2012 Ram 2500: Engine wont turn over wont start
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2012 2500 report: engine wont turn over wont start. CarComplaints.com lists 3 owner complaints, average mileage 36,650 miles.
NHTSA has 51 owner complaints for the 2012 2500 in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11753537 (filed 07/29/2026): “The switch to start the vehicle has to be pushed down and turned at the same time. vehicle starts but shuts the engine down when the key returns sometimes. on one occasion vehicle shut down while driving.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11532307 (filed 07/14/2023): “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…”
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: new TIPM module (2 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 $1,760 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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