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: electrical system
227 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2023
Electronic power steering unit failure. EPS Unit. Loss of power assist. Warning light came on Friday Sept 29, 2023 at approximately 1:30pm est. when I entered the vehicle and started the engine. Vehicle had been driven and parked for approximately 10 min before I went back to vehicle and leave that location. Warning light was a large icon of a red steering wheel with a red exclamation mark ️ then the screen said, “service power steering “ with the red indicator still remaining on. No other warning lights or symptoms prior to the above information. Vehicle taken to Signature Automotive 2725 Northgate Court Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 889-5959 at 8:00 am 10/4/23 for diagnosis. Service advisor stated that there was internal circuit failure. Throwing all “sorts” of internal codes in the electronic unit. Was unable to have system Reestablish communication. Entire rack and pinion unit needs replacement. Called Dodge dealership at 5855 Ga Highway 400 Cumming, GA 30028-4194 I spoke with parts dept. regarding OEM replacement , etc. Advised me that it would be a week to 10 business days before they could get the part. Even then didn’t guarantee that because of the latest strike happening. Informed me it could take much longer. I was also advised not to drive the vehicle. Due to the fact of steering could lock-up while driving and cause a crash. Putting myself and others at risk! At this time the indicator light is still on. Remains on when vehicle is running. No power assist. Extremely difficult to turn.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 22, 2023
Issues with pcm, emc, tps. After 98,000 miles everything started not reading correct and giving false check engine light. I bought truck two years ago and it’s hard to believe dealership didn’t no. 2013 ram trucks need to be pulled off market. Nobody can tell you what’s wrong. The truck starts when it wants to. Hits the gas when it wants to. Them machines say no code no problem. If the code that originally popped up said computer not receiving info. Then of course you can’t read problems.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 19, 2023
ABS brake Module was diagnosed by the dealership as having a short. I have random brake failure (no accidents to date), speedometer gauge does not work, odometer does not work, cruise control does not work, parking sensors do not work. Dealership told me that a replacement is not available until March of 2024.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 2, 2023
Electronic power steering failed while driving. Power steering has remained inoperable and vehicle can not be safely driven.
Suspension, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2023
2103 Ram 1500 Electronic Power Steering failed or malfunctioned, my vehicle is available for inspection if needed The loss of power steering capabilities put my safety and the safety of my family at risk by the possibility of and accident and injury. The loss of power steering capabilities is still evident and has been electrically verified. The EPS failure has NOT been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or any other agency.
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2023
LIGHTING ON INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WORKS INTERMITENTLY. WHEN IT CUTS OUT, I CAN NOT SEE THE SPEED NOR ANY WARNING SIGNALS. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED.NO WARNING SIGNS BEFORE IT GOES BLANK.
Steering, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Aug 20, 2023
All instruments and control of window wipers stopped responding to their switches. Wipers will not turn off, no horn, no working switches on steering wheel, communication to abs system, trailer brakes, data from abs not being received. Dash cluster flashes out for about 10 seconds while driving not knowing if the vehicle is still running while on the highway or freeway. Everything is pointing to the steering wheel clock spring. All replaced but still no controls or horn or ability to run vehicle safely on the roads. Will not pass inspection from this issue.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 14, 2023
Backing out of the driveway, the power steering light came on and the power steering completely stopped working. I checked the fuses and they were all functional. This morning, I read an article (published 6 days ago) that other 2013 RAM 1500s have experienced the same issue and that NHTSA is investigating. Please add my truck to the list of those experiencing this issue.
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2023
The evic cluster that shows speed and other stuff blinks on and off constantly . I heard many people having this problem . It is very distracting to drive the truck with this blinking non stop it is a safety concern .
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 9, 2023
Power steering would turn on and off while driving then after 1 day of this there was no power steering at all, no light on the dash until it fully went out, I can see recalls in the past over similar problems and when I called they said it was brought in for a software update and that's it, brought to my own shop and the repair will be a whole new rack, costly and dangerous. When the power steering would turn off and on while driving it would snap the steering wheel back to the center
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Jul 28, 2023
On 26 July 2023 I was driving on the feeder road on west 610 south in Houston Texas. While making a left turn onto MLK Blvd my power steering quit in the middle of the turn. The service power steering light illuminated and the steering was very difficult. I was able to manhandle it back to the house but upon arrival it was almost impossible to get the truck into the driveway due to the steering being so hard. After finally getting into the driveway I turned the truck off and then on again and the steering seemed normal. I haven’t driven the truck sense. My current mileage is 70368. Luckily I wasn’t on the freeway when this occurred as this was during rush hour traffic. It was already bad enough that the he issue occurred at a traffic light with a dual left turn into three lanes. This is a major safety issue that CDJR should issue a recall for. I have read that there are thousands of other similar complaints for the same issue and was told by the dealer that the parts are on back order. The issue with the steering commands an immediate safety bulletin and a recall as it puts not only the driver and passengers at risk of serious injury or death, it also places the risks on the general public.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 21, 2023
Dealer confirmed faulty ABS unit module part #68210719AB on my 2013 Ram 1500 Big Horn. No antilock brake capability, no trailer brakes, no traction control and 4 dashboard warning lights on. Dealer went to order parts in April and FCA says it's on engineering hold until march 2024 at the earliest. I told FCA Ram Customer Care on multiple occasions that the truck in not useable and is a safety hazard. I contacted FCA in June and they wouldn't give me a case number and basically said it is what it is. Dealer can't do anything and has tried everything to find the part. I saw there was a class action lawsuit filed and multiple complaints about this very same issue, most notably with 2017-18 Ram 1500's but mine is a 2013 with same issues and same part #. I can't be expected to not have a vehicle for 11 months at best. Ram Customer care has not been helpful at all.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2023
The electronic power steering suddenly stopped working while I was turning and I almost got in an accident, then the power steering suddenly came back again while I was turning and since it wasnt working I was having to use a lot of force to turn it so when it came back on the steering wheel turned very quickly and I ended up in the ditch. Luckily no one was hurt this could have been very bad. Yes it is available for inspection. The safety of a lot of people were at risk. This is a recall on other 2013-2015 Dodge Ram 1500's, ours however doesnt match the serial numbers of the recalled ones even though it is obviously affected by the same issue. The recall number is VB9/NHTSA 19E-077. The parts have been looked at by a mechanic and they are bad, and very expensive to replace. The electronic dash also stopped working before this so I dont know if there were any warning lights or anything before this happened.
Electrical system, Jun 1, 2023
Truck says service electric brake system.
Electrical system, May 30, 2023
Electronic power steering. My steering will go out while driving and I have to pull over, turn the truck off and turn it back on. The power steering will stop working without any notice and has almost cause FATAL accidents if I were not able to recover in time. Last time I brought the truck in to get looked at i was told nothing was wrong drive safe.... which is impossible now cause my power steering randomly fails on this truck. There is no warning or anything that pops up until it is too late. This happens at any time between 0-85 MPH and if im in a turn or going straight.
Equipment, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while parked, the radio and instrument panel failed to illuminate as designed. The contact stated that after inserting the ignition key into the ignition switch, the vehicle failed to start; however, the windshield wipers inadvertently activated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V461000 (Equipment) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 10, 2023
The car is not breaking or driving and dangerous at times. Was taken to deer and the abs computer module was the issue. It’s been 4 months every abs module they’ve gotten from the company is programmed wrong. I went through 3. No parts are available nationwide. Hundreds if not thousands of dodge ram truck owners have the same parts issue the abs module stops working and cannot find another. Dodge has done nothing to address the situation the dealers are being forced to go on eBay and junkyards to get these modules - if dodge knows the part is breaking down in 70-80% of its cars after only 30-120k in miles have been put in they should have a recall and capability to manufacture said part.
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 3, 2023
The airbag light turns on and beeps. The truck is available for inspection. A dealership told us it was the sensors that have gone bad. It is odd that all the sensors would go bad all at one time. Concern is if there is an accident, the air bags will not go off as intended. There is also concern that the airbags could go off while driving. Also it is beeping often while driving and it is distracting. There are no other issues. But we see that there has been recalls in the past over airbag systems on this truck. We are very concerned since the truck carries very precious cargo.
Electrical system, Jan 7, 2023
FOUND THAT WHILE DRIVING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL GO BLANK. ALL GUAGES DROP OUT. AS THIS HAPPENS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL RUN. SOMETIMES LAST ONLY A FEW SECONDS. OTHER TIMES I HAVE TO RESTART THE TRUCK TO GET THE CLUSTER BACK.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2022
Rack opinion according to Dodge dealership mechanics need replacing. I was told by another professional mechanic that the sway bar and tire rods need to be replaced. Will you all please search for Recalls N complaints. I will have the racken opinion work done because of the Safety issues that are at hand. Also anticipating sway bar n tire rod and front end work to Ensure that we are safe in the vehicle. Thank you!Safety First!
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2022
Revision "N" of the Body Control Module (BCM) is defective and causes the door auto door locks to not lock correctly by either either the key fob or the interior lock buttons. This results in the doors not locking and children can open the doors while driving at any speed. Many other reports of this are on the Ram Forums here: https://www.ramforum.com/threads/automatic-door-locks-will-unlock-but-wont-lock.79219/
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 27, 2022, fire
I was driving down the interstate and started to see flames and smoke coming from my hood. I pulled over and was able to put out the fire. The fire department showed up and determined that the fire started from the fuel injector system.
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2022
The TIPM failed, & has been failing The vehicle just died in a traffic lane. There were no warnings or ability to avoid any incident that could happen from being stranded in a travel lane. Being stuck in a travel lane is extremely dangerous. The part is not inspectable, Ram seen fit to create an issue with the design of the TIPM that can easily be avoided. The vehicle gives no warning
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2022
2013 RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DELAY WITH THE HORN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HORN HAD A SIGNIFICANT DELAY BETWEEN BEING PRESSED AND BEING HEARD.
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, May 2, 2022
Air bag light came up. Headed to nearest mechanic he said there was a recall on airbags for this type of vehicle. Made an appointment on dealer. On my way engine light came up and vehicle started shaking