2012 Dodge RAM 2500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 16%of 283 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500, 16% of the 283 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Back in september 2017 I was at work at offutt air force base when I received several messages from the papillion fire department, the la vista police department, and my apartment staff had been desperately trying to get ahold of me to let me know that my RAM 2500, which I had not driven in over 10 days, had caught fire under the hood in its parking spot near my apartment building. …”
NHTSA complaint #11065433, filed 2018-01, 45,000 miles“R03 (replaces l25) wireless ignition node (win) module win module failure. When driving the vehicle in motion, the engine and power shuts off to the vehicle, causing loss of power steering and braking power. This happened to me while driving on the freeway. This has been recalled due to the same situation on multiple other Dodge/chrysler vehicles that have the same win module part/part# as my 2012 ram. …”
NHTSA complaint #11172632, filed 2019-01, 94,000 miles“While driving on the highway traffic ahead was coming to a stop because of a truck making a left hand turn I applied the brakes and the engine continued to stay at the same speed.I avoided an accident by shifting into neutral and noticed that the engine was running at 1,800 RPM.I then put the truck into drive with the brakes applied and it started to downshift the transmission very hard. This occurred several other times as I drove home. …”
NHTSA complaint #10560086, filed 2014-01, 31,100 miles“When operating the vehicle it will unexpectedly turn off, wheels lock up, steering locks up, engine stops completely no matter what I am doing. As of late this has been happening more frequently. After research was done, it's the ignition switch problem that will cause death or serious injury. This truck has done this on the interstate, hwy, and city streets while driving at various times. This is our only vehicle and is used to drive my 4 children around, ages 17 to 1yr old.”
NHTSA complaint #10927050, filed 2016-11, 100,000 miles“While driving normally at a speed approximately 45 MPH, the truck flashed the check engine light a couple times and chimed, then I lost all power. The power steering was disabled, and I had to manually guide the truck off the roadway into a private drive and call for a tow. I was told by a shop that the valve seat of cylinder 1 failed and broke apart inside the cylinder and damaged the cylinder while allowing oil into the cylinder as well. I am told the engine needs replacement. I am waiting for the shop's diagnosis documentation.”
NHTSA complaint #11113027, filed 2018-07, 86,503 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034373Jun 17, 2026BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
- 11034337Jun 17, 2026BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
- 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
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 44 | 16% |
| 2011 | 29 | 10% |
| 2010 | 20 | 8% |
| 2009 | 5 | 2% |
| 2008 | 16 | 5% |
| 2007 | 16 | 4% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% |
| 2004 | 13 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 0% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500
109 complaintsElectrical system
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTires
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Dodge RAM 2500
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