MYRModel Year Report

2012 Dodge RAM 1500

● Typical for this model
2012 Dodge RAM 1500
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
697
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

25% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 7 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 6 complaints 1994: 116 complaints 1994 1995: 213 complaints 1996: 298 complaints 1997: 361 complaints 1997 1998: 520 complaints 1999: 610 complaints 2000: 513 complaints 2000 2001: 1,112 complaints 2002: 815 complaints 2003: 1,171 complaints 2003 2004: 1,097 complaints 2005: 1,169 complaints 2006: 792 complaints 2006 2007: 517 complaints 2008: 554 complaints 2009: 670 complaints 2009 2010: 485 complaints 2011: 688 complaints 2012: 697 complaints 2012 697 2014: 1 complaint
1991: 7 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 116 complaints 1995: 213 complaints 1995 1996: 298 complaints 1997: 361 complaints 1997 1998: 520 complaints 1999: 610 complaints 1999 2000: 513 complaints 2001: 1,112 complaints 2001 2002: 815 complaints 2003: 1,171 complaints 2003 2004: 1,097 complaints 2005: 1,169 complaints 2005 2006: 792 complaints 2007: 517 complaints 2007 2008: 554 complaints 2009: 670 complaints 2009 2010: 485 complaints 2011: 688 complaints 2012: 697 complaints 2012 697 2014: 1 complaint
1991: 7 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 116 complaints 1994 1995: 213 complaints 1995 1996: 298 complaints 1996 1997: 361 complaints 1997 1998: 520 complaints 1998 1999: 610 complaints 1999 2000: 513 complaints 2000 2001: 1,112 complaints 2001 2002: 815 complaints 2002 2003: 1,171 complaints 2003 2004: 1,097 complaints 2004 2005: 1,169 complaints 2005 2006: 792 complaints 2006 2007: 517 complaints 2007 2008: 554 complaints 2008 2009: 670 complaints 2009 2010: 485 complaints 2010 2011: 688 complaints 2011 2012: 697 complaints 2012 697 2014: 1 complaint 2014

2012: 697 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19917
19920
19936
1994116
1995213
1996298
1997361
1998520
1999610
2000513
20011,112
2002815
20031,171
20041,097
20051,169
2006792
2007517
2008554
2009670
2010485
2011688
2012697
20141

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

25% · 177 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and fuses and circuit breakers.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-06

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Fuse box caught on fire while driving

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-12

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated when the vehicle was turned off and in park, he accidentally bumped the gear shit lever and the vehicle slipped out of park (P) without the brake pedal being depressed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-23

Also filed under Power train

Engine

23% · 163 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY

Power train

13% · 93 reports

Most commonly citing driveshaft and axle shaft.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

2012 Dodge RAM 1500 crew cab lone star 5.7 hemi w/mds auto trans. Transmission has a very moderate "Bump" Or jarring thud inside the vehicle after the truck comes to a complete stop from normal driving speeds in city/highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-12-22

Fuel/propulsion system

13% · 92 reports
CRASH

Air bags

11% · 80 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle struck highway guard rail in crash while we were in motion. Air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-09

Traveling approx 45MPH. Another driver failed to yield and hit my vehicle on the passenger side front head light. The other driver was trying to cross the highway going approx 15-25MPH. The impact was almost a complete head-on collision.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-02

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, another vehicle crashed in to the passenger side and the air bags did not deploy. The contact was the only person injured.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-01

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2012-05-21Equipment12V192000 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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2013-11-07Power train13V038000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2015-09-18Air bags15V459000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2016-07-01Equipment16E041000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2018-02-14Equipment17V824000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2018-02-26Power train17V821000 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...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2018-05-02Fuel system, gasoline18V160000 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,...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Dodge RAM 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 177 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 163 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 93 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 12V192000 · Equipment
  • Recall 13V038000 · Power train
  • Recall 15V459000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16E041000 · Equipment
  • Recall 17V824000 · Equipment
  • Recall 17V821000 · Power train
  • Recall 18V160000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.