VehicleVerdict

2012 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 sits mid-pack among Ram 1500 years: 978 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 699, with 7 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 41 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (190), engine (171), and fuel system (129), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

978

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

1

Investigations

51

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

41

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Ram 1500 years?

See all Ram 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System19019%
Engine17117%
Fuel System12913%
Transmission9310%
Airbags808%
Other677%
Brakes515%
Steering475%
Lighting455%
Speed Control283%
Body & Structure242%
Suspension192%
Tires & Wheels162%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Seat Belts51%
Seats40%
Latches & Locks20%
Driver Assistance20%

Does the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V160000Fuel SystemMarch 8, 2018 · 218,617 units

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, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.

Consequence

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.

17V824000OtherDecember 21, 2017 · 61,791 units

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 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

Consequence

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.

17V821000TransmissionDecember 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 units

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 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.

Consequence

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.

16E041000OtherMay 16, 2016 · 345 units

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.

Consequence

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.

15V459000AirbagsJuly 22, 2015 · 1,059,444 units

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.

Consequence

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.

13V038000TransmissionFebruary 6, 2013 · 278,674 units

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 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.

Consequence

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.

12V192000OtherMay 2, 2012 · 129 units

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.”

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 16, 2022 · crash

THE TRUCK WAS PARKED THE NIGHT BEFORE AT APPROXIMATELY 7:15PM AND AT APPROXIMATELY 2:30AM MY WIFE WOKE TO SOMETHING POPPING OUTSIDE AND HER 2012 RAM WAS OUTSIDE ON FIRE. IT CAUGHT MY 2005 DODGE RAM 3500 ON FIRE ALSO, AND EVENTUALLY BURNT OUR HOME DOWN. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 9, 2012 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN PARK, THE CONTACT OPENED THE DRIVER'S DOOR. AS HE ATTEMPTED TO STEP OUT, HIS LEFT FOOT SLIPPED AND CAUSED HIM TO ACCIDENTALLY SHIFT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE WHILE THE RIGHT FOOT WAS OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE MOVED AND CRASHED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 15, 2016 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A LARGE BODY OF WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 21, 2013 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 3, 2014 · crash

2012 Dodge Ram 1500 — common questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram 1500: 978 NHTSA complaints, 7 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2012 Ram 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (190 complaints), engine (171 complaints), fuel system (129 complaints).

Does the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 1500 years to avoid are 2005, 2001, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among Ram 1500 years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.