Open safety recalls, the components owners report failing most often, crash-test results and running costs for the 2012 Ram 1500 — assembled from NHTSA and EPA records.
Everything on this page applies to the model as a whole. Run its 17-character VIN to decode that exact car — its engine, trim, assembly plant and factory equipment — alongside these records. Free, no account.
Run a VIN →Recalls and complaints are filed against a specific model year, so figures differ from one year to the next even within a single generation. See every Ram 1500 year.
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this make/model/year. Recalls apply to the model, so some may already be fixed on this specific car — check with a dealer using the VIN.
Issue: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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
Issue: 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
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: 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
Issue: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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
Issue: 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.
Remedy: 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
Issue: 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.
Remedy: 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
Issue: 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.
Remedy: 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
Issue: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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
No EPA fuel-economy match for this model (naming may differ or it predates EPA records).
2 open NHTSA investigations into this model. Investigations come before recalls, so these are potential defects not yet covered by one.
Rated configuration: 2012 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD
The parts named most often across 694 owner complaintsfiled with NHTSA for this make, model and year — the closest free answer to “what is likely to go wrong?”
1 crash · 4 fires
1 crash · 1 injured
11 crashes · 12 injured
1 crash
1 crash · 1 fire
1 crash · 1 fire · 4 injured
Complaints are self-reported and skew toward problems people find alarming, so treat this as where to look, not a defect rate.
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.
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. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000
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 why it happens. Lack of oil pressure to two of the cylinders that are dropped while driving for fuel economy. This should be Dodge problem not the consumer. I take excellent care of my vehicles. I also have a 2004 Dodge truck but that’s over 450,000 miles on it same engine same transmission.
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 diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,353.
Fuel tank strap corroded due to environmental exposure to water and salt in West Virginia.
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 mechanic was contacted and advised the contact to drive the vehicle approximately 45 MPH with the hazard lights flashing to the repair shop. The mechanic diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #2, lifters failure, causing the camshaft failure, which allowed metal debris to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
My 2012 ram1500 st 4.7 liter has the 9.25 rear differential that was in fact common for that year model too have the loose pinion nut recall my trucks vin is [XXX] for confirmation after doing some research on the symptoms that could potentially be causing this problem include but are not limited to a whining sound coming from my trucks rear end that gets louder when accelerating and noticeably changes when decelerating and vibration that is noticeable as well which is commonly caused by this defect my information was coming from reputable sources i came to the conclusion that they matched up perfectly with this recall however when I called the dealership to schedule an appointment to get the repairs done they told me the vin did not line up with the dates when it was manufactured to be considered apart of the recall I was surprised by this so i dug deeper into this issue only to find there was conflicting results some saying the vin did in fact match eligibility for this recall and not eligible to recieve repairs they the customer support rep also explained that in order to determine if it would be covered I would have to go to them in order for the technicians to diagnose and verify the cause for the issues followed up by saying they would not know if my truck did infact qualify for the manufacturer to cover repair costs if it did not qualify i would have to pay for the diagnostic analysis which amounted to the tune of 300-400 dollars which i found to be unreasonable and due to my financial position due to the fact that I am being medically discharged from the army and will be out in no later than 2 months from now 3-4 hundred is alot of money givin my situation however the main take aways from my complaint are 1. Everything points to the symptoms my truck is having points to the issue lining up with the recall2. My trucks year make model and rear axle that was directly effected by this issue3.my conversation with them seemed like I hat to go to the INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The truck will just shut off driving down the road at highway speeds. This has occurred multiple times.
i CALLED MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER, BROWN MOTORS IN PETOSKEY MI., A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO TO HAVE A COUPLE OF UNCOMPLETED RECALLS PERFORMED. I TOOK MY TRUCK IN TO THE DEALER TODAY AND WAS NOTIFIED LATER THAT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL AND IT WOULD COST ME NEARLY $1700 TO PERFORM THE RECALL, MOSTLY PERTAINING TO THE FUEL BRACKET RECALL. I FIND THIS VERY ODD AS IT WOULD MAKE SENSE THAT ALL RELATED PARTS THAT HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO PERFORM THIS SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL INCLUDING ANY SAID LABOR COSTS. MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE CURRENT HAS ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS THAT HAS COME LOOSE AND NOW I AM FORCE TO DRIVE THAT WAY UNTIL I CAN GET THIS VERY HAZARDOUS OSSUE RESOLVED.
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off; however, while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted and was driven to the residence. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the fuel pump was still running. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump relay failure. The contact was informed that the TIPM needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that it was a known failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,300.
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon inspection, the fuel tank strap was corroded. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because there was no related recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Engine ticking noise, poorly made bolts on exhaust manifold were used. Bolts loosen or Break off and manifold warps or cracks. Cause exhaust leak into cabin. Truck can be inspected if needed
Showing 12 of 694 complaints.