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.
Engine, Oct 19, 2024
Noticed a tick from engine. The noise kept getting worse and worse. I was driving on beltway when engine lost power out of nowhere
Service brakes, Air, Service brakes, Oct 18, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
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.
Steering, Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel seized with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the side of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with an electrical power steering gear failure. The independent mechanic contacted several local dealers and was informed by each dealer that the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the ABS and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a faulty ABS module with code C2200-49 retrieved. The ABS showed an internal failure. The contact tested all wires, ground data, and became aware that the ABS module had internally shorted, and the ABS warning light was flashing on and off. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,280.
Steering, Oct 6, 2024
Power steering failed while driving. Stopped vehicle and restarted, power steering seemed fine then. Power steering failed intermittently a few times and now has doesn’t work at all. First failure was unsafe as I was traveling at highway speed when it stopped working.
Steering, Oct 6, 2024
Was turning onto the access road of a highway and the steering went out. No warning lights were active until it went out. Was traveling around 40 mph and was able to wrestle the truck through the turn and stop in a safe parking lot. Turned the truck off and restarted it. Warning light went away. Started to drive home and steering went out again permanently. I will be getting the truck inspected by a mechanic to confirm it is the EPS module that hast failed.
Steering, Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking lot at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive to the residence, where the contact inspected the vehicle, but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the power steering became functional the following day; however, the failure recurred while driving 10 MPH. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 3, 2024
All at once I have an ABS , Brake, Traction Control on instrument panel illuminated.Service Trailer Brake diagnostic message. Will not set cruise. 06/03/24. Am not driving for fear of failure and presently cannot afford diagnostic repairs. Just turned 100,000 miles and is not used for daily uses. Cannot believe a failure of this magnitude happened with very low mileage
Steering, Oct 2, 2024
On my way to work 09/30/2024. At light, message appeared service steering assembly. Power steering stopped working. Hard to negotiate travel to work. Fortunately traffic was manageable @ 0400 am. Eight hours later started truck steering works till first turn, then stopped working, unable to find parts. Vehicle out of service.
Steering, Oct 2, 2024
On October 1, 2024 I was driving home. I stopped at a stop sign and went to turn right. (EPS light comes on.) I didn't have any power steering at all. Very hard to turn. When I pulled up to my house, I turned off the truck. Then, I restarted vehicle and power steering worked, so I went down my street and turned around. Power steering went back out as I approached my driveway. Now when, I start the Ram truck, as soon as I try to turn the steering wheel. The EPS error pops up saying ("Service Power Steering").
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 2, 2024
Front welded frame mounting point for gas tank "Tee-Strap" rusted through causing front of gas tank to sag from frame and only be supported by remaining rear gas tank strap. The actual T-strap is structurally sound, it is the the frame mount that rusted through that allowed the Tee-Strap to pull through the mount. It appears that the design of the mounting point allowed moisture and road grit to become trapped in the bottom of the mount causing the rust breakthrough. The car has low mileage for it's age (97k) and has been kept in a garage.
Steering, Oct 1, 2024
I was driving my truck down some windy roads and all of the sudden the power steering stopped working. This is an electronic power steering system so when it stopped working it completely stopped. It was extremely difficult to keep it on the road and I had to overpower the servos and the whole system to be able to steer the truck. If someone was not strong, they could have easily wrecked and possibly suffered serious injury or even death.
Steering, Sep 30, 2024
Lost power steering while driving.
Steering, Sep 29, 2024
I had a total loss of power steering while driving. It started as intermittent. Now there is no power steering at all.
Steering, Sep 29, 2024
Driving to work. Sudden loss of steering. Power steering went out making it dangerous to steer and drive. Service power steering light came on for first time. Luckily driving slow near home. Known problem with ram electric power steering rack.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 29, 2024
EPS red light came on and lost power to control vehicle. Managed to get to side of road and turned vehicle off for a few minutes and started it up again turned around and it was fine. Turned truck around and drove back home to park it. Got almost home and EPS red light came on again lost power to control vehicle. Had to have it pulled home because trying to control it manually was too hard and too dangerous luckily when it first happened there was no oncoming traffic. I was told there was a recall on my year model truck for faulty EPS but when w called the Dodge house was told there were no recalls for EPS on any year models vehicles.
Steering, Sep 28, 2024
My husband was driving home from work around 2 am when the steering wheel jerked then tighten up thankfully no one was on the road. There was no issues before it happened . The check engine light is showing EPS failure code and a few others also a blinking steering wheel and the abs and traction control and the brake light is on the dash
Steering, Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the contact depressed the brake pedal because the steering wheel could not be turned. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, the steering functionality had not returned. The steering assist fault message was displayed. The contact towed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Steering, Sep 24, 2024
I am a 40 year tech. The electronic steering rack failed while driving with no warning. These steering racks are impossible to replace and are 3000 dollars. Even the used parts yards don't have any. This is rediculous I have a mint condition truck that's unfixable. It's a nation wide issue, everyone knows about
Steering, Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH leaving a parking space, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle in either direction. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stopped and turned off and restarted the vehicle several time however, the power steering functionality had not returned. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the electric power steering assist gears and sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the independent mechanic had related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Steering, Sep 23, 2024
The EPS Rack and Pinion on my 2013 Ram 1500 is failing intermittently. There is a recall on many of the 2013 trucks but not mine for some reason. Why is the intermittently defective part on my any different than the ones being replaced on these others? Numerous times in the last two months, I have been turning when the PS failed and nearly caused a wreck. The truck has less than 70,000 miles on it. Because Ram has had so many go bad I can't get a replacement.