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
1,277 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2025
My 2013 Ram 1500 has had issues with the horn not working when the middle of the steering wheel is pushed but sounds when the key fob is used to lock doors. The EVIC control on the steering wheel would also not work. This started in 2018 where the problem was intermittent. This was part of recall R36 where the rubbing of the steering wheel harness on the retainer springs could cause an electrical short and or inadvertent air bag deployment. I took my vehicle to Bill Volz WestchesterDodge, Cortland Manor, NY for the recall on 10-19-15 with 18,205 miles. I feel the work wasn’t done properly because the problem reoccurred in less than 3 years and about 6,000 miles later. The horn and EVIC has not worked in over 7 months. My concern is that I could be driving on a major interstate when my vehicle airbag deploys causing a crash. I contacted Chrysler customer service on 1-13-2025 and spoke to a representative. That person called me back on 1-14-2025 and stated that he referred my case #[XXX] , to a specialist who would contact me in 2-3 business days. As of 2-2-2025 I have not received any response from Chrysler customer service. I need assistance in correcting this safety issue. See attachments. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 27, 2025
The electric power steering stopped working. The service power steering message appeared on the dash. Unable to turn the steering wheel without great difficulty.
Steering, Jan 23, 2025
There has been a significant amount of complaints in regards to 2013 dodge ram 1500. Mechanics are aware that the manufacturer has been dodging these issues with allowing unsafe vehicles to be on the road. My power steering all of sudden went out while driving. This should be on recall and not at the consumers expense. Why should I pay for something not caused by myself? Big companies like Dodge/Ram could care less
Steering, Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the steering wheel with an exclamation and power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to pull over to the of the road however, the steering wheel failed to function. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with rack pinion and electrical power steering assist failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was pending repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Steering, Jan 21, 2025
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OVERPASS MY STEERING WHEEL "LOCKED UP" ON ME AND I COULD NOT SAFELY STEER MY VEHICLE. i SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN I MOVED OFF AGAIN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS WAS VERY FRIGHTENING AS I COULD HAVE EASILY DRIVEN OFF THE OVERPASS AS THE ROAD TURNED AND I HAD NO OTHER OPTION BUT TO PUT ON MY FLASHERS AND STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY PUTTING MYSELF AND MY OCCUPANTS AND ANY OTHER DRIVERS IN THE AREA AT SERIOUS RISK. ITS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS PROBLEM IS UNDER INVESTIGATION PRESENTLY AND THAT SOME RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED HOWEVER THE WEBSITE RECALL LOOKUP IS NOT SHOWING UP FOR MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENLTY AT THE DODGE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER 1 MONTH WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS CONFIRMED TO BE A FAULTY POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY/RACK AND PINION. NO WARNING SIGNS EXISTED UNTIL AFTER THE STEERING WHEEL "LOCKED UP". AFTER WHICH THE STEERING DASH LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE IS IMMOBILE AND STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP.
Steering, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the service power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his wife pulled over to the side of the road, stopped, and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized twice after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted again, and the warning light was still illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Steering, Jan 13, 2025
While driving my truck the power steering completely went out and caused me to run off the road. Luckily no injuries and no damage to the truck. But if traffic would have been coming towards me it would have resulted in a crash most likely. Took the truck to a repair shop and told it need a complete steering system including rack and pinion and steering gears. I got online and seen where your dept is investigating this problem with other trucks.
Steering, Jan 8, 2025
I bought this truck for my father and her was drinking it and fortunately he got home and then with no warning the electric power steering went out when he tried to go back out. No serious harm but he could have easily been in traffic seeing that he uses this truck to drive to his caner appointments.
Steering, Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available The approximate failure mileage was 90,080.
Steering, Jan 8, 2025
Power steering failure with no warning. Vehicle is currently with dealer. Dealer said the the electrical power steering unit failed. It is not a serviceable issue, it must be replaced.
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2025
EPS light came on 12-31-24 and has happen before I just don’t remember the date the EPS comes and goes making it hard to drive
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2025
My 2013 Ram pick-up truck has the same problem as everyone else's the electric rack and pinion which it went out last year. I think I might have a blown head gasket. My truck is broke down infront of my home. I'm disabled I can't afford to get it fixed at the moment
Suspension, Jan 2, 2025
The air suspension in my Ram 1500 fails suddenly without notice. When the air suspension fails, the truck becomes very unsafe to drive. It is difficult to keep the truck on the road and it happens without warning. Sometimes it corrects on its own when I restart, other times I can make it work for a while by disconnecting the battery. Right now the driver side isat least 3 inches lower than the passenger side.
Steering, Dec 30, 2024
Electronic power steering intermittent failure. Vehicles power steering ‘service now’ light comes on and abruptly shuts off power steering and will abruptly turn back on several miles/ days later. This causes a severe safety risk as the module will autocorrect steering mid turn or shutdown completely causing the vehicle to lose control. The problem has been reproduced by a third party mechanic stating that the EPS needs to be replaced at a cost of $3700 and the part is on back order/ unsure when they can get the unit.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 29, 2024
Brought this vehicle and drove it for 1 month before power steering went out. I was driving on the interstate at a high speed when the power steering light came on. I was unable to steer the vehicle off the road so I had to stop on the interstate and call a tow truck.
Steering, Dec 28, 2024
Electric steering assist failure, no previous warnings. Alert on dash to have steering system checked when putting truck in drive. Restart of engine did not correct. Extreme difficulty steering the vehicle. Will take to dealer for initial diagnosis.
Steering, Dec 28, 2024
Truck became undrivable when power steering failed without warning. I was lucky to not have been on the road, otherwise it would've likely been a serious accident.
Steering, Wheels, Dec 23, 2024, crash
Lost my eps while I'm driving on school zone and can't turn the wheels snd i end on crash it
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 23, 2024, crash
Was driving and steering just locked up. Power steering stopped working and it’s so hard to turn or parallel park. Drove right into this big hill. The dealership wants $4,500 for parts and labor to repair it.
Steering, Dec 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. No further information was available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering control module (PSCM) and the electric power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Structure, Dec 11, 2024
I took my truck in for inspection to sell it. My auto technician said that my frame by the passenger side, rear was completely rusted and cracked and unsafe to drive. I called Dodge on 11/14/24 and they opened a case # [XXX]. They told me to take it to the dealership. I took it to 5 Corners in Cedarburg, WI and had them do an inspection where they also took photos and said that the truck was unsafe. They bounced back to Dodge and now Dodge bounced it back to the dealership. No one will respond and it has been 1 months with an unsafe vehicle. There were no indications of problems and had I not taken it in, what might’ve happened? I have an unsafe vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Dec 10, 2024
2013 RAM 1500. The power steering has failed on the RAM. The check engine light came on and produced a code for the ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE. Have had to leave it sit until the entire rack & pinion with module can be replaced. This occurred around 104,000 miles on truck. Fortunately, was not driving at a high rate of speed or turning when it failed. Because this seems to be a fairly common issue with 2013-2019 Dodge RAMs, I fail to understand why a recall has not been issued.
Steering, Dec 10, 2024
Power steering lost. Difficult to steer. No warning signs displayed prior to incident. Vehicle has been inspected at repair service center, but was unable to get diagnosis. Told it needed to go to dealer. Brake light is also on
Steering, Dec 10, 2024
On [XXX] I drove my 2013 Ram Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 on a 5mile trip, on a cool sunny 70' day, & parked it -I experienced no issues. I returned after 1.5hrs, started truck, & attempted to leave parking space when the steering wheel seized up. After noticing flashing warning light, I shut off & restarted engine several times, but light remained flashing & steering wheel was extremely hard to turn. I slowly (with great physical muscle stress) cautiously drove truck approximately 7miles to my independent mechanic shop in Oviedo Florida where my electrical steering gear assembly was diagnosed needing removal & replacement -total repairs estimated at $4k. My service rep said this steering problem is under a safety recall for many trucks like mine, & that the failure could have been deadly had it happened while exiting/entering the I-4 highway. I'm now waiting for back ordered replacement parts -they'll take approximately 6 weeks to arrive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Nov 28, 2024
Loss of power Steering on start up and while driving. Started out on start up a couple times, turned vehicle off started back up and it will work. Today loss of power while driving.