Model year record

2012 Dodge RAM 1500

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,035 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 18V160000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting
Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Vehicles affected
218,617
Reported to NHTSA
2018-03-08
Owners notified
2018-05-02

Defect description

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, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. 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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V824000

Equipment

Component
Equipment
Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Vehicles affected
61,791
Reported to NHTSA
2017-12-21
Owners notified
2018-02-14

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. 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 product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Safety risk

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V821000

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Vehicles affected
1,482,874
Reported to NHTSA
2017-12-20
Owners notified
2018-02-26

Defect description

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 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. 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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V459000

Air bags: frontal

Component
Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Vehicles affected
1,059,444
Reported to NHTSA
2015-07-22
Owners notified
2015-09-18

Defect description

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. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.

Recall campaignNHTSA 13V038000

Power train: driveline: differential unit

Component
Power train: driveline: differential unit
Manufacturer
Chrysler Group LLC
Vehicles affected
278,674
Reported to NHTSA
2013-02-06
Owners notified
2013-11-07

Defect description

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 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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 three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.

Recall campaignNHTSA 12V192000

Equipment: other: labels

Component
Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
Vehicles affected
129
Reported to NHTSA
2012-05-02
Owners notified
2012-05-21

Defect description

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 SPECIFICATIONS LISTED ON THE TIRE PLACARD. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, “TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.”

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system17574,000 mi
Engine17283,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system10280,000 mi
Power train9464,000 mi
Air bags8160,000 mi
Unknown or other7274,000 mi
Service brakes5335,000 mi
Steering4845,000 mi
Exterior lighting4537,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline35100,300 mi
Vehicle speed control2729,780 mi
Structure: body2275,500 mi
Suspension1849,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)1370,000 mi
Wheels1023,000 mi
Tires67,000 mi
Fuel system, diesel5
Seat belts572,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling410 mi
Seats4100 mi
Electrical system: wiring360,000 mi
Visibility/wiper323,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition247,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers257,730 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: crank/camshaft position sensor2124,000 mi
Equipment231,036 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights258,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control2
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft2100,000 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft269,000 mi
Back over prevention: warnings1
Electrical system: ignition: module1178,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch180,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1100,017 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.11,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1153,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage187,013 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly167,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting1153,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch132,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch125,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1
Service brakes, hydraulic130,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper180,000 mi
Structure1100,000 mi
Structure: body: door156,000 mi
Suspension: rear1102,126 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1
Visibility1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior16,000 mi

The 2011 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.