2012 Dodge RAM 1500 engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 15, 2026TXEngine

   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 · source
2. Filed Apr 17, 2026MDEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11731758 · source
3. Filed Mar 20, 202680,000 miWIEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11725787 · source
4. Filed Oct 31, 2025140,000 miCAElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11696795 · source
5. Filed Aug 1, 2025MDEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11677703 · source
6. Filed May 28, 2025TXBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11663405 · source
7. Filed May 15, 2025ALEngine

   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 · source
8. Filed Apr 27, 2025ILEngine

   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 · source
9. Filed Apr 8, 2025160,000 miOHEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11653447 · source
10. Filed Sep 5, 2024TXEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    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 · source
11. Filed Aug 28, 2024TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11611338 · source
12. Filed Apr 5, 2024124,000 miTNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11581286 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology