2012 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls and problems
The 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 has 6 safety recalls and 698 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls
Recall 18V-160: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 17V-824: Equipment
Problem: 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
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. 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.
Recall 17V-821: Power Train
Problem: 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.
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. 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.
Recall 15V-459: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 13V-038: Power Train
Problem: 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.
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. 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.
Recall 12V-192: Equipment
Problem: 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, âtire selection and rims.â
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. The safety recall began on may 21, 2012. Owners should contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2012 Dodge RAM 1500 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 177 | |
| Engine | 163 | |
| Power Train | 93 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 92 | |
| Air Bags | 80 | |
| Unknown or Other | 67 | |
| Service Brakes | 49 | |
| Steering | 47 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 46 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 32 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 28 | |
| Structure | 24 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 22
- Electrical System › Wiring — 3
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
- Electrical System › Ignition — 2
- Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 2
- Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor — 2
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Dodge RAM 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500: 18V-160 (fuel system, gasoline), 17V-824 (equipment), 17V-821 (power train), 15V-459 (air bags), 13V-038 (power train) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (177 reports), followed by engine (163). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,000 miles.
Are Dodge recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.