2012 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems
163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 — 23% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Unknown The engine is bad. Costing me $2500 that I don't have. The lifter needs fixing and probably other things as well. I need help.”
filed Jun 15, 2026
“My 2012 Dodge developed an engine issue at 129,000 miles. The issue was rough idling and no acceleration. I took it to a Dodge dealer. They diagnosed it as a chronic cam issue with this generation Chrysler hemi engine. I had the cam and replaced at Waldorf Dodge. The cost was at $3400. I believe…”
filed Apr 17, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Ram 1500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Ram 1500 | 151 | 22% |
| 2010 Ram 1500 | 61 | 13% |
| 2009 Ram 1500 | 50 | 7% |
| 2008 Ram 1500 | 35 | 6% |
| 2007 Ram 1500 | 35 | 7% |
| 2006 Ram 1500 | 33 | 4% |
| 2005 Ram 1500 | 76 | 7% |
| 2004 Ram 1500 | 74 | 7% |
| 2003 Ram 1500 | 21 | 2% |
| 2002 Ram 1500 | 22 | 3% |
| 2001 Ram 1500 | 5 | 0% |
| 2000 Ram 1500 | 3 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.