How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500?

NHTSA lists 211 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 model year, which is 30% of the 697 total complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Ram 1500 electrical system?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this component on the 2012 Ram 1500.

Have electrical issues caused fires or crashes on this truck?

NHTSA data shows 7 fires and 3 crashes linked to electrical complaints on the 2012 Ram 1500, with no injuries reported.

At what mileage do these electrical problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure for electrical complaints on the 2012 Ram 1500 is 65,000 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower or higher mileage.

How does the 2012 Ram 1500 compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 2012 Ram 1500 had 211 electrical complaints (30% share), close behind the 2011 model's 226 complaints (33% share) and well above the 2010 model's 75 complaints (15% share).

2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 211 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, 30% of the 697 total complaints filed for that year, with 7 fires and 3 crashes reported. No related recall is listed for this component. Median mileage at failure was 65,000.

Electrical System complaints: 211; 30% of 697
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 7
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 65,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Headlights described as inadequate for night driving, illuminating only a short distance ahead on both low and high beam.
Engine cooling or air conditioning fan relay switch failed to shut off and later burned or melted after the battery was disconnected and reconnected.
Wiring harness or wiring near the steering column reportedly caught fire, with one truck fully engulfed while parked and untouched.
Ignition switch or related wiring caused a sudden loss of power steering, anti-lock brakes, and seatbelt function while driving at highway speed.
Horn intermittently failed to sound and required multiple presses even after dealer repair.
Multiple dashboard systems malfunctioned at once, including wipers activating on their own, false seatbelt warnings, and incorrect fuel level readings.

When 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 22, 2011, latest Aug 6, 2026.

211 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2015 Q4 (11).

Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Ram 1500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201075 (15%)
2011226 (33%)
2012211 (30%)
20140 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500?: NHTSA lists 211 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 model year, which is 30% of the 697 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Ram 1500 electrical system?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this component on the 2012 Ram 1500.
Have electrical issues caused fires or crashes on this truck?: NHTSA data shows 7 fires and 3 crashes linked to electrical complaints on the 2012 Ram 1500, with no injuries reported.
At what mileage do these electrical problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure for electrical complaints on the 2012 Ram 1500 is 65,000 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower or higher mileage.
How does the 2012 Ram 1500 compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2012 Ram 1500 had 211 electrical complaints (30% share), close behind the 2011 model's 226 complaints (33% share) and well above the 2010 model's 75 complaints (15% share).