2012 Dodge Ram 1500 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (112) · Fuel/Propulsion System (73) · Electrical System (69)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Ram 1500 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
472 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (7)
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting 2018-03-08 · campaign 18V160000 · 218,617 vehicles
Defect: 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, p
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Equipment 2017-12-21 · campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles
Defect: 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 v
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift 2017-12-20 · campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles
Defect: 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 op
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Equipment 2016-05-16 · campaign 16E041000 · 345 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags:frontal 2015-07-22 · campaign 15V459000 · 1,059,444 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train:driveline:differential Unit 2013-02-06 · campaign 13V038000 · 278,674 vehicles
Defect: 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 Janua
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 option
Equipment:other:labels 2012-05-02 · campaign 12V192000 · 129 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (282)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2025-07-28 · 106241 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lamp - dome
Electrical System 2025-06-12 · 104974 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lamp - dome
Electrical System 2025-05-01 · 103774 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lamp - dome
Unknown Or Other 2024-12-05 · 25-009-24 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"dual evap system extreme duty vapor canister filter kit customers operating fleet or severe/extreme duty gasoline vehicles in continuous dusty driving conditions can plug the single oe filter system and may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination. upon further investigation the t
Power Train 2024-10-30 · 101232 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
plate - planetary
Electrical System 2024-07-19 · S2408000078 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
replacement totally integrated power module (tipm) displays incorrect vehicle identification number (vin) current and active
Showing the 6 most recent of 282 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-11 · Suspension“**subject: urgent vehicle safety concern — steering failure, track bar bracket/frame damage, and risk to family safety — 2012 ram 2500** to ram customer care and the vehicle safety team, i am requesting immediate attention to a serious safety concern involving my 2012 ram 2500 4×4 with the 6.7l cummins diesel engine. this is not simply a complai…”
2026-09-10 · Unknown Or Other“ hello i have a 2012 dodge ram 1500 and fuel tank bracket holder rusted off there is a recall x75 code that they're now telling me expired 2024, i've had to strap it up with bungee cords, but this is a safety hazard how do i go about getting a goodwill warranty extension? it's the same issue detailed in tsb 14-002-18 rev. a. bought in [xxx] a…”
2026-09-09 · Unknown Or Other“dodge ram 1500 2012 model, vehicle randomly turns off without warning while driving. it is as if someone turns off the key no warning lights before , no check engine lights , after is shuts down no codes shown, so far able to coast out of the way and restart vehicle with key fob once in neutral. this is a safety issue and according to my research …”
2026-08-06 · Exterior Lighting · 🔥 fire“while the vehicle was sitting in the driveway not running, the back of the headlight caught on fire. there wasn't any incedents (e.i. any collision, repairs) prior to the indecent. it is available for inspection. no dealership report yet, but have an appointment with local dealership tuesday to get an itemized estimate for the repairs. …”
2026-06-15 · Engine“ unknown the engine is bad. costing me $2500 that i don't have. the lifter needs fixing and probably other things as well. i need help.…”
2026-04-24 · Power Train · 146,000 mi“the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph and hauling a camper, the rear wheels locked up, and the contact lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle spun out. the camper jackknifed during the failure. the rear axle and wheels locked without warning. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired…”
2026-04-17 · Engine“my 2012 dodge developed an engine issue at 129,000 miles. the issue was rough idling and no acceleration. i took it to a dodge dealer. they diagnosed it as a chronic cam issue with this generation chrysler hemi engine. i had the cam and replaced at waldorf dodge. the cost was at $3400. i believe this is a known problem and dodge is aware of exactly…”
2026-04-03 · Power Train · 165,353 mi“the contact's ex-wife owns a 2012 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while his ex-wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. there was no warning light illuminated. the driver shifted into park(p) and then restarted the vehicle. the contact stated that the starter and key fob were replaced twice. the vehicle was not diagnos…”
2026-03-28 · Fuel/Propulsion System“fuel tank strap corroded due to environmental exposure to water and salt in west virginia.…”
2026-03-20 · Engine · 80,000 mi“the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was shaking and continued decelerating. the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. a certified mechan…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.