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 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated driving 75 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently and veered into another lane, nearly causing a crash. 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 message disappeared. Additionally, the power steering became operable, and the contact was able to continue driving. However, the contact stated that the failure had been recurring daily. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Steering, Aug 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the rack and pinion may need to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Steering, Aug 10, 2023
Power Steering went out on my teenager’s truck in July 2023. When the power steering went out it caused the truck to have about 40 errors pop up on the dash. I (his mom) had to drive his truck (he drove my car) till we were able to get it fixed 3 weeks later for $3,237.87 at the dealer. I am not strong. Driving a vehicle with no power steering is not safe for anyone. Turning is hard. You need more space to turn. These are things you don't normally have to teach teens to do when learning to drive.
Steering, Aug 10, 2023
The Electric Power Steering rack and pinion failed. The old part is not available for inspection now, it was scrapped after I order the new one and replaced it. I was driving home, fortunately near my house, at low speed when the steering became almost locked. I was alone in my car fortunately, but people around and other cars realized I got out of my way. Fortunately I was able to stop the car, and then try to turn the wheel (almost impossible) to get the car out of the way. The problem was confirmed by a technician using a scanner, visual inspection and other test. The old component was not inspected by any organization. There were no previous warnings to this situation, or other signs the could indicate this will happen. I noticed a recent investigation for this kind of damage in the RAM 1500, so I am writing to support in case there is a wrong doing by anyone.
Steering, Aug 9, 2023
Total loss of power steering while driving. Impossible to steer truck when it happened almost causing collision. Costing thousands of dollars to repair with a rebuilt rack. Now the truck will not turn as far as it should resulting in failed steering alignments.
Steering, Aug 9, 2023
Steering wheel failed to unlock when engine started. Warning lamp appeared, showing locked steering wheel. Transmission would go into gear, however steering wheel was very difficult to turn. I managed to get it to unlock by shutting the engine off and turning the wheel in both directions and starting the engine back on a few times. Dave's service center inspected my truck and stated the power steering unit was bad. They quoted that the replacement unit from the dealership cost $4072, however iy was out of stock with no timeline of when they would get one in. I spoke with Travis, at Travis auto repair and he stated they could get an after market unit for $1400.00. I have an appointment with them August 21st to get my truck repair. I was instructed not to drive it as the unit could fail at any time. This first happened on August 2nd and the 6th. The steering wheel currently will not unlock.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 9, 2023
Power steering would turn on and off while driving then after 1 day of this there was no power steering at all, no light on the dash until it fully went out, I can see recalls in the past over similar problems and when I called they said it was brought in for a software update and that's it, brought to my own shop and the repair will be a whole new rack, costly and dangerous. When the power steering would turn off and on while driving it would snap the steering wheel back to the center
Steering, Aug 9, 2023
My family and I were on vacation last month then suddenly we did not have any control of the sterring wheel was very hard to turn the steering wheel. There was a lot of traffic on interstate hwy 35 at this time had no power steering took to a shop later that week code was C2217-00 Electrical Power Steering Module Internal Failure. This would have been catastrophic if an accident was to happen contacted Dodge they said no recall on this year for that specific code so I just found out that this is an ongoing failure with this item on this vehicle dose someone have to get injured before they do something about this.
Steering, Aug 9, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The power steering system failed, as indicated by the locking up of the steering wheel and the power steering light that illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle and its malfunctioned component are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While I was pulling up to a gas pump, the sudden locking up of the steering wheel prevented me from controlling the vehicle's direction. I almost drove straight into the gas pump, which could have caused a serious accident and posed a substantial risk to my safety and the safety of others around me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, I have taken the vehicle to multiple shops. All have confirmed the issue with the power steering. They have also noted that the necessary parts to fix the problem are on back order. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? While the backstory doesn't specify if the vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others, based on the information given, you can answer: No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others, but it has been examined by several independent service centers. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the power steering light popped up on the dashboard when the issue occurred. There was no prior indication or warning before this sudden malfunction.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
Steering wheel locked up while driving without warning. The Electric power steering consists of the entire rack and pinion. Called every Ram dealer within 100 miles and no service or shop foreman’s have even heard of this. If you look at any ram forums, this is a common accurance with the same year and model.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
With no warning, the electric power steering just shuts off leaving you with an unsafe, sometimes impossible situation of getting the car pulled off the road.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
The power steering stopped completely could not steer went shop they installed a new one for 3000. This this is the same issue that you are investigating on ram power steering 2013 2016
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
Power steering went out
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
Power steering service light came on one day out of no where. I thought it was a regular power steering pump did some research and it was electric saw where they could be a recall on it. Haven’t been able to drive it absolutely no power steering I was driving down the road and it kicked on about caused me to wreck at a intersection.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
The power assist motor failed years ago. Dodge said it was outside the recall date. Just like all the other recalls. They said that my truck was outside the time.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Jul 28, 2023
On 26 July 2023 I was driving on the feeder road on west 610 south in Houston Texas. While making a left turn onto MLK Blvd my power steering quit in the middle of the turn. The service power steering light illuminated and the steering was very difficult. I was able to manhandle it back to the house but upon arrival it was almost impossible to get the truck into the driveway due to the steering being so hard. After finally getting into the driveway I turned the truck off and then on again and the steering seemed normal. I haven’t driven the truck sense. My current mileage is 70368. Luckily I wasn’t on the freeway when this occurred as this was during rush hour traffic. It was already bad enough that the he issue occurred at a traffic light with a dual left turn into three lanes. This is a major safety issue that CDJR should issue a recall for. I have read that there are thousands of other similar complaints for the same issue and was told by the dealer that the parts are on back order. The issue with the steering commands an immediate safety bulletin and a recall as it puts not only the driver and passengers at risk of serious injury or death, it also places the risks on the general public.
Steering, Jul 27, 2023
While driving the truck the power steering intermittently stops working. Sometimes by turning the truck off and back on it resets to start working again. When the power steering goes out it is nearly impossible to make a turn onto a road, etc. Turning a corner I nearly hit another vehicle head on when the power steering went out. Prior to failure there was no indication or notice it was going to stop working. Mechanic currently has the truck and just called to say it is a $3200 repair due to the module, pin, etc being bad. Parts are on back order, I’m assuming because it has been occurring with several of the RAM trucks. I reached out to the dealership and they informed me that there was currently no power steering recall.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2023
The electronic power steering suddenly stopped working while I was turning and I almost got in an accident, then the power steering suddenly came back again while I was turning and since it wasnt working I was having to use a lot of force to turn it so when it came back on the steering wheel turned very quickly and I ended up in the ditch. Luckily no one was hurt this could have been very bad. Yes it is available for inspection. The safety of a lot of people were at risk. This is a recall on other 2013-2015 Dodge Ram 1500's, ours however doesnt match the serial numbers of the recalled ones even though it is obviously affected by the same issue. The recall number is VB9/NHTSA 19E-077. The parts have been looked at by a mechanic and they are bad, and very expensive to replace. The electronic dash also stopped working before this so I dont know if there were any warning lights or anything before this happened.
Steering, Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2023, crash
I was driving and slowing down to 45 mph going through Corrigan, TX on 59. The truck all the sudden accelerated pulling to the left, then all of a sudden slammed to the right and went over a curb. I had no steering control and my foot was all the way down on the brakes to try and stop. I'm lucky it didn't happen 20 min before when 75mph was speed limit. The a frame broke, Ball joints, broke rack and pinion, cracked the weld that holds the a frame to the truck, and I'm not sure what else is broken yet. My rim and tire both need to be replaced. The aluminum broke straight across. This should not have happened and could have gotten me and others killed. I am getting the truck taken to dodge to find out what all broke and how much it is going to cost. I should not have to pay for this. This should never happen and it put me and everyone around me in danger. I am still a nervous wreck from this.
Steering, Jul 12, 2023
EPS (Power Steering Rack and Pinion) Driving on the interstate when my whole EPS (Power Steering System) failed at 75MPH. Never had had prior issues, No warning lights until after the system failed
Steering, Jul 2, 2023
The power steering failed
Steering, Jun 30, 2023
While driving local hiway at about 45mph, just as I was making a right turn the steering wheel locked up and had to strong arm the truck out of oncoming traffic. Got to the side of road, and noticed a "Service Steering" message on dash. Shut the vehicle off, rested 10 minutes and restarted without the concern. Continued on errands, and again without warning, the steering locked up and caused me to hit a curb with right front wheel. Had to drive this truck with manual steering back to my driveway. Dealer tech stated this is common, will cost approx. $3000 and the electronic rack is on back order!! WTF ????
Steering, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and approaching an exit, the contact became aware that the steering had seized, and the vehicle became extremely difficult to control. The power steering fault warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic steering module inside the steering gearbox. The vehicle unrepaired at the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Steering, May 27, 2023
Power steering intermittently stops working when driving. Shut vehicle off and restart to get it working again.
Steering, May 24, 2023
While driving at approximately 40mph, the power steering system failed without warning causing the vehicle to cross a double line into the oncoming lane. The vehicle was very difficult to steer. The message "Service Power Steering" appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle has not yet been independently inspected, but an online search revealed hundreds of similar cases of the electronic rack and pinion system failing.