Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
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 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine, air bag, and the fuel pump relay failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle occasionally failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TIPM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 160,000.
While the vehicle was sitting in the driveway not running, the back of the headlight caught on fire. There wasn't any incedents (e.i. any collision, repairs) prior to the indecent. It is available for inspection. No dealership report yet, but have an appointment with local dealership Tuesday to get an itemized estimate for the repairs.
My headlights (specifically on the driver side) keeps going out randomly. I have replaced the high and low beam bults 3 times and the wiring harness twice. I can be driving down the road and they it will go out and 10 minutes later it will just come back on all on it's on. I looked on all of the Dodge discussion forums and this seems to be a very common issue with this make/model of the Dodge Ram 1500 I recieve no error messages on my dash console telling me that this has occurred. However, every other bulb that has ever went out gave an error on the dash.
I went out to start my truck and there was only one headlight working. After replacing the left driver's side bulb multiple times and it still didn't work I had a mechanic look at it and he figured out it was a wiring connector problem.
The inadequate lighting prevented driver of seeing deer on shoulder of road and as deer walked out into lane truck hit the animal with left front corner of pickup. Having driven Dodge pickups since 07 there headlights are horrible for driving at night. They need recalled and especially upto 2014. They have slightly improved but are no where near safe.
During 2014/2015 the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 would fail to start intermittently especially on colder days. During January of 2015 the problem became more common on a daily basis and would take 10-15 times to start the vehicle. The vehicle was take to Dodge under warranty for repair multiple times and according to Dodge the starter was replaced and the vehicle would start. After obtaining the vehicle from the Dodge repair shop the left head light began to go on and off intermittently. The vehicle was again taking to the Dodge service shop for repair under warranty. Dodge indicated that it was a faulty TIPM and that it was replaced and that the left headlight should work appropriately. After obtaining the truck once again the check engine light came on and returned to the Dodge shop where they indicated that it was the transmission sensor which was replaced. …
My 2012 Ram 1500 has been in the shop seven times in the past year for electrical problems. The original problems were related to the PCM which would short out and cause my vehicle to operate in only one gear. This problem was fixed finally by replacing the PCM and various other parts. My truck recently had the engine temperature sensor, right headlight, and fuel pump control go out all around the same time which made it difficult for my truck to start and when it did start it sounded anemic and would often have alerts going off. The dealership claimed that the TIPM was the cause of the fuel pump problems and now I am wondering if it is the route of all the other problems. This most recent repair cost me $1000 dollars and well over $100 in alternative transportation arrangements. My truck is only two and a half years old with 50K miles on it. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that he repeatedly experienced a failure with the exterior lighting. When the low beams cut off, it disabled the high beam light on the passenger side. The contact replaced the headlight bulbs a couple of times, but each time the failure recurred within two weeks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (humes Chrysler in waterford, pa, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. The VIN was not provided. Updated 11/01/17 updated 7/19/18
Driving at night with headlight switch in auto position, weather was cold, had for lights also enabled, heater was in defrost position with fan on high speed, headlights and fog lights suddenly went out without warning and the street had no street lights, almost hit a mailbox and went off the winding road before I was able to make a complete stop, this has occurred 3 more times since first occurrence about a month ago. I have talked to the electrical engineer at auburn hills, mi. And was told he is not aware of this problem. I see other complaints with same issue on this website, obviously there is a problem which involves a safety issue.
When steering at any speed the steering wheel seems to stud-er or get sticky at times as you turn left or right. Dealer said there was no recall on the steering but they greased the front end, seems to be better. When at low or high highway speeds and applying the brakes normally not in a emergency stopping situation, the front end and steering wheel shake violently. Stated around 30,000 miles the driver side parking lights or running lights front and rear are off and not working, directional and brake lights seem fine.
Headlight complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the lights of the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, 7% of the model year's 698 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights 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.