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, Aug 2, 2024
Complete loss of power steering around turn. Nearly caused a major incident due to EPS failure.
Steering, Aug 1, 2024
Power steering stops working at random times and I have very limited control of the vehicle. Service power steering light appears on the dash. This has happen approximately 15 times without any warning. My truck has been at Ram Dealer in Panama City since July 8, 2024. They say I need Rack and Pinion gear part #R8573449AA but they have not been able to find the part.
Steering, Jul 31, 2024
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND INSTANTLY LOST ALL POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS GOING STRAIGHT, IF I WAS ON A CURVE IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS NOTICES OR C.E.L. THE EPS SYSTEM IS ONE WHOLE CONTAINED UNIT. DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT SERVICEABLE. IF ONE THING FAILS YOU LOSE STEERING COMPLETELY. CURRENTLY LOOKING AT A $4000 DOLLAR REPAIR BILL FOR A FAULTY STEERING MODULE. SEEMS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 31, 2024
Electrical power steering went bad out of the sudden, and almost lost control of the vehicle. It was so hard to steer. I had to replace that whole EPS racking and pinion. New part was on back order, so my only option was to get a used part.
Steering, Jul 30, 2024
Intermittent steering issues. Some times the electric steering kicks off and back on. Sometimes It doesn’t work at all. Sometimes it works fine. Brought it to dealer they want 3k to replace the whole rack and pinion even though they have recalls for this same problem just not mine. I have a vehicle I’m paying every month for that’s too unsafe to drive, and to expensive to fix
Steering, Jul 30, 2024
Intermittent Power steering failure first occurred ~March 2024. Truck is not safe to operate and is currently at the dealership awaiting parts for repair and is available for inspection. Power steering failure occurred multiple times without warning and required enormous physical effort to maintain control through the turn. No warning signals or symptoms occurred before, during, or after any of the power steering failures.
Steering, Jul 27, 2024
Tried to start my truck in the morning a nd the power steering system light came on. Steering wheel was hard to turn. Took my truck to the mechanic and he said there was no parts to be found the the computer said it was an internal problem in the EPS rack and pinion unit. Went to the Dealership and they sated that they could not help me cause the part was discontinued . No parts on back order or were even available anymore. There also were no aftermarket parts made for this either leading me to hunt down old parts off of junked Ram trucks. This truck is only 10 years old and I don't know how it slipped through the recall when every other truck of that age is recalled.
Steering, Jul 24, 2024
The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving back to the house after work doing normal speed for the road leading there which is usually 35-60 mph. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, requiring significant effort to maintain control of the vehicle. This occurred without warning and created a hazardous situation as the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The power steering system is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been consistently reproduced under varying driving conditions, -e.g. City streets, turning, etc. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. I could have been seriously injured or injured another as well. I did contact the manufacturer and they stated that they do not make this part any longer laughed at me and said good luck. I felt silly and that was the last thing I needed that day after almost wrecking the vehicle due to this issue.
Steering, Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the service power steering warning illuminated, and the power steering function became inoperable. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality had returned. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred the same day and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the rack and pinion gears needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Jul 19, 2024
7/11/2024 Moving aprox 3 mph approaching a stop sign with slight right pressure on steering wheel the EPS failed. The steering seemed to “jerk” toward a center position. Service power steering light appeared on panel. I was able to continue home aprox two blocks but noticeable upper body strength required to move steering wheel. This will be a difficult situation for older. strength impaired drivers.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 16, 2024
While driving home my truck started making an unusual sound like a dry bearing rubbing in a bearing would make, and I found it difficult to keep the steering wheel centered, a little further down the road I made a turn while doing so the steering wheel abruptly cut back the opposite direction of the turn yanking the wheel out of my hands no lights on the dash illuminated nor were there any warning chimes,I was able to make the last mile home by keeping both hands on the wheel firmly. Upon an inspection of the underside of my vehicle I found that the electric power assist system was making the loud sound that I thought was a bearing, I also noted that the front sway bar was broken on the passenger side was broken, I turned the the steering wheel to one side then the other and again the power steering yanked it from my hand, at this time I haven't taken it to a garage or called my insurance company,if I had been in traffic or congested area it would have caused an accident but as it was I was traveling a country road
Steering, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact became aware that the power steering was not functioning as designed. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn and seized and jerked. There was warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart but the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 208,908.
Steering, Service brakes, Jul 11, 2024
Malfunctioned ABS module. ABS , ESP, and trailer brake control not working. When ABS or ESP would be activated an error occurs and truck goes into neutral with neutral light blinking on shifter. ABS did not activate and almost hit a deer. ESP did not activate and almost spun into ditch. Working with dealer currently to confirm.
Steering, Jul 11, 2024
As I was driving suddenly the power steering emergency light came on on the dashboard and the steering wheel locked up creating a extremely dangerous condition. This all occurred without warning or any signs of a problem prior. My safety and others safety needless to say was in great danger.I called the dealership to ask if they had any incidents of this kind reported but they would not confirm... however a search on You tube and google verify many others have experienced this issue.
Steering, Jul 11, 2024
Electronic Power steering went out while driving the vehicle. Temporarily lost control while driving the vehicle. We took it to a dealer and they confirmed this is the same issue the previously recalled 2015-2016 trucks have and they cannot order the part needed to fix the issue as the part has been discontinued. The system says "national backorder with no ETA" however, the dealership said Dodge has discontinued the part entirely so they do not anticipate the part coming back and becoming available. There were NO prior warnings of any issues before losing control of the power steering. The truck has always had regular maintenance, oil changes etc. Very well maintained truck so this was unexpected. Now we are left with a truck that we cannot buy a part for with NO anticipated release date & Dodge still has not recalled the 2013 so there is nothing we can do. This is extremely dangerous to not recall as it will cause serious harm to future drivers with the same issue.
Steering, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 8, 2024
Power steering stopped working with no warning as the truck was being driven up a busy Highway at 65 MPH. Lost momentary control of the truck but was able to pull over and turn it off without incident. When it was restarted the engine light came on with an error message popping up. It was on a very busy highway but we were able to limp it home, going miles under the speed limit with emergency flashers on for safety. It is very hard to steer and the brakes do not seem to be working correctly now. After starting it again today to see if its still giving an error, another light is on regarding the ABS system and the power steering is not working at all. The truck is not safe to drive as and the problem has been confirmed by a local dealership and the truck is on a waiting list to see about further diagnostics & repairs. It is available for inspection at any time.
Steering, Jul 7, 2024
Vehicle encountered sudden loss of power steering while driving, nearly resulting in a crash. Vehicle steering tends to lock in a drifting angle, and recovery often requires a turn in the opposite direction of the intended direction to correct.
Steering, Jul 7, 2024
Power steering faild
Steering, Jul 6, 2024
Loss of power steering still continues. Replaced the intermittent lower steering shaft. Still losing power steering occasionally. Turning left or right the wheel will lock up half way through the turn making me drive straight into on coming traffic. Vary scary.
Steering, Jun 30, 2024
Was driving and the power steering stopped working out of nowhere. And an icon popped up on dash of a red steering wheel with exclamation point. Now sometimes it will work but 98% of the time it doesn’t
Steering, Jun 27, 2024
Steering jerked while turning and needed extra strength to maintain control. This problem has happened multiple times in the last 24 hours. Upon looking at the nhtsa website I found an open investigation (RQ 23-003) and I feel like my truck would fall into the action/summary provided. I have been able to maintain control but there is no notice provided (that I have caught onto) and it is intermittent. The service power steering light does come on and very quickly turns off.
Steering, Jun 27, 2024
*Power Steering locked up and you cannot steer the vehicle. * The steering locked up and almost caused me to hit the guardrail at intersection. * Have replaced Rack and Pinion but still locks up. *No warning or messages and no previous warning.
Steering, Electrical system, Wheels, Jun 26, 2024
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVIING WITH WARNING. FAILED SYSTEM IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION ON VEHICLE DUE TO LACK OF RECALL FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE. COMPONENT FAILED WHILE DRIVING SPEED LIMIT ON HIGHWAY CURVE ENDANGERING SELF AND OTHERS. PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED HOWEVER RECALLS ARE NOT APPROPRIATED TO VEHICLE IN QUESTION. IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY MECHANIC SHOP WHO STATED DEALERSHIP MUST CORRECT. DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED RECALL INFORMATION. THE WARNING WAS NOT PRESENT AT TIME OF INCIDENT. THE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH ONLY APPEARED AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, MULTIPLE TIMES ON THE DAY AFTER THE INCIDENT.
Steering, Jun 26, 2024
The electric power steering went out in oct 2023 and I have been driving this using manual steering since. The truck only had 35000 miles on it when the eps failed. This needs to be recalled since other ram trucks have reported the same failure.