2012 Dodge 1500 Engine Problems

Unknown The engine is bad. Costing me $2500 that I don't have. The lifter needs fixing and probably other things as well. I need help.

NHTSA ID

11744333

Incident

May 22, 2026

My 2012 Dodge developed an engine issue at 129,000 miles. The issue was rough idling and no acceleration. I took it to a Dodge dealer. They diagnosed it as a chronic cam issue with this generation Chrysler hemi engine. I had the cam and replaced at Waldorf Dodge. The cost was at $3400. I believe this is a known problem and Dodge is aware of exactly why it happens. Lack of oil pressure to two of the cylinders that are dropped while driving for fuel economy. This should be Dodge problem not the consumer. I take excellent care of my vehicles. I also have a 2004 Dodge truck but that’s over 450,000 miles on it same engine same transmission.

NHTSA ID

11731758

Incident

Dec 21, 2020

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was shaking and continued decelerating. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. A certified mechanic was contacted and advised the contact to drive the vehicle approximately 45 MPH with the hazard lights flashing to the repair shop. The mechanic diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #2, lifters failure, causing the camshaft failure, which allowed metal debris to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11725787

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

Mileage

80,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11696795

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

Mileage

140,000 mi

The vehicle finally became inoperable at 119,000 miles due to lifter failure. Lifter issues started when the vehicle had about 106,000 miles on it. There were multiple misfire and gas mileage became worse. There was a loud ticking noise coming from the engine as well. Vehicle has been well maintained and only 1 owner, purchased new. With the lifter failure, this caused damage to the camshaft and which led to an excess amount of metal shavings to be spread throughout the engine. The vehicle ultimately had to get a engine replacement because of the excess metal shavings in the engine.

NHTSA ID

11677703

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

Unknown this truck was not involved in an accident however it came close with steering /brakes the Engine Faulty Wiring Harness caused major issues it wasn’t until recently I saw a video of how to fix the problem you can view these videos online I will say Dodge is Responsible they did have buybacks this too I had No Knowledge of no recalls either however I recently address it to the dealership who sold me this truck the Service Manager told me it’s my issue not theirs they took care of it years ago this is the reason I am sending my complaint I was informed your department will look into this matter to get a resolution on this serious matter thank you. I have some photos the video would not download you can see it if you put 2012 Dodge Ram Engine Faulty Wire issues . Yes I spent $3000 for a mechanic to wire it this should had been fix by Dodge Chrysler not me and it still needs to be fix.

NHTSA ID

11663405

Incident

Aug 1, 2012

The engine has lifters ticking when cold and a loss of power during operation. The engine hesitates during driving at different times and runs rough. There is no warning before this happens and no warning lights/sensors activated. The truck only has 76k miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11661342

Incident

May 15, 2025

The engine has this ticking sound that has progressively gotten louder and now the engine shakes. My truck has turned off multiple times in traffic at a random and I would presume it’s from a failing engine.

NHTSA ID

11657088

Incident

Feb 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a red light, upon starting to drive and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to immediately restart the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11653447

Incident

Apr 8, 2025

Mileage

160,000 mi

Warning light came on suddenly. Vehicle lost power. Smoking out of the tail pipe. Very dangerous for other drivers. Took the vehicle to a mechanic, said I have problems with the lifters, and need to replace the engine. I don’t know why Chrysler doesn’t issue a recall for this issue, it seems to happen often. Thank you very much.

NHTSA ID

11612812

Incident

Jul 8, 2024

Catalytic converter, sensors, knocking loss of power, bogging , hot and cold engine , was on a road trip back home passing a 18 wheeler and it starts to lose power Boggs down and then takes off , steering wheel was iffy, fumes are stong in and out of truck. Threw my suitcase and dog in floor . I have replaced sensors , knock sensor , coils, sparks plugs - no fix muffler shop said catalytic is not plugged up . Sent me to mechanic said ram / dodge designed these years messed up common problem ,one mechanic telling me new engine parts might fix won’t pass inspection so now it just sits and drys up that’s not right for what it has cost my insurance said there nothing they can help with it only has 84k miles please emission and knock common problem that is mana factory defect surely loss of power in traffic scary please help with insurance and parts , gas I have no money for deep engine problems 84 k should still run like new truck the trip there drove great then I went to start to go back home 2 days later and knocking and wouldn’t drive putting scanner said sensor . This truck was running awesome I like driving . But to malfunction no reason. The codes are not right . need my truck back on the road I live in Texas has to pass emission to get inspection sticker

NHTSA ID

11611338

Incident

Jan 2, 2024

The exhaust manifold bolts Broken causing it to leak ,tick.

NHTSA ID

11592207

Incident

May 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced due to camshaft failure. Additionally, the contact stated while checking the tire with the vehicle parked and turned off, the contact became aware that the fuel pump was still running. The contact stated that the car key was in the basement during the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

NHTSA ID

11581286

Incident

Mar 22, 2024

Mileage

124,000 mi

2012 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 liter HEMI Completely shut down turned off losing ALL power I was 9n the freeway with my kids that was the first time my power steering doesn't work at all when this happens happens about 8 to 12 times a week and to make things better if I hit a bump truck shuts down also I t'' can be driving along and all my indicator light come on everything starts beeping and my wipers go crazy it's like my truck is possessed it's unbelievably dangerous and a major inconvenience I'm late for work kids late for school

NHTSA ID

11565274

Incident

May 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11546635

Incident

Nov 23, 2022

Mileage

125,000 mi

I am experiencing a loud exhaust manifold leak for the third time now in this vehicle. The previous mechanic told me the bolts were broken and this is a known problem with these Rams. I can't afford to keep fixing this issue. This isn't an inexpensive fix. Please help

NHTSA ID

11537337

Incident

Aug 9, 2023

-Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) malfunctioned while driving and randomly shut the engine off. The component is available for inspection. -The vehicle immediately loses power and power steering. At high speeds or an intersection could cause a crash. -Research online has indicated that these are known to cause issues after a period of time where the contacts wear out. -The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. -There were no warning lamps or messages. The only other symptoms of the problem prior was an immediate shutdown of the engine after starting at random instances.

NHTSA ID

11536416

Incident

Jul 10, 2023

The engine is "Ticking". Ticks real bad when first started cold. After it warms up the ticking diminishes. Vehicle has just over 50,000 miles on it

NHTSA ID

11527669

Incident

Jun 19, 2023

The exhaust manifold bolts have broken off inside the block 3 times in 7 years. I have fixed them every time. Most recently, I was advised by service manager at Lithia Chrysler Dodge that 4 manifold bolts were broken and the repair cost $1490. This is a very common issue that needs a recall.

NHTSA ID

11520658

Incident

May 1, 2023

Engine "tick" - exhaust bolts are broken and according to dealer cylinder head needs to be extracted

NHTSA ID

11516728

Incident

Feb 1, 2022

The vehicle is making a loud clicking noise coming from the engine area. . it gets louder when accelerating. It is unknown to me if it could be manifold issues or camshaft issues. It feels unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11505507

Incident

Feb 4, 2023

Complete engine failure caused by lifters sticking due to lack of lubrication which is a well known problem with the hemi engines. It occurred in my case at approximately 140,000 kilometres despite being maintained religiously with all oil changes done at 5000 kilometre intervals using synthetic oil. Only fix possible because of the damage was to purchase a new long block at a cost of approximately $8000.

NHTSA ID

11502768

Incident

Jan 20, 2020

My 2012 Dodge Ram shuts off or stalls for no apparent reason. Sometimes upon starting, while going down the freeway (at freeway speeds), as well as speeds in between, This has happened with my family in the vehicle and even when we are towing our stock trailer with animals inside. This is very scary for all of us and dangerous for all those on the round around us. While we have not been involved in any accidents, its just a matter of time. There is never any warning when this happens and it not only shuts off it looses power to everything. So times it catches its self and restarts, other times we have to manually restart the engine.

NHTSA ID

11501871

Incident

Jan 13, 2023

Exhaust manifold failed (warped and broke bolts) for second time since owning my 2012 Ram 1500 causing dangerous exhaust leak that then enters the cabin of the vehicle causing dangerous conditions for the occupants.

NHTSA ID

11490597

Incident

Oct 24, 2022

Issue is that the exhaust manifold studs/bolts break off in cylinder head(s) on 5.7L Hemi engines causing exhaust leak in engine compartment in which could allow carbon monoxide to be drawn into passenger compartment. I personally replaced all the bolts/ studs along with new gaskets each time. Even once replacing exhaust manifolds only to have this issue continue to happen repeatedly.

NHTSA ID

11488778

Incident

Oct 11, 2022