2012–2018 DS (4th generation; sold 2019–2024 as Ram 1500 Classic)
2012–2018 Ram 1500 Common Problems and Years to Avoid
6 documented problems with the 2012–2018 Ram 1500, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 5 of them are serious. 2 carry a recall or TSB number.
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2012–2018 Ram 1500 recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA 14V-530 (FCA P54) | TIPM fuel pump relay failure, no-start or stall (recall) | major |
| NHTSA 19V-757 (FCA VB1) | EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracking, fire risk (recall) | major |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
HEMI 'tick', MDS lifter and camshaft failure (5.7L)
majorA 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.
Exhaust manifold bolts break (5.7L HEMI)
moderateThe 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.
Air suspension failure (2013+ optional 4-corner air ride)
majorTrucks with the optional air suspension develop leaking air springs and worn-out compressors, throwing the truck into 'Air Suspension System' warnings or dropping it to the bump stops overnight. Repairs at a dealer commonly run past $1,700 per corner-plus-compressor visit, and multiple components often fail in sequence on high-mileage trucks. Some owners convert to coil springs instead.
TIPM fuel pump relay failure, no-start or stall (recall)
majorThe 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.
EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracking, fire risk (recall)
majorThe EGR cooler on 2014–2019 1500 EcoDiesels can crack from thermal fatigue and leak vaporized coolant into the intake, where it can combust, NHTSA recall 19V-757 (FCA VB1) replaces the EGR cooler and inspects the intake manifold. Symptoms before failure include unexplained coolant loss. Separately, the EcoDiesel emissions settlement (AEM updates) applied software changes on 2014–2016 trucks.
EcoDiesel bottom-end and oil-cooler failures (early engines)
majorA minority of 2014–2015 EcoDiesels suffered main/rod bearing failures that destroy the engine, and plastic-tank oil coolers that leak. Failure announces itself as a knock or metal in the oil, the remedy is a replacement engine, which FCA covered for some owners under warranty extensions. Religious oil changes with correct 5W-40 CJ-4 oil are the best defense.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012–2018 Ram 1500. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Ram 1500 model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Ram 1500 built from 2012 through 2018 — the DS (4th generation; sold 2019–2024 as Ram 1500 Classic), full-size half-ton pickup (regular, quad, crew cab). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2018 Ram 1500
- 2012Carryover powertrains: 3.7L V6 (4-spd), 4.7L V8 (6-spd), 5.7L HEMI; hydraulic steering; HOAT coolant
- 2013Major refresh: 3.6L Pentastar + ZF 8-speed arrive, electric power steering, optional air suspension, RamBox and 8.4-in Uconnect expand; coolant switches to 10-year OAT
- 20143.0L EcoDiesel V6 added (first half-ton diesel of the modern era); 4.7L V8 dropped after 2013
- 2015Off-road-focused Rebel trim debuts mid-year with a factory-tuned suspension, off-road tires, and unique styling; interior/trim options broaden
- 2015–2018Rebel added (2015, 285/70R17 tires); Limited becomes flagship; mechanical specs otherwise carry over
- 2016Essentially unchanged: redesigned center console standard across the lineup; Rebel (introduced mid-2015) gains new interior color choices including Radar Red
- 2018DS production continued after 2018 as the 'Ram 1500 Classic' (2019–2024, Tradesman/Express/Warlock/Big Horn trims) sold alongside the new DT. This generation's data applies to those Classic trucks; the DT generation below covers same-year 'new body' trucks
2012–2018 Ram 1500 problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012–2018 Ram 1500?
- The recurring ones are: hemi 'tick', mds lifter and camshaft failure (5.7l); exhaust manifold bolts break (5.7l hemi); air suspension failure (2013+ optional 4-corner air ride); tipm fuel pump relay failure, no-start or stall (recall); ecodiesel egr cooler cracking, fire risk (recall). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2012–2018 Ram 1500 years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by hemi 'tick', mds lifter and camshaft failure (5.7l) (2012–2018 (5.7L; the risk continues into DT trucks)) and air suspension failure (2013+ optional 4-corner air ride) (2013–2018 (equipped trucks, typically >80k mi)) and tipm fuel pump relay failure, no-start or stall (recall) (2012–2013) and ecodiesel egr cooler cracking, fire risk (recall) (2014–2018 (recall covers through 2019 Classic)) and ecodiesel bottom-end and oil-cooler failures (early engines) (2014–2016 (worst in 2014–2015)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2012–2018 Ram 1500?
- 2 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 14V-530 (FCA P54) (tipm fuel pump relay failure, no-start or stall (recall)), NHTSA 19V-757 (FCA VB1) (ecodiesel egr cooler cracking, fire risk (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2012–2018 Ram 1500 repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: hemi 'tick', mds lifter and camshaft failure (5.7l), $2,500–$5,000+ (cam and lifter replacement); exhaust manifold bolts break (5.7l hemi), $300–$900 (per side, including stud extraction); air suspension failure (2013+ optional 4-corner air ride), $1,700–$4,000 (compressor + spring); ~$1,000–$1,500 coil conversion; tipm fuel pump relay failure, no-start or stall (recall), Free under recall; ~$150–$250 for an external relay kit otherwise.
Sources
- FCA media, 2015 Ram 1500 specifications (battery, capacities)
- NHTSA recall 19V-757, EcoDiesel EGR cooler (Part 573 report)
- FCA Safety Recall VB1, diesel EGR cooler, 2014–2019 Ram 1500 (oemdtc)
- RamForum, Safety recall P54 / NHTSA 14V-530 fuel pump relay
- Diesel Hub, 3.0L EcoDiesel oil change guide (capacities, filters, TSB 18-078-16)
- fueleconomy.gov, 2015 Ram 1500 EPA ratings
- Wheel-Size.com, 2016 Ram 1500 OE fitments
- RamForumZ, 5.7L spark plug spec (NGK LZFR5C-11, 30k interval)
- RamForum, oil change indicator reset procedure