2012 Ram 1500 parts and specs

What changed for the 2012 Ram 1500

• 2012Carryover powertrains: 3.7L V6 (4-spd), 4.7L V8 (6-spd), 5.7L HEMI; hydraulic steering; HOAT coolant

Known problems with the 2012 Ram 1500

3 of the 6 issues we track for the 2012–2018 generation are documented against the 2012 model year, and 1 carries a recall or service bulletin.

• HEMI 'tick', MDS lifter and camshaft failure (5.7L)

  major

  A ticking that progresses to a loud tap can mean a collapsed MDS (cylinder-deactivation) lifter whose roller has scarred the camshaft. It often appears between 80k–150k mi, sometimes with a misfire code on one cylinder. The fix is lifters and usually a camshaft, an engine-out-scale labor job. Distinct from the harmless exhaust-manifold tick; a shop can tell them apart quickly.

  Typical cost: $2,500–$5,000+ (cam and lifter replacement)

• Exhaust manifold bolts break (5.7L HEMI)

  moderate

  The HEMI's exhaust manifold bolts, usually the rear ones on the driver side, snap from heat cycling, causing an exhaust tick on cold start that fades as the engine warms. Cheap parts, but extracting broken studs takes labor. Widely reported across HEMI trucks for a decade-plus.

  Typical cost: $300–$900 (per side, including stud extraction)

• TIPM fuel pump relay failure, no-start or stall (recall)

  majorNHTSA 14V-530 (FCA P54)

  The fuel pump relay integrated in the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) can fail, causing cranking no-starts or stalling without warning. FCA recalled 2012–2013 Ram trucks (campaign P54, NHTSA 14V-530) and installed an external relay. If an early DS truck stalls or won't start intermittently, verify this recall was performed before chasing other causes.

  Typical cost: Free under recall; ~$150–$250 for an external relay kit otherwise

Full detail, costs and sources on the Ram 1500 problems and years to avoid guide.