2012 Ram 1500: Engine wont turn over wont start
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2012 1500 report: engine wont turn over wont start. CarComplaints.com lists 9 owner complaints, average mileage 56,200 miles.
NHTSA has 175 owner complaints for the 2012 1500 in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11755251 (filed 08/06/2026): “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. no dealership report yet, but have an appointme…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11722822 (filed 03/08/2026): “The truck will just shut off driving down the road at highway speeds. this has occurred multiple times.…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace TIPM module (5 reports) bypass fuel pump relay on TIPM (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $2,060 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto