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2012 Ram 1500 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Ram 1500 has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 7safety recalls
- 698owner complaints
- 32crash reports
- 10fire reports
- 27injuries reported
698 complaints, against an average of 844 for the other 14 Ram 1500 model years.
Every Ram 1500 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Ram 1500?
The components named most often in the 698 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Ram 1500 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 698 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 Ram 1500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?84 owners · 12%
- Does the 2012 Ram 1500 have rust or paint problems?41 owners · 5.9%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Ram 1500?37 owners · 5.3% · Recall 16E041000
- Why does my 2012 Ram 1500 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?30 owners · 4.3%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2012 Ram 1500?27 owners · 3.9%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Ram 1500?26 owners · 3.7%
- Why won't my 2012 Ram 1500 start?25 owners · 3.6%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2012 Ram 1500 engine?21 owners · 3%
Has the 2012 Ram 1500 been recalled?
7 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly: Mounting 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
Equipment: Other: Labels 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.
Is the 2012 Ram 1500 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSA2014-2019 RAM 1500 Pickup 3.0L diesel.2019 RAM 1500 Pickup 3.0L diesel. Loss of crankshaft reference position. Software update.
Risk: On affected vehicles there is a risk of the loss of crankshaft reference position that can result in an engine stall as well as loss of the ability to restart the engine. A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix: Install modified software to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
What do 2012 Ram 1500 owners report?
12 of the 698 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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.
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…
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…
Fuel tank strap corroded due to environmental exposure to water and salt in West Virginia.
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…
The brake line broke on my Dodge truck and all the brake fluid leaked out. Fortunately this didn't happen while driving on the highway. I discovered no brakes when I got in the vehicle to leave. I have a long driveway. As I was driving the slight grade down to the main road, I hit the brakes and they went to the floor. I was able to turn around in my yard before all the brake fluid was gone and get the truck back to my barn. I got under the truck and took a picture. I discovered that the brakes had rusted and leaked out the fluid. No one has inspected it or confirmed it. The truck is not safe…
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine, air bag, and the fuel pump relay failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle occasionally failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TIPM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure…
On my way home. Going through in town (slow)traffic all of sudden I notice I had no power steering & no brakes, no please pull out , I noticed if I keep my rpm about 1500, I would get a little power steering & brakes back!, 4 miles to get home , I drove home slowly What happened was I lost my serpentine belt tensioner!!! .MY MAIN Purpose, for my truck is to toe my fifth wheel RV!!, I live in the north west of US, LIKE! in the mountains!! Terrified that it won’t happen again!️
My headlights (specifically on the driver side) keeps going out randomly. I have replaced the high and low beam bults 3 times and the wiring harness twice. I can be driving down the road and they it will go out and 10 minutes later it will just come back on all on it's on. I looked on all of the Dodge discussion forums and this seems to be a very common issue with this make/model of the Dodge Ram 1500 I recieve no error messages on my dash console telling me that this has occurred. However, every other bulb that has ever went out gave an error on the dash.
2012 Ram 1500: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Ram 1500 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 698 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Ram 1500; the most common categories were electrical system (175, 25.1%), engine (163, 23.4%), fuel/propulsion system (92, 13.2%). There are 7 safety recalls. 32 complaints mention a crash, 10 mention a fire, 27 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ram 1500?
Across 698 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (25.1% of complaints), engine (23.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (13.2% of complaints), power train (13.2% of complaints), air bags (11.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Ram 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2012 Ram 1500; the most recent (campaign 18V160000, 2018-03-08) concerns Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly: Mounting. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Ram 1500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
84 of the 698 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ram 1500 (12%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11763137, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2012 Ram 1500 have rust or paint problems?
41 of the 698 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ram 1500 (5.9%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11763314, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Ram 1500?
37 of the 698 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ram 1500 (5.3%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 16E041000 (equipment). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. One owner wrote: "The seat belt and air bag warning light has stayed on. I have had multiple Mechanics, look at it and even try to inspect it. So the lights will go off and they cannot find a problem." (NHTSA complaint 11590746, May 2024). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Ram 1500 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
30 of the 698 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ram 1500 (4.3%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11731758, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2012 Ram 1500?
27 of the 698 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ram 1500 (3.9%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "Passenger side high and low beam headlights will go out at any time. was told the problem is the tcim. major safety issue if they go out when driving down the road in the dark." (NHTSA complaint 11076156, March 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Ram 1500?
26 of the 698 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ram 1500 (3.7%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Van shuts off while driving on the highway When attempting to restart no fuel is provided to the fuel rail Engine cranks but remains with a no start condition Negative battery terminal must be disconnected to reset the PCM." (NHTSA complaint 11543144, September 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2012 Ram 1500 start?
25 of the 698 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ram 1500 (3.6%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Fuel pump randomly shuts down while driving. Or no start condition. Loss of cruise control hitting bumps in the road. Service 4x4, no tc, no cc, trailer lights disconnect. Dealer has recalls on other same year vehicles w same motor w same TIPM defective part." (NHTSA complaint 11636275, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2012 Ram 1500 engine?
21 of the 698 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ram 1500 (3%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "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" (NHTSA complaint 11706813, December 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own 1500
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 1500, 1500 CREW and 1500 QUAD.