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, Dec 9, 2025
The contact's father owns a 2013 Ram 1500. While the contact's father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unstated computer failure. In addition, the independent mechanic stated that power steering fluid was needed. The independent mechanic then became aware that the vehicle was equipped with electrical power steering assist. The contact was then advised to take the vehicle to an alternate independent mechanic who was familiar with electronic power steering failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Dec 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the service steering unit warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was almost uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an internal fault of the EPS module. The contact was informed that the EPS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Steering, Dec 2, 2025, crash
Electric Power Steering / Rack and Pinion unit suddenly stopped working and there is a warning light on the dash board.
Steering, Nov 30, 2025
Power steering maintenance light comes on and power steering is lost. This happens intermittently. Vehicle can be turned off, error goes away, and vehicle regains power steering and can be driven.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed. The vehicle then taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the ABS module failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and due to parts being on backorder. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed on a separate occasion, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering wheel had failed due to the ABS module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Steering, Nov 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH in rainy weather, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull into the parking lot, and a day later, the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall, and that the warranty was invalid. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 19E077000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
Steering, Nov 12, 2025
Complete loss of steering with only 26,000 miles on vehicle.11
Steering, Nov 9, 2025
The electronic steering unit quits without warning ; if you can even get it to work.Chrysler has acknowledged this problem with other model years and they are aware of the problem in the 2013 model year ; but claim there's not enough of them to worry about
Steering, Nov 5, 2025
While driving the "Service Power Steering" light came on. Made it very difficult to pull to the side of the road because the steering was very stiff
Steering, Nov 5, 2025
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, while driving the truck in Gulfport, MS, the power steering locked up several times. I was able to get the vehicle home. On Monday, November 3, I took the truck to Mandal, Dodge Chrysler, in D'Iberville, MS. Upon doing a diagnostic test, Mandal informed me I would need to have new rack and pinion system with the cost being $4500. I refused the repair work. My research pursuant to this issue shows that there is an ongoing investigation into this matter for many similar complaints. There was a partial recall on Dodge Ram 1500's that did not include my vehicle. Dodge Chrysler should be responsible for this repair.
Steering, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V347000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) and 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while moving the gear shifter out of park(P), the gear was stuck in park(P). The contact opened the door and rocked the vehicle back and forth, then closed the door and moved the gear shifter out of park(P). The contact moved the gear shift lever. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was part of the inheritance his father left. The contact's father had experienced the same failure. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after the vehicle was started, the power steering failed to function as intended and locked up, and the contact was unable to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact used force to move the steering wheel. The message "check the steering" was displayed on the dashboard. Most recently, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact used force to maneuver the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the electrical system inside the rack and pinion had failed. The contact was informed that the entire steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Steering, Oct 29, 2025
Tough steering. Very difficult to correct steering after a turn. Consistently happening.
Steering, Oct 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel locked, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over to the side of the road while waiting for his son to arrive. The “Service Steering Soon” message was displayed. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was 186,468.
Steering, Oct 28, 2025
Loss of power steering
Steering, Oct 27, 2025
Power steering went out while driving steering became very hard to move the wheel
Steering, Oct 14, 2025
Power steering light came on when I went to start vehicle in morning
Steering, Oct 8, 2025
While driving my truck lost all power steering. The truck was controllable but with a LOT of force. My wife would not have been able to steer had she been driving. I understand that this is not an uncommon failure. My trunk is a 2013 model but only has 10,770 mile, and was always garaged. I am a retired auto mechanic and a friend that is still active inspected the truck and said it was the steering module. that is not replaceable separately the entire steering assembly must be replaced. I noticed the steering warning after the failure. I am not sure if it was on before the failure. * note * at low speed it was all I could do to turn the wheel, and I am 6'1" and 205 lbs.
Steering, Oct 7, 2025
Electric Power Steering Module went bad causing loss of steering assist.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 1, 2025
Component or system that failed / malfunctioned The brake system (pads, calipers, hydraulic fluid) failed three times in less than 90 days. The right-side tie rod end also separated from the steering assembly. Both components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk The brakes repeatedly lost all stopping power while driving, with the pedal going to the floor and the reservoir emptying within minutes. On one occasion, the brake pads and caliper fell off the wheel assembly, confirmed by the dealer’s own shop manager. The tie rod failure caused uneven tire wear and a highway blowout, forcing an emergency tow. These issues placed me, my child, and other drivers at risk of a serious crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Premier Auto (the dealer’s affiliated garage) confirmed and attempted repairs three times. On the third visit, the shop manager (Mike) stated that the brake pads were so low they had fallen off, causing the calipers to overextend and leak. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by others? Yes. Premier Auto inspected and repaired the brakes multiple times. Dobbs Tire & Auto later inspected after the blowout and diagnosed additional electrical issues. Documentation, invoices, and photos are available. Were there warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms? The brake warning light illuminated and the pedal sank to the floor during failures. No prior warning lamps appeared before the tie rod separation or blowout. The failures occurred suddenly while driving.
Steering, Sep 26, 2025
On Thursday, September 18th 2025, I was driving out of a local Publix parking lot and the power steering on my 2013 RAM 1500 locked up and the dashboard alerted me with a "Service Power Steering" message. I had almost no control over my vehicle at that point and managed to use all my strength to keep the truck straight until I was in a safe place to park it. However, my wife also uses my truck and if this happened while she was driving, the safety failure could've resulted in an accident, causing injuries to her and others. Almost immediately, I called the local Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM dealer in town to make an appointment. After it was towed to the dealer on 22 Sep, I gave them the details of what happened. After a couple hours, the Service Advisor called me and told me the diagnosis was a failed Electronic Power Steering Gear and that the entire steering rack would need replacing. This specific component that failed on my 2013 RAM has been the subject of the VB9/NHTSA 19E-077 safety recall due to a contaminated circuit card assembly that may short circuit. However, no recall ever included my VIN so I was not made aware. Only after the incident and resulting diagnosis did I learn that FCA failed to recall all vehicles with this issue. This is confirmed by reading the accounts of other NHTSA safety claims for 2013 RAMs with the same component failure. There were no steering problems present prior to the failure.
Steering, Sep 26, 2025
I experienced total failure of the power steering system during a low speed turn in heavy traffic. Thanks to the quick response of another driver no accident occurred. There's several other complaints about the power steering failure on the 2013 RAM 1500. This should be looked at for a recall. Had my daughter been driving she and others may have been injured. RAM dealerships refused to acknowledge any problems.
Steering, Sep 24, 2025
C2217-00 ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE INTERNAL. Completely lost power steering could not steer vehicle. The vehicle has not had power steering since repair facility attempted to diagnose and clear code. diagnosed as faulty power steering control module. Code could not be cleared. There was no prior warning to loss of steering. Had to have towed to repair facility could not steer still remains there parts not available.
Steering, Sep 23, 2025
In my 2013 Dodge Ram, after 12 years of running and driving practically perfectly, my Electrical Power Steering failed in June 2025 and lost power steering. My wife could have gotten into a collision. Even though this issues is part of a general recall issue for RAM during 2013-2016 models about, my RAM dealer has instructed me that VIN # is not part of the recall I had to pay out of pocket to repair. Not sure exactly why my vehicle was not included even though we had the same problem it appears. My understanding is that the NHTSA has been investigating this since 2023 but I don't know if there has been an outcome. Do you know? My understanding RAM doesn't even make new parts for this but instead a used refurbished part (RAM Part #R8573449AA). The offical RAM part is out of stock so my dealer replaced it would two aftermarket parts - both failed and I paid $6,200 and we have not been able to drive my truck in 3 months. Currently my truck is at the dealer collecting dust. RAM and MIchigan and my local Dealer (Hendrick Dodge Ram in Cary, NC) are trying to located a now a 3rd replacement part that is the official RAM part. There is no definitive date yet when my vehicle will be repaired.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2025
On a cold morning in February of 2025, i was going to get my wife and me a biscuit and sausage for breakfast. I went to the garage, cranked my truck and noticed the steering wheel would not move. I also noticed a steering wheel light with an exclamation running through it on my instrument panel. I shut it down and went inside to tell my wife. She did a search on the internet and found that others were having this same problem and that dodge had a recall for vehicles with this problem. I called dodge's home office where they checked my vin number and said that my vehicle did not have any recalls. I told her that maybe she should add my truck to the recall list as I was having the same steering problem as many others. I got NO satisfaction from her and after reading information that other dodge owners had posted i realized that these people weren't going to do anything about this. At one point i called the dodge home office again only this time i got a recording that said; "You are calling about your 2013 dodge truck. (I wondered how she had this information.) Please press a number to be connected to someone." I was connected to a lady in Taiwan. She spoke very broken English and I asked her to put someone else on the phone. She argued that she spoke English and I got irritated with her and hung up. I believe this is by design as dodge wants to do just that, dodge their responsibilities to their customers. No one has inspected my truck as I can't remove it from the garage. I was told that the tool that was plugged into my computer system would not reveal my problem if the steering system was working. The only way that I can get it to a mechanic is if the steering is working. I have puchased and installed a 10 amp fuse in the fuse panel and a 120 amp battery cable fuse on the battery. Neither solved my problem. so now I have a 2013 dodge ram truck (Like new) with 32,000 miles that I can't drive because I can't steer it. Please do something about this!!!!!
Steering, Sep 20, 2025
One night I was out and stop to get gas then out of no where I turned my truck back on and my steering locked up.Ive been told I need change out the whole rack and pinion. I’ve looked online for answers and all I see is recalls for EPS on these trucks.