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, Oct 19, 2023
Power steering warning light came on on dash and the vehicle lost power steering. This happened while driving and nearly caused an accident. I can sometimes play with the keys and get it to function again.
Steering, Oct 18, 2023
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT INTERMITENTLY. SOMETIMES IT COMES BACK, OTHER TIMES IT WILL STAY OUT FOR A PROLONGED TIME. WARNING LAMP ONLY COMES ON ONCE THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT.
Steering, Oct 15, 2023
Driving down a city street going 30mph. The service power steering warning light came and and I lost the ability to steer the pickup. Was barely able to get the vehicle off the road to a safe location.
Steering, Oct 15, 2023
I believe the problem is with the electronic steering component. This issue started about a month ago. When I'm backing out of my driveway it seems the power steering is failing, making it hard to steer. Secondly when I'm at a red light making a right or left hand turn, the power steering fails making it hard to make the turn, and once the turn is completed, I must manually straighten the vehicle out. I looked for recalls and saw there has been 200 plus complaints about this year vehicle and the steering problem. The repair cost is very expensive what I read on line. I have not taken the vehicle to an Dodge dealer yet, trying to do some research first to see if this problem was recalled Please help and thank you in advance. Respectfully, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Lane departure, Oct 5, 2023
Steering froze while driving
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2023
Electronic power steering unit failure. EPS Unit. Loss of power assist. Warning light came on Friday Sept 29, 2023 at approximately 1:30pm est. when I entered the vehicle and started the engine. Vehicle had been driven and parked for approximately 10 min before I went back to vehicle and leave that location. Warning light was a large icon of a red steering wheel with a red exclamation mark ️ then the screen said, “service power steering “ with the red indicator still remaining on. No other warning lights or symptoms prior to the above information. Vehicle taken to Signature Automotive 2725 Northgate Court Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 889-5959 at 8:00 am 10/4/23 for diagnosis. Service advisor stated that there was internal circuit failure. Throwing all “sorts” of internal codes in the electronic unit. Was unable to have system Reestablish communication. Entire rack and pinion unit needs replacement. Called Dodge dealership at 5855 Ga Highway 400 Cumming, GA 30028-4194 I spoke with parts dept. regarding OEM replacement , etc. Advised me that it would be a week to 10 business days before they could get the part. Even then didn’t guarantee that because of the latest strike happening. Informed me it could take much longer. I was also advised not to drive the vehicle. Due to the fact of steering could lock-up while driving and cause a crash. Putting myself and others at risk! At this time the indicator light is still on. Remains on when vehicle is running. No power assist. Extremely difficult to turn.
Steering, Oct 2, 2023
sudden failure of power steering,with out any prior warning or symptoms
Steering, Oct 1, 2023
The power/electric steering fails intermittently making it impossible to control the vehicle
Steering, Oct 1, 2023
Driving to work and the electric power steering quit working as I was turning onto the roadway, this caused me to almost hit an oncoming vehicle, I was able to avoid hitting said vehicle.
Steering, Oct 1, 2023
Power steering went out with no warning.
Steering, Sep 26, 2023
Power steering comes and goes with no rhyme or reason. You have to shut truck off and restart and hope it comes back on. Have looked at replacement parts but they are hard to come by and repair is expensive. Looking at the web it seems like there should be a recall.
Steering, Sep 26, 2023
Power steering failed while driving making steering very difficult. The safety of myself and my passenger were definitely put at risk as we were in the midst of a left 90 degree turn when the failure occurred. When failure occurred a warning light appeared on dash. Problem persisted after restarting vehicle. Incident just occurred today. In researching problem I saw where several hundred people had reported the same problem, so I thought I should report it. I will take it to the dealer for service and ask them to save any replaced parts.
Steering, Sep 26, 2023
While driving in traffic and started to make a left turn, steering locked up and at same time warning message "service esc" illuminated. Steering became rock hard and gently touched another vehicle as I was attempting to forcefully steer this truck to side of road. Shut off engine, and restarted and problem went away. Attempted to drive last four miles to residence and again steering locked up(NO powersteering assist) Causing me to temporaily lose control. I contacted FCA who offered no financial assistance since vehicle is a one owner 2013. Not even goodwill. Further diagnosis determined electronic steering rack was at fault internally and would have to be replaced. Very scarce part, found one in florida @ $2200. Bought the rack and had a CJDR tech replace it, realign and reprogram. I noticed Ram had a similiar recall on later model Rams, but absolutely NO GOODWILL from Ram.
Steering, Sep 26, 2023
Power steering just stopped working
Steering, Sep 22, 2023
Power steering failure without warning when driving, steering wheel with exclamation illuminated on dash. Serious and dangerous situation that could have potentially resulted in an acccident or injury. Dodge Chrysler Fiat needs to issue recall immediately.
Steering, Sep 22, 2023
Failure mode is currently unknown but electric steering failed when pulling vehicle out of the garage. Currently waiting on dealer to diagnose and repair issue but had this failure occured at highway speeds, this could have resulted in severe injury to the driver or other motorists.
Steering, Sep 21, 2023
Complete loss of power steering, service centers have stated the Electric Power Steering unit went bad, but there are currently no parts available for the repair with the exception of a rare after-market part that cost double the standard cost. trcu has been sitting for months waiting for parts.
Steering, Sep 20, 2023
The power steering failed without warning while I was pulling into my driveway and I could no longer turn the steering wheel. I was completely surprised by this and ended up driving about 10 feet into my front yard grass before slamming on the brakes and coming to a stop. Kids often play in this area of my yard...this could have ended tragically. My vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it was confirmed that the power steering system failed and had to be replaced. Only the repair shop has inspected the faulty power steering system, but I did take pictures of it when I picked up the vehicle. There was no warning light prior to the failure but, Immediately afterwards, a light and message indicating "SERVICE POWER STEERING" came on in my in-dash display. I keep my vehicle well maintained and with only 90,000 miles, this failure was inexcusably premature.
Steering, Sep 18, 2023
Electronic power steering rack disabled while driving in parking lot which made it very difficult to steer into a safe area. Part has been replaced by qualified auto repair shop but was told that the current recall for this part, while being the same part, was not covered for year 2013 only 2015 and newer. There was a red steering wheel illuminated on the dash as soon as the power steering disabled.
Steering, Sep 17, 2023
First intermittent, then full loss of power steering when driving. This is a common problem with 2013-2016 ram trucks and should be recalled for safety reasons
Steering, Sep 15, 2023
Electronic Power Steering died. Could not turn steering wheel. I was just informed by repair shop that the steering control module and rack/pinion will have to be replaced at a cost of $3,600. No warning lights prior to the failure. Service center has ordered the parts and I am having them installed next week so I don't have a receipt for repairs yet.
Steering, Sep 14, 2023
Gearshift Bracket Broken into two pieces. MOPAR Part number 5057506AD.
Steering, Sep 13, 2023
While driving on the highway may power steering stopped working. I didnt know it stopped working until I started to steer to stay in the lane. This could have been a major problem if I needed to move suddenly and couldn't. I found on the electric power steering has been a problem in these. I had no warning, no alert, nothing. Just felt it and then noticed the warning light on the dash. I pulled over and took off the negative cable. This reset it and it continued to work for about 15 miles and it did it again. Now its like that all the time. I am starting to work the problem to figure out what is exactly wrong with it.
Steering, Sep 13, 2023
I was driving home from the grocery store my trucked started jerking to the right and I lost all power steering the safety light came on. I lost control of the truck pulling into driveway and took out my mailbox due to the power steering failure. This had not been a previous issue and it just occurred while driving
Steering, Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 4 MPH, the steering wheel locked with the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was slowed down and restarted approximately four times, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and EPS unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.