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.
Service brakes, Jun 13, 2024
ABS MODULE has gone bad. Only the dealer can replace it. This has been an issue for years with this part. My truck has only 80,000 miles on it. Talked with a fellow the other day and the same thing with his truck with only 40,000 miles.
Steering, Jun 12, 2024
Power Steering is faulty and is starting to work at times and not function at others. This causes unsafe driving conditions because you don't know when to apply more pressure to the steering wheel and when to apply less. In an emergency, could lead to drastic issues.
Steering, Jun 12, 2024
Driving and steering wheel stopped functioning i almost wrecked. The electric steering failed suddenly.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 11, 2024
Failure of all steering wheel controls. with random cruise control suddenly activating ...transmission gear control self activation (will drop into lower gear causing driver to fly forward and vehicle behind to take evasive action). radio changes channels by itself. i found info that lead me to believe it was a clock spring issue. was taken to dealer. they diagnosed it as a steering wheel harness that had all the wires pulled out of the plug..800 to repair a 20 dollar wire harness... next drive after repair. buttons all worked again but radio still changing channels..cruise intermittent..gear dropping by itself still..almost rear ended again..back to dealer just to get told they could not do anything for a couple weeks..they are lucky this was not in inter on ice.... original symptoms could not change the display..stuck on tire pressure screen.. no phone control. no radio control. no cruise control , no gear shift control..but things would change on their own.. back at dealer again for further investigation
Steering, Jun 10, 2024
-Power steering has failed and truck is inoperable; no parts available for repair -Sudden loss of power steering in store parking lot, putting driver, passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk of accident and injury -Yes, this problem has been evaluated and confirmed by a local independent service center -No, fortunately no accident occurred thus the need for police or insurance involvement was not necessary -No, there were no warning indicators prior to this occurrence. Now that the power steering has failed an indicator light now appears when vehicle is started While I understand there is currently no recall for this VIN, the power steering parts needed to fix this mechanical failure are unavailable due to a large recall covering other RAM1500 models for same issue thus I strongly feel our vehicle should also be included in this recall affected by the same failure. I appreciate your thorough review of this complaint and prompt consideration of my request to include this VIN in the recall. If I can answer questions or provide my vehicle for review, I welcome you to contact me. I have been without a vehicle for nearly 4 weeks which is putting a difficult transportation strain on me and my family.
Steering, Jun 7, 2024
The Electronic power steering intermittently stops working making it very difficult to steer. The truck will run fine sometimes at first and then after driving a few miles it will pop up with service power steering and I loose power steering assist. Sometimes it will start with the light already on.
Steering, Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the vehicle began pulling in the opposite direction. Additionally, while in reverse(R), the steering wheel became extremely firm. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 4, 2024
After parking my truck for the night, the steering locked up. When I went to start it in the morning, the electric power steering did not work. The code it gave was C2217-00
Steering, Jun 4, 2024
My electric power steering will not work all the time. If i let the truck run for 30 minutes, shut the truck off then start it again it will start working. Sometimes it wont work at all.
Steering, Jun 4, 2024
the electric power steering failed and loss power assist and then thankfully in a parking lot it completly locked up, no steering at all, if i was on the highway it would have been a bad crash,
Steering, Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel seized and became inoperable. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and temporarily the vehicle worked as intended; however, the failure persisted. The Service Power Steering warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the parts to do the repair were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.
Steering, May 31, 2024
I own a 2013 Ram Sport with 69111 miles. My truck gets serviced regularly. I have not had any issues until I got in the truck on 16 May 2024. I started the truck to go to work and got the "service power steering" message and the indicator was on, steering wheel will not move. Had it towed to the dealer where they said my electronic power steering module is bad. Part is backordered by weeks, unable to tell when it will arrive.
Steering, Air bags, May 31, 2024
The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V459000 (Air Bags) and was repaired under recall. The contact stated that after the recall repair, the Cruise Control would inadvertently activate or deactivate intermittently. The contact stated the remedy included tying and rerouting the wires so that other essential wiring could not disconnect and cause additional failures. The owner informed the contact that the speedometer failed intermittently, and the transmission failed to shift properly while driving. The contact stated that the failures had become more persistent over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness inside the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, May 30, 2024
The steering stopped working completely on my 2013 Ram 1500 as I was trying to back out of my driveway. I had it towed to be repaired and the entire steer gear assembly is no longer functional and needs replaced however the parts are discontinued and no longer available.
Service brakes, May 29, 2024
Driving during rainstorm, car in front slowed down so I pressed brakes they locked up and I spun around. Abs light and traction light were on.
Steering, May 29, 2024
As I was driving my steering intermittently became stiff, then steered fine until I was able to get home. Next morning to leave for work the steering wheel and exclamation mark were flashing on my dash and no power steering and unable to drive my truck. After work I checked the electronic power steering fuses (good), electrical connectors to the electric rack and pinion (good), disconnected vehicle battery for 45 minutes to attempt to reset ECU and that did not help either. Definitely a major safety issue as I was in the middle of turning while driving and unable to at that moment before it intermittently corrected itself which almost caused me to run into a road sign and another vehicle.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 23, 2024
Reduced braking efficiency, loss of speedometer, loss of cruise control, brake light stays on when not depressing the pedal, electric power steering assist not functioning. Check engine light on, abs light on, traction control light on.
Steering, May 22, 2024
Power steering failure. Everything was working properly when parked. When started the next day, a steering wheel warning light flashed repeatedly and there is no power steering. Vehicle can be steered manually but is incredibly difficult. The vehicle has not been to a shop or the dealer yet.
Steering, May 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel became extremely firm. The power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Steering, May 17, 2024
Electric Steering failed during normal driving conditions. Rendered vehicle unmanageable and extremely difficult to steer. After looking into the repairs there are NO parts available for replacement. This is unacceptable.
Steering, May 17, 2024
While driving, the SERVICE POWER STEERING warning light came on and I suddenly lost all power steering. I could barely turn the vehicle. Had there been other vehicles near me it could have caused an accident. Dodge said they can’t look at it for 5 days.
Steering, May 14, 2024
POWER STEERING FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. STEERING WAS TOO HEAVY TO CONTINUE TO TURN. ALMOST CRASHED INTO CAR COMING OPPOSITE DIRECTION, CAR ALONGSIDE, AND REAR ENDED BY TRUCK BEHIND. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE RAM DOES NOT MAKE THE PART ANYMORE AND IT IS SOLD OUT NATIONWIDE AS SO MANY HAVE FAILED. PART # R8573449aa WHY HASN"T THERE BEEN A RECALL IF SO MANY HAVE FAILED? THE TRUCK IS UNMANEUVARABLE WHEN IT FAILS. THANK YOU.
Steering, May 12, 2024
Started up my truck and found I could not steer it. Had truck towed to a garage and found that the electric power steering failed. They had to replace the steering which cost over 4 thousand dollars. I have found on your site there have been other people that have had the same issue. Had this failure occurred while I was driving it could have resulted in a serious accident.
Steering, May 10, 2024
The steering wheel locked up while driving without warning thankfully was going straight and not in a turn or driving at a high speed. Steering warning light came on after it happened, got the vehicle off the road and shut it off waited roughly 20 minutes started it back up and it was working fine.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the fuel appeared to be emptying quickly. The contact stated that while walking to the vehicle, the contact observed that the gas tank was hanging out of the truck and extremely close to the ground. The gas tank was tied in place with a tie-down strap and taken back to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was stopped frequently to confirm that the gas tank was secured. The contact was concerned that the tank would detach again and cause a fire. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact discovered an unknown extended warranty however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.