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, Electrical system, Apr 1, 2026
My electrical power steering randomly went out while driving come to find out I have to replace rack and pinion as well since my steering is electric. I have been trying to find a remanufactured rack and pinion with electric power steering for 4 months and everywhere is out of stock and on back order I’m very disappointed in this safety issue considering I’m a single dad of 3 and the steering randomly went in and out almost causing me to wreck. Then on top of that I can’t even get the part I need this isn’t okay and needs to be addressed asap
Steering, Apr 1, 2026
Was driving on highway when my steering warning light came on and my steering wheel wouldn't turn at all. Took it in and found out need a new rack and pinion assembly.
Steering, Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The EPS message was displayed, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the message “Power Steering Inoperable” was displayed. The steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was driven to a dealer at a very slow pace and was diagnosed with the electric power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Steering, Mar 14, 2026
Before a road trip, I noticed that my battery was low and the truck would not start. I jump-started the truck and began driving on the freeway. While driving, I suddenly felt a strong yank in the steering and received a notification to service the steering system. The yank was so severe that it nearly caused me to lose control of the truck and crash. It is alarming that this appears to be a known issue, as it puts families at serious risk. If it weren’t for my quick reaction, my 8-year-old child could have been seriously injured.
Steering, Mar 9, 2026
Power steering went out. Started by stiffening when turning. Took to dealer, who said there was a recall. It turned out there was none. After that, the power steering quit, won’t turn. Service steering wheel light is on. Vehicle not drivable. Looking at a three to four thousand to get it fixed.
Steering, Mar 5, 2026
While driving, I had a complete loss of power steering in my 2013 Ram 1500. It was followed a few seconds later by a “service power steering” dash message.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 4, 2026
While driving home from work on the interstate, the steering locked up and became stiff. The power steering light came on the dash. It was very scary as it was on a high speed interstate with no ability to control it. The safety of myself and others were at risk as I could no longer fully control the vehicle. It has not been taken to a dealer as of yet. The component has not been inspected as of yet. No warning lights were on prior to this incident.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 2, 2026
The Electric Power Steering Pump has failed. The same problem has been confirmed by the dealer where I take my vehicle to get all its oil changes etc. While driving the truck the power steering will randomly stop working. This is a huge safety concern especially since the 3 times it has happen I have my wife and [XXX] old son in the vehicle with me. I am able to turn the vehicle off and then back on. And the power steering will start working again. Obviously you can see that this is a giant problem a safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Feb 27, 2026
Was driving down the road and the power steering just went out and almost wrecked. This is very dangerous. And I looked and seems to be a very common issue with this. This definitely needs to be investigated. It is not safe at all.
Steering, Feb 27, 2026
Electric power steering rack failure while vehicle was in motion towing a vehicle on a car trailer approaching a bend in the road on a two lane black top at 60 mph. Without any prior warning the steering wheel jerked slightly power steering assist was 100% lost, a chime sounded and error message flashed on the driver information center “Steering Assist Warning”. The vehicle in this case has only 52,138 miles on it and has always been garage kept. The steering was heavier than an old overloaded grain truck and required all the strength of an adult male using both hands and arms to steer the vehicle. My wife or most people in general would have been unprepared or unable to maintain vehicle control. Unfortunately this is a know issue in the Ram 1500 community and for the most part has been ignored Ram/FCA/Stellantis and has not been aggressively and widely investigates/pursued by NHTSA. NHTSA, I beg you open an EA on this and properly address this situation before serious injuries occur or lives are lost. Please contact me if you need to inspect the steering rack or have questions. The problem appears to be in the EPS control module related to a build quality control issue with the EPS control module board.
Steering, Feb 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. After restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel unlocked for two seconds and then seized again. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,092.
Steering, Feb 20, 2026
Electronic power steering (EPS) will fail when exposed to moisture. When EPS fails all power steering is lost resulting in extremely hard steering and possible loss of vehicle control.
Steering, Feb 18, 2026
I was driving down S. South Danville Rd. in Abilene, Texas, and it was raining and all of a sudden my steering wheel just jerks to the right and then my steering is now real hard to turn real hard to steer, and I almost crashed into another vehicle which would’ve not only hurt me but my daughter so I need to figure out what we need to do about this all of this happen without any type of warning
Steering, Feb 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking spot, the steering wheel inadvertently jerked to the center position on several occasions. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, the steering wheel became very stiff. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 4, 2026
Power steering went out when i try to turn on car I get a red steering wheel with “!” Signal next to it and I am unable to use steering wheel
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 31, 2026
1. The component that fails is the EPS System and yes it is available for inspection. 2. My safety was put as risk because the wheel would not turn while driving home and I was almost involved in a crash. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced due to the wheel not turning efficiently and it happened for the first time today while driving. It has not been inspected 4. No it has not been inspected. The wheel will not turn efficiently. 5. The steering wheel warning lamp turned on suddenly when I went to turn into my neighborhood and could not turn the wheel. It was very scary and I could not make the turn.
Steering, Jan 20, 2026
eps sudden failure on a busy road nearly causing an accident.
Steering, Jan 19, 2026
The EPS (electronic power steering) has failed completely, making the pickup truck nearly impossible to steer at slower speed.
Steering, Jan 14, 2026
Sudden loss of powering steering
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 5, 2026
Service Power steering warning message popped up while driving and lost all control of steering in vehicle. Very dangerous situation while moving
Steering, Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2025
To whom it may concern, I'm currently experiencing an intermittent flashing red steering column and exclamation point on my dash as well as the power steering disengaging, forcing me to manually wrestle with the steering wheel while trying to control the truck without crashing and potentially killing myself as well as others. I googled this issue and came across the instructions on how reset the EPS by resetting the system by turning the truck off, then back on and turning the steering wheel fully to the left and holding then to the right and holding. This was just a temporary fix until it happened again. Then I reached out to the dealership and they suggested that I reach out to Ram Customer Care. In the process I also found a FCA Equipment Safety Recall VB9/ NHTSA 19E-077 Electronic Power Steering Gear that covered my year and model truck. Ram Customer Care asked me for my VIN and the issue that I was experiencing but stated there were no recalls for my vehicle VIN. They also suggested that I reach out to NHTSA.GOV to file a complaint so that NHTSA can add my VIN to the above or any recall dealing with the EPS Rack & Pinion system so the dealership can fix this hazardous issue stated in any recall or lawsuit for the 2013-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. I am requesting that my VIN be added to the above or any other recalls that are associated with safely operating my truck to protect myself and others while driving on our highways and byways.
Steering, Dec 20, 2025
The vehicle steering locked up doing 65 mph, this could have potentially caused an accident. It would not turn after several attempts. The power steering rack and pinion had malfunctioned after careful diagnosis.
Steering, Dec 11, 2025
Power steering failure - unexpected. Made vehicle difficult to drive
Steering, Dec 10, 2025
While driving the Electronic Power Steering Rack stopped working. I pulled over and inspected to see if there was any damage to it. Everything looked good, but the power steering was still not working. I turned vehicle on and off a couple times until the Electronic Power steering Rack started working again. This put me and other drivers in danger as I could not steer my vehicle freely without using excessive force to turn the wheel and pull over. Since then the power steering rack works sometimes and sometimes I have to turn my truck on for at least 20 to 30 minutes until the truck heats up and then turn and turn it off a couple of times until the electrical power steering rack starts working. I do not drive it anymore as I am scared that if I am on the highway it might turn off again and I will loose control of the vehicle. I have not taken it to get checked as I am scared to drive it. The Power steering warning light came on after the vehicle lost power steering during driving.