2012 DODGE RAM 1500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

968

Owner Complaints

51 Crashes 13 Fires

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

26

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2012 DODGE RAM 1500

The 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 has received a total of 968 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT, EQUIPMENT. 26 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (166 complaints), Engine (160 complaints), and Fuelpropulsion System (90 complaints).

Recalls for the 2012 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2012 DODGE RAM 1500, potentially affecting up to 3,101,874 vehicles.

Recall 18V160000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

| 218,617 vehicles affected

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...

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.

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Recall 17V821000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

| 1,482,874 vehicles affected

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...

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...

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Recall 17V824000 — EQUIPMENT

| 61,791 vehicles affected

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...

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...

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Recall 16E041000 — EQUIPMENT

| 345 vehicles affected

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.

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Recall 15V459000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 1,059,444 vehicles affected

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...

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Recall 13V038000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

| 278,674 vehicles affected

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...

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:...

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Recall 12V192000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

| 129 vehicles affected

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.

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Owner Complaints for the 2012 DODGE RAM 1500

968 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 166 2 Crashes 6 Fires
Engine
Complaints: 160 1 Crash 2 Fires 3 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 90 1 Crash
Power Train
Complaints: 86 5 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 80 16 Crashes 19 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 64 3 Crashes 1 Fire 6 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 49 5 Crashes 1 Fire
Steering
Complaints: 47 5 Crashes 1 Injury
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 42 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 28
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 27 3 Crashes
Structurebody
Complaints: 22 4 Crashes 1 Fire 7 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 18 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 13 1 Fire
Wheels
Complaints: 10 1 Crash
Tires
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Fuel System Diesel
Complaints: 5
Seat Belts
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 4
Seats
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginecrankcamshaft Position Sensor
Complaints: 2
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 2
Back Over Prevention Warnings
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorage
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblymounting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11715559 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 100,300 miles
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.
#11706707 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 150,000 miles
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.
#11706813 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
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
#11699801 | POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT | | 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormally loud howling and winding sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The sound had progressed over time. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the rear axle pin was faulty and might have caused the wheels to lock up. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
#11696795 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while starting the vehicle, after releasing the key fob, the vehicle stalled. The contact taped the key to the side of the vehicle to start. The contact stated that once the key fob was taped, the windows failed to roll up, the indicators failed to function as intended, the heater and A/C failed to operate as needed, and the hazard lights were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

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Safety Rating for the 2012 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 DODGE RAM 1500

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 26 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

S1709000010 RevB — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter replacement is necessary.

S2123000011 — BACK OVER PREVENTION

Rattle Tapping Fluttering Noise From A Pillar Or Dash Driving At Highway Speeds

1810516 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Updated OBD monitors to support the new regulations scope and requirements for Mexico (Regulation NOM042).

68157611A — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Caliper Assembly - Front Disc Brake For an issue with drift only while braking, do not replace front Caliper Assemblies. Check the front brake pads for contamination, replace if necessary, and clean the friction surfaces of both front rotors. If that doesn't resolve issue, check vehicle alignment.

09-010-16 REV. A — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Engine Surge Or Hard Start (X63 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, if code P0404 is set. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) has been set in the...

09-010-16 REV. A — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Engine Surge Or Hard Start (X63 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, if code P0404 is set. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) has been set in the...

09-010-16 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Engine Surge Or Hard Start (X63 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, if code P0404 is set. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) has been set in the...

09-010-16 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Engine Surge Or Hard Start (X63 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, if code P0404 is set. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) has been set in the...

09-010-16 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Engine Surge Or Hard Start (X63 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, if code P0404 is set. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) has been set in the...

D-16-15 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

"(X63) EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) VALVE - 2012 - 2013 RAM PICKUP (DS) TO ANNOUNCE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE EGR VALVE ON THE FOLLOWING SELECT VEHICLES: 2012-2013 RAM 1500 EQUIPPED WITH A 4.7L V8 ENGIND (SALES CODE EVE)"

Showing 10 of 26 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 DODGE RAM 1500

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM 1500

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