The Used Car Index

2012 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

NHTSA lists 697 complaints for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, 32 of them mention a crash and 10 mention a fire. 20 complaints mention an injury, with 27 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as DODGE RAM 1500.

At a glance

Complaints
697
With crash
32
With fire
10
With injury (complaints)
20
Injuries
27
Deaths
0
Recalls
6
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
1,482,874
Investigations
1
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
282

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17525.1%
ENGINE16323.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9213.2%
POWER TRAIN9213.2%
AIR BAGS8011.5%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER679.6%
SERVICE BRAKES497.0%
STEERING476.7%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING466.6%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE304.3%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
STRUCTUREBODY23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMWIRING5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMIGNITION4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGENGINE3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINESTORAGE3
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGHEADLIGHTS2
POWER TRAINDRIVELINE2
BACK OVER PREVENTIONWARNINGS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGEXHAUST SYSTEM1
EQUIPMENTELECTRICAL1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
mechanical failure13625.1%0.87
electrical electronic10920.1%0.83
loss of control9918.3%0.82
restraint or airbag5810.7%0.89
unclear407.4%0.86
visibility or lighting366.7%0.88
noise or comfort315.7%0.85
fluid or fuel leak122.2%0.75
structural or corrosion122.2%0.93
fire or overheating81.5%0.80
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate29153.8%0.80
low18734.6%0.71
high529.6%0.83
none101.8%0.72
critical10.2%0.65

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 541 tagged complaints of 697 complaints (77.6%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

6 recalls.

18V160000

Date: 2018-03-08. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

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 (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V824000

Date: 2017-12-21. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

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 fo (excerpt)

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. (excerpt)

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 i (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V821000

Date: 2017-12-20. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

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 (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

15V459000

Date: 2015-07-22. Systems: AIR BAGS.

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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V038000

Date: 2013-02-06. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

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 (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

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 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

12V192000

Date: 2012-05-02. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

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, A TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.A

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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

1 investigations; 0 open.

EA19001

Opened: 2019-04-19. Closed: 2024-09-19.

Electrical overstress

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.A During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicl

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: 20V024.

Manufacturer communications

282 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
EQUIPMENT100
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM60
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING35
STRUCTURE25
POWER TRAIN24
ENGINE18
VISIBILITY15
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE14

11021585

Date: 2025-07-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

LAMP - DOME

11019776

Date: 2025-06-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

LAMP - DOME

11017451

Date: 2025-05-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

LAMP - DOME

11011751

Date: 2024-12-05. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

"Dual EVAP System Extreme Duty Vapor Canister Filter Kit Customers operating fleet or severe/extreme duty gasoline vehicles in continuous dusty driving conditions can plug the single OE filter system and may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the t

11010205

Date: 2024-10-30. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Plate - Planetary

11004993

Date: 2024-07-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Replacement Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Displays Incorrect Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Current and Active

10244356

Date: 2023-09-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SUSPENSION.

LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.

10248517

Date: 2023-09-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.

10244348

Date: 2023-09-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use

10248509

Date: 2023-09-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
RAM 1500697

Same model, other years

All model years | All Dodge models

Other Dodge models, 2012

Sources

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