There are 50 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2012 Ram 1500in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was shaking and continued decelerating. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. A certified mechanic was contacted and advised the contact to drive the vehicle approximately 45 MPH with the hazard lights flashing to the repair shop. The mechanic diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #2, lifters failure, causing the camshaft failure, which allowed metal debris to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The vehicle finally became inoperable at 119,000 miles due to lifter failure. Lifter issues started when the vehicle had about 106,000 miles on it. There were multiple misfire and gas mileage became worse. There was a loud ticking noise coming from the engine as well. Vehicle has been well maintained and only 1 owner, purchased new. With the lifter failure, this caused damage to the camshaft and which led to an excess amount of metal shavings to be spread throughout the engine. The vehicle ultimately had to get a engine replacement because of the excess metal shavings in the engine.
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.
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.
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.
The exhaust manifold bolts Broken causing it to leak ,tick.
I am experiencing a loud exhaust manifold leak for the third time now in this vehicle. The previous mechanic told me the bolts were broken and this is a known problem with these Rams. I can't afford to keep fixing this issue. This isn't an inexpensive fix. Please help
The engine is "Ticking". Ticks real bad when first started cold. After it warms up the ticking diminishes. Vehicle has just over 50,000 miles on it
The exhaust manifold bolts have broken off inside the block 3 times in 7 years. I have fixed them every time. Most recently, I was advised by service manager at Lithia Chrysler Dodge that 4 manifold bolts were broken and the repair cost $1490. This is a very common issue that needs a recall.
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Exhaust manifold failed (warped and broke bolts) for second time since owning my 2012 Ram 1500 causing dangerous exhaust leak that then enters the cabin of the vehicle causing dangerous conditions for the occupants.
Issue is that the exhaust manifold studs/bolts break off in cylinder head(s) on 5.7L Hemi engines causing exhaust leak in engine compartment in which could allow carbon monoxide to be drawn into passenger compartment. I personally replaced all the bolts/ studs along with new gaskets each time. Even once replacing exhaust manifolds only to have this issue continue to happen repeatedly.
2012 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS.
Engine "tick" - exhaust bolts are broken and according to dealer cylinder head needs to be extracted
SEEMS LIKE THIS IS NOT NEW, OTHERS THAT OWN THE SAME 1500 MODEL HAVE ISSUES WITH LIFTS AND CAMSHAFT CAUSING A MISS FIRE, P030SOMETHING (MINES IS P0303). THE SPARK PLUS/ FUEL INJECTORS/ AND COIL PACKS HAVE BEEN CHANGED. OUT OF NOWHERE I GET A CODE WHILE DRIVING OUT OF TOWN. THE TRUCK HAS ALWAYS HAD A RUNNING TICK TO IT. I HAVE MY VECHILE SERVICED BY DODGE THEMSELVES. THEY NEVER STATED IT WAS AN ISSUE. THIS IS A BIG ISSUE IN HEMI 5.7 ENGINES MANUFACTURED AFTER THE REDESIGNED FROM THE MAGNUM PLATFORM.
Camshaft lobe warn down from, from faulty rocker arm roller (needle bearing) (there is no to very little compression in cylinder 5), apparently engine is lubricated "by splash oil design" and people smarter then me have diagnosed that it is a design flaw.(having to do with the well and the height of the bores that accept the rocker arms) The engine only had 118,000 miles when the engine light came on, resulted in a severe knocking sound and misfiring. I expected a well taken care of motor with regular oil changes would last 200,000 miles. My choices are to rebuild the motor and or replace, both are costly. Thanks for taking the time to read my complaint. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2012 RAM 1500 HEMI TICK ISSUE. SUPPOSED TO BE A LIFTER. REPLACED ALL LIFTERS AND NOW MY TRUCK WONT START. TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MISFIRE AND SHUDDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000.
ALONG WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN THE SAME MODEL OF TRUCK I HAVE EVERYONE HAS SEEMED TO COME ACROSS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS CAUSING EVERY CAR PLACE IN MY STATE TO BE OUT OF THE PARTS TO FIX IT. I NOTICED THE TRUCK WAS HAVING A HARD TIME SHIFTING AND ACTING WEIRD SO I BROUGHT IT IN TO GET CODED AND WHEN IT WAS GETTING CODED I WAS TOLD BY THE TECH THAT THE 7TH CYLINDER WAS OUT ALONG WITH ISSUES WITH THE CAMSHAFT AND HE HAS SEEN IT IN AN ALARMING AMOUNT OF TRUCKS. SO MUCH THAT THEY COULDN'T GET HANDS ON THE PARTS TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. UPON LOOKING ONLINE THIS IS INDEED A HUGE ISSUE IN HEMI 5.7 ENGINES MANUFACTURED AFTER 2010.
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 this is a known problem and Dodge is aware of exactly why it happens. Lack of oil pressure to two of the cylinders that are dropped while driving for fuel economy. This should be Dodge problem not the consumer. I take excellent care of my vehicles. I also have a 2004 Dodge truck but that’s over 450,000 miles on it same engine same transmission.
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026