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, Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact stated he depressed the brake pedal desperately and shifted the vehicle into park and then restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the fuse box was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the ignition module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2023
I have found on lots of other dodge vehicles made this same year have a recall on the TIPM Totally Integrated Power Module which controls the electrical system in your car. It is the black box that has power board and fuses inside. I found through internet research THAT MANY PEOPLE have said they have the same problem with their 2012 dodge ram Laramies 1500. The truck will not run. Sometimes it clicks on but I read that you CAN NOT DRIVE until it is fixed because that one piece basically controls the entire truck and it could cut off while driving and make you lose all control of vehicle. This particular year make and model SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE OTHER DODGE RECALLS FOR THIS SAME PART. PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU RECALL THE TIPM SO I CAN GET MY TRUCK FIXED AND BE ABLE TO safely drive it again. I don't have several hundred dollars to replace this part when it should not be defective to begin with. Thanks so much please call me with any questions.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 4, 2023
The vehicle is making a loud clicking noise coming from the engine area. . it gets louder when accelerating. It is unknown to me if it could be manifold issues or camshaft issues. It feels unsafe to drive.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2023
Gas tank sagging loosely, strap is not supporting tank.
Electrical system, Jan 30, 2023, crash
Abs speed sensor not working causing the abs traction control and 4x4 not to work, also cruise control also won't work, truck spun out due to no abs and was stranded in winter condition not being able to use 4x4
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
Complete engine failure caused by lifters sticking due to lack of lubrication which is a well known problem with the hemi engines. It occurred in my case at approximately 140,000 kilometres despite being maintained religiously with all oil changes done at 5000 kilometre intervals using synthetic oil. Only fix possible because of the damage was to purchase a new long block at a cost of approximately $8000.
Electrical system, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 10 attempts. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
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.
Air bags, Jan 9, 2023
I had a recall, R36 - NHTSA Recall #15V-459, completed in 2015 for my 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. However, currently, the same issues associated with that recall is causing my Air Bag warning light to turn on. This is surely a safety issue. By the recommendation of Mopar/Stellantis Customer Care, I had it diagnosed by the dealer and was told I have to pay for the cost to repair. I believe this same issue, Clock Spring malfunction, is the same as the recall and should be fixed and the cost to repair not be incurred by the owner. Expired warranty, completed recall, etc. shouldn't be a factor if the same problem is happening, hence the recall.
Power train, Jan 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train) and confirmed having the recalled component. The contact made a local dealer aware; however, he was informed the vehicle was unable to be serviced under the recall and advised to contact the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware and confirmed the vehicle was unable to be serviced under the recall and the contact was advised to file a complaint with NHTSA. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the fuel tank strap brackets rusted and detached from the vehicle. Additionally, the fuel tank was also rusted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2022
My truck has completly shut off on me while driving several times. The last time my truck shut off I was in 4 wd due to snow and ice and the truck shut down I lost steering and slid sideways. It was scary. I could have been seriously injured or hurt someone else due to a crash. I know the win module is the issue because if I just barely touch the key fob while its in the ignition my truck immediately shuts off. I have talked to the dealership and they said the win module failure is a common problem.
Engine, Oct 24, 2022
Exhaust manifold failed (warped and broke bolts) for second time since owning my 2012 Ram 1500 causing dangerous exhaust leak that then enters the cabin of the vehicle causing dangerous conditions for the occupants.
Engine, Oct 11, 2022
Issue is that the exhaust manifold studs/bolts break off in cylinder head(s) on 5.7L Hemi engines causing exhaust leak in engine compartment in which could allow carbon monoxide to be drawn into passenger compartment. I personally replaced all the bolts/ studs along with new gaskets each time. Even once replacing exhaust manifolds only to have this issue continue to happen repeatedly.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 25, 2022
Intermittent fault from the TIPM module. When slowing to a stop, or slowing to make a turn, the engine dies without warning resulting in loss of power steering and operability while in traffic. The only indication that the engine has died is the tachometer reads 0 RPM, loss of power steering, and the excelerator becomes inoperable. The radio, headlights, and A/C stay on during this. Coming to a complete stop and putting the truck into park (P) and turning the ignition to OFF and then restarting the truck resolves the problem, but on the highway this is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. This has been diagnosed as an intermittent fault derived from a faulty TIPM module and involves multiple RAM 1500, 2500, 3500 owners. Various issues of similar nature reported to dealerships and on forums.
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2022
Tipm malfunctions and stalls out vehicle. Will not crank back up and truck fries new Tipm within 5 months and stalls out driving down the road.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2022
I just received this truck, 2012 RAM 1500, from my uncle. Worked great for a couple of months but then started having issues with the engine stalling and losing power while driving. Then I would have issues getting it to start again. The last time I was stranded was at a friend's house and wasn't able to get it to start again. His cousin that works on cars initially determined it was a fuel pump issue because he could get it to start by spraying ethanol in the engine but wouldn't stay started. Then another friend of his inquired about the truck and he told him the issue. He knew of the known issue with the TIPM in this year/model truck which was a fuel pump relay issue. He was able to clean some contacts and got it to start again which allowed me to get it home. I did some research and it is widely known of this issue with the TIPM. There are even bypass cables you can get for a work around. I do consider this a safety issue since at any time it will stall while driving down the road including once on a highway.
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2022
Starting around 2020 when I moved to the new house and I constantly had to make a slow left turn underneath this underpass. I noticed that it would die every time. And I started noticing that it was a pattern because I have the blinker on the brake pressed and I turn the wheel the left that’s when it would die every time and I’ve had the gas pedal off I wouldn’t be giving any gas. I looked it up in several people have been having this issue since 2009 on all dodge trucks. Yes has put me in the ditch a few times I almost got hit a couple of times the probability and statistics are going to catch up and I can guarantee you I’m certain that somebody has had an accident because of this.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2022
While operating the vehicle at highway speed the vehicle shut off causing total loss of power. This happened on a road with speeds at 55 mph. It also occured while pulling into my driveway at a low speed, and i have had 3 occurences of the vehicle power "surging" at varied speeds. I had the fuel pump replaced, which did not remedy the problem. After hearing my fuel pump running with the vehicle shut off, i did some further research and found that the TIPM (toatally integrated power module) is the culprit and has been found to cause several other electrical system issues. Loss of power in a low speed scenario, such as turning left from one roadway to an intersecting road can cause the vehicle to be stranded in the middle of the road and place the stranded vehicle in the line of incoming traffic posing a serious risk for injury or death from a "T-Bone" motor vehicle crash.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2022
The fuel tank strap frame T -slot bracket corroded and the fuel tank fell upon the ground while traveling on roadway . there is a recall for this but it doesn't look like my vehicle was included .
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2022
Failure of fuel pump relay on above listed 2012 Ram 1500 at 69,999 miles. Current repair requires replacement of entire TIPM module (at a cost of $1,000 to 2,000) as this relay is soldered to the circuit board deep inside the module, making it nearly impossible to cost effectively replace this critical $10.00 part. Of note, the TIPM installed in this vehicle has 10 slots (9 relays installed and 1 open slots) for "replaceable" relays under the cover. Of these replaceable relays at least 2 (blower motor and park lamp) are less critical with one empty slot available. Further a safety recall was issued in December of 2014 (Safety Recall P54/14V530 Fuel Pump Relay) for 2011 models of the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, but no other models despite that the same or very similar designed TIPM's are used in virtually all Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep vehicles along with many VW models. If this was a SAFETY ISSUE for select 2011 models, why not the other vehicles using the same or similar TIPM's. Further experience has shown that the Chrysler fix tends to have a high failure rate also. Suggestion: Recall all vehicles with TIPM's which have soldered in Relays, for replacement with a re-designed part which allows for all the relays that can be readily replaced. Further consideration in the design of a new part should include the minimization or elimination of multiple points of failure (is a relay really necessary on a circuit?).
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 4, 2022
The frame rusted at the attachment point for one of the fuel tank support straps. The fuel tank sagged as it was being supported by only one strap.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the fuel tank had detached from the vehicle and was left hanging approximately 6 inches from the ground. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the fuel tank straps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.