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: steering
638 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Sep 9, 2024
Power steering completely went out and no parts available to fix it.
Steering, Sep 9, 2024
I was driving my 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 and while I was turning a corner the power steering went out and I barely made the turn. If anyone had been near me, I am sure there would have been a wreck. No prior warning or anything to prepare me this was going to happen. I shut the truck off and started it again and the power steering was then working. No issues for a few days and then a warning message showed up stating Service Power Steering and then it happened again with no power steering. I have called around and it is going to cost $3,000 to fix it, if they can even get the parts.
Steering, Sep 7, 2024
2013 Ram 1500 four wheel drive,crew cab .Basically my steering locked up on me while driving,I turned right on to my mothers road and as I completed the turn it wouldn’t let me turn the wheel after that.i had it towed to a garage thats well known nationally and they diagnosed the electronic power steering needs to be replaced,I’m grateful that I wasn’t going at a high speed in traffic on a highway when it failed.Ive been told from my local Dodge Ram dealership ship that my truck has no open recalls on it,I’m currently in the process of purchasing a refurbished rack and pinion due to the fact that the manufacturer has discontinued the part, they are extremely expensive and most don’t come with a warranty
Steering, Sep 7, 2024
As I was driving the steering wheel started getting hard and couldn't really turn as easily. Luckily I was able to make it home, couldnt park it in ny driveway because i coupdnt turn anymore so I only made it to the curb, but I have not been able to move my truck since then due to the steering wheel almost being impossible to turn. Tried to put power steering fluid only to come and fined out it's electrical
Steering, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the "Power Steering" message was displayed and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the EPS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was contacted and informed that the EPS module was on backorder and not available. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 2, 2024
Was making a turn and my power steering cut out forcing the wheel forward causing me to run off the road, turned truck off and then back on and power steering was working perfectly fine after.. still cuts in an out whenever it wants to
Steering, Sep 2, 2024
Vehicle says service power steering but will intermittently go in and out upon starting/turning off vehicle. Didn't have any issues and seems that there was a recall for this but for only specific VINs. Not sure why the vehicle is doing this as it was working fine ever since I bought it and never experienced any issues ether leading up to the "failure". Just one day it started saying "Service Power Steering" and will go in and out by toggling the start of the vehicle. Fuse is working as designed as I have replaced it and still nothing different. Jumping the electronic component will allow it to work as well. Must be a faulty code because it will work correctly sometimes.
Steering, Aug 31, 2024
Power steering intermediate lost the total lost today 8/31/24
Steering, Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the power steering control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Steering, Aug 27, 2024
Power Steering is not working. At times it works fine, then sometimes it is hard to turn, and other times it stops working all together where I cannot move steering wheel at all. This has caused issues when driving on Highway and City streets as I am unable to safely maneuver the vehicle. I have narrowly avoided 2 accidents. I attempted to add power steering fluid and then learned this vehicle has electric power steering; which does not require steering fluid. There is no warning as to when the power steering will work or fail.
Steering, Aug 26, 2024
Sudden loss of power steering. Waiting for mechanic to diagnose problem. No warning.
Steering, Aug 26, 2024
Power steering assist drops out periodically making it impossible to steer. I was told by dealer that they do not service vehicles over 10 years old even though my truck only has 70,000 miles on it. I was told by a repair shop that the part can not be found. I called Dodge corporate and was told that the part has been discontinued. This leaves me without a safe vehicle to drive but I have to have a vehicle so I continue to drive it. I can't believe that they can not furnish a part and apparently its a common failure. Can anything be done?
Steering, Aug 25, 2024
Intermittent loss of power steering then a few days later complete loss of power steering the electronic power steering module short circuited due to contamination the fix cost over $2000 and can not afford to fix this is a safety issue. Truck only has 120,000 miles on it. I can hardly turn the wheel and when it snows i definitely wont be able to drive it due to no control of steering.
Steering, Aug 23, 2024, crash
The electronic assist power steering stopped working in a turn which kept me from making the turn, which made me cross into oncoming traffic and run off the road. I almost hit head on to another vehicle. The other swerved to avoid me and landed in the ditch on the other side. After getting pulled out the power steering started working again and within a few miles of driving it went out again. The truck is now parked being to dangerous to drive.
Steering, Aug 22, 2024
While I was driving at 50 mph my power steering locked up and a Service Power steering message appeared. I had to manually steer the truck as best I could before I could find a safe place to pull over. While it wasn't a catastrophic failure it could have been had this happened while driving at highway speeds. It seems that this type of failure is common in RAM 1500 trucks (2015 and 2016 models were recalled for the same reason, contaminated electronic power steering circuit board or module). This type of failure is a definite safety hazard especially if the power steering failure prevents the driver from having control of the vehicle during this episode.
Steering, Aug 21, 2024
While driving power steering warning lights up and steering fails. Have to pull over and stop put in park and turn off and back on for power steering to start working again.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 20, 2024
Started my truck this morning and warning light came on the dash showing a steering wheel with an exclamation point beside it with a message saying "Service Power Steering". Also, the steering wheel is VERY hard to turn. It seems that the power steering has failed.
Steering, Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after placing the vehicle into reverse(R) and straightening the steering wheel, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The "Service Power Steering" message was displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Steering, Aug 14, 2024, crash
I was driving at approximately 45 mph when suddenly my steering wheel locked causing me to run off the road. The "service power steering light" illuminated. It was taken to the dealership where I found out this is a COMMON problem that apparently hasn't killed enough people for Ram to recall it yet. There will be deaths associated with this. The dealer does not have the parts, can't get the parts, and states it will be $3,000.00 to repair IF they ever get the parts. Why hasn't the NHTSA issued a recall yet? This is exceedingly dangerous!
Steering, Service brakes, Aug 12, 2024
Complete failure of power steering and also ABS has misfunctioned.
Steering, Aug 12, 2024
On 07/17/2024 I got into the vehicle and after starting it I put it into reverse and started backing up and noticed that the steering was not working properly and than saw the warning lamp of a steering wheel with an exclamation mark next to it. So I have a Launch AUTO Smart Diagnostic Tool that I did use to find out that there was an active code for Electronic Power Steering Module. Yes it is available for inspection, no it has not been confirmed or inspected by anybody. The safety risks to myself & others is injury or death due to the uncontrollable steering.
Steering, Aug 11, 2024
electronic power steering suddenly stopped working after driving several hundred miles to go on vacation. Thankfully it happened after I parked at a rest stop.
Steering, Aug 10, 2024
Driving home from work on a winding road. Almost went into a ditch because my steering wheel, without warning, seized and wouldn’t allow me to turn. I had to pray I didn’t go into the ditch or hit the person in front of me. There was no warning signs. Once it happened, the only light that popped up was the exclamation point. Now it’s not drivable and I don’t have $3000 to get it fixed!
Steering, Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Steering" was displayed, and the power steering assist was inoperable, making the steering wheel difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the power steering module was faulty, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,900.
Steering, Aug 5, 2024
I was pulling up to my house when the power steering failed , there was no warning light prior and I immediately could not turn my wheel. Had I been making a turn on the thruway I would have seriously injured myself and/ or others. I have not taken it to a dealer yet as it just happened today and it is 6 pm. The power steering has not worked yet since the incident.