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
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2014
I AM PROVIDING A FOLLOW-UP ON MY 2013 DODGE RAM. BOTH CHRYSLER AND THE DEALER HAVE WORKED ON MY TRUCK NUMEROUS TIMES TO KEEP THE TRUCK PANEL LIGHTS FROM COMING ON. I AM STILL LOSING MY BRAKES AND POWER STEERING. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE CLUSTER PANEL CONTINUE TO KEEP GOING ON WHICH IS JUST ABOUT EVERY DAY NOW. I HAVE FINALLY PARKED THE TRUCK AND PLAN TO SEE IF WE CAN AFFORD A THIRD VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS ARE ALMOST A YEAR OLD AND I AM CONVINCED CHRYSLER IS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. I AM CONVINCED THAT IT WILL ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I CRASH AS I NEVER GET A WARNING WHEN THE BRAKES OR THE POWER STEERING WILL FAIL. THE DEALER AND CHRYSLER ARE NOW VERY INVOLVED, WHICH I APPRECIATE BUT SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. I HAS BEEN CLOSE TO A YEAR AND I AM BRINGING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. I HOPE THEY SOMEDAY REPAIR THE TRUCK AS IT REALLY IS A GREAT VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2014
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILS WHILE DRIVING. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SO FAR HAS REBOOTED AND RETURNED TO WORKING CONDITION BUT SO FAR CLUSTER HAS FAILED AROUND 20+ TIMES WHILE DRIVING. UNKNOWN IF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL RESUME FUNCTIONING AFTER FAILURE UNTIL IT DOES RESTART. DEALER UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM WITH INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO POSSIBLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. UNKNOWN IF THIS IS A HARDWARE PROBLEM, SOFTWARE PROBLEM OR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. NUMEROUS TRIPS TO DEALERSHIP AND SPEAKING WITH RAM CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS FAILED TO RESOLVE ISSUE . *TR
Electrical system, Jul 2, 2014
I WAS PARKED AND THE TRUCK DIDN'T START BACK UP. TRUCK WAS LESS THAN 2 WEEKS OLD WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. TURNED OUT NOT TO BE THE BATTERY WHICH WAS THE FIRST GUESS. THE DEALER SAID IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM THAT WAS INSTALLED AND THEN TAKEN OUT WHEN I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. THIS HAPPENED IN OCTOBER 2013 AND I'VE BEEN DRIVING IT UNTIL TODAY 7/1/14. THE SAME THING HAPPENED THIS MORNING. THE TRUCK LEFT ME STRANDED AT A GAS STATION. WAITING FOR ANOTHER DIAGNOSIS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 19, 2014
I HAD PROBLEMS PRIOR TO APRIL 2014 BUT I AM JUST USING A TIME FRAME WHEN CHRYSLER GOT INVOLVED. IN 2013 AND 2014 MY DODGE RAM WOULD HAVE THE CLUSTER PANEL COME ON WITH AIR BAG SERVICE NEEDED FIRST AND THEN THE REMAINING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON TO INCLUDE ENGINE LIGHT WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER THEY TRIED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM TO INCLUDE RESETTING THE COMPUTER. OVER TIME I WOULD LOSE MY POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. FORTUNATELY I WAS GOING INTO A PARKING AREA WHEN I LOST THE POWER BRAKES OTHERWISE I'M SURE I WOULD HAVE CRASHED SINCE I DID NOT EXPECT THE CHANGE. AS OF LATE THE TRUCK WILL NOT START OR THE RADIO WON'T GO OFF. CHRYSLER HAS REALLY DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM AND MAYBE I WILL NEED TO CRASH FIRST BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE OR RUN OVER SOMEONE WHEN I LOSE MY BRAKES. THIS IS A PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE SINCE I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE ELECTRONICS WILL QUIT ON ME. OVER THE LAST 10 DAYS THE TRUCK WOULDN'T START AT ALL TWO (2) TIMES AND ALL THE LIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVE COME ON AT LEAST THREE (3) TIMES. I HAVE NOT LOST MY BRAKES LATELY, BUT THAT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME. I WANT TO MAKE THIS PUBLIC BECAUSE I KNOW I WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IF SOMETHING HAPPENS, AND IT WILL. I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE DO THIS AND I'M JUST AFRAID SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED IF I SHOULD LOSE MY BRAKES AND STEERING WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. CHRYSLER CAN BE PROACTIVE OR REACTIVE. I THINK THAT I HAVE BEEN PAYING FOR A TRUCK THAT WILL ULTIMATELY KILL SOMEONE. I'VE TRIED TO CONTACT NHTSA BY PHONE BUT THE ONLY THING THERE IS THAT YOU LEAVE A MESSAGE AND HOPE THEY WILL CALL BACK. SINCE THE PROBLEMS ITERATED ABOVE SEEM TO HAVE INCREASED IT'S PROBABLY TIME TO PARK THE TRUCK. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2014
WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT WILL AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST, (MOVE BACK AND FORTH) SOMETIMES. ALSO, IT SHOWS MEMORY SYSTEM NOT AVAILABLE WHILE NOT IN PARK. SOMETIMES, THE RADIO VOLUME WILL NOT TURN DOWN, NOR CHANNEL CHANGE WILL NOT WORK. THE RADIO CHANNELS WOULD CHANGE ON THEIR OWN. THIS INCLUDES SATELLITE, RADIO, OR PHONE PLUGGED IN. SOMETIMES, WHEN YOU TRY TO TURN THE A/C FAN SPEED UP IT WON'T GO. YOU HAVE TO DO IT SEVERAL TIMES. TIRE PRESSURE SOMETIMES SHOWS LOW FOR ONE OR MORE TIRES BUT WHEN TIRES ARE TESTED THEY ARE ALL THE SAME PRESSURE. SEEMS SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WITH THE TRUCK. I WORRY SOMETHING MAY HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. TRUCK WOULD NOT RAISE AND LOWER. MESSAGE ON THE CONSOLE BUT WHEN I TOOK IT IN THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG AND IT DID NOT STORE THE ERROR. ONCE THE ERROR CLEARED UP THERE WAS NO RECORD OF IT STORING THE ERROR. *JS
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2014
THE ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS REBOOTED (I.E.-SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED) ON 7 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND COUNTING. THIS OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AND DOES NOT SEEM TO BE RELATED TO ANY SPECIFIC DRIVING CIRCUMSTANCE SUCH AS SPEED, ACCELERATION, ETC. IT APPEARS ARBITRARY. MY CONCERN IS THAT IT WILL SHUT DOWN SOMETHING MECHANICAL THAT IT CONTROLS WHEN I AM DRIVING WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC EVENT. I REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER ALREADY ON MY LAST SERVICE AND THEY 'RESET THE COMPUTER'. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS AND THESE ARE THE TIMES THAT I AM AWARE OF. I AM BRINGING THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND HAVE DOCUMENTED THE DATE SAND TIMES THE LAST 3 EVENTS HAVE OCCURRED HOPING THIS WILL HELP IN THE DIAGNOSIS. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 17, 2014
THE VEHICLE WILL SHUTDOWN WITHOUT NOTICE, THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF AND WILL NOT RESTART. THE ELECTRONIC DASH WILL GO BLACK WHICH SHOWS WHAT GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN. SO SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL TO RESTART THE VEHICLE CAN BE DIFFICULT SINCE NO INDICATION IS GIVEN OF WHAT GEAR. ALL POWER TO THE STEERING AND BRAKES ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLES COMPUTER DOES SOME SORT OF RESET AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS BUT ANY ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FAIL TILL THE RESET IS COMPLETE. TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND ALSO NOTIFIED CHRYSLER WHICH THERE ATTEMPTED RESOLUTIONS WERE ONLY GUESS AND DOES NOT RESOLVE THE SHUTDOWNS. CHRYSLER AND SERVICE TECH'S HAVE STATED THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THE ISSUE YET ANOTHER CUSTOMER IN FOR SERVICE SAME TIME AS MYSELF WITH A JEEP COMPLAINED OF THE SAME ISSUE THAT I HAD SEEN WITH MY RAM. IT APPEARS THIS IS BIGGER ISSUE THAN JUST A SINGLE VEHICLE. THIS LINK SHOWS WHAT OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUTDOWN OCCURS HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=IYH9VQEHYIQ
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2014
THE 8.4" MULTI-DISPLAY TERMINAL (MDT) BECAME INOPERABLE AND I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL HEAT/AC/DEFROSTER OR VIEW THE BACK UP CAMERA WHICH CREATED AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHILE BACKING THE VEHICLE. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE THE COMPUTER UPDATED, RE-FLASHED AND UNTIMELY REPLACED. I'VE HAD TO TAKE OFF FROM WORK SEVERAL TIMES TO BRING THIS VEHICLE IN AND LOST TIME. ON 4/2/14, I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND WHEN I LEFT THE MDT BECAME INOPERABLE AGAIN AND IS COMPLETELY UNUSABLE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTER STACK CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,500.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 28, 2014
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILS WHILE DRIVING. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SO FAR HAS REBOOTED AND RETURNED TO WORKING CONDITION BUT SO FAR CLUSTER HAS FAILED AROUND 20+ TIMES WHILE DRIVING. UNKNOWN IF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL RESUME FUNCTIONING AFTER FAILURE UNTIL IT DOES RESTART. SECONDARY CONDITION TO ENTERTAINMENT CLUSTER MULTIPLE FAILURE. ENTERTAINMENT CONSOLE CLUSTER REPLACED DUE TO MULTIPLE FAILURE OF TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEM. THIS FAILED TO RESOLVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PROBLEM DESPITE DEALERSHIP ASSURANCES THAT IT WOULD. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEING REPLACED NOW ON TRUCK. TRUCK 10 MONTHS OLD - MULTIPLE ENTERTAINMENT CONSOLE FAILURES & INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURES. DEALER UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM WITH INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO POSSIBLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. UNKNOWN IF THIS IS A HARDWARE PROBLEM, SOFTWARE PROBLEM OR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. NUMEROUS TRIPS TO DEALERSHIP AND SPEAKING WITH RAM CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS FAILED TO RESOLVE ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2014
I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE AT THE BANK. WIPERS CAME ON AND ALL GAUGES STARTED FLASHING. SHUT TRUCK OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I VIDEOED IT. I HAD TAKEN IT IN TO DEALER ON 2/15/14 FOR SERVICE AND TOLD THE MANAGER THAT I HAD 2 OCCASIONS WHERE MY GAUGES HAD FLASHED AND WENT COMPLETELY DARK AND I RESTARTED IT AND THEY CAME BACK ON. FIRST PROBLEMS NOTED WERE AROUND 5K MILES, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT AND TOOK IT TO VACUUM IT OUT AT THE CARWASH. AFTER SHE WAS FINISHED, SHE STARTED IT AND WENT TO PUT IT INTO GEAR AND IT WOULD NOT GO. HOWEVER THIS TIME IT WAS HAULED OFF ON A ROLL BACK COMPLETELY DEAD. SPENT A LOT ON MONEY ON BIG RED AND IT MAKES ME SICK TO KNOW THERE ARE ISSUES NO ONE INFORMED ME OF. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2014, fire
DRIVING VEHICLE ON PAVED ROADWAY TRAVELING APPX 30 MPH. VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. WITNESS SAID FLAMES SHOT OUT BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE FROM UNDER THE BODY. LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE WAS AROUND THE VEHICLE AS I PULLED OFF THE ROAD. A QUICK GLANCE AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED EVERYTHING APPEARED NORMAL AND NO WARNING LIGHTS. SMOKE IN CAB AND FLAMES CAME UP THROUGH THE DASH AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD BUSTING OUT FROM THE HEAT. TOOK FIRE DEPARTMENT 3 ATTEMPTS TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. AFTER FLOODING THE INTERIOR AND DASH CAVITY (THROUGH THE HOLE BURNED THROUGH THE DASH) OF THE VEHICLE 2 TIMES, THE FIRE CONTINUED. AT THAT TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND FLOODED THE INTERIOR AND DASH AREA A 3RD TIME WHICH FINALLY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ONLY INJURY WAS SMOKE INHALATION AND RESULTING SORE THROAT SUFFERED BY ME, THE ONLY OCCUPANT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD AND I HAD NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (NYLE MAXWELL DODGE, AUSTIN TX) ON THE MORNING OF THE FIRE (12/19/2013) AND WHILE CHRYSLER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED LIABILITY THEY HAVE NOT SETTLE WITH ME ON MY LOSS AS OF THIS DATE (01/23/2014). THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A COMPLETE LOSS BY BOTH MY INSURANCE COMPANY INVESTIGATOR (STATE FARM) AND THE CHRYSLER INVESTIGATOR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 20, 2014
DRIVING TRUCK IN TOWN APPROX 35 - 40 MPH. CAN GIVE EXACT DETAIL / LOCATION. VEHICLE TRANSMISSION IN "DRIVE". VEHICLE HAS CENTER CONSUL. AS VEHICLE WAS CLIMBING GRADUAL HILL, TRANSMISSION AUTOMATICALLY DOWNSHIFTED. VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO FULL THROTTLE UNCONTROLLABLY. ENGINE RPM JUMPED TO 6K - 7K. VEHICLE SPEED STILL INCREASING. STEPPED ON GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES THINKING IT WAS STUCK WITH NO EFFECT - RPM REMAINED CONSTANT. THEN PUT BOTH FEET ON BRAKE PEDAL - RPM REMAINED CONSTANT. THEN SHIFTED TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL POSITION. CHECK ETC / RED LIGHTNING BOLT MESSAGE NOW ON IN MESSAGE CENTER LOCATED BETWEEN TACH & SPEEDOMETER. RPM'S NOW AT A CONSTANT 4K WITH VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND COASTING. NO PLACE TO TURN OFF WITHOUT BLOCKING TRAFFIC. STOPPED AT LIGHTED INTERSECTION - VEHICLE STILL AT 4K RPM. SHIFTED BACK INTO "DRIVE", TIRES CHIRPED AND TRUCK LUNGED FORWARD STILL AT 4K RPM. PARKED VEHICLE IN SAFE PLACE ADJACENT TO GAS STATION AND SHUT OFF - TRANSMISSION STILL EITHER IN GEAR OR NEUTRAL. ENGINE OFF - SHIFTED INTO "PARK". WAITED 3-4 MINUTES AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE. ENGINE ICON, ECT ICON AND RED STEERING WHEEL WITH EXPLANATION POINT ICON WHERE ALL ON. VEHICLE CRANKED, BUT ACTED LIKE NO FUEL / SPARK AND WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP ON FLATBED. NO WORD BACK FROM DEALER YET. MILEAGE 5,443 - MOSTLY HIGHWAY. NOTE: NO FLOOR MATS JUST FACTORY RUG AND CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT "ON" OR IN USE IN ANY WAY. ONLY MODIFICATIONS TO VEHICLE ARE THE ADDITION OF A SPRAY BED-LINER AND TOPPER. I WAS BORN AND RAISED AROUND CARS AND HAVE GOOD MECHANICAL ABILITY INCLUDING GROUND-UP RESTORATIONS OF PRE 1970 VEHICLES. THIS IS A REAL AND TANGIBLE EXAMPLE OF A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 BIGHORN WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR ANY VEHICLE, BUT ESPECIALLY FOR A NEW, $46,000 VEHICLE. I AM LUCKY THAT I DID NOT HURT ANYONE OR END UP DEAD. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2014
VEHICLE DIDN'T START, WE WERE STRANDED MILES FROM HOME IT SHOWED "WRONG KEY FOB" ON THE SCREEN, STEERING & TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER THEY REPROGRAMMED THE ORIGINAL KEY IT DIDN'T WORK, PROGRAMMED A NEW KEY DIDN'T WORK EITHER ORDERED RECEIVER MODULE DIDN'T WORK EITHER, PROGRAMMED A THIRD KEY & SOMEHOW STARTED. REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET & FOUND MULTIPLE CASES, SOME SAY THAT THEY HAD SAME PROBLEM IN MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. WE WERE NOT IN DANGER AT ANY TIME, BUT IF THIS INCIDENT OCCURS UNDER COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS OR IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION THE STORY COULD BE VERY DIFFERENT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 30, 2013
I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A SHORT TRIP ON THE INTERSTATE AND I HAD JUST MADE A TURN ON THE STREET WE LIVE ON WHEN I HEARD A DING SOUND. MY WIFE AND I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A MESSAGE ON THE DISPLAY THAT SHOWED, "SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL". IT STAYED ON ONLY A SECOND AND DISAPPEARED. I DIDN'T REALLY NOTICE ANY EFFECT TO THE DRIVING CAPABILITY, BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT MESSAGE HAS APPEARED AND I NOTICE THAT THERE ARE TWO SIMILAR COMPLAINTS POSTED HERE ABOUT THE SAME MESSAGE. I THINK I'LL GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AT LEAST LET THEM KNOW ABOUT IT AND SEE WHAT THEY DO. I HAD BEEN USING MY CRUISE CONTROL ON THE WAY BACK FROM MY TRIP WHICH I NORMALLY DO USE AND I NOTE THAT IN AT LEAST ONE OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS THE PERSON WAS USING THEIRS TOO. AT THE TIME OF THE MESSAGE I WASN'T USING CRUISE BUT LIKE I SAID, I HAD BEEN. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 21, 2013
ON AUGUST 26TH I WAS TRAVELING IN MY TRUCK AT ABOUT 58MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON. AS I ENTERED A 45MPH SPEED ZONE I TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE. THE TRUCK MAINTAINED SPEED SO I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL MANY TIMES WITH THE TRUCK NOT SLOWING DOWN. I THEN HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES QUITE HARD TO SLOW DOWN. WHILE DOING THIS I NOTICED A MESSAGE COME UP ON THE INFO SCREEN WHICH READ SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL. AFTER STOPPING I CHECKED TO SEE IF SOMETHING LIKE A FLOORMAT WAS PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, WHICH THERE WAS NOT. THIS SAME SITUATION HAPPENED AGAIN ON AUGUST 30TH. I CONTACTED SOUTH LAKE MOTORS, THE LOCAL RAM DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR SEPT. 4. I TOOK MY TRUCK IN AND THEY FOUND A CODE IN THE COMPUTER, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IN THE FOLLOWING 2 WEEKS THE SAME THING HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES AS I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN FROM A SPEED OF BETWEEN 55 AND 60MPH, EXCEPT I DID NOT HAVE THE CRUISE ON. THEY LOOKED IT OVER AGAIN ON SEPT 19 AND DECIDED TO PUT A NEW ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN IT ON SEPT. 20TH. THE NEXT DAY IT STUCK AGAIN AS I TRIED TO SLOW FOR A TRUCK TURNING IN FRONT OF ME, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO REAR END THAT VEHICLE. SEPT 27TH I TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY STILL COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. ON OCT 7 I ONCE AGAIN DROPPED MY TRUCK OFF AT THE DEALER AND THEY KEPT IT FOR 5 DAYS TRYING TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. ON OCT 13 WHILE TRAVELING AT 45MPH I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE TRUCK MAINTAINED SPEED, I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW IT DOWN TO NEGOTIATE A CORNER WITHOUT WRECKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO TIME SINCE THEN. ON OCT 21ST I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED A DATA RECORDER TO RECORD THE EVENTS.THE MECHANIC AND OTHER DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES HAVE TOLD ME THIS TRUCK IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE CALLED CHRYSLER DAILY TELLING THEM THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 16, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN TO EXIT HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY AFTER BEING RESTARTED. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS AND PANIC ALARM WOULD ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TEST DRIVEN, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Electrical system, Oct 11, 2013
30JULY2013 TRUCK WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP DUE TO NOT STARTING AND LEAVING MY WIFE STRANDED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IGNITION. 14SEPT2013 BACK TO DEALERSHIP WITH SAME SYMPTOMS. SHOWS KEY IN IGNITION WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO LOCK DOORS, RADIO STAYS ON, DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAY ON, DO NOT NEED KEY WITH CHIP TO START TRUCK. BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND FIXED IGNITION. 1OCT2013 BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR SAME IGNITION ISSUE. DEALERSHIP OPENED CASE STAR CASE WITH CHRYSLER. TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT WHEN KEY WAS NOT PUT IN COMPLETELY STRAIGHT IT LOCKS A TUMBLER CAUSING THIS ISSUE. DUPLICATED SAME ISSUE ON 2 NEW DODGE RAM TRUCKS ON THEIR LOT. ENGINEER FROM CHRYSLER ADVISED ACTING AS DESIGNED AND RESOLUTION IS TO RE-EDUCATE CUSTOMER HOW TO INSERT KEY. I (THE CONSUMER) OPENED A CASE WITH CHRYSLER MYSELF ([XXX]AT 800-992-1997 WHICH IS ALSO TIED TO THE DEALERSHIP STAR CASE THEY FILED) TO ESCALATE FOR A BETTER RESOLUTION. BESIDES THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS HORRIBLE AT CALL BACKS AND UNABLE TO REACH ANYONE IN MANAGEMENT (I HAVE A DETAILED LIST OF PEOPLE, CALL TIMES, DATES, EMPLOYEE IDS) I ALSO RXD THE SAME RESOLUTION, NO ISSUE FOUND, ACTING AS DESIGNED. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AS OTHER PEOPLE HAVE DUPLICATED THIS SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER TRUCKS AND NO CLUE WHEN ISSUE COULD OCCUR CAUSING VEHICLE TO NOT START, UNABLE TO LOCK DOORS (IF MY WIFE IS STRANDED SHE WILL BE UNABLE TO LOCK THE DOORS), AND POSSIBLE POWER DRAIN AS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE HORN FAILED TO SOUND AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD ACTIVATE ONLY WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE LOGO THAT WAS AFFIXED IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,900.
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2013
MY 2013 DODGE RAM 1500 ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS HAS NEARLY ALLOWED ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE HORN BEING DELAYED. I COMPLAINED AND TOOK IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED BUT THE DODGE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WORKS AS DESIGNED. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A FLAW IN THEIR DESIGN. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME THING. THE HORN CONTROL ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OPERATES THROUGH THE COMPUTER AND THAT IS WHAT IS SAID TO BE CAUSING THE DELAY. THE DELAYED HORN IN MY VEHICLE HAS NEARLY ALLOWED ACCIDENTS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BY CONSEQUENTLY CAUSING A DELAYED RESPONSE FROM THE DRIVERS OF OTHER VEHICLES. DODGE NEEDS TO FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE PEOPLE ARE SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!! *TR
Electrical system, Jul 30, 2013
ON ABOUT 3JUL13, MY WIFE AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE RUNNING LIGHTS FOR OUR TRAVEL TRAILER WEREN'T WORKING. ALL OTHER LIGHTS WERE WORKING, SO WE CONTINUED DRIVING DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. ON RETURNING HOME, I FOUND OUT THAT THE TRAILER LIGHTS WORKED WHEN HOOKED UP TO A BATTERY, BUT THERE WAS NO POWER GOING TO THE APPROPRIATE PRONG IN THE WIRING HARNESS EVEN THOUGH THE RUNNING LIGHTS ON THE TRUCK FUNCTIONED. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE A FUSE HAD TO BE REPLACED IN THE TRUCK. THE SERVICE MANAGER THEN TOLD ME HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS TRUCK IF: - THE TRAILER WAS PLUGGED IN WHEN THE TRUCK WAS STARTED - THE LIGHTS HAD BEEN LEFT ON "AUTO" OR THE RADIO WAS LEFT ON. THIS PRESENTS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD IF I'M PULLING A TRAILER AT NIGHT AND FORGET TO TURN MY LIGHTS OFF AUTO OR LEAVE MY RADIO ON PRIOR TO STARTING THE VEHICLE. I ONLY DO LIGHT CHECKS ON MY TRAILER ONCE A DAY, NOT EVERY TIME I STOP FOR A BREAK. THE TRAILER HAS NOT BEEN A CAUSE OF SHORTS ON PREVIOUS VEHICLES. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 19, 2013
MY TRUCK HAVE BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES. 3 TIMES FOR OVERHEATING 2 TIMES FOR A COMPUTER PROBLEM IT SHUT OFF STUFF LIKE HEADLIGHTS TURN SIGNALS RADIO DASH GAUGES WINDOWS AND LOCK SO WHEN THAT'S DONE IT SHUTS THE TRUCK OFF AND IT STOP WERE ITS AT AND DON'T COME BACK ON AT ALL UNTIL AN HOUR LATTER I HAVE OWN THIS TRUCK FOR 5 MONTH AND I CAN SEEM TO KEEP IT OUT OF THE SHOP. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 17, 2013
LED HEADLIGHTS GET CONDENSATION CAUSING REDUCED BRIGHTNESS AND VISIBILITY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS. THE NEW ONES HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT CONDENSATION WAS NORMAL, AND THAT WAS HOW THE LIGHT WAS DESIGNED. *TR
Electrical system, May 1, 2013
THE RAM TRUCKS USE A LOGIC CIRCUIT TO CONTROL ALL ELECTRONICS. THE HORN IN THESE VEHICLES ALSO USES THIS LOGIC CIRCUIT, INSTEAD OF USING THE TRADITIONAL DIRECT CONNECT OR RELAY CONFIGURATION THAT MOST CARS/TRUCKS USE. BECAUSE OF THIS LOGIC CIRCUIT, THERE IS AN APPROXIMATE 1 SECOND DELAY BETWEEN THE TIME THE HORN IS DEPRESSED UNTIL THE HORN ACTUALLY SOUNDS. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN FOR SERVICE THIS WEEK AND THE DEALER INDICATES THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS TRUCK. THIS IS DANGEROUS. BY THE TIME THE HORN SOUNDS, AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THIS DOES NOT JUST AFFECT MY TRUCK. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE RAM OWNERS FORUM , WITH SOME PEOPLE HAVING LONGER OR SHORTER DELAYS. A QUICK TAP OF THE HORN YIELDS NO SOUND, BECAUSE YOU MUST PRESS ON THE HORN FOR ABOUT A SECOND BEFORE THE HORN SOUNDS. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2013
OUTSIDE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR INACCURATELY READS TEMPERATURE (USUAL 8-12 DEGREES LESS THAN ACTUAL AMBIENT TEMPERATURE) THIS AFFECTS SEVERAL FUNCTIONS OF THE VEHICLES FEATURES (AUTO HEATED SEATS AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO VENTED SEATS). *TR