMES A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKES,STEERING, LIGHTS, ETC. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY OCCUR BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. MY PERSONAL VEHICLE HAS DONE THIS REPEATEDLY WHILE IN MOTION AND ALSO WHEN STARTING. IT HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET WHILE DOING 35 MPH.
Engine, Nov 23, 2017
TICKING SOUND COMING FROM EXHAUST MANIFOLD, ONLY WHEN ENGINE IS COLD, STILL CONTINUES WHEN WARMER NUT NOT AS NOTICEABLE.
Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2017
SOMETIME WHEN I DRIVE 40 MPH THE FRONT HAS VIBRATION AND GO AWAY WHEN I GO ABOVE 40 OR LET OFF THE GAS STARTED ABOUT A WEEK AGO
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2017
FUEL PUMP RELAY IN THE TIPPIN WENT OUT. STATIONARY AS WOULD NOT START. TOOK TO SHOP, SHOP OWNER SAID HE HAS SEEN THIS IN OTHER DODGE RAMS(RECENTLY AS TWO WEEKS BEFORE WE BROUGHT OURS IN), WAS TOLD THAT SEVERAL MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM(DODGE CARAVAN, JEEP CHEROKEE, AND THE DODGE DURANGO) BUT THE DODGE RAM IS NOT INCLUDED. HE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE USING THE FIX THAT WAS USED ON ALL THE OTHER RECALLED VEHICLES. GAVE US INFO ON WHERE HE FOUND THE FIX WHICH IN TURN OPENED OUR EYES THAT HEY THERE OR LOTS OF THESE FAULTY FUEL PUMP RELAYS OUT THERE. WENT TO THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP WHERE MY HUSBAND WAS TOLD, YES THEY HAVE BEEN SEEING THIS AS WELL AND TO SAVE OUR RECEIPTS JUST IN CASE IT WAS ADDED BUT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AT THIS TIME AND THERE WERE NO PLANS THAT THEY NEW OF FOR IT TO BE ADDED TO THE RECALL. TALKED TO CHRYSLER CORPORATION AND THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT THE ONES WHO ADDS CARS TO THE RECALL THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR US EITHER. CBWPR091AA WAS THE REPLACEMENT NUMBER FOR THE PART GIVEN TO THE SHOP OWNER FROM MOPAR. JUST WANTED TO PASS THIS ALONG SINCE SEVERAL OTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLES HAVE HAD THIS SAME RECALL AND WE LIVE IN A CITY OF AROUND 10,000 SO IF SEVERAL PEOPLE IN OUR CITY HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR DODGE RAMS, THEN SURELY THERE AT TONS MORE OUT THERE. THANK YOU
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2017
TRUCK TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING DEALER SAID IT WOULD BE PROBLEMS WITH TIPM
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 3, 2017
WHEN I TURNED ON THE HI BEAMS (VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY), THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED, ALL THE DASH LIGHT CUT IN AND OUT, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP, AND THE DOOR AJAR/LIGHTS ON WARNING BELLS WENT OFF. I DIMMED THE HEADLIGHTS AND IT STOPPED. THE DEALER FIRST SAID THE ALTERNATOR WAS BAD, AND IT WAS ONLY CHARGING AT 12 VOLTS, SO THEY REPLACED IT, BUT THAT DIDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THEN THEY SAID IT WAS THE TIPM. 17 DAYS AND $1351 LATER, I HAVE MY TRUCK BACK.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 2, 2017
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS CONSTANTLY BREAK. THIS CAUSES EXHAUST LEAK AT THE CYLINDER HEADS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAVE HAD THIS REPAIRED TWICE IN THE PAST YEAR AND THE PROBLEM IS THERE AGAIN.
Structure, Nov 1, 2017
MY GAS TANK WAS DRAGGING, WHEN EXAMINED IT TURNED OUT THAT ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. THE FRAME RAILS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, AS WELL AS THE BRAKE LINES...UPDATED 11/08/17 *BF UPDATED 11/13/2017*JS...UPDATED 11/14/17 *BF UPDATED 9/13/18*JB
Electrical system, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 31, 2017
ELECTRICAL, AIRBAG SENSOR TO LEFT SIDE, ABG, ANTISKID SENSORS, FOLLOWING CODES BOO2013, BOO2813, B105892, C1020, C2100, U1417, PO441.
Power train, Oct 27, 2017
1. WHEN PUTTING TRUCK INTO REVERSE FROM PARK OR DRIVE IT TAKES UPTO 7 PLUS SECONDS TO ENGAGE. 2. WHEN 4X4 IS ENGAGED AS YOU COME TO A STOP THE TRUCK LUNGES FORWARD AND CLUNKS EVERYTIME. ALSO IT HAPPENS IN 2 WHEEL DRIVE BUT NOT AS BAD...UPDATED 11/07/17 *BF
Exterior lighting, Oct 9, 2017
THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THE REAR SEAT AREA WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. THE ISSUE OCCURS DURING RAIN AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING WASHED.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 25, 2017
DRIVING MAKE A TURN AND IT JUST TURNS OFF AND THE STEERING LOCKS ! TURN BACK ON WHEN IN NEUTRAL ARE PARK. AND START UP AND MAY NOT DO IT FOR A WEEK AND DO IT AGAIN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPEATEDLY EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. WHEN THE LOW BEAMS CUT OFF, IT DISABLED THE HIGH BEAM LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULBS A COUPLE OF TIMES, BUT EACH TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (HUMES CHRYSLER IN WATERFORD, PA, 814-796-2666) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. UPDATED 11/01/17*LJ UPDATED 7/19/18*JB
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2017
MY TRUCK OVERHEATS WHEN EVER IT IS NOT IN MOTION ABOVE 20 MPH. THE RADIATOR FAN DOES NOT TURN ON.
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED WALKER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (5757 COLISEUM BLVD, ALEXANDRIA, LA 71303 (318) 443-2167) AND INQUIRED ABOUT THE COST OF A NEW IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE IN DODGE PICK-UP TRUCKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Engine, Sep 18, 2017
HEMI TICK MANIFOLD GETS HOT EXPANDS BREAK MANIFOLD BOLTS, ACTED UP ON HIGHWAY IN CONSTRUCTION ZONE ALMOST HOT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM LOSS OF POWER AND JERKING.