Free Preview
#BS-2012-DODRAM-47432012 Dodge Ram 1500Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 983 owners and 7 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 983 complaints, 51 crashes, 15 fires, and 7 recalls.
Top reported problems
camshaft issue and lifter lock up
22 complaints • Severity 8.5/10
engine has a knock and valve noise
10 complaints • Severity 8/10
engine stalls shuts down while driving
10 complaints • Severity 9.8/10
engine wont turn over wont start
9 complaints • Severity 8.2/10
tipm faulty
9 complaints • Severity 8.7/10
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
168 owners reported electrical issues — failures commonly reported around 69K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 60–90K miles (169 reports) • Median: 69K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Electrical (168 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2012 Dodge Ram 1500: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 17% of all reports filed for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, with 168 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 69,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 69K-mile mark.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 17% of all reports filed for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, with 167 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Fuel System Issues
Fuel System complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, with 125 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to fuel system-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, with 89 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (7 recalls)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
+ 2 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★3 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★3 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★3 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (2)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical overstress
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
The worst model year for the Dodge Ram 1500 is the 2002 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is accessories - interior.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 983 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 7 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 30, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Dodge Ram 1500 Model Years
View all Dodge Ram 1500 years →2012 Dodge Ram 1500: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500?
Is the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?
How safe is the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500?
How much does it cost to fix 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?
Does the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 have any recalls?
What mileage do Dodge Ram 1500 problems start?
When was the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 983 owner reports. Know before you buy.