What 694 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Trx

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 ODI 11661342

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.

NHTSA ODI 11660592

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that while driving over a speed bump, the gas gasket detached. The vehicle was temporarily repaired using a rope and then taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics for repair however, the repairs were unavailable. The local dealer advised the contact the vehicle could not be diagnosed or repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) because the recall was no longer active and had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658941

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 ODI 11657088

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the fuel tank strap had detached. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that two of the fuel tank straps needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656589

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 ODI 11653447

Fuel tank strap came loose from frame

NHTSA ODI 11650061

Fuel pump won’t shut off when car is turned off, I had to pull out fuel pump fuse because my battery kept getting drain, I’ve had difficulty starting and it’s only been a month since I bought this car,I’ve had to buy a bypass cable to temporarily fix the issue, this has happen to so many people, there should be a recall on the timp failing

NHTSA ODI 11649993

Bracket for fuel tank straps broke, causing gas tank to fall during operation without any warning,it could of caused a fire or explosion causing harm to driver and others or death.My local service center confirmed the problem and repaired the bracket and secured the gas tank back into place with new straps.This happened on our about [XXX] about [XXX].Friday (Rush Hour)!! I was at Walmart when I saw the problem returning to my truck.I went to the auto service center to buy some cargo straps to secure the gas tank back into place so it was safe to drive,the service manager was shocked! Thank God that I saw the problem and secured the gas tank!!! I was a mechanic and service manager earlier in life.I called a local Ram Dealer Ganley in Bedford Ohio and found out that this problem had a extended warranty on it that expired 4 or 5 days ago.[XXX].I never received any information of this from the Dealer I bought it from or the manufacturer, I could of been Killed and others due to the neglect of the Dealer and Manufacturer,Buyers of Columbus,Ohio and Fiat, Chrysler ! Why didn't NHTSA Make sure I was warned of this? It was a Life Threatening Problem! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11649141

On my way home. Going through in town (slow)traffic all of sudden I notice I had no power steering & no brakes, no please pull out , I noticed if I keep my rpm about 1500, I would get a little power steering & brakes back!, 4 miles to get home , I drove home slowly What happened was I lost my serpentine belt tensioner!!! .MY MAIN Purpose, for my truck is to toe my fifth wheel RV!!, I live in the north west of US, LIKE! in the mountains!! Terrified that it won’t happen again!️

NHTSA ODI 11648222

I have had to have the ABS and HCU modules replaced twice. This is a known issue and Fiat Chrysler is only repairing and reimbursing 2017 to 2018 trucks. Both of my repairs were at Dodge dealerships and are documented.

NHTSA ODI 11645119

Fuel pump randomly shuts down while driving. Or no start condition. Loss of cruise control hitting bumps in the road. Service 4x4, no tc, no cc, trailer lights disconnect. Dealer has recalls on other same year vehicles w same motor w same TIPM defective part. Not on truck. Warranty will not cover due to common problem. Since fuel relay is part of fuse box, will not cover part. Part alone is $2200. Dealer only. Can't get remanfactured, rebuilt, or part store item. Stuck with a truck that barely runs and almost $3000 to fix a non warranty issue. And very common.

NHTSA ODI 11636275

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at a shopping center parking lot, the contact became aware that the fuel tank was hanging down and was almost touching the ground. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel tank straps and bracket were extremely corroded, causing the fuel tank to fall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed by the manufacturer of Extended Warranty Coverage: X75 - (Fuel System, Gasoline) to cover repairs, however, the warranty had expired, and the vehicle was no longer covered. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11631494

The truck was sitting at home in the driveway (untouched) for 3 days. Suddenly smoke began to appear from under the hood and within minutes, the engine compartment burst into flames. Because of the fire, smoke and water damage, the vehicle was considered a total loss by the insurance company. The fire marshal advised that the fire started in the vicinity of the passenger side starter battery. It is thought the fire originated from the battery or the grid heater relay that is very near the passenger side battery. The fire also damaged a nearby RV that experienced smoke and heat damage. It was a very intense fire. There were no open recalls on this vehicle and no recent maintenance work performed.

NHTSA ODI 11629492

Front frame bracket on gas tank has rotted out. There is a recall on this already for other 2012 ram 1500 vehicles. Nhtsa 18v-160 frame bracket

NHTSA ODI 11624150

TIPM failure. Vehicle fails to start ("crank, no start" or it acts likes it's out of gas) and/or fuel pump continues pumping after turning the vehicle off (draining battery).The vehicle stalls while driving which has created very unsafe conditions. There has been recalls on other dodge vehicles with same problem. This needs to be a uniform recall on all affected vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11620256

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gas tank was dragging on the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel system needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ODI 11617936

Front fuel tank strap rusted off of the frame

NHTSA ODI 11617565

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the fuel tank strap "T-Slot" had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11614851

Driver warning light came for airbag, yes it could be if deployed, no dealer has confirmed (but looked up recall # 15V459000), called molar said no recall on my vehicle…., no one else looked at vehicles book says to immediately take to dealer, yes warning light on follow book info and it appeared 9/8/24

NHTSA ODI 11613398

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off with unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted immediately after the failure; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle would no longer immediately restart after the failure. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times before the vehicle eventually restarted. The contact used a code reader to determine the cause of the failure but was unable to diagnose the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure was likely related to a defective fuel pump relay. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 310,000.

NHTSA ODI 11613040

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 ODI 11612812

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 ODI 11611338

Looking under my truck, I found that the front Gas Tank Strap had fallen down from the vehicle frame mount. During further inspection of the vehicle it was that the gas tank strap mounting point has rusted through and that the strap has pulled thru the rusted point. The front of the gas tank has fallen down and pushed the gas tank strap into the drive shaft. Th only thing supporting the gas tank is the rear gas tank strap

NHTSA ODI 11610695

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, an abnormal scraping sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and discovered that the front fuel tank strap bracket had detached due to corrosion. Due to failure, the front end of the fuel tank began to hang down from the vehicle. The contact cautiously drove the vehicle home and attached a cable to the fuel tank strap bracket as a temporary fix. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which was linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ODI 11606867