One of the better 1500 years
Owners filed about 36% fewer complaints than a typical 1500 year. The area owners reported most is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 75,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 698 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Ram 1500. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (175, 25% of complaints), followed by the engine and cooling and the fuel system. That ranks 7th of 13 1500 years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 7 recalls.
4 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2012 Ram 1500 before you buy.
Electrical system
175 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 75,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
The truck was sitting at home in the driveway (untouched) for 3 days. Suddenly smoke began to appear from under the hood and within minutes, the engine compartment burst into flames. Because of the fire, smoke and water damage, the vehicle was considered a total loss by the insurance company. The fire marshal advised that the fire…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Vehicle has presented multiple electrical problems which I understand is caused by the TIPM module which controls all electrical components in the vehicle. I have replaced the vehicle battery on 5 occasions over the past 5 or 6 years. One reason is the fuel pump fails to shut-off after the vehicle is turned off and continously cycles…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Engine and cooling
170 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 84,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Fuel system
126 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 87,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 100,300 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
92 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 146,000 miles
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 165,353 miles
Air bags
80 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 60,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
Warning light on air bags stays lit will not go out according the other trucks of the same year and make where I worked this light does this on most of them it has been on for over a yearOwner complaint, filed 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…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Brakes and stability control
62 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 42,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2025
I have had to have the ABS and HCU modules replaced twice. This is a known issue and Fiat Chrysler is only repairing and reimbursing 2017 to 2018 trucks. Both of my repairs were at Dodge dealerships and are documented.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Lights, wipers and visibility
51 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 36,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon opening the rear driver's side sliding door, the rear driver's side window shattered. The vehicle was taken to a glass repair facility where the 3-piece rear driver's side window glass was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Steering
47 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel made a low winding sound. The vehicle lost power steering functionality without warning. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle to regain power steering functionality. The failure occurred 3 times. The contact stated that…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 34,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 ram 2500. The contact stated while her son was driving 25 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound and parked the vehicle on the side of the road. The driver stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver stated while examining the vehicle, he saw the front driver's side tie rod detached from the vehicle. The contact…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 170,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
28 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 33,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
Vehicle has problems accelerating. It will hesitate to accelerate when normally pressing the gas peddle. I have to floor it heading into freeway entrances, up hills or picking up speed over 40mph. Once it responds after a couple of seconds it over [VIN] jerks and buckles then struggles to keeps a steady speed. It's a daily safety hazard…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 98,828 miles
The contact owns a 2015 ram 1500. The vehicle failed to respond at an intersection when accelerator pedal was depressed was almost involved in a collision while attempting to make a turn at a traffic light the complainant believes the pcm software needs to be updated/flashed the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under [VIN]'s…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 64,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
26 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (22).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The side step detached from the vehicle's driver side of the vehicle while the contact was attempting to enter the vehicle. The bolts that were attaching the component had completely rusted through causing the failure. As a result, the contact sustained a injured knee during their fall. Medical…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 148,000 miles
When driving today my fuel tank fell down because the strap pulled out of the frame. There is a recall for this on2012 ram pickups but not my VIN number. Was wondering if my truck could be included in this recallOwner complaint, filed 2021, at 3 miles
Suspension
20 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
**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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2012 ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH there was an abnormal rattling noise detected and noticed the springs were fractured on the rear axle. The local dealer was not contacted. The [VIN] was contacted but did not assist. The failure mileage was 142,000.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 142,000 miles
Wheels and tires
15 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 23,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 ram 1500 equipped with [VIN] courser mt tires, size: 35/12.50r17 (na). While driving 80 MPH, the rear driver side tire blew out and separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local tire shop for diagnostic testing where it was confirmed that the tire blew out. The tire was replaced. The tire was the…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 100,000 miles
2012 dodge ram. Consumer states that while driving at 50mph his front left tires exploded. Consumer states that the tires being used were goodyear wrangler hp p275/60 r20.Owner complaint, filed 2018
Seats and seat belts
9 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 54,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
Rear seat seat belts are inoperable. Poor/faulty design. Lower half of rear seat raises/lowers for storage. The buckle end of the belt is not accessable due to poor design. This make the back seat not have functioning seat belts. Vehicle has been taken back to dealer. With great effort they can fish our the buckles, but as soon as the…Owner complaint, filed 2015
The design of the headrest is bad. It forces you to bend your neck as such an angle that it causes extreme neck and upper back pain. I realize that by removing the head rest I will not have any whiplash protection but I am willing to take that chance because I am in pain each time I drive the vehicle. Who ever forced the [VIN] to make…Owner complaint, filed 2012, at 40 miles
Driver assist systems
2 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
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. Not on truck. Warranty will not cover due to common problem. Since fuel relay…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Front frame bracket on gas tank has rotted out. There is a recall on this already for other 2012 ram 1500 vehicles. Nhtsa 18v-160 frame bracketOwner complaint, filed 2024
Ram 1500 complaints by year
Compare the 2012 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2012 full-size trucks
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ram 1500 | One of the better years | 7 |
| 2012 Ford F-150 | About average | 4 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | One of the better years | 4 |
| 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 | One of the better years | 5 |
2012 Ram 1500 recalls
Fuel system Mounting
- Risk
- If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Equipment
- 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.
Full recall summary
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
Transmission and drivetrain Column shift
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Equipment
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags
- Risk
- This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain Differential unit
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Equipment Labels
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
2012 Ram 1500 questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ram 1500?
The most reported problem areas on the 2012 Ram 1500 are the electrical system (175 complaints), the engine and cooling (170 complaints) and the fuel system (126 complaints).
Is the 2012 Ram 1500 a good year to buy?
One of the better 1500 years. Owners filed about 36% fewer complaints than a typical 1500 year. The area owners reported most is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 75,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ram 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2012 Ram 1500. The most recent, from Mar 2018, covers the mounting. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2012 Ram 1500 problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 75,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 84,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Ram 1500 years should I avoid?
The 1500 years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2014. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
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