171 of the 980 complaints about the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 are about the engine — 17% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 83,500 miles.
171
Complaints
1
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
ENGINE
Unknown The engine is bad. Costing me $2500 that I don't have. The lifter needs fixing and probably other things as well. I need help.
NHTSA complaint #11744333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
My 2012 Dodge developed an engine issue at 129,000 miles. The issue was rough idling and no acceleration. I took it to a Dodge dealer. They diagnosed it as a chronic cam issue with this generation Chrysler hemi engine. I had the cam and replaced at Waldorf Dodge. The cost was at $3400. I believe this is a known problem and Dodge is aware of exactly why it happens. Lack of oil pressure to two of the cylinders that are dropped while driving for fuel economy. This should be Dodge problem not the consumer. I take excellent care of my vehicles. I also have a 2004 Dodge truck but that’s over 450,000 miles on it same engine same transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11731758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11725787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11696795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The vehicle finally became inoperable at 119,000 miles due to lifter failure. Lifter issues started when the vehicle had about 106,000 miles on it. There were multiple misfire and gas mileage became worse. There was a loud ticking noise coming from the engine as well. Vehicle has been well maintained and only 1 owner, purchased new. With the lifter failure, this caused damage to the camshaft and which led to an excess amount of metal shavings to be spread throughout the engine. The vehicle ultimately had to get a engine replacement because of the excess metal shavings in the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11677703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 . Yes I spent $3000 for a mechanic to wire it this should had been fix by Dodge Chrysler not me and it still needs to be fix.
NHTSA complaint #11663405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The engine has lifters ticking when cold and a loss of power during operation. The engine hesitates during driving at different times and runs rough. There is no warning before this happens and no warning lights/sensors activated. The truck only has 76k miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11661342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The engine has this ticking sound that has progressively gotten louder and now the engine shakes. My truck has turned off multiple times in traffic at a random and I would presume it’s from a failing engine.
NHTSA complaint #11657088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11653447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Warning light came on suddenly. Vehicle lost power. Smoking out of the tail pipe. Very dangerous for other drivers. Took the vehicle to a mechanic, said I have problems with the lifters, and need to replace the engine. I don’t know why Chrysler doesn’t issue a recall for this issue, it seems to happen often. Thank you very much.
NHTSA complaint #11612812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 problems 84 k should still run like new truck the trip there drove great then I went to start to go back home 2 days later and knocking and wouldn’t drive putting scanner said sensor . This truck was running awesome I like driving . But to malfunction no reason. The codes are not right . need my truck back on the road I live in Texas has to pass emission to get inspection sticker
NHTSA complaint #11611338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The exhaust manifold bolts Broken causing it to leak ,tick.
NHTSA complaint #11592207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #11581286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 liter HEMI Completely shut down turned off losing ALL power I was 9n the freeway with my kids that was the first time my power steering doesn't work at all when this happens happens about 8 to 12 times a week and to make things better if I hit a bump truck shuts down also I t'' can be driving along and all my indicator light come on everything starts beeping and my wipers go crazy it's like my truck is possessed it's unbelievably dangerous and a major inconvenience I'm late for work kids late for school
NHTSA complaint #11565274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #11546635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I am experiencing a loud exhaust manifold leak for the third time now in this vehicle. The previous mechanic told me the bolts were broken and this is a known problem with these Rams. I can't afford to keep fixing this issue. This isn't an inexpensive fix. Please help
NHTSA complaint #11537337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
-Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) malfunctioned while driving and randomly shut the engine off. The component is available for inspection. -The vehicle immediately loses power and power steering. At high speeds or an intersection could cause a crash. -Research online has indicated that these are known to cause issues after a period of time where the contacts wear out. -The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. -There were no warning lamps or messages. The only other symptoms of the problem prior was an immediate shutdown of the engine after starting at random instances.
NHTSA complaint #11536416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The engine is "Ticking". Ticks real bad when first started cold. After it warms up the ticking diminishes. Vehicle has just over 50,000 miles on it
NHTSA complaint #11527669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The exhaust manifold bolts have broken off inside the block 3 times in 7 years. I have fixed them every time. Most recently, I was advised by service manager at Lithia Chrysler Dodge that 4 manifold bolts were broken and the repair cost $1490. This is a very common issue that needs a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11520658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Engine "tick" - exhaust bolts are broken and according to dealer cylinder head needs to be extracted
NHTSA complaint #11516728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The vehicle is making a loud clicking noise coming from the engine area. . it gets louder when accelerating. It is unknown to me if it could be manifold issues or camshaft issues. It feels unsafe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11505507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Complete engine failure caused by lifters sticking due to lack of lubrication which is a well known problem with the hemi engines. It occurred in my case at approximately 140,000 kilometres despite being maintained religiously with all oil changes done at 5000 kilometre intervals using synthetic oil. Only fix possible because of the damage was to purchase a new long block at a cost of approximately $8000.
NHTSA complaint #11502768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
My 2012 Dodge Ram shuts off or stalls for no apparent reason. Sometimes upon starting, while going down the freeway (at freeway speeds), as well as speeds in between, This has happened with my family in the vehicle and even when we are towing our stock trailer with animals inside. This is very scary for all of us and dangerous for all those on the round around us. While we have not been involved in any accidents, its just a matter of time. There is never any warning when this happens and it not only shuts off it looses power to everything. So times it catches its self and restarts, other times we have to manually restart the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11501871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Exhaust manifold failed (warped and broke bolts) for second time since owning my 2012 Ram 1500 causing dangerous exhaust leak that then enters the cabin of the vehicle causing dangerous conditions for the occupants.
NHTSA complaint #11490597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Issue is that the exhaust manifold studs/bolts break off in cylinder head(s) on 5.7L Hemi engines causing exhaust leak in engine compartment in which could allow carbon monoxide to be drawn into passenger compartment. I personally replaced all the bolts/ studs along with new gaskets each time. Even once replacing exhaust manifolds only to have this issue continue to happen repeatedly.
NHTSA complaint #11488778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11486309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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. If this was a SAFETY ISSUE for select 2011 models, why not the other vehicles using the same or similar TIPM's. Further experience has shown that the Chrysler fix tends to have a high failure rate also. Suggestion: Recall all vehicles with TIPM's which have soldered in Relays, for replacement with a re-designed part which allows for all the relays that can be readily replaced. Further consideration in the design of a new part should include the minimization or elimination of multiple points of failure (is a relay really necessary on a circuit?).
NHTSA complaint #11478731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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. I'll pay for wear and tear and things I've done to my car but they should stand up and take responsibility of their manufactures defects. Please help. [XXX] P.s. Not sure of the date this started but it had about 40,000 miles. Now has 69,000. I've been driving it this way for sometime now but would like to get it fixed. Dodge is denying my request to have them pay for it. We hope you have some clout to get this issue resolved not only for me but for hundreds of others. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11471018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Engine ticking heavily and diminishes some when engine warms up. Vehicle dies randomly while driving and loss of power steering and assisted breaking. Almost had an accident while turning a corner and vehicle died.
NHTSA complaint #11461564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
2012 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS.
NHTSA complaint #11459232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.