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, Mar 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG SULFUR ODOR EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE HOUSES THE ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE CAB AND BECAME STRONGER WHEN THE HEATING OR COOLING SYSTEM WAS ON. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NOT YET A REPAIR FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE HOSES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000. *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
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2014
WHEN USING THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER A TOXIC SMELL FILLS THE CAB CAUSING METALLIC TASTE AND OCCUPANTS TO HAVE A HEADACHE. THE FACTORY SAYS THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAVE EVEN APPLIED A STAR CASE NUMBER [XXX] WITH A RELEASE DATE OF 10/24/2013. THEY SAY THAT THE ISSUE IS BOTHERSOME BUT HAS NO EFFECT ON DURABILITY OR LONGEVITY OF THE COOLING SYSTEM. THIS IS NOT MY CONCERN. MY CONCERN IS, THIS TOXIC SMELL CAUSING LONG TERM HEALTH PROBLEMS OR CANCER? I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS ON THE SUBJECT SOME DATING BACK TO MARCH 2013. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2013
WHEN WE PURCHASED THE RAM 1500/V6 ENGINE PICKUP TRUCK NEW IN APRIL 2013, JOHNSON DODGE, BUDD LAKE, NJ, IT DID NOT HESITATE AND RAN WELL. OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS IT SLOWLY DEVELOPED AN SIGNIFICANT, ONE SECOND PLUS, HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP. THE SERVICE MANAGER [XXX] AT JOHNSON DODGE TEST DROVE AND AGREED THERE WAS A HESITATION BUT COULDN'T/CAN'T FIX/ADJUST IT DO TO EVERYTHING BEING CONTROLLED BY COMPUTER MODULES. HE SAID, "UNTIL THEY, (RAM ENGINEERS), RELEASE A SOFTWARE FIX/UPDATE OR TECH BULLETIN, THERE WAS NOTHING HE/THEY COULD DO." THIS HESITATION IS SO SEVERE IT REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO ANTICIPATE THE DELAY AND THAN PRE-PRESS THE ACCELERATOR WHEN CROSSING A STREET IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR OTHER SITUATION REQUIRING TIMELY ACCELERATOR RESPONSE. I BELIEVE THIS HESITATION AND LACK OF DEALER CORRECTION CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING REQUIREMENT OF ME AND ANY OTHER DRIVER OF THESE PICKUP TRUCKS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 2013
STARTED HAVING ODOR IN CAB MAKING ME DIZZY AND SICK. GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE FOR NEXT 900 MILE. I BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER AND FACTORY TOLD HIM TO RUN IT FOR 2 DAYS. TWO DAYS LATER I GOT IT BACK LESS A HALF A TANK OF GAS. PROBLEM SEEM TO BE SOLVED. TWO DAY LATER SAME THING GOT SICK AND COMPLAINT WAS THEN RAISED TO NEXT LEVEL. FACTORY CHECKED IT AND SAID ITS NORMAL TO BURN OFF. I NOW HAVE 4500 MILES ON IT WITH 113 HOURS ON THE ENGINE AND IT STILL MAKING ME SICK AND BURNING OFF. AFTER BEING SICK 4 TIMES DUE TO THE FUMES I HAD ENOUGH. ON MAY 21 THEY ACKNOWLEDGED MY REQUEST FOR THE MSDS ON THE COSMOLINE THEY SPRAYED ON MY ENGINE AND EXHAUST. AS OF JUNE 21 I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED A COPY OF IT. I AM WAITING FOR MY BLOOD TEST FOR GASES TO COME IN TO SEE WHAT IS IN THE FUMES THAT IS CAUSING ME TO REACT TO THE FUMES. I HAD TO CUT SHORT MY VACATION DUE TO BEING SICK AGAIN FROM THE TRUCK SINCE I CAN ONLY DRIVE THE TRUCK IN CLEAR CONDITIONS WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN. IT RAIN FOR TWO DAYS WHEN I GOT SICK LAST. THE FACTORY HAS OFFERED NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY THING I COULD FIND ON COSMOLINE WAS IT SHOULD NOT BE EXPOSED TO HEAT SINCE IT BREAKS DOWN AS CO2. THIS IS NOT A GOOD THING BUILDING UP IN THE CAB OF THE TRUCK. *TR