RoadVitals

2012 Dodge 1500 Body & structure Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Body & structure reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
24
Latest Sep 3, 2023
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
3%
of 695 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
7

What this page shows

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2012 Dodge 1500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 24 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming body or structure

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Body & structure
Filed Sep 3, 2023

Weak metal that the running boards are secured to. Reinforcement plates need installed on both driver and passer sides.

NHTSA ID
11542397
Incident
Sep 3, 2023
Body & structureFuel system
Filed May 24, 2023

The fuel strap frame bracket failure has occured on my vehicle and i'm wondering why it was not covered under the recall? ref: Safety Recall U04 / NHTSA 18V-160 Frame Bracket

NHTSA ID
11523636
Incident
May 11, 2023
Body & structure
Filed Jan 10, 2023

I'm currently having the Recall no.18V160000 problem on my 2012 ram 1500 slt 4.7 but since the vin number on my truck doesn't show this recall, the dealer doesn't want to fix it. My truck currently has the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket broken.

NHTSA ID
11501022
Incident
Mar 10, 2022
Body & structureFuel system
Filed Aug 4, 2022

The frame rusted at the attachment point for one of the fuel tank support straps. The fuel tank sagged as it was being supported by only one strap.

NHTSA ID
11477662
Incident
Aug 4, 2022
Body & structure
Filed Mar 21, 2022
1 injury reported

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 attention was not sought. The dealer was contacted but had not inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed that there was no recall. There was a warranty related repair however the vehicle was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.

NHTSA ID
11457636
Incident
Mar 13, 2022
Mileage
148,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 10, 2021

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 RECALL

NHTSA ID
11407434
Incident
Apr 10, 2021
Mileage
3 mi
Body & structurePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 28, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported

WHEN MOVING VEHICLE AFTER FUELING, TRUCK WAS STOPPED, PUT IN PARK AND DRIVER OPENED THE DOOR TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE TRUCK UNEXPECTEDLY BEGAN MOVING BACKWARD AND THE DRIVER WAS KNOCKED TO THE GROUND BY THE DOOR. THE DOOR CAUGHT THE DOOR ON THE FUEL PUMP GUARD POST, BENDING THE DOOR BACK BEYOND 90 DEGREES AND BENDING THE HINGE, AND CAUSING IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE DOOR AND FENDER, AND ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO A CAR FUELING AT THE PUMP WHEN IT STRUCK IT. THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN OR CLOSE PROPERLY.

NHTSA ID
11405265
Incident
Mar 28, 2021
Mileage
136,000 mi
Body & structureFuel system
Filed Aug 28, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BRACKET WAS RUSTED AROUND THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL TANK WAS BASICALLY AN INCH OFF THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING HOME ON A 500 MILE ROAD TRIP. THE CONTACT NOTICED THIS BECAUSE THE BRACKET DRAGGED ON THE GROUND AND CAUSED SPARKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON A FLATBED TO LESTER GLENN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT (1199 NJ-37 W, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08755, (732) 481-2586) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR STRAPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,600. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS MADE OVERSEAS AND SHIPPED TO CANADA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.*DT *TR *DT*JB *TR*JB

NHTSA ID
11251961
Incident
Aug 23, 2019
Mileage
100,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 20, 2019

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. UPON WASHING THE CAB WITH A LOWER PRESSURE GARDEN HOSE A LARGE HOLE FORMED IN THE BACK CORNER OF THE CAB. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION IT APPEARS TO BE RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I CHECK THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAB AND SEE THAT THE PAINT IS BADLY BUBBLED UP INDICATING RUST UNDER THE PAINT ON THAT SIDE AS WELL. THE CLEAR COAT WAS STILL INTACT IN BOTH PLACES. I WOULD'VE EXPECTED TO CAB TO OUTLAST THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BUT THAT'S NOT THE CASE. THIS TRUCK LOOKS SHOW ROOM FLOOR NEW AND HAS NEVER EVEN BEEN TO THE SALT BELT.

NHTSA ID
11208765
Incident
May 20, 2019
Mileage
150,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 19, 2018

THE OIL PAN ON MY VEHICLE IS RUSTING OUT. I THINK THIS IS DUE TO FAULTY MATERIALS. THIS VEHICLE IS 6 YEARS OLD AND ONLY HAS 75,702 MILES AS OF THIS WRITING. I CONTACTED THE COMPANY AND THEIR POSITION WAS THERE IS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES LEFT ON THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11162495
Incident
Dec 10, 2018
Mileage
75,500 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 13, 2018

WHEN MY VEHICLE WENT FOR INSPECTION THIS YEAR A HOLE AND CORROSION WAS DISCOVERED ON THE RIGHT SIDE BY THE REAR WHEEL IN THE CROSS MEMBER THAT CONNECTS THE RIGHT AND LEFT FRAME RAILS. THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAP CONNECTS TO THE SAME CROSS MEMBER OF THE LEFT SIDE FRONT STRAP. I CALLED A DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT THEY COULD DO. THEY SAID CORROSION WARRENTY WAS OUT. MY WIFE CALLED DODGE TO SEE WHAT THEY COULD DO AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. THIS ISN'T THE FIRST ISSUE WITH CORROSION WE HAVE HAD. THE HOOD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEN WE HAVE HAD LEAKS IN THE CAB AND OTHER ISSUES. THE TRUCK IS ONLY A 2012 AND IS NOT USED FOR CONSTRUCTION OR ABUSED. THIS IS MY DAILY DRIVER AND I TAKE CARE OF IT VERY WELL. INCLUDING HAVING IT DETAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS LOOKS LIKE IT IS A SPOT THAT WATER GETS IN AND LAYS THERE AND HAS NO WEEPING HOLE TO LET IT DRAIN OUT. IT IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT AND NOT NEGLECT .I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL RUST THROUGH AND BRAKE CAUSING SERIOUS FRAME DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ID
11078880
Incident
Mar 8, 2018
Mileage
78,700 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jan 30, 2018

THE BODY IS ROTTING UNDERNEATH THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK ROTTED RIGHT OUT AND GAS TANK FELL TIED UP WITH RACHET STRAP RIGHT NOW AND THE SIDE STEPS ROTTED RIGHT OUT. DON'T THINK THIS SHOULD HAPPEN WITH 2012 ITS ONLY FOUR YEARS OLD CALLED DEALERSHIP THEY SAID NOTHING THEY CAN DO NOT UNDER WARRANTY *BF *TR

NHTSA ID
11065919
Incident
Apr 15, 2017
Mileage
105,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Nov 1, 2017

MY GAS TANK WAS DRAGGING, WHEN EXAMINED IT TURNED OUT THAT ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. THE FRAME RAILS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, AS WELL AS THE BRAKE LINES...UPDATED 11/08/17 *BF UPDATED 11/13/2017*JS...UPDATED 11/14/17 *BF UPDATED 9/13/18*JB

NHTSA ID
11041964
Incident
Oct 30, 2017
Mileage
97,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Nov 15, 2016

RUNNING BOARDS RIPPING OUT OF BODY. BOTH SIDES. WHEN USEING THEM THEY WILL FALL OFF. CAUSEING POSIBLE FALL INTO TRAFIC OR PERSONAL INJURY. PASSINGER SIDE FELL OFF WHEN I STEPPED ON IT. RIVNUTS TORE OUT OF BODY MANY COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET.

NHTSA ID
10926093
Incident
Nov 9, 2016
Mileage
93,454 mi
Body & structure
Filed Nov 2, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, A PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO ENTER THE VEHICLE BUT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE STEP LOOSENED MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE PASSENGER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

NHTSA ID
10923743
Incident
Oct 28, 2016
Mileage
131,000 mi
AirbagsBody & structureSuspension
Filed Oct 13, 2016
Crash reported1 injury reported

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTY ROAD, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN IN FRONT OF ME I SWERVED AND THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE OFF THE ROAD AND IMPACTED HEAD ON TO OTHER SIDE OF THE DRAINAGE DITCH OFF THE ROAD. MY AIRBAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED AND MY HEAD IMPACTED THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ID
10915997
Incident
Sep 30, 2016
Mileage
52,000 mi
Body & structureBrakes
Filed Nov 9, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LIGHT INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. ...UPDATED 02/08/16 *BF *TR

NHTSA ID
10789238
Incident
Oct 19, 2015
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Jun 9, 2014

EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT, WE PARKED THE TRUCK CAME OUT AND IT WOULDN'T OPEN THE DOOR, SO WE MANUALLY OPENED THE DOOR. IT WAS JUST DEAD. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A DODGE DEALER IN PRICE, UTAH. WE HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF. THE COMPUTER OFF THE KEY IGNITION WAS GONE. IT COSTS US $924.00. *TR

NHTSA ID
10597137
Incident
May 27, 2013
Mileage
56,000 mi
AirbagsBody & structureSteering+1 more
Filed Apr 9, 2014
Crash reported1 injury reported

MY WIFE WAS IN A WRECK YESTERDAY SHE HIT A TRUCK IN THE REAR END AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING HER FACIAL INJURIES ALSO A LATER SURGERY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10578509
Incident
Apr 8, 2014
Mileage
65,891 mi
AirbagsBody & structureEngine
Filed Jul 10, 2013
Crash reported3 injuries reported

I WAS DRIVING MY SONS 2012 RAM 1500 4X4 CREW CAB WITH LESS THAN 20K ON THE ODOMETER BACK FROM TEXAS TO NORTH CAROLINA. I FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL AND WE RAN INTO A PORTABLE TOW BEHIND HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION SIGN, BOUNCED OFF A GUARD RAIL AND THEN ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES DOWN THE FREEWAY EMBANKMENT ON I-20 IN TUSCALOOSA ALABAMA. NOT ONE OF THE 6 AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE DEPLOYED. LUCKILY MY SON AND HIS TWO DAUGHTERS ESCAPED PRACTICALLY INJURY FREE, WITH ONLY MINOR ABRASIONS, HOWEVER I TOOK A BEATING TO THE HEAD AND AM STILL OUT OF WORK 1 MONTH LATER DUE TO HEAD/CONCUSSION INJURY. NONE OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, SIDE IMPACT OR FRONTAL IMPACT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE TRUCK, WHICH WAS TOTALED, TO VALIDATE THIS. I ALSO HAVE A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT STATING NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. WHAT SHOULD I DO? AND WHO ELSE SHOULD I CONTACT? *TR

NHTSA ID
10524156
Incident
Jun 16, 2013
Mileage
18,000 mi
Body & structureEngine
Filed Feb 15, 2013
Fire reported

THE TRUCK WAS PARKED THE NIGHT BEFORE AT APPROXIMATELY 7:15PM AND AT APPROXIMATELY 2:30AM MY WIFE WOKE TO SOMETHING POPPING OUTSIDE AND HER 2012 RAM WAS OUTSIDE ON FIRE. IT CAUGHT MY 2005 DODGE RAM 3500 ON FIRE ALSO, AND EVENTUALLY BURNT OUR HOME DOWN. *TR

NHTSA ID
10498322
Incident
Aug 9, 2012
Mileage
1,200 mi
Body & structure
Filed Aug 23, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HE OPENED THE REAR WINDOWS AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE WITH A DEAFENING NOISE. THE CONTACT FELT LIKE HE WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED TO OPERATE IN THAT MANNER AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 3,800. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ

NHTSA ID
10472089
Incident
Aug 2, 2012
Mileage
3,800 mi
Body & structurePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jun 2, 2012

I HAVE A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500 BIG HORN WITH A 5.7L HEMI AND 6 SPEED TRANNY WITH IN 30MILES NOTICED VERY LARGE FLAWS IN THE PAINT ON THE HOOD UNDER THE CLEAR COAT THAT I DIDN'T SEE AT DEALER AT TIME OF PURCHASE DO TO RAIN TOOK BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOOK THEM 3 DAYS TO REPAINT HOOD TO MATCH SOON AFTER GETTING TRUCK BACK STARTED PUTTING MILES ON IT AND NOTICED LARGE THUDS WHEN TRUCK IS SLOWING DOWN AND COMING TO A STOP! ALSO NOW AT 2800 MILES I AM GETTING A FRONT END/WHOLE BODY SHAKE WHEN TAKING OFF TILL I GET UP TO 35-40 MPH FEELS DRIVE LINE RELATED. AT ABOUT 1600 MILES FOUND TIRES WHERE ALL SET TO 49-50 PSI !!! AND TIRES ARE ONLY RATED FOR 45 PSI SHOWING MORE SIGNS TRUCK DID NOT GET ITS PDI ! COULD HAVE ENDED BAD BEING MY 2 YEAR OLD IS IN MY TRUCK A LOT! ALSO AT SAME MILES FOUND ALL LUG NUTS LOOSE ! TAKING BACK TO THE DEALER SOON AS I CAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS CHECKED OUT! *TR

NHTSA ID
10460368
Incident
May 1, 2012
Mileage
15 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 17, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT OPENED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW AND NOTICED EXCESSIVE SHAKING IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE SHAKING WAS CAUSED BY THE AIR PRESSURE ENTERING THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WINDOW WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.

NHTSA ID
10455556
Incident
Apr 9, 2012
Mileage
1,500 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .