2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Engine Problems

170 owners have reported engine & cooling problems with the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 to NHTSA — 24% of all 698 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 84,000 miles. That ranks #2 of 18 Ram 1500 model years for engine complaints (a typical year has 54). No engine recall has been issued for this model year.

170complaints
84ktypical miles
0related recalls
1crashes
2fires
3injuries

Which parts fail

  • Engine › Crank/camshaft position sensor
    2
  • Engine › Diesel
    1
  • Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1412%
  • 25k–50k
    54%
  • 50k–75k
    2622%
  • 75k–100k
    3227%
  • 100k–150k
    2924%
  • 150k+
    1412%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while starting the vehicle, after releasing the key fob, the vehicle stalled. The contact taped the key to the side of the vehicle to start. The contact stated that once the key fob was taped, the windows failed to roll up, the indicators failed to function as intended, the heater and A/C failed to operate as needed, and the hazard lights were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

140,000 miles · Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was shaking and continued decelerating. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. A certified mechanic was contacted and advised the contact to drive the vehicle approximately 45 MPH with the hazard lights flashing to the repair shop. The mechanic diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #2, lifters failure, causing the camshaft failure, which allowed metal debris to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

80,000 miles · Mar 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a red light, upon starting to drive and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to immediately restart the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.

160,000 miles · Apr 2025

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.

Engine › Crank/camshaft position sensor · 124,000 miles · Mar 2024

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.

Engine › Crank/camshaft position sensor · 125,000 miles · Nov 2022

I believe there should be a recall by Dodge on their Dodge 1500 Laramie Longhorn with the 5.7 Hemi engines. It's really the Hemi exhaust manifold that is the problem. I have this ticking noise which hundreds if not thousands of others also have. Copied from the Internet ** (Broken or loose exhaust manifold bolts (this is the most common answer). I've had my truck diagnosed and this is what they say is bad. They will not fix it for no charge. The fix is close to and/or over $1,000. Good reason for the to not admit it's their problem. There should definitely be a Class Action Lawsuit against Dodge. This is a very common problem and because hundreds if not thousands of engines have this issue it should be a RECALL issue. I would hope your organization could do something about this. I don't think it's fair that their mechanical problems they caused are my costly problems. …

Jun 2015

Failure of fuel pump relay on above listed 2012 Ram 1500 at 69,999 miles. Current repair requires replacement of entire TIPM module (at a cost of $1,000 to 2,000) as this relay is soldered to the circuit board deep inside the module, making it nearly impossible to cost effectively replace this critical $10.00 part. Of note, the TIPM installed in this vehicle has 10 slots (9 relays installed and 1 open slots) for "replaceable" relays under the cover. Of these replaceable relays at least 2 (blower motor and park lamp) are less critical with one empty slot available. Further a safety recall was issued in December of 2014 (Safety Recall P54/14V530 Fuel Pump Relay) for 2011 models of the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, but no other models despite that the same or very similar designed TIPM's are used in virtually all Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep vehicles along with many VW models. …

Aug 2022

Catalytic converter, sensors, knocking loss of power, bogging , hot and cold engine , was on a road trip back home passing a 18 wheeler and it starts to lose power Boggs down and then takes off , steering wheel was iffy, fumes are stong in and out of truck. Threw my suitcase and dog in floor . I have replaced sensors , knock sensor , coils, sparks plugs - no fix muffler shop said catalytic is not plugged up . Sent me to mechanic said ram / dodge designed these years messed up common problem ,one mechanic telling me new engine parts might fix won't pass inspection so now it just sits and drys up that's not right for what it has cost my insurance said there nothing they can help with it only has 84k miles please emission and knock common problem that is mana factory defect surely loss of power in traffic scary please help with insurance and parts , gas I have no money for deep engine …

Jan 2024

Unknown this truck was not involved in an accident however it came close with steering /brakes the Engine Faulty Wiring Harness caused major issues it wasn't until recently I saw a video of how to fix the problem you can view these videos online I will say Dodge is Responsible they did have buybacks this too I had No Knowledge of no recalls either however I recently address it to the dealership who sold me this truck the Service Manager told me it's my issue not theirs they took care of it years ago this is the reason I am sending my complaint I was informed your department will look into this matter to get a resolution on this serious matter thank you. I have some photos the video would not download you can see it if you put 2012 Dodge Ram Engine Faulty Wire issues . …

Aug 2012

Intermittent fault from the TIPM module. When slowing to a stop, or slowing to make a turn, the engine dies without warning resulting in loss of power steering and operability while in traffic. The only indication that the engine has died is the tachometer reads 0 RPM, loss of power steering, and the excelerator becomes inoperable. The radio, headlights, and A/C stay on during this. Coming to a complete stop and putting the truck into park (P) and turning the ignition to OFF and then restarting the truck resolves the problem, but on the highway this is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. This has been diagnosed as an intermittent fault derived from a faulty TIPM module and involves multiple RAM 1500, 2500, 3500 owners. Various issues of similar nature reported to dealerships and on forums.

Sep 2022

Engine complaints in other Ram 1500 years

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’121434233643285680771901535448435875156170
Engine complaints per model year, Dodge Ram 1500.

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500?

NHTSA has 170 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, 24% of the model year's 698 complaints. The component named most often is engine › crank/camshaft position sensor (2 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems?

No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.

At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.