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.
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 10, 2024
Driving fine with no problems then all of a sudden a bell starts chiming about 6 to 8 times then the steering light comes on and the ABS light comes on in the dash and starts blinking , then I lost power to the steering wheel ,was very hard to steer. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the engine off and waited a few minutes to crank it , every thing went normal and I drove home, but before I got home it did it again but this time it went haywire and the wipers came on and the dash lite up like a Christmas tree. I finally made it home and parked it . I sent off the TIPM unit to get repaired ,fixed but steering is still not wanting to work , will call my mechanic to put it in the shop. I have a truck that I have spent a lot of money fixing one thing after another , have already replaced the motor in 2020 . It seems like this truck is a lemon. Thank you01
Steering, Mar 9, 2024
Electronic power steering rack and pinion stopped working while driving. Error message on dash. No power assist, difficult to impossible to steer vehicle.
Steering, Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the message "Service Power Steering" was displayed, and the steering wheel had become extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local service center who diagnosed that the steering circuit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Steering, Mar 6, 2024
Power steering suddenly stoped while driving and began flashing service power steering, avoided an accident. Failed EPS module. No repair units are available anywhere and can't be driven.
Steering, Mar 6, 2024
I was driving on [XXX] back to Willcox Arizona and my steering locked up. I was able to drive it to the nearest exit but had really hard steering. Went back for my truck brought it home in my trailer and had a mechanic look at it and advised it was my rack and pinon. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 6, 2024
Power steering went out
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the fuel tank strap had become detached, resulting in gasoline leaking from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
Steering, Mar 4, 2024
Power steering intermittently lost while driving. Has not gone completely out but happens often while driving.
Steering, Mar 1, 2024
I was driving down a highway and without warning, my power steering went out. This was then followed by a message saying "service power steering"(after it went out). Thankfully I was able to keep the vehicle in my lane of travel, but if I had been rounding a corner, I believe I would have crashed with potential life changing consequences. The safety of myself was put at risk for the sudden loss of power steering. I contacted a dealer and they immediately quoted me a several thousand dollar repair. I feel this is not fare and understand that the NHTSA opened an investigation into the issue for older RAMS last summer. Please help me with this issue and getting it covered without paying out of pockets expenses
Steering, Mar 1, 2024
Pulling out of my driveway the power steering failed which cause lost of control of my truck. I nearly avoided an oncoming car. The power steering no longer works and now my truck is no longer safe to drive.
Steering, Feb 29, 2024
Power steering stopped working.
Steering, Feb 28, 2024
Steering completely went out while making a right turn onto highway. Had vehicle towed and repairs totaled over a thousand dollars.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 27, 2024
Defective ABS moudule. been on waiting list for parts approx 2 years.
Steering, Feb 27, 2024
In May/June 2023 my Ram lost power steering while exiting the freeway. It startled me as I was merging into traffic. I pulled over to a parking lot and turned the vehicle off. Restarted the truck and the power steering was back. Drive the truck a few days with no problem but then it happened again. I contacted Ram Customer Service because I found an article online about bad EPS modules, they were very unhelpful. Pretty much saying I was on my own. I brought the truck in, drove to dealership with intermittent loss of power steering. Diagnostic found electronic power steering module failure and replaced steering gear assembly. $3300 later which i feel was way too much. Also as a side note, before taking the truck in, I purchased a bottle of power steering fluid to try, after looking in my manual. Nowhere in my manual does it say that this vehicle has an electric power steering module. Shows a pic of the reservoir of where the fluid would normally go.
Steering, Feb 24, 2024
parked vehicle for one hour went to drive vehicle I moved vehicle about 2 foot and then power steering just went out. checked fuses and connections and the power steering went back to working but dont know how long it would work. we live in a mountainous area and this could be very dangerous. NO EXPLANATION OF WHY.
Steering, Feb 22, 2024
No power steering, very hard to steer. Flashing steering wheel light on the dash.
Steering, Feb 20, 2024
I was driving on the toll road during afternoon rush hour. Suddenly the “Service Power Steering” message came up on the dash. It was the first time that message came up, no prior symptoms. The steering wheel locked, thankfully I was able to exit the tollway without any accidents. Taking it to an independent mechanic. Fear it’s the rack and pinion. 2013 Ram 1500, 5.7, approx 185k miles
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Feb 20, 2024
Hello, I'm filing a complaint against the Dothan, AL Ram dealership due to recalls that were never performed. I bought the truck on 7/12/2021 from a third party. I noticed this particular Ram had 12 recalls so I took it in to the Dothan, AL Dodge dealership to have them repaired. They had the truck for 2 weeks and nothing was repaired. Nothing at all. I lost 2 back pack blowers because of the faulty tailgate latch. I had to take the tailgate from my 02 Ram off and put it on the 2013. That's just one incident, there are quite a few and I've spent countless amount of money and time fixing this truck because of the recalls that were never performed. I need an Inspector to see this, it's ridiculous. When I took the truck in for the recalls it had 101,000 miles, a cold air intake, and different features. When I got the truck back it had 114000 miles, the cold air intake was gone, the Vin plate was replaced with a sticker and it had different features. The GM convinced me I was hallucinating. I'm a disabled adult and was taken for a fool and discriminated against. I am going to have to find a lawyer.
Steering, Feb 14, 2024
Electrical power steering failed. I reported this last year to this agency, but somehow it is not available. Cranked up vehicle and the power steering failed on and off. At times it would clear out until the light stayed on and the power steering stopped working.
Steering, Feb 14, 2024
Steering failed intermittently while driving before going out completely while driving. When it went out it was almost impossible to steer. The truck is presently undrivable because of the steering and it is very dangerous because of the failure while driving.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Feb 12, 2024
ABS system has failed and damaged the traction control module. Speedometer does not work and brake lights stay on constantly. Power steering assist does not work. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and cannot get the parts to fix these issues.
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Feb 7, 2024
Vehicle has been serviced 7 times by Lithia Nissan with continuing issues last service date was May 22nd 2023 in which the following services were performed; Oil filter housing, 2 gaskets, installed OEM oil cooler and cleared codes, Pin fit issues with master switch, repaired pin issue. Vehicle has been serviced 2 times by Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Eugene address 2121 Martin Luther King Jr. BLVD. Eugene OR 97401 (541)686-2255 Last service date Oct. 2nd 2023 in which the following services were performed; Engine system repair, injector-fuel, cleared codes, Pin fit issues with master switch repaired pin issues. Vehicle serviced 1 time by Goodyear location 164 W 7th AVE Eugene OR 97401 (541)343-2501 service date Oct. 5th 2023 following service was performed; Replace Resistor Spark Plug, Spark plug- Iridium OE Exact plug, R&R Spark plugs, R&R spark plugs Ignition Coil set, Intake manifold set, cleared codes. Ongoing issues; unresolved by services performed 1.Check engine light 2.Airbag light 3.Hot temp light 4.Power train light 5.Parking brake does not work properly and will roll if not parked on a level surface 6.Master switch driver control will stop working unless I pop it out of the control panel disconnect it and reconnect it. 7.Defrost does not work properly in which makes it hard to see when driving and there is moisture building inside the cabin creating mold which is a health concern. 8.Vehicle will switch into different gears while driving when brake pedal has not been applied or used. 9.Vehicle sometimes shakes and stalls in drive and reverse.
Steering, Feb 6, 2024, crash
About 9 month ago parked the truck then the next morning pulled out of my driveway and power steering went out completely. Truck had under 100k mile on it? Dealer kept saying part was on backorder for months and now they say the part has been discontinued? Even aftermarket remanufactured units are no longer being made available due to the high failure rate from speaking to 3 suppliers. Given the high failure rate, a used electronic steering rack and pinion would be a ticking time bomb and was not suggested. I doubt you'll do anything about (lobbyists), but I'd at least make you aware.
Steering, Feb 5, 2024
Hello I have the problem with steering wheel control I drive 35 miles on the steering wheel stock really hard to control the truck
Steering, Feb 4, 2024
Power steering system failed while parking vehicle in driveway. It took several maneuvers to finally get it into the driveway and off the roadway.