YearToAvoid

2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 126 Fuel System complaints for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, 18% of all complaints filed for the year, at a median 87,013 miles. A related recall (campaign 18V160000) covers frame bracket reinforcement, though owners also reference a separate diesel fuel system recall (14V635000) with parts delays.

Fuel System complaints
126
18% of 697
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
87,013 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

  • Owners report waiting on recall parts for the engine, engine cooling, and diesel fuel system campaign (14V635000), with dealers unable to say when parts would arrive.
  • Some drivers describe engine idle spiking and dropping in stop-and-go traffic, followed by stalling and an illuminated electronic throttle control light.
  • Others report intermittent stalling with rpm dropping to near zero and no response from the accelerator pedal, sometimes tied to a throttle body software update.
  • A few owners noted the truck felt like it was being rear-ended when coming to a stop, even with no vehicle behind them.
  • One report describes the truck rolling and crashing into a building after the driver's foot slipped and shifted the gear into drive.

When 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 23, 2013, latest Mar 28, 2026.

2012 Dodge Ram 1500 fuel system complaints: complaints filed per quarter72013 Q32016 Q12018 Q12019 Q32021 Q12022 Q42024 Q22025 Q4
126 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q3 to 2026 Q1; peak 2022 Q3 (7).

Fuel System recalls for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500

  1. NHTSA 18V160000Mar 8, 2018Fuel System218,617 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.

    Risk: 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 in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.

Fuel System complaints by Ram 1500 model year

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

  1. 200540 (3%)
  2. 200623 (3%)
  3. 200738 (7%)
  4. 200864 (12%)
  5. 200943 (6%)
  6. 201038 (8%)
  7. 2011142 (21%)
  8. 2012126 (18%)
  9. 20140 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA lists 126 Fuel System complaints for the 2012 Ram 1500, which is 18% of the 697 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500?
Yes, campaign 18V160000 covers a frame bracket reinforcement related to the fuel system on certain 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks registered in specific states. Owner complaints also reference a separate diesel-related recall, 14V635000, tied to parts availability delays.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up on the 2012 Ram 1500?
The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2012 Ram 1500 is 87,013 miles.
Did the 2012 Ram 1500 fuel system issue cause crashes or fires?
NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 fires among the fuel system complaints for the 2012 Ram 1500, with no injuries reported.
How does 2012 compare to other Ram 1500 years for fuel system complaints?
The 2012 Ram 1500 had 126 fuel system complaints (18% share), close to 2011's 142 complaints (21% share), while 2010 had only 38 complaints (8% share).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.