2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints618 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 161 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (3.7L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 4.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 6% worse than the 2012 standard pickup truck average of 17 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 618 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Ram 1500 Pickup — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Ram 1500 Pickup →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-6%$4,200555
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-6%$4,750555
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD FFV4.7L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-6%$4,200555
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD FFV4.7L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16+1%$4,200555
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15-6%$5,050592
Spend $9,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17 MPG2012 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup.

Similar 2012 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup (this car)16 MPGNot rated6
2012 Ford F-15019 MPGNot rated4
2012 Chevrolet Silverado21 MPGNot rated6
2012 Toyota Tundra18 MPGNot rated3
2012 Honda Ridgeline17 MPGNot rated11
2012 Nissan Titan15 MPGNot rated2
2012 GMC Sierra21 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (6)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting · Mar 8, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V160000 · 218,617 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Fix
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.
Equipment · Dec 21, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles

Problem
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
Risk
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift · Dec 20, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 22, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V459000 · 1,059,444 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · Feb 6, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V038000 · 278,674 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · May 2, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V192000 · 129 vehicles

Problem
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.”
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

618Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
25Involved a crash
8Involved a fire
20Injuries reported
78,700 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System157
Engine156
Fuel/Propulsion System89
Air Bags72
Power Train68
Unknown Or Other65
Service Brakes44
Steering37
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/08: 324/09: 424/10: 324/11: 124/12: 225/01: 125/02: 125/03: 425/04: 325/05: 425/06: 225/07: 225/08: 125/09: 225/10: 425/11: 125/12: 226/02: 226/03: 426/04: 326/06: 126/08: 126/09: 226/10: 124/0824/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0326/08max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 157 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 156 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 89 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 78,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Ram 1500 Pickup years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2011 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated8500
2010 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated9271
2009 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4360
2008 Ram 1500 Pickup17–Not rated6364
2007 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4306
2006 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4349
2005 Ram 1500 Pickup16–Not rated4816

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →