2012 Ram 1500 MPG
Across its 5 EPA-rated versions, the 2012 Ram 1500 returns 13–14 mpg city, 19–20 highway and 15–16 combined.
The most efficient pairs the 3.7-liter 6-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, at 16 mpg combined. At the other end, the 5.7-liter 8-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive manages 15 mpg combined, 1 mpg less. That matches the best gasoline version of the 2011 model.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular · 555 g CO₂/mi |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Midgrade · 555 g CO₂/mi |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD | 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Gasoline or E85 · 555 g CO₂/mi |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD | 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Gasoline or E85 · 555 g CO₂/mi |
| Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Midgrade · 592 g CO₂/mi |
2012 Ram 1500 fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2012 Ram 1500 costs about $4,080 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (16 mpg combined), or roughly 27 cents a mile.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2012 Ram 1500 specs
The EPA lists 3 engine choices for the 2012 Ram 1500: 4.7 L 8-cyl, 5.7 L 8-cyl and 3.7 L 6-cyl. It came with an automatic transmission, in four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive versions. For fuel-economy purposes it sits in the EPA's "Standard Pickup Trucks" class.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 L | 8 | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 5.7 L | 8 | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 3.7 L | 6 | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2012 Ram 1500 problems
As of October 2026, NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) holds 698 owner complaints about the 2012 Ram 1500.
Electrical system is the most-reported area (18% of component mentions), followed by engine (17%) and power train (9%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 46 complaints a year: about as many as the 2011 (43 a year) and fewer than the 2013 (91 a year).
That ranks 12th of 17 Ram 1500 model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 698, 32 mention a crash, 10 a fire and 20 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 177 | 18% |
| Engine | 163 | 17% |
| Power train | 93 | 9% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 92 | 9% |
| Air bags | 80 | 8% |
| Unknown or other | 67 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 49 | 5% |
| Steering | 47 | 5% |
| Exterior lighting | 46 | 5% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 32 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 28 | 3% |
| Structure | 24 | 2% |
| Suspension | 20 | 2% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 13 | 1% |
| Wheels | 10 | 1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | <1% |
| Tires | 6 | <1% |
| Diesel fuel system | 5 | <1% |
| Seat belts | 5 | <1% |
| Seats | 4 | <1% |
| Equipment | 3 | <1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | <1% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | <1% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 2 | <1% |
| Visibility | 2 | <1% |
| Back over prevention | 1 | <1% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
While the vehicle was sitting in the driveway not running, the back of the headlight caught on fire. There wasn't any incedents (e.i. any collision, repairs) prior to the indecent. It is available for inspection. …
Unknown The engine is bad. Costing me $2500 that I don't have. The lifter needs fixing and probably other things as well. I need help.
Engine ticking noise, poorly made bolts on exhaust manifold were used. Bolts loosen or Break off and manifold warps or cracks. Cause exhaust leak into cabin. …
2012 Ram 1500 recalls
The 2012 Ram 1500 has been the subject of 6 recall campaigns, plus 1 recall of replacement equipment made for it.
The most recent, campaign 18V160000 from March 2018, concerns gasoline fuel system.
Equipment accounts for 3 of the 7 campaigns, more than any other area.
12V192000 · May 2, 2012 · Equipment
Problem: THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE A SPARE TIRE THAT DOES NOT MATCH THE SPECIFICATIONS LISTED ON THE TIRE PLACARD. .
Risk: IF INSTALLED, THE INCORRECTLY SIZED SPARE TIRE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM, ALTERING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ESC SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR VEHICLES AS NECCESSARY FREE OF CHARGE.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | 1500 years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V160000 | March 8, 2018 | Gasoline fuel system | 2009–2012 |
| 17V824000 | December 21, 2017 | Equipment | 2012, 2015 |
| 17V821000 | December 20, 2017 | Power train | 2009–2017 |
| 16E041000 | May 16, 2016 | Equipment (equipment) | 2012–2016 |
| 15V459000 | July 22, 2015 | Air bags | 2012–2014 |
| 13V038000 | February 6, 2013 | Power train | 2009–2012 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 6 versions of the 2012 Ram 1500; the best overall score is 4 out of 5 stars.
Its Regular PU/RC 2WD and Regular PU/RC 4WD versions scored 3 stars overall.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular PU/RC 2WD | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Crew PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Quad PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Regular PU/RC 4WD | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Crew PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Quad PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Ram 1500s can be compared fairly. Among other 2012 models in the EPA's standard pickup trucks class, the 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 (18 mpg) and 2012 Ford F-150 (19 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 16 | 707 | 39 | 4 |
| 2010 | 16 | 488 | 29 | 4 |
| 2011 | 16 | 689 | 43 | 4 |
| 2012 | 16 | 698 | 46 | 7 |
| 2013 | 21 | 1,281 | 91 | 12 |
| 2014 | 23 | 1,777 | 136 | 17 |
| 2015 | 24 | 1,459 | 121 | 18 |
Every Ram 1500 model year compared →
Similar 2012 models
FAQ
Is the 2012 1500 a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2012 Ram 1500 has 46 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (12th most of 17 model years), 6 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 4 stars and up to 16 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2012 1500 problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are electrical system (177), engine (163) and power train (93). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2012 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 1 replacement-equipment recall. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 1500 get?
The EPA rates the versions at 15–16 mpg combined (13–14 city, 19–20 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 1500 per year?
About $4,080 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).