2012 Dodge 1500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical17619.4%
- Engine17018.7%
- Fuel system12613.9%
- Powertrain (other)9210.1%
- Airbags808.8%
- Brakes525.7%
- Steering475.2%
- Exterior lighting455.0%
- Driver assistance424.6%
- Body & structure242.6%
- Suspension192.1%
- Other / unspecified111.2%
- Interior & seats60.7%
- Tires & wheels60.7%
- Visibility50.6%
- Seat belts50.6%
- Transmission10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While the vehicle was sitting in the driveway not running, the back of the headlight caught on fire. There wasn't any incedents (e.i. any collision, repairs) prior to the indecent. It is available for inspection. No dealership report yet, but have an appointment with local dealership Tuesday to get an itemized estimate for the repairs.
The truck will just shut off driving down the road at highway speeds. This has occurred multiple times.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel tank strap corroded due to environmental exposure to water and salt in West Virginia.
i CALLED MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER, BROWN MOTORS IN PETOSKEY MI., A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO TO HAVE A COUPLE OF UNCOMPLETED RECALLS PERFORMED. I TOOK MY TRUCK IN TO THE DEALER TODAY AND WAS NOTIFIED LATER THAT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL AND IT WOULD COST ME NEARLY $1700 TO PERFORM THE RECALL, MOSTLY PERTAINING TO THE FUEL BRACKET RECALL. I FIND THIS VERY ODD AS IT WOULD MAKE SENSE THAT ALL RELATED PARTS THAT HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO PERFORM THIS SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL INCLUDING ANY SAID LABOR COSTS. MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE CURRENT HAS ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS THAT HAS COME LOOSE AND NOW I AM FORCE TO DRIVE THAT WAY UNTIL I CAN GET THIS VERY HAZARDOUS OSSUE RESOLVED.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH and hauling a camper, the rear wheels locked up, and the contact lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle spun out. The camper jackknifed during the failure. The rear axle and wheels locked without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000
The contact's ex-wife owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his ex-wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver shifted into park(P) and then restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the starter and key fob were replaced twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,353.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine, air bag, and the fuel pump relay failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle occasionally failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TIPM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Driver warning light came for airbag, yes it could be if deployed, no dealer has confirmed (but looked up recall # 15V459000), called molar said no recall on my vehicle…., no one else looked at vehicles book says to immediately take to dealer, yes warning light on follow book info and it appeared 9/8/24
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brake line broke on my Dodge truck and all the brake fluid leaked out. Fortunately this didn't happen while driving on the highway. I discovered no brakes when I got in the vehicle to leave. I have a long driveway. As I was driving the slight grade down to the main road, I hit the brakes and they went to the floor. I was able to turn around in my yard before all the brake fluid was gone and get the truck back to my barn. I got under the truck and took a picture. I discovered that the brakes had rusted and leaked out the fluid. No one has inspected it or confirmed it. The truck is not safe to drive and sitting in my barn
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
On my way home. Going through in town (slow)traffic all of sudden I notice I had no power steering & no brakes, no please pull out , I noticed if I keep my rpm about 1500, I would get a little power steering & brakes back!, 4 miles to get home , I drove home slowly What happened was I lost my serpentine belt tensioner!!! .MY MAIN Purpose, for my truck is to toe my fifth wheel RV!!, I live in the north west of US, LIKE! in the mountains!! Terrified that it won’t happen again!😳☹️
Driver warning light came for airbag, yes it could be if deployed, no dealer has confirmed (but looked up recall # 15V459000), called molar said no recall on my vehicle…., no one else looked at vehicles book says to immediately take to dealer, yes warning light on follow book info and it appeared 9/8/24
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
While the vehicle was sitting in the driveway not running, the back of the headlight caught on fire. There wasn't any incedents (e.i. any collision, repairs) prior to the indecent. It is available for inspection. No dealership report yet, but have an appointment with local dealership Tuesday to get an itemized estimate for the repairs.
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine, air bag, and the fuel pump relay failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle occasionally failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TIPM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel pump randomly shuts down while driving. Or no start condition. Loss of cruise control hitting bumps in the road. Service 4x4, no tc, no cc, trailer lights disconnect. Dealer has recalls on other same year vehicles w same motor w same TIPM defective part. Not on truck. Warranty will not cover due to common problem. Since fuel relay is part of fuse box, will not cover part. Part alone is $2200. Dealer only. Can't get remanfactured, rebuilt, or part store item. Stuck with a truck that barely runs and almost $3000 to fix a non warranty issue. And very common.
Front frame bracket on gas tank has rotted out. There is a recall on this already for other 2012 ram 1500 vehicles. Nhtsa 18v-160 frame bracket
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Weak metal that the running boards are secured to. Reinforcement plates need installed on both driver and passer sides.
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
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE DETECTED AND NOTICED THE SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED ON THE REAR AXLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN HALF DRIVING STRAIGHT THROUGH A PARKING LOT, CAUSING PARTIAL SEPARATION OF FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL AND HUB ASSEMBLY FROM VEHICLE AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AS WELL AS SUDDEN DECELERATION. RESULTING IN COMPLETE DAMAGE TO BRAKE LINE, UPPER CONTROL ARM, DRIVE SHAFT, STEERING RACK, STEERING COLUMN(BROKEN INTERNAL STEERING SHAFT), AIRBAG AND STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS CLOCKSPRING, PASSENGER FENDER, BUMPER ASSEMBLY, AS WELL AS SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO FOREARMS FROM THE RESULTING STEERING WHEEL BACKLASH. THIS OCCURRED AT APPX 10MPH. AN ACQUAINTANCE QUALIFIED TO HAVE AN OPINION ON THE CAUSE LOOKED AT PHOTOS OF THE PARTS GRAIN STRUCTURE AT BREAK, CONCLUDED CASTING ERROR OF CAST ALUMINUM CONTROL ARM.*DT *JS*DT IN NOV 21, 2019 CONSUMER STATED HE REPLACED THE FOLLOWING HIMSELF UPPER CONTROL ARM, LOWER CONTROL ARM, BRAKE LINE, FRONT R DRIVE SHAFT, STEERING RACK, FENDER, IMPACT ABSORBER/BUMPER SUPPORT, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING, FENDER LINER AND AIRBOX/FILTER SUPPORT. CONSUMER ALSO STATED, IT APPEARS TONE RING IN THE BEARING HUB FOR ABS SPEED SENSOR WAS DAMAGED BY THIS OCCURRENCE, THIS HAS YET TO BE REPLACED.*JB*DT*JB
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the radio was hacked. The safety features became inoperable and the vehicle attempted to crash. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V461000 (Equipment). The manufacturer was notified, but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
WHEEL STUD FAILURE - REAR WHEELS. WHEEL STUDS SHOW EXCESSIVE WEAR, STRETCHING AND COMPRESSION.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Both airbag harnesses under the driver and passenger seat had to be replaced because of faulty connections that kept throwing air bag codes on dash display
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE TAILGATE OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED OBJECTS TO FALL OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE TAILGATE WAS ABLE TO LATCH SECURELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND INCIDENT OF THE TAILGATE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500 EQUIPPED WITH MASTERCRAFT COURSER MT TIRES, SIZE: 35/12.50R17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TIRE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS THE ORIGINAL TIRE FOR THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT USED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE DOT NUMBER AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
2012 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH HIS FRONT LEFT TIRES EXPLODED. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TIRES BEING USED WERE GOODYEAR WRANGLER HP P275/60 R20. *LD *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon opening the rear driver's side sliding door, the rear driver's side window shattered. The vehicle was taken to a glass repair facility where the 3-piece rear driver's side window glass was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while his wife was opening rear the driver's side door. The contact stated that some of the broken pieces was on her face. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ADHESIVE FROM BOTH EXTERIOR MIRRORS WERE DEGRADING, WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN BOTH REAR VIEW MIRRORS BEING DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000. UPDATED 03/07/17*LJ
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The seat belt and air bag warning light has stayed on. I have had multiple Mechanics, look at it and even try to inspect it. So the lights will go off and they cannot find a problem. I am just worried that if I getting an accident my seatbelt wont-work correctly and the airbags wont-work correctly. I have tried to do a hard reset and so has the mechanics but the lights stay on.
NOVEMBER 2018, ON A HIGHWAY, HIT A BUMP, AND THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON, THERE WAS A MESSAGE THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WAS UNFASTENED, EVEN THOUGH THE SEAT BELT WAS SECURELY FASTENED, AND THE SEAT BELT CHIME RANG CONTINUOUSLY. ABOUT 100 MILES LATER, I HIT ANOTHER BUMP AND THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AND THE TRUCK STAYED FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. IN JANUARY 2019, AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND FASTENING THE SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT CAME BACK ON, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND THE SEAT BELT MESSAGE SAYS THAT IT IS NOT FASTENED AND IT CHIMES CONTINUOUSLY FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON FEBRUARY 20, 2019. THEY FOUND A CODE "U0151 OCR MODULE LOST COMMUNICATION" AND TOLD ME THE OCR MODULE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BUT IT IS ON BACK ORDER. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT EVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS THAT WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 73,000 MILES ON IT. I AM UPLOADING SEVERAL PICTURES. THE FIRST IS THE DASHBOARD SHOWING THE LIGHTS ON AND SEATBELT UNFASTENED MESSAGE EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE SEATBELT FASTENED. THE SECOND IS A PICTURE OF THE OCR MODULE WHICH I LOOKED AT TO MAKE SURE IT DIDN'T HAVE ANY LOOSE WIRES. AND THE THIRD IS THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT FROM THE DEALERSHIP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE MAY SLIP OUT OF GEAR, DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING PIN GETTING STUCK OPEN. ( NO INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURED YET ) THERE IS A OPEN RECALL NOW FOR SOME TIME. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 17V-821 MANUFACTURER # T79 *DSY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .