2012 Dodge RAM 1500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 698 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,017miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500, 1% of the 698 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,017 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2012 Dodge ram with 4.7 litre engine. Noticed a ground out vibration type noise at low speeds and at idle in gear at stop light there was a really noticeable vibration in steering wheel. Found power steering pump to be loose and under further investigation found that there were no threads in mounting bolt hole at the 9:00 position and the lower bolt at the 6:00 position in the end of the cylinder head. Therefore there was only one bolt holding on the power steering pump and it had loosened up and now the pump and line were vibrating. …”
NHTSA complaint #10439174, filed 2011-12, 10 miles“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 complaint #11546635, filed 2023-09, 125,000 miles“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 complaint #11581286, filed 2024-04, 124,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH and attempting a left turn, the throttle control warning lamp illuminated as the accelerator failed to engage. The contact mentioned that prior to the failure, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where t he technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 14,565 and the current mileage was 28,113. …”
NHTSA complaint #10560418, filed 2014-01, 14,565 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge RAM 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v63500 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel); however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10681595, filed 2015-02Related service bulletins
- 10236933Apr 15, 2023wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
- 10227983Apr 2, 2022If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
- 10220687Mar 6, 2022Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter…
- 10212290Mar 6, 2022Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter…
- 10230180Jul 6, 2021Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
- 10221594Jul 6, 2021Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
- 10190589Mar 31, 2021ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) All vehicles equipped with a 3.2L or 3.6L except for model year 2014 vehicles with leak concern: 1) Ensure the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA)…
- 10220837Mar 10, 2021GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to…
- 10190584Mar 10, 2021GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to…
- 10215879Jan 16, 2021Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 13 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% |
| 2005 | 77 | 7% |
| 2004 | 116 | 11% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 58 | 7% |
| 2001 | 51 | 5% |
| 2000 | 25 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 6% |
| 1998 | 35 | 7% |
| 1997 | 20 | 6% |
| 1996 | 32 | 11% |
| 1995 | 13 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500
175 complaintsEngine
163 complaintsFuel system
126 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
92 complaintsAir bags
80 complaintsOther or unknown
67 complaintsBrakes
51 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsExterior lighting
46 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsSuspension
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology