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: power train
86 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Dec 26, 2016, crash
ON 12/7/16, A DESOLATE, STRAIGHT, COUNTRY ROAD, I STOPPED MY TRUCK TO INVESTIGATE DAMAGE FROM A DEER THAT HAD RUN INTO THE DRIVER'S FENDER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH. EVEN THOUGH I PLACED THE TRUCK IN PARK AFTER MY STOP (TO MAKE IT STATIONARY), THE RAM STARTED MOVING AS I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT ITS CABIN; AND THEN IT DROVE FOR ABOUT 300 FEET AT IDLE SPEED DOWN THE ROAD, WHERE IT STOPPED IN A SHALLOW DRAINAGE DITCH. MEANWHILE, THE RAM'S "SELF-DRIVING" MODE HAD CAUSED ME TO SLIP ON THE RUNNING BOARD AND TO FALL VERY HARD TO THE GROUND (A DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 22 INCHES). THE RESULTS: PAIN, HAND AND KNEE CUTS, EXTREME BRUISING AND SWELLING OF THE ENTIRE LEFT LEG, AND BRUISING AND SWELLING OF THE LOWER RIGHT LEG. THESE REQUIRED SOME MEDICAL ATTENTION. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO BLOOD CLOTS, NO BROKEN BONES, NO DISLOCATED LIMBS, NOR RUN-OVER LIMBS! I WAS VERY LUCKY!! *TR
Power train, Dec 21, 2016, crash
MY TRUCK ROLLED DOWN A HILL WHILE IN PARK THROUGH MY GARAGE AND WAS STOPPED MY ROLLING INTO MY TRACTOR. MY TRUCK WAS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD AND ALMOST TOTALED. PLUS I WAS HURT TRYING TO JUMP INTO THE TRUCK TO GET TO THE BRAKES AS IT WAS ROLLING
Power train, Dec 20, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED OVER AN INCLINE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000.
Power train, Nov 15, 2016, crash
THE TRUCK SHIFTED IT SELF INTO GEAR WHILE RUNNING IT WAS IN PARK I GOT OUT AND WALKED AWAY ONCE I WAS 50' AWAY I HEARD THE TRUCK SHIFT AND TURNED JUST IN TIME TO SEE IT START ROLLING AWAY. ONCE I RECOVERED MY TRUCK FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL I THOUGH MAYBE I LEFT IT IN GEAR AND GOT OUT UNLIKELY I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK FOR THREE YEARS. I ATTEMPTED TO SEE IF IT WOULD REPEAT I COULD NOT GET IT TO SIT ON MY DRIVEWAY IN GEAR WITH OUT ROLLING AWAY IMMEDIATELY WHILE IN GEAR. MY DRIVE WAY IS STEEP AND THIS DID CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AND PROPERTY. THE TRUCK SHIFTED ITSELF IN TO GEAR ONCE BEFORE WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE TRUCK BUT AT THE TIME I WROTE IT OFF TO MY CONFUSION WITH THE DIAL SHIFTER AND THE TRUCK ONLY WENT A FEW FEET INTO A CURB BLOCK. NOW THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED I RECONSIDERED. I WILL NOT BE LETTING MY TRUCK RUN ANY MORE WITHOUT ME BEHIND THE WHEEL.
Power train, Sep 16, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT BEGAN TO ROLL AWAY. THE KEY WAS NOT INSIDE THE IGNITION WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A LIGHT POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,780.
Power train, Air bags, Jun 14, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V796000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power train, May 5, 2016
VEHICLE HAS SEVERE VIBRATION THAT STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 22,000 MILES. VIBRATION HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 65 MPH IF YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE WILL SWITCH LANES ON IT'S ON AND YOU MUST SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO REGAIN CONTROL. I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS WARPED AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AS IT APPEARS SOMETHING HAD IMPACTED IT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER SHOP WHERE THEY INSPECTED THE DRIVE SHAFT AND STATED IT MAY BE WARPED BUT IT HAS NOT HAD AN IMPACT OF ANY TYPE. I TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE WITH CHRYSLER MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY STATED THAT MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY WHEN I HAVE ONLY HAD I PURCHASED IT NEW 30 MONTHS AGO AND IT ONLY HAD 25,600 MILES ON IT WHEN I TOOK IT IN UNDER MY 36 MONTH, 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. THEY ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO FIX IT FOR A HUGE FEE, BUT NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I AM TO THE POINT TO WHERE I AM GOING TO TRADE THE VEHICLE IN, DO TO THE SAFETY CONCERNS AND I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT, NOR ENDORSE THE PURCHASE OF ONE. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SATISFACTION IS NOT THEIR GOAL AND THEY COULD CARE LESS IF THEIR PRODUCT WAS TO KILL OR SERIOUSLY INJURE SOMEONE.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. ONCE THE VEHICLE REACHED A CERTAIN SPEED, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V459000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 13, 2016
FIRST PROBLEM. AFTER LOCKING TRUCK THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND GAUGES CONTINUE TO FLASH AND GAUGES FLICKER. THIS GOES ON FOR ABOUT 10 MINS OR SO. DEALER CANT FIND PROBLEM. SECOND PROBLEM IS TRANSMISSION. WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND THE TRUCK HAS STOPPED MOVING YOU GET A BUMP FROM TRANSMISSION. ONCE AGAIN DEALER NO HELP. BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 YRS.
Power train, Wheels, Jan 25, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACK. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE ROTATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ROLLING BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, ONLY ONE OF THE WHEELS WOULD LOCK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,500. UPDATED 03/16/16*LJ *CN
Power train, Air bags, Oct 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE AIR BAGS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE AIR BAGS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE ON OR OFF. THE CONTACTED ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE, THE GEAR RANDOMLY SWITCHED OVER TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Structure, Engine, Aug 12, 2015, crash
I REAR ENDED A SEMI THAT WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 51 MILES PER HOUR. NO AIRBAG'S DEPLOYED, BUT THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.
Power train, Aug 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE IN PARK, THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE. MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY DROVE FORWARD. THE FRONT PASSENGER HAD TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY IN ORDER TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Power train, Jun 26, 2015, crash
WHEN BACKING UP IN REVERSE AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE THE "D" LIGHT ON THE DASH AND SHIFTER KNOB FLASHES ON AND OFF. WHEN THIS HAPPENS PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR REVS THE ENGINE UP AS IF IN NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED IT CAUGHT ME TOTALLY BY SURPRISE AND BECAUSE I WAS ON A STEEP HILL MY TRUCK ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO THE MOVING TRUCK WAITING FOR ME TO PULL OUT. ONCE I ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO A GARAGE BEFORE I COULD STOP IT.LUCKILY FOR EVERYBODY CONCERNED THE GARAGE DOOR WAS OPEN. ANOTHER TIME I ROLLED OVER A CURB IN A PARKING LOT INTO A BUSH. MANY TIMES JUST PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT HAS CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED AS HAS THE SHIFTER KNOB. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN HELPFUL IN TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT AND HAS VERIFIED THE PROBLEM EXISTS. AS THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX IT THEY HAVE BEEN RELYING ON CHRYSLER TECHNICAL ASSIST (STAR CASE). CHRYSLER'S LAST RESPONSE WAS THE BRAKE SHOULD ALWAYS BE FIRMLY PRESSED WHILE SHIFTING "THIS IS A BUILT IN SAFETY FEATURE AND NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION"???. HOW CAN A 6000LB TRUCK ROLLING BACKWARDS WITH THE DRIVER EXPECTING IT TO GO FORWARDS BE "NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION"? I HAVE GONE FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND THE "D" LIGHT WILL FLASH. BUT WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE TRANSMISSION "LOCKS" AND EVEN THOUGH THE THE TRUCK REVS JUST LIKE THE OTHER SITUATION IT DOESN'T MOVE. IT JUST STAYS PUT IN THE SAME PLACE. THIS I WOULD CONSIDER "NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION". ONE DAY WHEN THIS ROLLING SITUATION HAPPENS THERE IS GOING TO BE SOMEBODY BEHIND ME AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT. I CANNOT GET CHRYSLER TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I HAVE TOLD THEM OVER AND OVER ABOUT MY SAFETY CONCERNS AND ABOUT ALREADY RUNNING INTO ANOTHER TRUCK AND ALL THEY CAN SAY IS "WE UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERNS BUT YOUR PROBLEM IS NORMAL" . UPDATED 03/01/16*LJ UPDATED 11/01/2017*CN
Power train, Mar 16, 2015
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY BEGAN EMITTING A LOUD GRINDING TYPE NOISE, IT STOPPED PULLING FORWARD, AND COMPLETELY STALLED IN THE ROADWAY. AFTER I PARKED ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND PLACED THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK, THEN BACK IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE SLOWLY STARTED TO PULL FORWARD AGAIN EMITTING THE LOUD GRINDING TYPE NOISE. FORTUNATELY, I WASN'T TRAVELING AT A FASTER SPEED OR ON THE FREEWAY WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN THE MALFUNCTIONS OCCURRED. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A COLLISION BECAUSE IF APPEARED AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING TO FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CARRIED THE VEHICLE IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR ON EACH OCCASION TO NO AVAIL.
Power train, Feb 8, 2015
EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK IT HAS JERKED WHEN COMING TO A STOP. SOMETIMES ONE TO THREE JERKS, IF I WAS NOT BRAKING IT WOULD STILL BE ENGAGED AND MOVE FOREWORD. NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE RECALL ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION. TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER THREE TIMES. FIRST THEY SAID IT NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. SECOND THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS OK, THEY SAID THE SERVICE MANAGER TEST DROVE IT AND IT WAS FINE. THIRD TIME THEY WOULDN'T TAKE IT, TOLD ME THE IT WAS "NORMAL" FOR A DODGE TRUCK! SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME SHE HAD A DODGE AND IT DOES THE SAME. EXPLAINED TO HER I HAVE DRIVEN SEVERAL ONE-TON DODGE TRUCKS AND NONE OF THEM HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM. FEAR THAT IT WILL JUMP FOREWORD AT A STOP AND HIT SOMETHING AND THAT WHEN IT FINALLY DOES GO OUT, I WILL BE CHARGED WITH REPLACING EVERYTHING INVOLVED. COULD NOT LOCATE WORK ORDERS BUT HAVE THEM. WROTE YOU SEVERAL MONTHS AGO WITH NO RESPONSE, NOT THIS FORM. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 14, 2015
HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES WITHIN 30 DAYS. AT LOW SPEEDS BETWEEN 15MPH AND 35MPH, ENGINE STOPS, GAUGES GO DEAD AND APROX 6 SECONDS LATER THE TRANSMISSION SLAMS INTO PARK. 1ST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS LIGHTLY BREAKING & COASTING FOR A STOP LIGHT; 2ND TIME I WAS CRUISING ABOUT 35MPH; AND 3RD TIME I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP ACROSS 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC. THE TRANSMISSION GOING INTO PARK AFTER THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT DEAD REMINDS ME OF WHEN YOU TURN THE IGNITION OFF WITHOUT FIRST PUTTING IT INTO PARK - WHEN THIS HAPPENS, A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE TRANSMISSION AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTS INTO THE PARK POSITION. I HAD AT LEAST 1/2 TANK OF GAS EACH OCCURRENCE. I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP ON 1/14/15, DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE ARE NO RECALLS AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT 2 WEEKS BEFORE THEY CAN CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM, WHICH I CONSIDER SERIOUS. ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL INFO THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED: THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM FREQUENTLY MALFUNCTIONS - THE PLAY LIST FOR SONGS DUPLICATES IN THE LISTING, SONGS REPEAT TWO TO THREE TIMES, SD CARD SELECTION STOPS WORKING, SD CARD SELECTION ALL OF A SUDDEN STOPS RECOGNIZING THE SD CARD. THE INFOTAINMENT CENTER HAS ALSO COMPLETELY RESTARTED AS IF IT WAS REBOOTING. *TR
Power train, Sep 12, 2014
WHILE GOING DOWN HILL AT 30MPH, STEPPED ON BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED AND REVVED WHILE FOOT WAS ON BRAKE CAUSING A SURGE. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. ADDITIONALLY TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY ROUGHLY AND SOMETIMES WHILE IN REVERSE IS ACTUALLY IN PARK. *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
Power train, May 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE RPM'S INCREASED TO 1100 AS THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE CONTINUOUSLY OCCURRED OVER A PERIOD OF EIGHT MONTHS HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Power train, Mar 13, 2014
A FEW WEEKS EARLIER I HEARD A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE FROM MY TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING AT 30-35 MPH. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND INSPECTED MY VEHICLE STATING THAT THERE WERE NO LEAKS, FLUID WAS FINE AND TRANSMISSION WAS IN GOOD SHAPE. I THEN GOT MY VEHICLE BACK AFTER 18 BUSINESS DAYS IN THE SHOP AND I HEARD THE GRINDING AGAIN (950 MILES LATER). I GOT UNDER MY TRUCK TO LOOK AND FOUND THAT MY HYDRAULIC COOLER LINES WERE LEAKING AND MY TRANSMISSION LOOKED LIKE IT HAD 200,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS VERY STRANGE BECAUSE I HAVE NO DOCUMENTED WORK ON MY TRANSMISSION AND IT WENT 19793 MILES WITH NO LEAKS AND RANDOMLY STARTED TO LEAK?? *TR
Power train, Mar 13, 2014
FOUND A HOLE IN MY STOCK MUFFLER. IT APPEARS THAT A SPOT WELD BROKE OR THE MUFFLER RUSTED THROUGH. AS A RESULT OF THE HOLE CO WILL LEAK OUT UNDER MY VEHICLE BED THEN WILL EVENTUALLY FILL MY CAB UP IF THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING IN THE PARKED POSITION. *TR
Power train, Feb 28, 2014
I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 RAM 1500 IN NOVEMBER OF 2013. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2,500 MILES I STARTED EXPERIENCING A STRONG (PROPANE / PETROLEUM TYPE OF SMELL) ODOR COMING THROUGH THE VENTS AND OUTSIDE THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK. THIS HAS CAUSED ME (AND MY FAMILY) TO EXPERIENCE HEADACHES AND NAUSEA AFTER DRIVING / RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. MY DEALERSHIP CONTACTED STAR FOR A SOLUTION, BUT STAR DID NOT RESPOND. FINALLY THE DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTED ME TO BRING IT IN TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. THE DEALERSHIP FLUSHED THE COOLANT SYSTEM NUMEROUS TIMES AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN / SMELLED ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE, AND THAT TWO OF THEIR TECHNICIANS ACQUIRED HEADACHES FROM THE SMELL. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE SMELL WAS DEFINITELY COMING FROM THE COOLING SYSTEM, BUT DIDN'T NOT WHAT IT WAS OR WHAT WAS CAUSING IT. UNFORTUNATELY IT DOESN'T APPEAR THAT THE COOLANT FLUSH RESOLVED THE ISSUE AS IT STILL SMELLS. SUBSEQUENTLY, I CONTACTED RAM CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THEM. THEY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP TO CONFIRM AND PROVIDED ME WITH A CASE NUMBER. THEY INFORMED ME THAT SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT ME WITHIN A COUPLE OF DAYS.MY MAIN CONCERN IS RELATED TO THE TOXICITY OF THIS SMELL. WHAT IS CAUSING IT AND ARE THE VAPORS HARMFUL? IF THIS SMELL IS CAUSING HEADACHES AND NAUSEA, WHAT TYPE OF SHORT OR POTENTIALLY LONG-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS DOES THIS PRESENT? MEANWHILE, I?M STILL DRIVING THE TRUCK BECAUSE I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DRIVE. MY SECONDARY CONCERN IS RELATED TO THE DISPOSITION OF THE TRUCK. CAN RAM FIX IT SATISFACTORILY AND WHEN WILL IT BE RESOLVED. AGAIN, I?M STILL DRIVING THE TRUCK. *TR
Power train, Feb 20, 2014
ONE DAY I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND WHEN I TURNED THE SHIFT KNOB ON MY 8-SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION V-6 FROM "REVERSE" TO "DRIVE" THE GEAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE. WHEN I APPLIED MY FOOT TO THE ACCELERATOR THE RPM'S INCREASED AS IF I WERE IN NEUTRAL. DURING THIS OCCURRENCE THE "D" ON THE SHIFT KNOB WAS BLINKING. AFTER TURNING THE KNOB BACK TO PARK AND THEN BACK TO DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL AWAY AND DRIVE NORMALLY. ON A DIFFERENT DAY ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER I NOTICED THAT WHILE IN "DRIVE" AND TRAVELING BETWEEN 15MPH AND 30MPH MY TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO BE IN THE WRONG GEAR. I WOULD APPLY THE ACCELERATOR AND THE RPM'S WOULD INCREASE UPWARDS TO 2500 - 3500RPMS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AT SUCH LOW SPEEDS. MY TRUCK THEN BEGAN TO SHUTTER AS IT WAS TRYING TO FIND THE RIGHT GEAR. THIS TRUCK IS A 2013 WITH LESS THAN 1000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE READ A SIMILAR POST ON THIS NHTSA WEBSITE ABOUT THIS SAME VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO READ AN ARTICLE POSTED ON MOTORTREND.COM THAT REFERENCES A TRANSMISSION RECALL FOR VARIOUS 2013 CHRYSLER VEHICLES' INCLUDING THE RAM 1500 WITH 8-SPEED AUTOMATICS AND A SIX-CYLINDER ENGINE. STRANGELY, WHEN I LOOK UP RECALL NOTICES FOR THIS VEHICLE THERE IS NO RECALL ALERT FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 11, 2014
01/08/14. UPON START UP IT WAS STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. WOULD NOT COME OUT OF 4TH GEAR. IT SET AN ENGINE LIGHT. DEALER DID A "FLASH UPDATE" ON 01/09/14. WAS FINE UNTIL 02/11/14 AND DID IT AGAIN,(WOULD NOT COME OUT OF 4TH GEAR). THIS TIME, SHUTTING IT OFF AND RESTARTING IT (TWICE) RESET IT AND IT CAME OUT OF 4TH GEAR. *TR