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    Ram 1500

    EPA MPG: NA

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2012 1500 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Ram 1500 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Exhaust manifold

    "loose manifold bolts. always on startup. no action taken yet."

    Anonymous, AK (2012 Ram 1500 Sport 5.7-L V8)
    Other/unsure

    "Power steering pump went out 3 times"

    Anonymous, WI (2012 Ram 1500 Unsure 5.7-L V8)

    "Fuel tank strap failed from rot."

    Anonymous, MA (2012 Ram 1500 SLT 5.7-L V8)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "Caliper froze and ruined the brakes and rotors"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Ram 1500 Sport 5.7-L V8)

    "Cliper froze closed and burned rotor and pads"

    Anonymous, (2012 Ram 1500 SLT 5.7-L V8)
    Regular brake failure

    "Brakes started to squeal knew it was time for a complete set of new brakes front and rear."

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Ram 1500 SLT 5.7-L V8)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Cylinder head

    "Roller rocker failed. It was replaced under warranty."

    Anonymous, IN (2012 Ram 1500 ST 5.7-L V8)
    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "long time use of "eco mode" (4 of 8 cylinders are deactivated) caused valve rocker, push rods and camshaft excessive wear and ultimate irreparable damage. engine was replaced."

    Anonymous, WA (2012 Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7-L V8)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Cruise control

    "Cruise control fails intermitently."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Ram 1500 Unsure 5.7-L V8)
    Keyless entry

    "The price of keyless entry fobs is extreme. The keyless entry mechanism for the driver's door fails."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Ram 1500 Unsure 5.7-L V8)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Blower (fan) motor

    "The AC blower failed to turn on for the air conditioner causing it to not work."

    Anonymous A., NM (2012 Ram 1500 SLT 5.7-L V8)
    Evaporator

    "This is the first real issue I have had with this pickup. I contribute to age. It cost about $1800 to fix the evaporator and replace a new heater coil. Drive and works like new."

    Anonymous, OK (2012 Ram 1500 ST 5.7-L V8)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Ball joints

    "I had to replace the ball joints starting with the lower ones then ended up having to fix all of them including upper ones."

    Anonymous A., NM (2012 Ram 1500 SLT 5.7-L V8)
    Wheel bearings

    "Bearing wear is very extensive. Replaced both front bearings 3 times each in the last 100000 miles."

    Anonymous, TX (2012 Ram 1500 SLT 5.7-L V8)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "3rd brake light leaking water into cab"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Ram 1500 Sport 5.7-L V8)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Spark plugs or wires failure

    "wire to one of the sparkplugs failed"

    Anonymous, KY (2012 Ram 1500 Unsure 5.7-L V8)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Other driveline problem

    "The main drive belt broke and left me unable to steer the truck. Almost caused me to wreck it."

    Anonymous, VA (2012 Ram 1500 Sport 5.7-L V8)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel leaks

    "Brackets supporting gas tank too corroded to hold up gas tank completely Had to replace tank because of leak caused by the rear half tank hitting a speed bump"

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Ram 1500 SLT 5.7-L V8)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    2012 Pickup Trucks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ram vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Suspension/Steering
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
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