The 2012 Ram 1500 is a solid truck when maintained, but the 5.7L Hemi has well-documented valve seat failure issues that can destroy the engine, and transmission cooler problems plague both engine options. The 4.7L is generally more reliable but less common.
Hemi Valve Seat Drop / Cylinder Head Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden misfires on one or two cylinders, Metal shavings in oil, Catastrophic loss of compression, Ticking or knocking from one bank, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes
Fix: Valve seats can drop out of the cylinder head, destroying pistons, cylinder walls, and sometimes the entire short block. If caught early (just head damage), expect 12-16 hours for both heads. If it grenades the bottom end, you're looking at 20-30 hours for a short block or used engine swap. Many shops won't rebuild these anymore—they go straight to reman engines.
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, Milkshake-colored transmission fluid, Coolant in trans pan, Strawberry milkshake in radiator, Overheating transmission
Fix: The internal transmission cooler in the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys the transmission if not caught immediately. Proper fix requires new radiator, full transmission flush and filter, sometimes torque converter replacement. If the trans was run with contaminated fluid for any length of time, you're rebuilding or replacing the whole unit—add 18-24 hours for a transmission rebuild/R&R.
Estimated cost: $1,200-5,500
Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure / Manifold Cracking
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking from engine bay that increases with RPM, Exhaust smell in cabin, Failed emissions test, Visible exhaust leak at manifold, Loss of power under load
Fix: The exhaust manifold bolts snap off flush with the cylinder head, and the cast manifolds crack. Both banks commonly fail. Requires drilling out broken bolts (often 4-6 per side), re-tapping threads, and new manifolds or gaskets. Figure 6-8 hours per side if bolts extract clean, 10-14 hours if you're fighting broken extractors or need inserts. Many techs now use aftermarket stainless manifolds.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Rear Differential Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or howling from rear end that changes with speed, Clunking on acceleration or deceleration, Vibration at highway speeds, Hot differential smell, Metal shavings on differential drain plug
Fix: Carrier bearings and pinion bearings wear out, especially on trucks that tow or see off-road use. Requires full differential rebuild with new bearings, seals, and often gears if neglected. Some units need complete R&R for proper setup. Plan 8-12 hours for a proper rebuild with gear setup and backlash adjustment.
Estimated cost: $1,400-2,800
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Fuel pump cycling on and off randomly, Wipers running on their own, Windows operating by themselves, Gauges going haywire, No-start conditions, Random warning lights
Fix: The TIPM (main fuse/relay box under the hood) develops internal failures—typically relays welding closed or circuits corroding. Symptoms are bizarre and intermittent. Chrysler initially wanted $1,200+ for replacements. Now there are rebuild services that resoldered the internal relays for $300-400, or you can find used units. Replacement takes 2-3 hours including programming.
Estimated cost: $500-1,400
Front Ball Joint Wear
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, Wandering or loose steering, Tire wear on inside or outside edges, Play in wheel when checking at 12 and 6 o'clock, Steering wheel vibration
Fix: Upper and lower ball joints wear out, especially on 4WD models. Uppers tend to go first. If you're doing lowers, you're often replacing the entire lower control arm assembly because the pressed-in joints are a pain. Uppers are replaceable separately. Plan 4-6 hours for both sides with alignment.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Dashboard Cracking
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Cracks forming on top of dash near windshield, Dash separating at seams, Warping visible in direct sunlight
Fix: The dashboard material breaks down and cracks, especially in hot climates. There was a class-action lawsuit over this. Chrysler extended coverage for some VINs but most 2012s are out of warranty now. A dash cover is $50-150. Full dash replacement (aftermarket) runs 6-8 hours labor plus $500-800 for the part. Most owners live with it or use a cover.
Estimated cost: $50-1,500
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid color immediately when buying used—pink/red is good, brown or milky means walk away
Listen for exhaust ticking on cold starts—if present, manifolds are likely on borrowed time
On Hemi engines, use quality oil and change at 5,000 miles max—valve seat issues are heat-related
Inspect differential fluid every 30,000 miles, especially if towing—early catches save thousands
Test all electrical functions randomly during test drive to catch TIPM issues before purchase
Buy the 4.7L V8 if you can find one, or budget $3,000-5,000 for eventual Hemi top-end work and a radiator/trans service—otherwise a decent truck that's easy to work on.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 · 17V824000
2017-12-21
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
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: 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 · 17V821000
2017-12-20
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT · 16E041000
2016-05-16
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
Consequence: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 15V459000
2015-07-22
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 · 13V038000
2013-02-06 · PE12021
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 · 12V192000
2012-05-02
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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