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2012 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge RAM 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 520.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

472 reports with mileage · 225 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 163 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports10 fire reports20 injury reports

What owners actually said

697 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2017
Electrical SystemSteering

DRIVING MAKE A TURN AND IT JUST TURNS OFF AND THE STEERING LOCKS ! TURN BACK ON WHEN IN NEUTRAL ARE PARK. AND START UP AND MAY NOT DO IT FOR A WEEK AND DO IT AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11025237

58,000 miles · Sep 21, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPEATEDLY EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. WHEN THE LOW BEAMS CUT OFF, IT DISABLED THE HIGH BEAM LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULBS A COUPLE OF TIMES, BUT EACH TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN TWO WEEKS. THE VEHI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPEATEDLY EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. WHEN THE LOW BEAMS CUT OFF, IT DISABLED THE HIGH BEAM LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULBS A COUPLE OF TIMES, BUT EACH TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (HUMES CHRYSLER IN WATERFORD, PA, 814-796-2666) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. UPDATED 11/01/17*LJ UPDATED 7/19/18*JB

NHTSA ODI #11024786

75,000 miles · Sep 19, 2017
Unknown Or Other

MY TRUCK OVERHEATS WHEN EVER IT IS NOT IN MOTION ABOVE 20 MPH. THE RADIATOR FAN DOES NOT TURN ON.

NHTSA ODI #11024523

95,000 miles · Sep 19, 2017
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED WALKER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED WALKER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (5757 COLISEUM BLVD, ALEXANDRIA, LA 71303 (318) 443-2167) AND INQUIRED ABOUT THE COST OF A NEW IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE IN DODGE PICK-UP TRUCKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #11024180

171,203 miles · Sep 18, 2017
Engine

HEMI TICK MANIFOLD GETS HOT EXPANDS BREAK MANIFOLD BOLTS, ACTED UP ON HIGHWAY IN CONSTRUCTION ZONE ALMOST HOT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM LOSS OF POWER AND JERKING.

NHTSA ODI #11023926

127,000 miles · Sep 5, 2017
Engine

I HAVE BEEN HEARING A TICKING SOUND COMING FROM MY ENGINE THESE PAST FEW WEEKS. I LOOKED INTO THE MATTER AND HAVE FOUND ISSUES WITH THE MANIFOLD BOLTS THAT ARE BREAKING OFF AND CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED DODGE OF GILROY TODAY AND THEY STATE THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANY ISSUES REGARDING THIS ENGINE HEMI 5.7. HOWEVER, AFTE…

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I HAVE BEEN HEARING A TICKING SOUND COMING FROM MY ENGINE THESE PAST FEW WEEKS. I LOOKED INTO THE MATTER AND HAVE FOUND ISSUES WITH THE MANIFOLD BOLTS THAT ARE BREAKING OFF AND CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED DODGE OF GILROY TODAY AND THEY STATE THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANY ISSUES REGARDING THIS ENGINE HEMI 5.7. HOWEVER, AFTER LOOKING AT THIS WEBSITE, IT APPEARS THEY'RE MANY ISSUES. THIS NEEDS TO BECOME A RECALL, AS IT IS A DANGER OF EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE CAB.

NHTSA ODI #11021478

105,000 miles · Sep 2, 2017
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAKING ON THE 5.7 ENGINES. I'VE HAD TO HAVE BOTH MANIFOLDS REPAIRED IN UNDER A YEAR. THIS PROBLEM ALLOWS EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE CABIN EXPOSING THE OCCUPANTS TO CARBON MONOXIDE.

NHTSA ODI #11021182

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2017
Unknown Or Other

IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE IN SOCIAL MEDIAL (YOUTUBE HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=DQMULP2SLWO&T=790S) THAT THE 2011-2016 DODGE RAM 1500 WILL EXPERIENCE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT BREAKAGE DUE TO THE CAST IRON EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE ALUMINUM HEADS HAVING DIFFERENT HEAT DISPLACEMENT. THE HEAT CONDUCTED BY THE CAST IRON EXHAUST MANIFOLD…

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IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE IN SOCIAL MEDIAL (YOUTUBE HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=DQMULP2SLWO&T=790S) THAT THE 2011-2016 DODGE RAM 1500 WILL EXPERIENCE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT BREAKAGE DUE TO THE CAST IRON EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE ALUMINUM HEADS HAVING DIFFERENT HEAT DISPLACEMENT. THE HEAT CONDUCTED BY THE CAST IRON EXHAUST MANIFOLD WILL EVENTUALLY WEAKEN THE BOLTS CAUSING THEM TO BREAK. THE FACT THAT DODGE HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM IS POSING CONSUMERS TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HAVE THESE BROKEN BOLTS EXTRACTED FROM THE ALUMINUM HEADS. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A CLAIM SO THAT THIS ISSUE MAY BE BROUGHT UP FOR FUTURE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS. I LOOK FORWARD TO DISCUSSING THE MATTER IN FURTHER DETAIL.

NHTSA ODI #11019451

101,000 miles · Aug 22, 2017
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER, AND THE CONTACT HEARD A BEEPING SOUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. ADDITIONALLY, THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALL STAR DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (11503 ST CHARLES ROCK RD, BRIDGETON, MO 63044) WHERE I…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER, AND THE CONTACT HEARD A BEEPING SOUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. ADDITIONALLY, THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALL STAR DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (11503 ST CHARLES ROCK RD, BRIDGETON, MO 63044) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE HAD SHORTED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO INFORMATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

NHTSA ODI #11018992

66,000 miles · Aug 14, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine

WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 RAM 1500 MY TRUCK SEEMED TO LAG GOING UP HILL FROM ABOUT 10MPH UP TILL ABOUT 40 OR SO. LOOKED DOWN AT THE DASH AND NOTICED THAT THE TRUCK WAS SHOWING THAT IT WAS IN 4TH GEAR. TRIED USING THE STEPTRONIC SHIFTER TO PUT INTO A LOWER GEAR AND IT WOULD NOT SWITCH. PULLED OFF INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF MY …

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WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 RAM 1500 MY TRUCK SEEMED TO LAG GOING UP HILL FROM ABOUT 10MPH UP TILL ABOUT 40 OR SO. LOOKED DOWN AT THE DASH AND NOTICED THAT THE TRUCK WAS SHOWING THAT IT WAS IN 4TH GEAR. TRIED USING THE STEPTRONIC SHIFTER TO PUT INTO A LOWER GEAR AND IT WOULD NOT SWITCH. PULLED OFF INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF MY TRUCK AND WAITED A BIT AND THEN TURNED BACK ON AGAIN. SHIFTED INTO REVERSE WITH NO ISSUE BUT DRIVE WAS STILL SHOWING 4TH GEAR.

NHTSA ODI #11014982

Official recalls

6

18V160000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Mar 8, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

17V821000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

Dec 20, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

15V459000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jul 22, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.

13V038000 · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Feb 6, 2013

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.

Remedy: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.

12V192000 · Equipment:other:labels

May 2, 2012

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 RAM 1500 TRUCKS, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 2012 THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2012. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE A SPARE TIRE THAT DOES NOT MATCH THE SPECIFICATIONS LISTED ON THE TIRE PLACARD. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, “TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.”

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA19001 · Electrical Overstress

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.