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, Suspension, Wheels, Sep 19, 2025
While performing a left-hand U-turn across three lanes and into the far right-hand 4th turning lane, at less than 15mph my 2013 Ram 1500's power steering failed and jerked the wheel out of my hands back towards the neutral position. This action forced me across all the lanes and into the curb on the right edge of the 4th lane which was the turning lane that I was trying to reach. When I finally got the vehicle off the curb and was able to get the vehicle into the parking lot I was originally going to, the power steering seamed to operate breifly as long as the wheel was turned slowly and under speeds less than 10mph, so I limped it home. This however was short lived by the end of the next day I had totally lost all power steering assist and had to fight the wheel to turn at all. This led to having the electronic power steering rack assembly replaced at a local shop adding up to a total of $4943.55 US dollars. After receiving my 2013 Ram 1500 from the shop I began to experience heavy vibrations felt through the steering wheel and pedals. The vibration was caused by the damaged front passenger wheel hub which cost a further $400 plus dollars in parts and labor. The electronic power steering rack assembly had to be turned in for a core charge and is unavailable for inspection but had signs of water intrusion according to the shop. The associated bushings, tie rod ends and wheel hubs were either discarded or turned in for additional charges and are unavailable for inspection. My safety was threatened when the steering gave out mid turn while I was crossing oncoming traffic in the three through traffic lanes. The "service power steering" warning light did illuminate when the power steering failed and the initial impact with the curb occurred then went away after stopping. However, the "service power steering" light returned the next day. The electronic power steering rack was verified to be the cause of the failure at the local service center that performed the repairs.
Steering, Sep 17, 2025
It has, with more frequency as of late, become hard to turn the steering wheel both while driving as well as stationary. It is approximately 75% of them time currently, it started out being a now and then thing, but with more driving, it has become more frequent. There have been no warning lights to signal an issue, but the problem is continuously getting worse and more frequent.
Steering, Sep 16, 2025
power steering stopped working
Steering, Sep 15, 2025
Electric power steering gear stopped working
Steering, Sep 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to turn to the right, the steering wheel seized. The contact used excessive force to maneuver the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and remained at the residence. The contact called and notified the manufacturer of the failure. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (STEERING). However, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
Steering, Sep 6, 2025
I've had no previous problems with this but I just started my truck and a warning light came on saying service power steering and when I tried to turn the steering wheel, I had no power steering. I checked the fuses and they are good.
Steering, Sep 2, 2025
The power steering rack failed on my 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 with only 36,000 miles. It is at the shop right now, waiting for the new power steering rack to come in. The power steering completely failed, as I was driving home from an appointment...making the truck extremely difficult to steer. The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by a service center (Golden Auto)They stated the entire power steering rack must be replaced at a cost of approximately $4,100. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center. The manufacturer has not yet inspected it. The warning light came on AFTER the power steering failed. There was absolutely no warning/symptoms of any kind before it happened.
Steering, Sep 2, 2025
I was driving long distance down an interstate and my electric power steering locked up. I wasn't able to steer. Got a tow to nearest gas station. After sitting for about 30 minutes a started the truck back up and the steering work surprisingly.
Steering, Aug 31, 2025
Borrowing this truck from my father. I turned the key off a week ago when everything was working fine. When I went to start it today it gave me a power steering failure warning and the steering wheel was impossible to turn. From what I understand, this is a common problem with this year model and line of Rams. I am glad this happened while I was parked. Otherwise it could have been disastrous for me. As it is. I am looking at a very expensive repair on a loader vehicle.
Steering, Aug 25, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the steering wheel seized. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road using excessive force on the steering wheel, ran into a culvert, then ran over the culvert into a driveway and crashed into a trash can, where it came to a stop. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. The contact suffered no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and remained at the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,359.
Steering, Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Electric Power Steering Gear Assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Aug 24, 2025
The power steering on my truck randomly went out this week, after working forever without any kind of issues. After doing a bunch of research and looking into the issue, I have tried to troubleshoot this in every way possible. I've looked at electrical, the belt inside the Electric Power Steering unit, checked connections and fuses, and I've come to the conclusion that these units are faulty, based on many other anecdotes of this happening, and even recalls from RAM. Except those recalls don't include my year of vehicle for some reason. Dodge/Ram dealers want $4500 to replace this part (which is extremely steep for such a small thing) and I currently don't have the means to pay for it. I have also seen that in September of 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against Stellantis for this exact reason. So I want to file this complaint in hopes that Ram/Dodge/Stellantis will issue a recall.
Steering, Aug 18, 2025
Power steering assist failed while driving. Can still be steered manually by force, but no electronic assist. Makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, and thankfully I was able to get safely off the road. When I looked into this, it’s a known issue with rams, and hasn’t been addressed in my year model, 2013. I can’t understand how a safety risk like this is going unaddressed. I was quoted 2 thousand plus dollars by the dealership to fix.
Steering, Aug 17, 2025
EPS system failed causing loss of power steering. Thankfully I wasn’t going fast when it failed.
Steering, Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the steering wheel became extremely firm. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the tie rod and the front brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V287000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Steering, Aug 8, 2025
While driving on the freeway around 70 mph, the steering on my 2013 Ram 1500 2WD suddenly became extremely stiff and hard to turn. The red steering wheel warning light came on, and I nearly lost control. I’ve already confirmed that the battery, grounds, fuses, and alternator are all good, and this is clearly an EPS (Electric Power Steering) failure. This is a major safety concern — had there been a turn or obstacle, I could’ve crashed. I’ve found other reports online from other Ram 1500 owners with similar issues involving the EPS rack and module. Dodge dealers told me they couldn’t help or open a STAR case unless I contacted Dodge corporate. I believe this is a defect that should be investigated for recall or at least considered for a safety-related goodwill repair, especially since this failure occurred at highway speed. The fact that the entire steering system can lock or fail without warning is dangerous and unacceptable.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2025
Have not had any problems until this morning. Started the truck to move it and there was a warning flashing on the instrument cluster of a steering wheel and exclamation point. The power steering is not working at all. I have not been able to bring it to a dealer for diagnostics as it is unsafe to drive and can't afford to tow it at this moment.
Steering, Jul 18, 2025
I was driving from lunch and slowed to turn when all of a sudden, my steering wheel was jerked from my hands causing me to barely make the turn in front of an 18-wheeler truck. I manual steered it to the parking lot at my job. I immediately call AAA to tow to the nearest shop only to find out cost to repair is $4935.64 quote. I did some research later and found this is a known issue so I called dealership, and they said I cannot be reimbursed for any cost there or any shop. I'm just blessed that I didn't get hurt or killed.
Steering, Jul 15, 2025
Just on a random restart - all power steering functions lost. DTC code C2217-00. Had to replace steering rack. Entering this as I know an investigation into these failures has been opened.
Steering, Jul 13, 2025
The electrical power steering went out while driving. When searching for a replacement, we were told they weren't even taking orders for the part because of how many failed. Clearly there is a MAJOR issue with the power steering part. It should be recalled so more people can get them fixed without potentially causing an accident at time of FAILURE
Steering, Jul 13, 2025
I am experiencing intermittent and unexpected loss of power steering assist in my 2013 RAM 1500. The issue typically happens suddenly after while driving at low speeds, high speed or during turns, and it makes the vehicle very difficult to steer safely, locked up, especially during tight maneuvers or in parking situations. There are warning light of power steering appears for a second and go away when this happens. The steering suddenly becomes extremely stiff, requiring significant force to turn the wheel. This raises serious safety concerns for both me and other drivers. I have researched the issue and found that similar problems were part of a prior recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077), but my VIN does not currently show any open recalls. I believe this may be part of the same defect and could affect more vehicles than originally recalled. Request: Please investigate this issue for a possible expanded recall or manufacturer remedy. This defect poses a risk of crash and injury due to the sudden loss of steering control.
Steering, Jul 12, 2025
Electronic Power Steering failed. Vehicle suddenly became extremely difficult to steer.
Steering, Jul 6, 2025
Steering locked up, service power steering light came on and have no control of vehicle. I was able to pull over and get back home by using every muscle in my body to turn the car. I saw there was an investigation into this mass issue with 2013 ram trucks. There were no indications prior to immediate failure causing a near accident.
Steering, Jul 6, 2025
Was turning out of parking lot steering locked up and service power steering message came on. After investigation it was determined that the electric power steering quit working.
Steering, Jun 27, 2025
On June 26, 2025 my wife was driving our 2013 Dodge ram on a state route at approximately 60 mph. Without warning, the power steering failed to function, causing the vehicle to lose control. My wife was able to bring the car to the edge of the road without crash. The vehicle was then removed to my residence location. The vehicle power steering is totally in operative. A warning light displays on the dash. There appears to be some type of issue with Dodge trucks, electronic power steering for multiple years of manufacturer. Was very lucky that my wife was not injured in this crash. This is a tremendous safety issue, and if affects multiple years should be recalled.