2012 Dodge RAM 2500 engine problems

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine · MT

We purchased our 2012 Dodge Ram heavy duty with tow package new. At just over 152000 miles, the engine started knocking while on vacation. We were not towing at the time. We put in injector cleaner to try and help the knocking. During our vacation, we were on the freeway when we suddenly lost power, the service engine light popped on, and the engine died. We were literally driving one minute and the next were trying to get out of the traffic lane with no control. We restarted the engine, the knocking had stopped and power was restored. Two days later, another episode of power decrease but with no engine service light. We used premium gas, injector cleaner and listened for the knocking that came and went, to drive home. We were told by our local dealership it is a lifter failure and the truck needs a replacement engine.

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · 168,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2022 · Engine · MI

Exhaust Manifold on passenger side is leaking. It has a broken bolt due to manifold warping. This is causing exhaust to leak into the cab.

Filed May 24, 2022 · Engine · IA

The exhaust manifold bolts on both sides of the engine warp due to two different metals being put together under heat. Steel and aluminum expand at different temperatures. This causes the bolts to break off of the exhaust manifold creating an exhaust leak into the engine bay. Yes, this can be inspected upon request. The safety of myself and the general public is at risk due to the exhaust leak into the engine bay being pulled into the cab via the heating or airconditioning system. The exhaust fumes are pulled into the cab of the truck via the heating and airconditioning system. When running, the truck has a very noticeable smell inside the cab. It has caused me headaches as well. This poses a risk to the public if the driver were to pass out from said fumes. The problem can be reproduced and is a known issue with Dodge. It is very well documented online that this problem happens to nearly all Dodge Ram trucks. It has never been recalled because Dodge says its not a "safety" concern. This is very much so a safety issue. The components have been inspected by others, and verified as broken. I will not take it to a dealership to have it inspected as they want to charge 150$/hr to diagnose something that even they recognize as a known issue. There were no warning lamps, messages or any visible indication of this problem. A loud ticking noise and a strong smell of exhaust fumes are what brought the issues to attention.

Filed Feb 27, 2022 · Engine · GA

My Dodge Ram 2500, 2012 Hemi engine started making a ticking sound so got a tune up. The machinic changed the spark plugs and distributors around after I complained. Nothing he was able to do enable the truck to function properly. I spoke with the Dodge dealership, the spoken informed me that when Dodge merged with MERCEDE the problem persisted and to this date a fix was not provided. I spoke with other Dodge owner who experience the same problem. The engine was not functioning properly because of internal damage. The cost of repair would cost between $8K and $10K to replace or repair the engine. The dealership stated that the federal safety agency nor Dodge have provided a fix and that the problem still persist to this day.

Filed Feb 12, 2022 · Engine · CA

Engine has been making a ticking noise on the passenger side for the past few months. The passenger side exhaust manifold warped and broke two bolts in the engine block. This caused an exhaust leak and made the truck run rich due to the leak before oxygen sensor. Fuel efficiency declined. Replaced the exhaust manifold, gasket, and bolts to repair the problem.

Filed Jan 22, 2022 · Engine · MA

The bolts holding the exhaust manifold to the engine cylinder head, are breaking off. This has occurred in the past, on the drivers and passengers side. I had the problem repaired, by a dealer, which required the replacement of the passenger side cylinder head as well. This issue has re-occurred on the drivers side, which has been confirmed by a Ram dealer, as shown in the attached documentation. In every instance, the issue starts with a tapping noise, as the exhaust manifold pulls away from the head. Passengers in my truck have complained about the smell of exhaust fumes, which is a safety and health issue. This truck only has 85,000 miles, yet this is the 3rd incident of this issue occurring.

Filed Mar 7, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 181,123 miles · NC

While in drive, went over speed bump and vehicle turned off. Intermittent ignition problems have gotten worse to where now vehicle now turns off / quits.

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Engine · 111,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 2500. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and powered off the engine. The vehicle was restarted and was able to drive normally. The failure recurred numerous times. The contact called university chrysler dodge jeep ram of florence (located at 2354 florence blvd, florence, al 35630, (256) 766-7324) and was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

Filed Jan 28, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 94,000 miles · CA

R03 (replaces l25) wireless ignition node (win) module win module failure. When driving the vehicle in motion, the engine and power shuts off to the vehicle, causing loss of power steering and braking power. This happened to me while driving on the freeway. This has been recalled due to the same situation on multiple other dodge/chrysler vehicles that have the same win module part/part# as my 2012 ram. 'the wireless ignition node (win) module on these vehicles may have unintentional movement of the frequency operated button ignition key, or fobik, from the 'on' to the 'accessory' position while driving. This could cause unintended engine shut off and increase the risk of a crash.'