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, Nov 27, 2024
On November 23, 2024. I was going to back out of the driveway, but the steering was locked up and the power steering light came on. I was unable to turn the wheel. The truck only has 150,000 miles I am the original owner. It was taken to a repair shop, and they determined the electronic power steering had failed and needed to be replaced. Since then, the dealer has told us the parts are unavailable and not being manufactured. The truck is now undrivable, cannot be repaired and I am without a vehicle. While researching online there are hundreds of reports of the same issue with this truck. This could have been deadly had I been driving!
Steering, Nov 27, 2024
In May of this year, 2024, the Power Assisted Steering System failed completely without warning or other symptoms. Fortunately it failed while not driving but would have caused a serious safety issue. I am a strong male driver and it was extremely difficult to turn the wheel. The dashboard displayed a steering system warning light and the OBDII port reported a C2219-00 error. I am the sole owner of the truck and have owned it since 2013 with only 51,000 miles on it. I reported this to the dealership where purchased it and they offered no assistance since it was well out of warranty. I inquired about purchasing a replacement steering rack or bringing it in for repair. They responded that the entire steering assist unit had been discontinued with no inventory available anywhere in their nationwide system. Therefore, they could not repair the truck or offer to sell me the rack and pinion assembly. They also recommended I contact a junk yard - ridiculous for a modern vehicle with a known defect such as steering. I eventually purchased a remanufactured steering rack on eBay and repaired the truck myself. The price for the steering rack was over $2,100! I have seen where there were other reports of this failure on NHTSA so I thought it would be helpful to report the failure on my truck as well. I have uploaded the part number and serial number of the steering rack in case that's helpful. Thank you.
Steering, Nov 26, 2024
I was driving on a highway on my way to work the other morning and the power steering light came on out of nowhere and I had to limp it to work with next to impossible steering conditions. I have not had it checked for service but have looked up that multiple people have encountered the same issue with this year truck and it has caused multiple accidents now. I believe with as many issues as people have encountered with this that it should fall on Ram and not the people for such an expensive component especially with so little miles put on the vehicle.
Steering, Nov 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic recommended that the steering rack and pinion be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Nov 24, 2024
At times when i start my truck in the morning the power steering is not operational. At other times i may be ten to fifteen miles into my drive and there is sudden loss of power steering with no warning. I came very close this morning to driving off an embankment into a swamp because as i was rounding a curve the power steering failed and the steering wheel violently jerked to right its self to the center position. There is no warning when this occurs. Only after does the service power steering light come on. A mechanic ran the codes and said there is a voltage issue within the power steering system. I have been quoted $380 just for the dealer ship to perform a diagnostics on the truck.
Steering, Nov 23, 2024
Got in the truck today. Started it up. Backed out of garage and got halfway out. Signal light came on to service power steering. Steering wheel locked up very difficult to move. I can shut it off. Let it sit for a minute. Turn it back on. But as soon as I touch the wheel and try to turn it. The warning light comes on and the wheel locks up. It’s not locked up completely. You can turn it. But it’s very difficult. And dangerous. It is repeated every time. You may have to start to drive it. But it will lock up every time. Tried to run a scan. No power steering code came up. Have not had it inspected as of yet. Will try to get it towed to dealer in four days. We live on a windy road. 30 miles from the dealer. It’s just too dangerous to try to drive.
Steering, Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the service power steering warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle for approximately 10-15 minutes, stopped, and then restart the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that there was a lack of parts to repair the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Steering, Nov 21, 2024
Intermittent loss of power steering. I see there is an ongoing investigation in the year range of my truck. Reporting issue to help contribute to the investigation.
Steering, Nov 20, 2024
Driving down the road and the service power steering came on and I was unable to steer the wheel. I was able to pull off the road and the light went out. Happened again later down the road. Shut the truck off and turned it back on. It was good for a little while but went to turn a corner and it went out again. After looking online there are many forums where others are having the same issue.
Steering, Nov 20, 2024
Electric power steering/Rack and Pinion randomly stopped working while driving. Replacement part has not been available for months. Cost of repair is astronomical. Several forums are reporting the same issue of this part randomly stopped working while in use.
Steering, Nov 18, 2024
Electric power steering went out completely. 2013 vehicle and Dodge will not repair since the part is not available. The part cannot be repaired. Extremely dangerous driving and steering with a Dodge Ram 1500 vehicle. Forums are full of this same issue, and no repair options from Dodge corporation. Dodge service and independent service verified the problem was the power steering module that cannot be repaired.
Steering, Nov 11, 2024
The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) went out on my 2013 RAM 1500 resulting in the inability to drive without extreme difficulty steering and unsafe to myself and others. The vehicle was taken to a Automobile Service Provider and assessed that the EPS had failed with the code C2217-00 on 4 OCT 2024 and with test drive. (Charged $63.04 for diagnostics.) Advised there was a recall on the RAM EPS (Years 2013-2019) - Which my 2013 falls within dates. Recommended to take vehicle to a Chrysler/Dodge/RAM Dealership Service Center due to specific computer programming requirements only from dealership. Unable to drive immediately to center due to no time-slots available, set up appointment for earliest time being 7 OCT 2024. Service was provided and another diagnostic completed (Cost of $319.92) with same results, but advised my VIN was not include recall notification FCA Equipment Safety Recall VB9/NHTSA 19E-077 which I looked up and obtained and verified by prior service center. Dealership did not recognize nor covered recall expenses or replacement. Due to discontinued parts (EPS), was able to find EPS from another dealership and paid for the delivery to the local Hendrick's Dealership via their parts department (Nearly $3500.00 for part). Services were completed and able to pick up vehicle on 19 OCT 2024 (Dealership had vehicle for over 2 weeks due to limited technicians available and not waiting on parts). There were no warning lamps activated prior to the power steering went failure.
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2024
I was driving 65 MPH on the interstate when I lost all power steering function. This failure almost pulled me into traffic to my left. Luckily I was near an exit and was able to get off the highway without being involved in an accident. Upon having the truck checked by a mechanic, I was told that the electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly had failed and it would cost over $2500.00 to replace. I had to pay this cost or else the truck was undrivable.
Steering, Nov 8, 2024
While I was driving to work, the power steering completely failed, I could barely make it to work now I cannot drive the vehicle at all. It will not steer..
Steering, Nov 7, 2024
While driving my steering column locked up and I was unable to steer, luckily I was on a side street with little to no traffic and was able to eventually make it to my driveway but with a lot of resistance in turning and the steering warning indicator lit up. While parked in my driveway the steering column locked up on 6 of the 8 times I started the vehicle while also displaying the steering warning indicator. I had my vehicle towed to the local RAM dealership to investigate and perform the necessary repairs. The RAM dealership informed me that they seen the 7 times the steering column locked up via the computer.
Steering, Nov 4, 2024
On August 19, 2024. I was backing out of the driveway when the steering locked up and the power steering light came on. I was unable to turn the wheel. The truck only has 49,357 miles I am the original owner. It was taken to a repair shop and they determined the electronic power steering had failed and needed to be replaced. Since then the dealer has told us the parts are unavailable and not being manufactured. The truck is now undrivable, cannot be repaired and I am without a vehicle. While researching online their are hundreds of reports of the same issue with this truck. I just returned from a cross country trip and this could have been deadly if it had gone out while I was traveling.There were no prior signs of steering issues before the complete failure.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Nov 4, 2024
ABS light would come on when driving periodically on and off. for a few months it felt like brakes were locking up, Steering was very difficult and hard like the steering wheel was locked making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. dashboard components would periodically turn off and restart. when driving it would make a grinding noiselike the brakes were locked, this would occur with the abs light on and off. the major incident when driving on the freeway. the speedometer completely failed, the digital and needle both were not working. the abs light and warning came on, i pulled over because the speedometer was not working at all, but i was able to drive. the abs warning kept beeping. i was able to pull off of the highway into a parking lot, and the truck shut off and locked. unable to restart the truck at all.
Steering, Nov 4, 2024
Power steering went out completely. At the beginning it work properly for 1 day and then not. At this time it is not working. When turning it is hard to turn, when it did work, you could be driving down the road and it would just stop working. I took it in to a mechanic and he said it was the power steering ....replace rack and pinon from salvage yard. Dealer is not responsible. No messages appeared before Power steering went out.
Steering, Oct 27, 2024
I was driving on the highway when the power steering suddenly, without any warning, stopped working. The steering wheel jerked and lost all maneuverability. It took every ounce of strength I had to steer it to the side of the road. This could’ve resulted in a horrible crash. This is deadly and should be recalled. The service power steering light came on. The dealer wants $3000 to replace the electronic steering system.
Steering, Oct 24, 2024
I have bought this truck used and have had problem after problem but as I replace parts the steering one day just stop working and aggressively the steering wheel yanks hard the opposite direction that I am going then it started working for a day and then it stopped working altogether then it will work and not I have looked all through the web to find some kind of answer to this problem and ask several shops if they have had any thing like it and one told me to go to y’all’s website and check for recalls but I have not found anything on my truck but I displays the same kind of symptoms as the recall for the 2013-2016 Ram trucks also it al stop working when I’m on the highway and going the speed limit of 65 -75 even as low as 10 MPH it feels like someone is trying to yank the wheel from you and you have to fight to get control with
Steering, Oct 21, 2024
Loss of power steering due to faulty power steering module. Loss of power steering is intermittent. Loss of steering in a turn is very dangerous. 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn edition5.7 litre 4x4 crew cab. Dodge no longer makes the part needed to correct the problem and will not treat this safety issue as a recall, even though many Ram trucks have this issue.
Steering, Oct 12, 2024
Went from having power steering instantly loosing it with out warning no accidents occurred
Steering, Oct 12, 2024
A complete loss of power steering assist occurred while driving and has not returned. Vehicle can no longer be driven, unsafe to drive. Without power assist the front wheels are extremely difficult to turn. This is the second time this has happen to me, first time the electronic steering rack needed to be replaced and was not covered by any warranty or recall. This is now the second failure on my truck which will require another replacement steering rack.
Steering, Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V812000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Steering, Oct 11, 2024
As i was coming off the highway my powersteering went out. I was able to pull over and stop prior to hitting the car infront of me. I called the local dealer/repair shop and they said the power stearing rack is discontinued and they were unable to help me.