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, May 17, 2024
While driving, the SERVICE POWER STEERING warning light came on and I suddenly lost all power steering. I could barely turn the vehicle. Had there been other vehicles near me it could have caused an accident. Dodge said they can’t look at it for 5 days.
Steering, May 14, 2024
POWER STEERING FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. STEERING WAS TOO HEAVY TO CONTINUE TO TURN. ALMOST CRASHED INTO CAR COMING OPPOSITE DIRECTION, CAR ALONGSIDE, AND REAR ENDED BY TRUCK BEHIND. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE RAM DOES NOT MAKE THE PART ANYMORE AND IT IS SOLD OUT NATIONWIDE AS SO MANY HAVE FAILED. PART # R8573449aa WHY HASN"T THERE BEEN A RECALL IF SO MANY HAVE FAILED? THE TRUCK IS UNMANEUVARABLE WHEN IT FAILS. THANK YOU.
Steering, May 12, 2024
Started up my truck and found I could not steer it. Had truck towed to a garage and found that the electric power steering failed. They had to replace the steering which cost over 4 thousand dollars. I have found on your site there have been other people that have had the same issue. Had this failure occurred while I was driving it could have resulted in a serious accident.
Steering, May 10, 2024
The steering wheel locked up while driving without warning thankfully was going straight and not in a turn or driving at a high speed. Steering warning light came on after it happened, got the vehicle off the road and shut it off waited roughly 20 minutes started it back up and it was working fine.
Steering, Traction control system, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 20 minutes later, and steering left, the brake and power steering warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel became extremely stiff and jerked into a straight position. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was taken to the residence where a hand-held diagnostic machine retrieved DTC code: C-2200. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
Steering, Apr 28, 2024
After about an hour drive, I turned the truck off for about 3 hours. Upon restarting the truck, service power steering warning appeared. I disconnected the battery to reset and the power steering came back for a short time. I lost power steering while driving. I was able to muscle thru to get the truck home but if my wife had been driving, she would have wrecked in our Houston traffic. Thinking it may be a minor electrical issue, I cleaned both battery posts and all connections. Still no power steering. This is a serious issue being that it happens while operating the vehicle. Is there a recall on the power steering?
Steering, Apr 28, 2024, crash
While driving I experienced full power steering loss out of nowhere, causing me to drive into a ditch. There was no indication of a failure prior to the incident, only a steering indication light afterwards on my dash.
Steering, Apr 21, 2024
Sudden unexplainable loss of powersteering
Steering, Apr 20, 2024
The electric steering gearbox failed while driving down the road, leaving me completely without any steering.
Steering, Apr 17, 2024
Power steering stopped working
Steering, Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2024
I had to replace my Rack and Pinion and tie rods because my steering wouldn't work and my truck only has 51,744k miles on it. This makes no sense to me. This should be a recall issue.
Steering, Apr 11, 2024
Power steering failed on mine. Recall was done on other 2013 rams for similar issue but they say mine does not fall under the recall. I am experiencing the same issue that led to this recall, yet mine wasn't recalled? And the rack and pinion to fix part of issue is no longer made new (or after market), only refurbished and back ordered majorly (due to recall I would assume)
Steering, Apr 7, 2024
Power steering failed/stopped working while operating my 2013 Dodge Ram 1500. Loss of power steering while driving causes a significant risk to myself as well as others on the roadway however I was driving locally and able to make it to a safe location.
Steering, Apr 3, 2024
While driving to an appointment I heard 2 audible dings while turning. I looked at my dash and had no visible warning lights. Then I suddenly had no power steering whatsoever! Luckily I was in the parking lot pulling into a parking spot and had enough strength to turn the wheel. Had I been on a busy street or in one of our busy roundabouts, the power steering loss could have easily lead to a crash. After doing some research to diagnose the problem, I learned this seems to be a pretty common issue with the electronic steering rack used in my vehicle.
Steering, Apr 2, 2024
Power steering unexpectedly went out when I started the vehicle. I brought it in for diagnosis [XXX] to Winimac Indiana Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM and they cannot source a replacement rack and pinion (New or manufactured). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Mar 29, 2024
Intermittent loss of power steering
Steering, Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact’s son stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that her son restarted the vehicle several times to be able to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.
Steering, Mar 25, 2024
The power steering component failed- unable to turn steering wheel. It was sudden, not gradual loss. Not being able to steer a vehicle is clearly a safety issue. The problem persists and vehicle was towed to dealership. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance. It has been confirmed by local Dodge Ram dealership in Fruitland Park, FL. There were no warning lights prior to this problem. Many Ram trucks have been recalled for this same issue. The recall NEEDS to be extended to cover all of these trucks that are affected.
Steering, Mar 22, 2024
Vehicle lost all power steering. Mechanic stated that the whole Gear-Rack And Pinion would need to be replace which is a cost at around 5000.00
Steering, Mar 20, 2024
I was driving the truck last Friday 3/15 and the power steering complete failed. I lost all power steering and almost had an accident. I was able to get the vehicle to my destination, but only because I am a big guys and can somewhat turn the vehicle without the power steering. The check power steering indicator came on and stayed on. The power steering never came back and the check power steering indicator is still on. I have taken the truck to independent shop.They evaluate the vehicle and say it needs a completely new electronic rack and pinion system. This repair will cost me approximately $5000.
Steering, Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle was driven to the destination. The following day when the vehicle was started, the power steering failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 10, 2024
Driving fine with no problems then all of a sudden a bell starts chiming about 6 to 8 times then the steering light comes on and the ABS light comes on in the dash and starts blinking , then I lost power to the steering wheel ,was very hard to steer. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the engine off and waited a few minutes to crank it , every thing went normal and I drove home, but before I got home it did it again but this time it went haywire and the wipers came on and the dash lite up like a Christmas tree. I finally made it home and parked it . I sent off the TIPM unit to get repaired ,fixed but steering is still not wanting to work , will call my mechanic to put it in the shop. I have a truck that I have spent a lot of money fixing one thing after another , have already replaced the motor in 2020 . It seems like this truck is a lemon. Thank you01
Steering, Mar 9, 2024
Electronic power steering rack and pinion stopped working while driving. Error message on dash. No power assist, difficult to impossible to steer vehicle.
Steering, Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed, and the steering wheel had become extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local service center who diagnosed that the steering circuit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Steering, Mar 6, 2024
Power steering suddenly stoped while driving and began flashing service power steering, avoided an accident. Failed EPS module. No repair units are available anywhere and can't be driven.