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, Jun 17, 2020
WE WERE TRAVELING ABOUT 70 MPH ON I75 SOUTH IN FLORIDA WHEN SUDDENLY THE POWER STEERING FAILED. A WARNING FLASHED ON THE SCREEN. ON TURNING THE MOTOR OFF THE POWER STEERING WOULD TEMPORARILY REGAIN FUNCTION ONLY TO AGAIN FAIL IN A SHORT DISTANCE. LEAVING THE TRUCK VERY HARD TO STEER AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A VERY BAD CRASH. MILEAGE WAS 52,990 AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Jun 5, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.*DT*JB
Steering, May 28, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 80 MPH, THE STEERING CEASED WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION AFTER APPROXIMATELY 45 SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V287000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,259.
Steering, May 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS DAUGHTER WHO OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS MOVING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CHECK POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAIN SECURITY MODULE CAUSED THE POWER STEERING FAILURE AND NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,669.
Steering, May 14, 2020
RECENTLY,, AFTER DRIVING OUT TO CAPTIVA ISLAND IN FORT MYERS, I GOT BACK IN MY 2013 RAM 1500 TRUCK (A HEMI) AND HAD NO POWER STEERING. I HAD TO MANAGE DRIVING OVER BRIDGES AND WATER WAYS TO GET BACK HOME WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE BRIDGE OVER WATER IT COULD HAVE BEEN QUITE SCARY. ON INVESTIGATING SAW THAT THIS HAS BEEN A SAFETY RECALL ITEM ON LATER MODELS LIKE 2015 AND 2016, WHY NOT THE 2013. IT IS THE SAME PART AND WAS THE FIRST YEAR FOR THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST. THIS IS COSTING $2300.00 TO FIX AS THE WHOLE RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDS REPLACING. THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING POSSIBLE AS WELL AS BEING A GRAVE SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS. THE TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. *TR
Steering, Mar 17, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME FIRM AND HARD TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED ALAN JAY CHRYSLER DODGE RAM JEEP LOCATED AT (1401 US-17, WAUCHULA, FL 33873, (863) 773-4744) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,200.
Steering, Mar 11, 2020
WHILE ENTERING THE INTERSTATE ON 2/22/2020 MY TRUCK LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER. A WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED STATING "SERVICE POWER STEERING" MY TRUCK IS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPS). I WAS ABLE TO MANHANDLE THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT NEARLY GOING INTO THE DITCH. AFTER LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD TO SEE IF ANYTHING IS WRONG AND FINDING NOTHING I MADE MY WAY BACK HOME SLOWLY WITH MY FLASHERS ON. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE EVER SINCE AND THE POWER STEERING HAS NOT RETURNED. ALL FUSES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND APPEAR GOOD. I JUST TURNED 41,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE READ MANY ARTICLES ABOUT THIS BEING A HUGE PROBLEM FOR MANY OTHER RAM OWNERS WITH THE SAME YEAR MODELS AS MINE AND ALSO NEWER MODEL YEARS. THIS IS EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE AS THE S19 RECALL FOR 2015-2016 DODGE RAMS FILED 07/2016. IF MY WIFE OR SON HAD BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT, THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED DIFFERENTLY, POSSIBLE ACCIDENT, INJURY OR EVEN WORSE, DEATH, TO THEM OR SOMEONE ELSE.
Steering, Feb 23, 2020
HAVE A 2013 SLT 1500 THAT WE PURCHASED USED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO IT CURRENTLY HAS 68491 IN MILES. THE POWER STEERING HAS CEASED WORKING. WHILE BACKING I RECEIVED A SERVICE POWER STEERING WARNING ON THE DASH AND THEN NO POWER STEERING. MY WIFE DROVE THIS TRUCK THE DAY BEFORE THIS OCCURRED HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING WE LIVE IN THE COUNTRY AND THERE ARE LOTS OF CURVES IN OUR ROADS THIS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS. THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE IF EPS IS GOING TO CONTINUE TO BE USED SOME TYPE OF PRE-WARNING OR SAFETY ASSIST IN ADDITION TO EPS.
Steering, Jan 24, 2020
TRUCK HAS A TYPE OF ELECTRIC ASSISTED STEERING. WHILE DRIVING STEERING JUST QUITS WORKING AND VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN, TAKES A LOT OF STRENGTH, VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY AT SPEED. AFTER SHUTTING OFF IGNITION, IT WILL SOMETIMES RETURN TO NORMAL, BUT WILL AGAIN JUST UNEXPECTEDLY STOP WORKING, VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY FOR PEOPLE THAT DO NOT POSSESS ABOVE AVERAGE ARM STRENGTH
Steering, Jan 8, 2020
THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON MY WIFE WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING. THIS PROBLEM IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2015 RAM RECALL. WHY DO WE NOT QUALIFY FOR RECALL. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP AND NOT CRASH. WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS?
Steering, Dec 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAYED "POWER STEERING FLUID LOW" AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. ROB LAMBDIN'S UNIVERSITY DODGE (5456 UNIVERSITY DR, DAVIE, FL 33328) WAS CONTACTED AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TOWED TO THEIR FACILITY. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING UNIT AND HARNES NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 71381486. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,824.
Steering, Nov 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PARKED IN A NEARBY PARKING LOT AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,969.
Steering, Nov 20, 2019
WAS NAVIGATION THROUGH A PARKING LOT WHEN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED RESULTING IN ALMOST ZERO ABILITY TO TURN THE TRUCK. THANKFULLY I WAS GOING SLOW AND ABLE TO STOP IMMEDIATELY. SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND RESTARTED, EPS WAS FUNCTIONING NORMAL. WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME. NEXT TIME STARTING TRUCK, EPS IS NON FUNTIONAL. IT IS LITERALLY ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THIS TRUCK. IT DOES NOT REVERT TO MANUAL STEERING. I CURRENTLY MULTIPLE MANUAL STEERING VEHICLES AND THE RAM IS INFINITELY HARDER TO STEER EVEN WHILE IN MOTION. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND IT CURRENTLY ONLY HAS ROUGHLY 23K MILES ON IT. HAS HARDLY EVER EVEN BEEN RAINED ON. RAM HAS ACTIVE RECALLS FOR EPS ISSUES FOR LATER MODELS BUT REFUSES TO ADDRESS EARLIER MODELS.
Steering, Nov 19, 2019, crash
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WENT OUT WHILE I WAS IN A TURN I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE AND THIS CAUSED ME TO CROSS INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND SLIDE OFF THE ROAD BEFORE I COULD STOP. AFTER 30 MIN OF TRYING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE THE MESSAGE TO SERVICE THE EPS SYSTEM WAS GONE AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE DEALER IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND ALMOST HIT NEW VEHICLES IN THE LOT. THE TECHNICIAN SCANNED THE VEHICLE AND REPORTED THAT FCA WAS OR IS ISSUING A VB9 RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, THEY WILL NOT AUTHORIZE MY VEHICLE TO BE FIXED AND NO ONE HAS CALLED ME SINCE I GOT A CASE NUMBER ON FRIDAY THE CASE NUMBER IS 68148835
Steering, Nov 13, 2019
UPON STARTING ENGINE AND BACKING FROM CARPORT I NOTICED STEERING WAS STIFF AND 'SERVICE POWER STEERING' NOTICE AND SYMBOL WERE DISPLAYED ON DASH. ABSOLUTELY NO ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST. TRIED RESTARTING ENGINE BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. I HAD NO WARNING SIGNS WHATSOEVER, AS THE POWER STEERING HAD BEEN OPERATING EXACTLY AS USUAL THE EVENING BEFORE. THANKFULLY THE FAILURE HAPPENED AS I STARTED THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF NEGOTIATING A CURVE OR DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED WITH APPROXIMATELY 46,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THESE MILES WERE ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY NORMAL HIGHWAY MILES ON GOOD, POTHOLE AND CONSTRUCTION FREE ROADS. A PART AS INTEGRAL TO THE SAFETY AND OPERATION OF A VEHICLE AS THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK SHOULD NOT FAIL WITHIN 46,000 MILES WITHOUT SOME RESPONSIBILITY SHOULDERED BY THE MANUFACTURER, IN MY OPINION. THE STEERING RACK ALONE WAS $1875.00 NOT INCLUDING LABOR OR TAXES.
Steering, Nov 12, 2019
WHILE BACKING INTO MY PARKING SPACE AT WORK MY 2013 RAM 1500 EXPRESS LOST POWER STEERING. THE SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER. THE ELECTRIC MOTOR COULD BE HEARD TRYING TO TURN THE RACK AND PINION BUT THE TIRES WHERE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THIS HAPPENED AT 60,000 MILES WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF SENDING MY VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX RECALLS I HAD.
Steering, Nov 11, 2019
OUR 2013 RAM 1500 SUDDENLY LOST IT'S POWER STEERING. VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVING FINE BUT HAD A "RUBBING" NOISE WHEN TURNING. TOOK TO MECHANIC AND SAID "THIS IS TYPICAL OF RAM'S". WONDERING IF THAT WAS PRECURSOR TO ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPS) UNIT TO FAIL. SON HAD DRIVEN TRUCK TO SCHOOL WITHOUT ISSUE. WHEN STARTED TO COME HOME SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON DASH AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. LUCKILY THIS FAILED WHILE PARKED, BECAUSE LOSS IF POWER STEERING ON SUCH A LARGE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER INVESTIGATION, THIS IS A NOTED PROBLEM WITH RAM 1500 AND HAS EVEN RESULTED IN RECALLS FOR OTHER MODEL YEARS BUT NOT 2013. 2013 WAS THE FIRST MODEL YEAR FOR EPS AND IT IS CLEARLY FAULTY. WITH A REPLACEMENT PART COSTING ~$2100 WITH LABOR AN ADDITIONAL $600, THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR FOR AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT FOR SAFE DRIVING. THIS REALLY SHOULD BE UP TO FIAT-CHRYSLER AMERICA (FCA) TO OWN UP TO THIS DEFECT AND ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT CAUSING INJURY/DEATH OCCURS.
Steering, Oct 14, 2019
WHILE DRIVING 35MPH, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. MY WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS NOT LONGER STRAIGHT. I WENT TO A ALIGNMENT SHOP AND THE TECH SAID THE RACK AND PINION IS NO GOOD, THE BUSHINGS ARE WORN AND THEY CAN NOT ALIGN THE VEHICLE. RACK AND PINION BOLTS ARE NOT STRAIGHT. BUSHINGS ARE WORN. PICTURES ARE ATTACHED.
Steering, Sep 16, 2019
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. WHEN I BACKED INTO THE STREET AND ATTEMPTED TO ROLL THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO ALIGN MYSELF IN THE DIRECTION OF DESIRED TRAVEL, THE STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN AND A RED FLASHING LIGHT (BRIGHT RED STEERING WHEEL FOLLOWED BY AN EXCLAMATION MARK) APPEARED ON MY DASH. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALL BUT IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE IN ANY DIRECTION. THE TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 30K MILES ON IT. MY ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS THAT AT LEAST 44 OTHER 2013 RAM1500 TRUCKS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A LATENT SAFETY ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE ALREADY ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. WILL IT TAKE A PERSON, OR PERSONS, BEING KILLED AS A RESULT OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT IS ADDRESSED? ADDITIONALLY, THE REPAIR COSTS FOR THIS ISSUE HAVE VARIED FROM $1800-$2700 TO CONSUMERS OWNING THESE TRUCKS. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. NOR SHOULD THESE COMPONENTS BE GOING "BAD" ON A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE.
Steering, Jul 1, 2019
COMPLAINT INVOLVING POWER STEERING: ON JUNE 16TH WHEN I WAS ABOUT TO HEAD HOME FROM A RESTAURANT THE CAR GAVE ME A POWER STEERING ERROR AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T MOVE. I HAD TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND START IT BACK UP FOR IT TO GO AWAY. I MADE IT HOME THAT NIGHT BUT THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I WAS LEAVING TO WORK IN THE MORNING IT GAVE ME THE SAME ERROR AND I WASN'T ABLE TO GET THE CODE TO GO AWAY NOR DRIVE THE CAR. SINCE I COULDN'T TAKE THE CHANCE OF IT HAPPENING WHILE I'M OUT OF TOWN WORKING. I HAVEN'T BEEN USING THE TRUCK. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY FRIENDS 2014 RAM AND HIS CHARGER. THE SAME WEEK IT HAPPENED TO MY TRUCK.
Steering, Jun 22, 2019
THIS VEHICLE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TO THE STEERING RACK IN MAY OF 2019. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 8400 MILES AND HAD BEEN IN LIKE NEW CONDITION. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED, WHICH LOCKED UP MAKING IT NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO HANDLE. IF EXITING A HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR CRASH. RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE ON LATER MODELS BUT NOT THE 2013, WHICH WAS THE FIRST YEAR OF INSTALL. THE REPAIR BILL WAS IN EXCESS OF $2400.00. RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY OF THE VEHICLE. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH THIS MILEAGE IN FACTORY LIKE NEW CONDITION. BESIDES THE DANGER INVOLVED THE REPAIR FOR SAME IS ABSURD AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT THE EXPENSE OF DODGE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS BLOGS ABOUT THE FAILURE OF THIS PART AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
Steering, May 21, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MARK DODGE (3777 GERSTNER MEMORIAL BLVD, LAKE CHARLES, LA 70607) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON JANUARY 23, 2018. ON MARCH 28, 2018, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THE FRONT END WAS REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,958. *BF *JB
Steering, Mar 30, 2019
TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND THE "SERVICE POWER STEERING " LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN I STARTED THE TRUCK THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. THE TRUCK HAD 38000 WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
Steering, Feb 12, 2019
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM MCCALL, ID ON FEB 4TH IN HEAVY SNOWY/ WINTER CONDITIONS IN MY 2013 RAM 1500 WHEN MY ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT GOING AROUND A CORNER. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO MANAGE THE STEERING AVOIDING A GUARD RAIL AND GOING INTO A RIVER. I WAS TOWING A 1967 VOLKSWAGEN BUG BEHIND ME AS WELL. THE DASH LITE UP AND WAS SHOWING A SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED MY TRUCK OFF AND RESTARTED IT. AFTER RESTARTING IT THE LIGHT WHEN AWAY AND MY POWER STEERING CAME BACK. FAST FORWARD ONE WEEK, FEB 11TH. I HAD JUST GOTTEN TO HAILEY, ID. APPROXIMATELY 2.5 HRS FROM MERIDIAN, ID WHERE I LIVE. ONCE AGAIN SNOWY CONDITIONS. THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN, THIS TIME IT WOULD NOT COME BACK. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME THE NEXT 2.5 HRS WITH ZERO POWER STEERING. MY 2013 RAM 1500 HAS 32,100 MILES ON IT. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND IT SHOWS THAT I NEED A NEW STEERING RACK, THAT RETAILS AT $1,800 AND IS CURRENTLY ON BACK ORDER. TO ME THIS HINTS A PROBLEM WITH THE PART. THERE IS MULTIPLE PEOPLE ONLINE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THERE 2013. IT WOULD BE NICE IF DODGE WOULD STAND BEHIND THIS FAILING PART BEFORE IT CLAIMS SOMEONES LIFE.
Steering, Jan 30, 2019
TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND THE "SERVICE POWER STEERING " LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN I STARTED THE TRUCK THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. THE TRUCK HAS 49985 MILES AND NOW I BELIEVE I MUST PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. I WAS GOING TO BUY ANOTHER DODGE BUT THIS HAS CHANGED MY MIND MY NEXT TRUCK WILL BE A CHEVY 2500 FOR SURE.