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, Air bags, Apr 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER(S): 15V460000 (AIR BAGS) 15V459000 (STEERING). HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Steering, Sep 16, 2015
15SEP15, I DROPPED OFF MY TRUCK AT FREMONT MOTORS OF CASPER WY THIS MORNING JUST AFTER 0730 TO GET THREE RECALLS FIXED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AT 1224 TO GET A STATUS UPDATE AND TALKED TO KAYLE WHO TOLD ME THAT THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF MY WORK ORDER WAS ON A TEST DRIVE WITH A CUSTOMER AND TOOK MY INFORMATION FOR THAT PERSON TO CALL ME BACK WHEN HE GETS BACK FROM THE TEST DRIVE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO GET ANY INFORMATION ON MY VEHICLE FOR ME. AT 1231 I RECEIVED A CALL BACK FROM THE GUY HANDLING MY RECALL AND SAID THAT MY TRUCK WAS DONE AND IN THE WASH BAY AND HE WOULD CALL ME BACK WHEN HE HAD THE PAPERWORK FINISHED AND TO SET UP SOMEONE TO COME TO PICK ME UP. CALLED FREMONT AT 1310 TO SCHEDULE PICK UP FOR MY TRUCK AND WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVER WAS OUT AND THE DISPATCHER WOULD GET A HOLD OF HIM TO COME PICK ME UP. GOT A CALL FROM FREMONT SAYING THE REPAIRS WERE FINISHED AND READY AND I WOULD BE PICKED UP. I ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY CHARGES AND THERE ARE NOT HOWEVER RECALL #R36 WAS UNABLE TO BE CONDUCTED BECAUSE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, EVEN THOUGH ON THE MOPAR SITE IT SAYS PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. I DID GET A CALL FROM THE DRIVER AND WAS PICKED UP AND GOT MY TRUCK BACK. THE PEOPLE WERE NICE AND THEY WASHED THE OUTSIDE OF MY TRUCK. STILL HAVE TO COMPLETE RECALL R36. ALSO TOOK MY TRUCK IN TO HAVE A FLAT TIRE FIXED AND THEY COULD NOT FIX IT EVEN THOUGH THE PUNCTURE WAS IN THE TREAD. THEY ADMITTED TO HAVING A ?NEW? GUY AND TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO FIX THE PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH THE PLUG SEEMED ONLY TO BE REPLACED ONCE, AND THE TIRES WERE NEW AS THE TRUCK WAS ONLY JUST OVER A YEAR OLD.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND THE STEERING TURNED TOWARDS THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
Steering, Aug 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWERVE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ALIGNED THE FRONT END, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Jul 31, 2015
HAD TO START BRAKING QUICKLY AND THE SHAKING WHAT THE DEALER NOW TELLS ME IS FROM WARPED ROTORS CREATED A VERY UNSAFE FEELING AND HAS TO AFFECT THE BRAKING PERFORMANCE. I BELIEVE THAT NO VEHICLE WITH NOW 27000 MILES ON IT SHOULD HAVE WARPED ROTORS. SEEMS PRETTY OBVIOUS THEY ARE EITHER DEFECTIVE OR THE CHEAPEST QUALITY ROTOR THEY COULD PURCHASE.THIS VEHICLE IIS DESIGNED FOR TOWING, AND HAULING A VARIETY OF IITEMS. ALSO AROUND THE SAME TIME I STARTED NOTICING AT TIMES A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A STRUT BEARING GONE BAD. THEY DID REPLACE THAT PART UNDER WARRANTY. ONCE AGAIN THIS MADE THE VEHICLE STEERING FEEL UNSAFE. I HAVE CONTACTED RAM DIRECTLY AND SO FAR THEY HAVE OFFERED ZERO ASSISTANCE IN DEALING WITH THE BRAKE ROTOR IISSUE. ONCE AGAIN IT APPEARS THAT RAM OBVIOUSLY IS NOT CONCERNED WITH THE CONSUMERS SAFETY. WHETHER IT IS DEFECTIVE OR CHEAPLY MADE PARTS, THEY SHOULD BE MORE CONCERNED AND RESPONSIVE TO CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS. I AM NOT WILLING TO PAY TO REPLACE ROTORS AND PAFS WITH ONLY 27000 MILES ON IIT. HOW MANY OTHER RAM TRUCKS ARE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME ISSUE THAT THEY ARE NOT ADDRESSING. BRAKING AND STEERING ARE 2 TOP COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLES SAFETY AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SKIRT THE ISSUES AND PUT PEOPLES LIVES AT RISK.
Steering, Jul 29, 2015
I NOTICED SOME VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END WHEN I GOT OVER 55 MPH FOR A FEW DAYS, OFF AND ON, AND THEN THE VIBRATION ALMOST TURNED INTO A FLOATING/HYDROPLANING FEELING EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. TOOK THE TRUCK IN TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE FOUND TWO BOLTS THAT HOLD THE RACK N PINION STEERING TOGETHER WERE ABOUT A 1/2 TURN FROM COMING COMPLETELY DETACHED WHICH WOULD RESULT IN NO STEERING CAPABILITY. HE SAID THERE WAS NO LOCK TIGHT ON THE BOLTS AND THAT'S WHY THEY VIBRATED OUT. HAD HIM FIX IT AND CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER IN MISSOULA, MT (LITHIA DODGE) WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT IT, NOT LOOKING FOR MONEY OUT OF THEM, BUT TO LET THEM KNOW THAT THERE MAY BE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. WITH ALL THE RECALLS AND NOW KNOWING THE HISTORY OF CHRYSLER DODGE TAKING CARE OF THESE PROBLEMS, I THOUGHT I SHOULD REPORT IT AS I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING BACK FROM CHRYSLER/DODGE OR THE LOCAL DEALER, NOR HAS MY MECHANIC. I ALSO NOTICED ON ALL OF THE LISTS FOR EITHER BUY BACK OR RECALLS THAT THE 2013 DODGE RAM WAS NOT INCLUDED. THUS, THE REASON FOR WRITING YOU FOLKS. MIGHT WANT TO LOOK INTO THE 2013 DODGE RAM AS WELL, AS COMPLETELY LOSING YOUR CAPABILITY FOR STEERING SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD MAKE IT TO THE TOP OF A LIST.
Steering, Jul 28, 2015
ON THE INCIDENT DATE I EXPERIENCED MY VEHICLE DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT IN STEERING. I CHECKED MY TIRE PRESSURE WHICH CHECKED OUT. I THEN HAD MY ALIGNMENT CHECK WHICH WAS FINE. I WILL SOON ROTATE TIRE ALONG WITH AN OIL CHANGED. BUT I JUST SEEN THIS RECALL ABOUT THE 1500 SERIES. EVEN THOUGH MY YEAR ISN'T LISTED. I AM WORRIED AND CURIOUS AS TO IF THE PROBLEM IS RELATED WITH SIMILAR MALFUNCTIONING PARTS.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 27, 2015
THERE IS A LOUD "CLICK" NOISE INSIDE OF THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. IT OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS THE WHEEL COMPLETELY TURNED TO ONE DIRECTION WHICH MAKES ME BELIEVE IT'S STEERING OR SOMETHING INSIDE THE SUSPENSION. IT WAS TOLD TO ME AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT WAS A BALL JOINT, WHICH WAS REPLACED AND IT STILL HAPPENED AGAIN.
Steering, Jun 27, 2015
THE 2013 DODGE RAM WAS THE FIRST YEAR TO USE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THE CHIP/MODULE THAT CONTROLS THIS PROCESS IS LOCATED IN THE STEERING RACK. THE MODULE HAD AN "INTERNAL FAILURE". I WAS VERY LUCKY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO WAY FOR ME TO SAFELY GET A VEHICLE THIS LARGE PARKED SAFELY WITHOUT ANY POWER STEERING. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ONLINE I FOUND MULTIPLE BLOGS OF PEOPLE REPORTING THE SAME FAILURE (SOME WHO WERE DRIVING AT THE TIME). SINCE THIS IS NOT A PART THAT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO WEAR AND TEAR, IT SEEMS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE ANY LIVES (OR MORE LIVES) ARE LOST.
Steering, Mar 4, 2015
STEERING STICKS WHEN MAKING SLIGHT RIGHT TURN AT SPEEDS BELOW 45 MPH. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Steering, Aug 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL RATTLED AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUCKING NOISE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION BOLT SEPARATED. THE DEFECTIVE BOLT WAS TIGHTENED INSTEAD OF REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,987. ..UPDATED 09-23-14 *BF UPDATED 10/10/14*CN UPDATED 3/26/2015 *JS
Steering, Aug 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE CUPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TIE ROD WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.