2012 Dodge Ram 1500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500: 6 recalls, 697 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #12V192000 · 2012 · 129 vehicles
What's wrong: 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
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #13V038000 · 2013 · 278,674 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear axle pinion nut May loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V459000 · 2015 · 1,059,444 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that May rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #17V821000 · 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Equipment Vehicle recall #17V824000 · 2017 · 61,791 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V160000 · 2018 · 218,617 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #16E041000 · 2016 · 345 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags May not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 27 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (175): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (77), electrical failure (54), warning light on (33).
- Engine (163): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (44), noise or vibration (32), warning light on (30).
- Transmission & drivetrain (92): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (22), noise or vibration (18), warning light on (13).
- Fuel & propulsion (92): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (28), electrical failure (21), rust / corrosion (19).
The 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 has 697 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 23 Ram 1500 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 540). Complaints peaked in 2018 (103 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 70,875 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (689 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Midgrade |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Midgrade |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?
Owners have filed 697 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (175), engine (163), transmission & drivetrain (92).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.