2012 Dodge RAM 1500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 163about this part
- Share
- 23%of 698 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 163 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500, 23% of the 698 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“With the cold weather, it's not cranking. I had a new battery and starter installed and it still doesn't crank unless it's in neutral and I press the fuel peddle. If it sets for too long in cold, I have to repeat the process and no longer am able to use remote start and sometimes have to be jumped off.”
NHTSA complaint #11391069, filed 2021-02, 124,000 miles“Power windows worked wen they wanted to . While driving all warning lights would flash on in the cluster like I turned the key off then on . Truck kept running . Started getting hard to start . Once lost power while driving like it was running out of gas . Now it doesn't start at all . Had it towed to dealer they told me it was the tipm . I understand this is a common problem with the ram trucks .”
NHTSA complaint #11396150, filed 2021-02, 73,000 miles“When I start my truck the lifters are knocking and a tapping sound! And my truck its bogging down losing power. When I step on the gas it take it longer to reach power than usually. The rpms seem stuck it never done this before. I want to get it fix. I dont want no further problems. I hope you guys can help out with my situation! Thank you for your time!”
NHTSA complaint #11097861, filed 2018-05, 149,523 miles“My check engine light came on while driving apprx 65 on the free way. I checked the code p0305. Slight sputter at first. Now low power below 30mph and major jump into gear higher than 30mph. Almost as if skipping a gear. Mechanic diagnosed it as a cam failure causing a misfire, possibly from evidence of spring seizure.”
NHTSA complaint #11187429, filed 2019-03, 160,000 miles“I noticed that there is a ticking sound from the engine bay. The sound stops after the engine warms slightly. From the information I have, the exhaust manifold bolts have broken and need to be replaced. The seal for the exhaust is now compromised thus possibly having an exhaust leak. I understand from other owners the issue returns even after repaired. Fca issued a TSB for this issue (TSB 11-002-11).”
NHTSA complaint #11317189, filed 2020-03, 81,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
- 10166546Aug 28, 2019CONDENSER, Air Conditioning If it is determined that the A/C compressor does not engage due to a refrigerant leak at the receiver/drier plug on the A/C condenser, order the…
- 10162500May 22, 2019Sensor-nitrous oxlde
- 10162499May 21, 2019Damper-Steering
- 10162498May 20, 2019Head-Cylinder
- 10162497May 20, 2019Head-Cylinder
- 10162520May 17, 2019Vehicles Eligible For CSN U07 And V08, V11 or V16 Important Update To U07 Dealer Instructions
- 10162495May 16, 2019Engine Oil- OW20
- 10162477May 15, 2019ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) Engineering is seeking information regarding OFA leaks. Questions/info can be directed to: Bob Jackson (248) 944-0466…
- 10162493May 14, 2019Engine Oil- OW20
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 163 | 23% |
| 2011 | 151 | 22% |
| 2010 | 62 | 13% |
| 2009 | 50 | 7% |
| 2008 | 35 | 6% |
| 2007 | 35 | 7% |
| 2006 | 33 | 4% |
| 2005 | 76 | 6% |
| 2004 | 74 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 2% |
| 2002 | 22 | 3% |
| 2001 | 5 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500
175 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 complaintsElectronic stability control
13 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