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: engine
130 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Aug 8, 2022
Dodge ram engine under <100,000 miles has broke down. Dodge does not want to repair the engine.
Engine, Jun 20, 2022
The exhaust manifold bolts failed a second time, causing and exhaust smell and leak into the cab of the truck. Took it to a dealership who repaired the passenger side only, and now driver side needs repaired. Spoke with RAM only to be told that it is a Known issue but there is no recall, or plan to issue a recall to remedy the issue. There were no warnings by the truck.
Engine, May 27, 2022
The vehicle developed a ticking noise that was diagnosed by a certified mechanic as being a defective cam and lifter assembly. The engine was at risk of locking up and if not corrected, could have happened on any roadway. The only corrective action for this problem was to replace the engine. I consulted several mechanics in my area and all of them refused to simply rebuild the head. Instead, they all insisted that the engine be replaced. I did so at the cost of $9000. This needs to become a recall.
Engine, May 27, 2022
Cam and lifters are a common problem on the 13-20 (maybe 21-present too) ram 1500s with 5.7L Hemi. I see this happen all the time with these trucks under 100k miles and even under 50k miles. I don’t think it’s the cam and lifters. I think the problem is more oil starvation type situation. And when they go out it’s costly.
Engine, May 1, 2022
exhaust manifold bolts broken on both sides which is allowing exhaust gases to leak out.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 15, 2022
Electrical Power Steering (EPS) light turned on. Car is not drivable at this time. I understand that there is a known defect with the EPS in this make and model of the year.
Engine, Apr 15, 2022
When at idle or driving at low RPM the engine ticks very loudly.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Mar 23, 2022
My side boxes do not open with key button and do not unlock with button on key and my bolts broke on exhaust manifold on drivers side and passenger side 4 bolts total
Engine, Mar 23, 2022
The truck just shut off, couldn’t get it started or move it out of traffic. I was out of state and 560 miles from home. No warning lights, no issues just cut off!
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the HVAC system failed to defrost the windows. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V177000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Engine, Jan 8, 2022
The exhaust manifolds break on every truck. Leak exhaust gas. Tech told me every single truck has this problem how is it not a recall yet
Engine, Dec 3, 2021
Check engine light blinking. Bad lifter in motor causing the engine to shut down while driving, very very dangerous.
Engine, Aug 28, 2021
Exhaust manifold leak due to both rear studs breaking on each side of the engine. This is my 3rd dodge ram with the 5.7 liter engine that has had this problem. The other vehicle years were a 2003 Ram 2500 and a 2014 Ram 1500. With as many complaints about this problem, I am surprised there hasn't been a fix and a recall. So far, I am 3 trucks each with the same issue. I would think that two exhaust manifolds leaking in the engine compartment would pose as a safety issue by breathing the fumes sucked into the cab.
Engine, Apr 7, 2021
BOTH MANIFOLDS ARE LEAKING
Engine, Oct 9, 2020
MY ENGINE IS VIBRATING BADLY. IT TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY.
Engine, Aug 1, 2020
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON INDICATING A CYLINDER 5 MISFIRE. REPLACED SPARK PLUG AND IGNITION COIL. MECHANIC SAID LIFTERS IN THESE ENGINES TYPICALLY SEIZE AND DESTROY THE CAMSHAFT. VEHICLE RUNS ROUGH AND SHUTS OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN TRAVELING OVER 50 MPH THERE IS NO ACCELERATION.
Engine, Jul 29, 2020
I AM VERY UPSET THAT RAM TRUCKS FROM 2011 TO 2014 HAVE CONSISTENTLY BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE 5TH CYLINDER, (CYL 5 MISFIRE) AND AS TO MY SURPRISE IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ILL BE OUT OF AT LEAST OUT OF 3600.00 (THAT I DON'T HAVE, AND DEFINITELY CANNOT AFFORD A NEW VEHICLE) SPECIALLY WITH ALL THE ISSUES THAT ARE GOING ON WITH COVID-19 AND THE ECONOMY. NOT SURE HOW LONG THE REPAIRS WILL HOLD UP BECAUSE FROM THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS, THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE DONE THE EXACT SAME REPAIR HAVE ENDED UP REBUILDING THE WHOLE MOTOR OR BUYING A DIFFERENT TRUCK (NOT RAM OF COURSE). I ALWAYS KNOWN THAT HEMI MOTORS ARE GREAT BUT NOW IM DISAPPOINTED
Engine, Jul 9, 2020
CAMSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT LIFTERS ARE CAUSING MISFIRE UNDER LOAD (SHAKING BADLY AT 50 MPH). THIS IS THE SECOND TRUCK THAT WE HAVE OWNED WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 19, 2020
THE COMPUTER SCREEN WILL NOT LIGHT SO YOU CANT USE ANY OF YOUR CONTROLS HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES SHOCKS AND STRUTS AND CALIPERS SUN ROOF WONT OPEN BACK WINDOW WONT OPEN THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON SAYING LOW OIL PRESSURE BUT THE GAGE ON THE TRUCK SHOWS IT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE CANT USE THE RADIO OR THE PHONE OR CONTROL THE AIR OR THE HEAT BECAUSE THAT'S ALL ON THE SCREEN THAT WONT LIGHT UP THE BACK UP CAMERA WONT WORK I CHECKED FOR RECALLS ON THE VIN NUMBER IT SAID THERE WAS NONE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TICKS SUPER LOUD WHEN YOU FIRST START IT THEN THE NOISE GOES AWAY AFTER THE TRUCK WARMS UP I HAVE PUT NEW TIRES ON IT TWICE I HAVE THE OIL CHANGED EVERY TIME THAT ITS DUE WITH EXPENSIVE ROYAL PURPLE HAD TO PUT A NEW BATTERY IN IT THE TRUCK MIGHT LOOK NICE BUT I WOULD NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE !!!!!!!!!!! IT HAS BEEN THE WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER PURCHASED AND I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE TRUCK AND THE EXPERIENCE !!!!!!!!!0 *TR
Engine, Apr 17, 2020
BOLTS HOLDING EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO ENGINE BLOCK BROKE ON BOTH SIDES. THIS LEADS TO EXHAUST LEAK, AS WELL AND A TICKING AND ROUGH IDLE FROM COLD START.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2020, crash
MY TRUCK WILL NOT START, IT WON'T EVEN TURN ON.IT CONTINUOUSLY SAYS CHECK THE FUEL CAP AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL TURN ON BUT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT (BEFORE IT STARTED TO ACT UP). EVEN THOUGH IT SEEMS LIKE THE BATTERIES DEAD AND WE KNOW IT WON'T TURN ON IT'S STILL MAKING A LOUD LIKE CLICKING OR KNOCKING NOISE. IT WILL STOP FOR A MINUTE AND THEN START AGAIN. I'VE NEVER HEARD A CAR DO THAT BEFORE SO I DON'T THINK THAT'S NORMAL. MY CLICKER KEY WON'T EVEN WORK TO LOCK OR UNLOCK OR EVEN SET THE PANIC OFF.
Power train, Engine, Nov 8, 2019
MY TRUCK FAILED THE STATE INSPECTION BECAUSE 2 EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD BROKEN OFF AND WERE INSIDE THE CYLINDER HEAD WITH NO WAY TO GET THEM OUT. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A MECHANIC UPON DISCOVERING HOW DEEP THEY HAD BROKEN OFF WITH NO SUCCESS AT REMOVING THE FIRST ONE AND THE MECHANIC WAS ALSO UNABLE TO REMOVE THEM. THEY HAVE NOW BEEN DRILLED OUT BY THE MECHANIC WHICH CREATED A COOLANT LEAK OUT OF ONE OF THE BOLT HOLES AND IT LOOKS LIKE I'LL NEED A NEW CYLINDER HEAD. I'VE READ IT'S A COMMON ISSUE AND NOW I'M EXPECTING THE DRIVERS SIDE TO DO THE SAME ANY TIME IF THEY AREN'T BROKEN ALREADY.
Engine, Oct 27, 2019
TRUCK HAS 66K MILES AND OIL CHANGES DONE REGULARLY. VALVE SEAT DROPPED INTO CYLINDER CAUSING PISTON TO SEIZE. NEW ENGINE NEEDED AS A RESULT.
Engine, Oct 16, 2019
MOST OF 2013 RAM 5.7 LITER ENGINE HAS A VALVE TRAIN PREMATURE WEAR RESULTING ON A LOUD TICKING ENGINE NOISE FROM WORN OUT CAMSHAFT MOST VEHICLES BARELY OVER WARRANTY
Engine, Oct 14, 2019
WHILE STARTING MY VEHICLE IN THE MORNING, IN NEUTRAL IDLE, A CLICKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CLICKING SOUND INCREASED AS I ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE. ONCE I PULLED OVER AND INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THE NOISE COMING FROM THE MANIFOLD BOLTS THAT HAVE BROKEN/SHEARED OFF. NOTICED BOLTS ON PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE ARE BROKEN.