2013 Ram 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,277 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 72 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 37 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, tailgate, latchMay 9, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Campaign 19V347000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftDec 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V821000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 9, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Campaign 17V302000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentMay 16, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
Campaign 16E041000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.Jul 23, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
Campaign 15V461000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsJul 22, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
Campaign 15V460000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V459000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionDec 6, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.
Campaign 13V610000 on NHTSA.gov
Electronic stability control (ESC)Jul 2, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013. Due to a software issue with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module, the ESC system may be disabled when the vehicle is started.
A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESC module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N37.
Campaign 13V287000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, turn signalJun 4, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps. In the affected vehicles, the turn signal indicator may not flash at a double rate to give a notification to the driver of a turn signal malfunction. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N35.
Campaign 13V237000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingMay 7, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.
Campaign 13V177000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeApr 3, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on a 20% grade. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the parking brake performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N22.
Campaign 13V128000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
94 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Nov 5, 2015, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH IMPACT SPEED AT ABOUT 35-40 MPH AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. TH CRASH OCCURRED ON A BUSINESS/RESIDENTIAL ROADWAY.
Air bags, Oct 23, 2015
DEALER SAYS THEY CANT GET PARTS TO FIX AIRBAG RECALL....UPDATED 12/03/15 *BF
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V460000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS) AND 15V459000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air bags, Oct 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JUNE OF 2015. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. .....UPDATED 02/10/16 *BF *JS
Air bags, Oct 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V459000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WHICH WAS UNREASONABLE DUE TO THE CONTACT TRAVELING OVER 100 MILES TO GET TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Power train, Air bags, Oct 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE AIR BAGS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE AIR BAGS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE ON OR OFF. THE CONTACTED ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE, THE GEAR RANDOMLY SWITCHED OVER TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 2, 2015
NO ACCIDENT YET, IF THIS IS HOT RECALL WHY AM I HAVING TO WAIT 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE DEALER CAN CHECK MY VEHICLE OR REPAIR IT.
Air bags, Sep 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V459000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V460000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V460000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL APRIL OF 2016. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Sep 16, 2015
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ALONG WITH THE SEAT AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS LOCKED
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 3, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE STOPPED, THE PRECEDING VEHICLE REVERSED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Air bags, Structure, Aug 17, 2015, crash
RECENTLY I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WITH MY 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. I WAS STRUCT BY A CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND HIT DIRECTLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE,(T-BONED) THE TRUCK IS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS AND FRONT AIR BAGS,WHICH NEVER DEPLOYED. THE ACCIDENT BROUGHT EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE TRUCK AND INJURIES TO MY WIFE AND I. I REPORTED THE NON DEPLOYMENT TO DODGE IN WHICH CASE A SPECIAL INSPECTOR WAS SENT OUT TO THOMAS DODGE WHERE HE RAN DIAGNOSTICS OF THE AIRBAGS COMPUTER. NO FAULT SIGNALS WERE FOUND. DODGE RESPONSE TO THE INVESTIGATION WAS ! IMPACT WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO MERIT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT!. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SAFETY SAYS THE BAG IS INFLATED AT A CERTAIN CRASH THRESHOLD, USUALLY CORRESPONDING TO A SPEED OF THE IMPACTING VEHICLE OF MORE THAN 15-20 KM/H. DODGE REFUSED TO ACT ON IT SO THE QUESTION SHOULD BE TO MYSELF, DODGE RAM OWNERS AND PERSPECTIVE BUYERS,,,WILL MY AIRBAGS DEPLOY WHEN I NEED THEM TO??? BE WARE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 28, 2015, crash
I WAS STOPPED BY A TRAIN AND PEOPLE IN FRONT OF ME WERE TURNING AROUND. I WAS BACKED INTO HARD AND I HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND STEERING WHEEL. MY SEATBELT DIDN'T RESTRAIN ME AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM HURT FROM IT . CHRYSLER WANTED TO SEE IT BUT I WAS ADVISED NOT TO LET THEM SEE IT FIRST. THE RADIATOR WAS MOVED BACK THE BUMPER IS CRUSHED. THIS TRUCK HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE I GOT IT.
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 27, 2015, crash
DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH AT 7:30AM ON A SATURDAY ON A 4 LANE INTERSTATE. LIGHT RAIN, TRUCK STARTED HYDROPLANING SIDEWAYS, NO TRACTION AT ALL, THEN SUDDEN TRACTION THRUSTING TRUCK INTO GUARDRAIL HEAD ON, BOUNCED BACKWARDS INTO THE MIDDLE LANE, THEN TRACTION AGAIN MOVING TRUCK FORWARD INTO A DITCH, UP THE EMBANKMENT AND HITTING A TREE HEAD ON. TOTAL LOSS OF TRACTION AND BRAKES. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. OVER $10,000 IN DAMAGE.
Air bags, Jun 24, 2015, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS T BONED. HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SIDE DOORS WERE DAMAGED, FRONT AND REAR AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Air bags, Jan 29, 2015
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER SAID TO GET AIRBAG SERVICED. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO FRIENDSHIP DODGE IN BRISTOL TN 37620 TO GET REPAIRS ON THE AIRBAG. THEY DID REPAIR THE AIRBAG, BUT THE SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGE KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. NOW IT IS STAYING ON ALL THE TIME. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT. *TR
Air bags, Aug 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE AIR BAGS. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Air bags, Apr 25, 2014
ACCELERATING FROM STOP LIGHT AND AT 35 MPH A LOUD EXPLOSION WAS HEARD FROM THE PASSENGER DASH AREA. I THOUGHT I SAW SOME POWDERY DUST AFTERWARD. TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED. THEY DID A DRB COMPUTER TEST AND ROAD TEST. NOTHING FOUND. ALSO THERE WERE NO DASH WARNING LIGHTS. WHEN IT HAPPENED MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS THE AIR BAG CHARGE WENT OFF, BUT WHY DIDN'T THE BAG COME OUT.