Dodge’s pickup truck game was strong back in the 1980s and the brand introduced the RAM as a nameplate only until it became a separate lineup later. Currently, the RAM 1500 ranks among the comfiest ones in its class where the competition is fierce from Ford and General Motors. Much like other FCA vehicles, the RAM 1500 has its own share of run-ins with reliability issues but the truck has been picking up sales gradually with a slight improvement in its customer satisfaction aspect. The 2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab has faced 543 official complaints to date along with 7 recalls. Moreover, the truck has been subjected to investigation a couple of times by the NHTSA for its integrated power module failure and airbag control unit failures. The truck competes with the Ford F-150, the GMC Sierra, and the Toyota Tundra. Let’s delve into the details of the issues and recalls faced by the truck below.
RAM 1500 Crew Cab user complaints and problems
Engine problems
- Engine stall: The engine stalling issue is one of the commonly reported ones against the 2012 RAM 1500. The affected owners reported that while driving, their trucks lost power and stalled suddenly, and started coasting.
- Broken exhaust manifold: Several complaints reporting a broken exhaust manifold nut were reported against the 2012 RAM 1500. As a symptom, there were hissing sounds accompanied by other abnormal sounds from the engines while driving.
Safety problems
- Airbag sensor failure: A lot of complaints were filed by owners regarding this issue. The faulty airbag sensor triggered the airbag warning light and it stayed on indicating that the airbags had been deactivated. A major number of owners were left without any resolution for the issue from the dealerships as well.
- Brake failure: The brakes of the affected trucks failed while the trucks were running. In one case, the driver failed to stop the vehicle on time and crashed due to the brake failure. In another instance, the front brakes seized completely upon pressing the brake pedal.
Miscellaneous problems
- Power steering failure: The power steering of some 2012 RAM 1500 trucks failed suddenly. As a result of the failures, the steering of the trucks became too hard to turn and posed a significant safety threat too.
- Suspension failure: Some owners did face issues with the truck’s suspension. In most of the cases, the rear axle’s pinion nut was loose and required replacement. Moreover, as a symptom, the trucks would wobble excessively while being driven. However, some of the owners were denied the repair even though the brand issued a recall for the problem.
2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab recalls
|
S.No. |
Recall Date |
NHTSA Campaign ID |
Issues noticed |
Additional remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
May 2, 2012 |
12V192000 |
Spare tire placard |
If installed, the incorrectly sized spare tire may unexpectedly activate the electronic stability control system, altering the effectiveness of the ESC system, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify the owners, and the dealers will inspect and repair vehicles as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2012. |
|
2 |
February 6, 2013 |
13V038000 |
Rear Axle Pinion Nut May Loosen at Differential |
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. |
On November 7, 2013, Chrysler notified the owners that the 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 the owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. |
|
3 |
July 22, 2015 |
15V459000 |
Inadvertent Driver Airbag Deployment |
This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause the driver's frontal airbag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash. |
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 airbag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. |
|
4 |
May 16, 2016 |
16E041000 |
Seat Cover Affects Airbag Deployment |
If the seat cover impedes the airbag deployment, the seat thorax airbags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. |
Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. |
|
5 |
December 20, 2017 |
17V821000 |
Vehicle May Rollaway |
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. |
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 on February 26, 2018. |
|
6 |
December 21, 2017 |
17V824000 |
Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable |
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. |
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. |
|
7 |
March 8, 2018 |
18V160000 |
Front Fuel Tank Strap Bracket may Corrode |
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 of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. |
Chrysler will notify the owners and the dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2018. |
Should you buy a used RAM 1500 Crew Cab?
The RAM 1500 has been a highly-preferred option in the segment primarily due to its impressive ride quality for a truck and a well-made cabin. Moreover, the optional V8 motor offers more than an adequate grunt to carry out almost all the things you throw at the truck. However, the truck has been facing some issues with its reliability, mostly due to manufacturing defects and sub-par quality of materials used during construction which resulted in premature degradation of some crucial parts of the truck as well. Getting a used RAM 1500 would make sense given you find a model that is free from the suspension, powertrain, and steering issues mentioned above.
