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 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering, which caused her husband to almost crash into another vehicle. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who also confirmed the previous mechanic's diagnosis and that the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering, Apr 24, 2023
Electronic power steering stopped working making the vehicle impossible to steer. This appears to be a problem with a lot of these vehicles.
Steering, Service brakes, Apr 16, 2023
I parked at a house where I was doing a service call for a plumbing issue. The house has a 45 degree driveway. I killed the truck and I exited the vehicle and started my work inside. I needed my headlamp from the visor of the truck. I came out to the truck to get my headlamp. I put my right knee onto the driver seat and grabbed my headlamp. My elbow hit my shifter and my truck took off rolling backwards. I was able to get away from the truck, the truck jumped the curb across the street and came to a stop in an open grassy spot. I walked to the truck to see if I could tell what happened. The truck was not cranked at the time and I had the keys in my pocket. I tried to put the truck into park and couldn’t do so. I put the key into the ignition and turned the key so that I could put the truck into park and crank it. Couldn’t shift it up. I called my friend who is s master mechanic and he removed the steering wheel cover and pushed a yellow button down in which then he was able to shift it back into park. I drove the truck home which was very tough bc there was no longer any power steering. Very hard to do. I got the truck home and i haven’t used it because it no longer has assisted steering which was working fine before this happened.
Steering, Apr 5, 2023
Power steering (EPS failure) powersteering keeps going out randomly
Steering, Mar 17, 2023
The power steering system failed and malfunctioned resulting in the loss of all steering control. The safety of myself and drivers around me are put at risk as the vehicle is nearly impossible to control or turn without the power assistance. Thus is making any slight turns or changes will result in continuing forward without the ability to move out of the way or pull over to the curb. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or dealer. It was inspected and reproduced at my local service station. There was no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. And it first appeared on March 16th, 2023. My truck has never had any major issues. While the truck is 10 years old, it has low mileage at just under 55k miles driven. Dodge RAM has an outstanding recall for this issue on several of their 1500 model, however I was informed today that this truck is not part of the recall. Researching online, I have found that this is a major problem for my model and that owners have to fork out an average of $2,500 for the repair. This is a major safety issue and should be included in the recall.
Steering, Mar 3, 2023
I lost power steering while driving twice. Now, the power steering no longer works. When cranking the truck, you get service power steering message. Ram issued a recall for defective eps rack and pinion units. The serial number on my unit is TIC0583B5480, it is not one of the serial numbers included in the recall, but it has failed at 75,100 miles. I have not taken to the dealer because I am not going to pay them to tell me it's not in the recall and to tell me it has to be replaced at my expense.
Steering, Feb 21, 2023
My power steering has become intermittent and sluggish then works great for some periods of time. I would like my vehicle added to the Safety Recall VB8 / NHTSA 19V-812 Electric Power Steering Gear.
Steering, Feb 20, 2023
Electronic Power Steering has intermittent failures without warning while driving. The truck is unsafe to drive. An independent service center has confirm confirmed the problem.
Steering, Feb 16, 2023
My power steering stopped working making the truck very difficult to steer. Luckily it happened upon cranking the engine after filling up at a gasoline station. There was no warning of any kind before the failure happened. Mileage on my 2013 Ram is 62,000 miles. If I would have been driving at a highway speed traveling into a curve it would have been very difficult to maintain control. My dealership has had my truck over 2 weeks waiting on a whole new power steering unit to come for them to install. No guarantee the part will be in by next week either. Cost will be approximately $2500.
Steering, Jan 24, 2023
January 22, 2023, When I cranked my 2013 Ram 1500 truck the Power Steering warning light came on and my steering wheel was locked. It would not turn left or right. I am so glad I was not on the road when this malfunction occurred. I checked all fuses associated with the power steering and all were good. After speaking with a mechanic the parts I need is not available until mid-February and cost expected above $2,000. This is not good. If the steering locked while I was driving no telling how many people could have been hurt or killed.
Steering, Jan 11, 2023
While driving my power steering all of a sudden went out due to the electric power steering. I was lucky I didn’t have a load and I was traveling alone. Other people may not be as lucky as me. I don’t want anyone else to experience that
Steering, Jan 10, 2023
The E.P.S (electric power steering) failed and cause the steering wheel to lock. This caused a safety issue as I was unable to steer. The vehicle had to be towed, taken to a local repair shop where ALL the electric components were tested (Battery, computer and wires) This seems to be a problem with Ram trucks as a replacement part is unavailable anywhere and over $1500. There was no warning of a problem and suddenly it failed which made it impossible to steer and dangerous. This failed component put my life and my family's life in jeopardy
Steering, Dec 14, 2022
Electronic Power Steering randomly goes in and out of power while in operation. A laughably minute amount of research revealed multiple others with identical issues with the same make/model vehicle.
Steering, Dec 13, 2022
Steering power assist failed, luckily in a parking lot. Steering warning light illuminated and there was no power assist. Obviously loss of power assist is a real danger to me and any vehicle or pedistrian nearby. Drove another 5 miles, with great steering difficulty, to an appointment. Shut vehicle off 45 minutes. When I restarted, steering warning light was off and steering worked normally. Have not been able to duplicate the problem. Current mileage is 64000
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2022
Rack opinion according to Dodge dealership mechanics need replacing. I was told by another professional mechanic that the sway bar and tire rods need to be replaced. Will you all please search for Recalls N complaints. I will have the racken opinion work done because of the Safety issues that are at hand. Also anticipating sway bar n tire rod and front end work to Ensure that we are safe in the vehicle. Thank you!Safety First!
Steering, Nov 17, 2022
Driving home from school and steering light came on and power steering stopped working ,nearly lost control,pulled over to check it out and didn’t see any problems,started truck back and was running fine , happened again a couple days later and took it to the dealership,, they said over 3000 dollars to fix,I could have been in a serious accident but there is no recall on this part ,ram needs to really do something about this before someone gets seriously injured or worse
Steering, Nov 4, 2022
While driving at hwy speed 55 mph, lost power steering. The dash board lit up saying service power steering and the truck was extremely difficult to control. No warning just happened. Had this happened before entering a curve or having to avoid an obstacle in the road would create a safety concern for my self and others. Truck is equipped with electronic power steering, and i beleave is what failed. I have an appointment to have it looked at.
Steering, Oct 15, 2022
When leaving/accelerating from a traffic light, the power steering stopped working. I immediately pulled into a parking lot to check power steering fluid...I then discovered this vehicle does not have hydraulic power steering.. It is electric. I got back in the truck to try and get home. The steering worked fine..for about 20 miles. At this time I was at highway speed and not power steering. I weigh over 250 lbs and could turn the steering wheel to get the truck off the road. If my wife would have been driving it could have been much worse. I took the truck to the Dodge dealer; Ron Carter/League City, 409-948-3132; they diagnosed electronic rack and pinion is bad. Must be replaced. After investigating this seems to be a common problem...and it is unsafe... But, for 2013 no recalls. Other years have a recall for this problem. I cannot get any information on this problem from the local dealer. The Manufacture ignores my emails.. Now, it is even worse, for something that is not bad enough for a recall, I have already waited over 70 days for the part to fix the problem. I realize supply chain, etc. But for a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles, and apparently not a Ram problem, why not a part to repair...ESPECIALLY SINCE IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM...THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM.
Steering, Oct 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel seized and the contact was unable to operate the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence where a diagnostic reader was used and the failure code for the electronic power steering module (EPS) was retrieved. The contact stated that the local dealer was made aware of the failure; however, they confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.
Steering, Sep 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving through a curve at 15 MPH, the power steering assist failed without warning. As a result of the failure, the contact lost control of the vehicle and drove into the front yard of a residential property almost crashing into a tree. Due to the failure, the contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a defective rack and pinion. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Sep 28, 2022, crash
THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING GEAR FAILED. THAT IS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME FIVE TIMES WHILE I WAS ON MY WAY HOME. IT PUT ME INTO THE DITCH AND THE SIDE OF HILL THREE OF THOSE FIVE. HAD THERE BEEN ANY ON COMING TRAFFIC THIS COULD HAVE VERY EASILY TURNED INTO A HEADON COLLISION AS THESE EVENTS CAUSED TOTAL AND COMPLETE LOSS OF ABILITY TO STEER OR CONTROL THE TRUCK. LITHIA DODGE IN BILLINGS MONTANA HAS CONFIRMED THE FAILURE OF THE EPS SYSTEM. THE ONLY PEOPLE TO INSPECT THIS ISSUE HAS BEE THE LITHIA DODGES LINE TECHS.THERE WERE NO WARNING LAMPS OR ANY OTHER INDICATIONS OF EMMINENT FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE COULD HAVE KILLED US. LITHIA DODGE HAS TOLD US THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE.. KEEP TRYING TO TELL US THIS IS GOING TO COST 4700.00 THE FIRST TIME THEN 2400. I THINK IT IS. BUT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, IF THERE IS A FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT. WHY DOES IT NOT ALLOW A MANUEL OVERIDE TO OCCUR WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE DRIVER TO AT LEAST STEER THIS THING. AND IM BEING TOLD THAT THEY, WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL....... I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY REMOVED THE SKID PLATE AND REFERENCED THE NUMBER ON THE STEERING GEAR UNIT TO THE NUMBERS LISTED ON THE VB8 RECALL INSTRUCTIONS.
Steering, Aug 19, 2022
Steering warning light came on and very hard to turn any direction
Steering, Aug 19, 2022
I had drove to a job the truck drove fine probably 10 miles. I went to leave the job after about an hour and half went to back out and I couldn’t turn my steering wheel. The service power steering light came on I proceeded to drive because me and my 3 year old had no other way of getting back home so I had to struggle to turn some three of four times about ten miles to park it in my garage. I haven’t been able to dive it to get it fixed because I am not able to drive it far to get it serviced. I have checked the fuse and it is good and everything I read says it has to do with the power steering module.
Steering, Aug 18, 2022
While driving in the second largest city in my state, the electric power steering went out without a warning almost causing an accident because steering the vehicle while in a turn became so difficult I had to use both hands to force the to make the turn needed. Once I was able to get off of the road then the warning light to service the power steering came on. After investigating the issue, I see thousands of others have had the same problem .
Steering, Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel jerked and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact used extra effort to steer the vehicle safely to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.