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, Jul 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was a flashing triangle symbol associated with the power steering fault displayed on the instrument panel. The power steering service message was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage for the power steering failure. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Steering, Jul 12, 2026
I was driving and my power steering light cane on and the power steering went out
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 7, 2026, crash
Abs module shut down causing truck to lose control. Now all drive train systems are locked out
Steering, Jul 7, 2026
I was on my way to work, and the power steering stopped working as I was making a turn. The power sterring light came on in the dash. The mechanic told me he had worked on a few with the same issue, and that it was probably the rack, but he checked the fuses and wiring first. A new rack is $3800.
Suspension, Jul 7, 2026
Ram has a known issue with the air suspension giving out which can cause the lights to shine up in the air or lower on the pavement. This can also lead to one side dipping or leaning which makes driving difficult at best. It’s such a known problem many individuals opt to delete the suspension and go with one of the many after market shock replacements. Have not had it in the shop because of age. Does air down over time or dip. Love this truck and it only has 18K miles on it so not over use.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 2, 2026
EPS (Electronic Power Steering) failed while driving. Red steering wheel with exclamation point lights up on dash and loss of steering. Local dealership blamed it on low mileage and lots of city driving when I called them about repairs. They are a week out or more just to diagnose the issue. It has just over 95k miles.
Steering, Jul 2, 2026
My power steering stopped functioning all of a sudden when driving on the road. I had to steer after that with much force and taking up almost two lanes when turning
Steering, Jul 1, 2026
Loss of power steering during turning. Steering wheel goes stiff and bucks while warning lights light up. After turning vehicle off and checked fuses for electronic steering it worked and then later it occurred again while pulling into main road.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 1, 2026
While driving and making a left hand turn at a major intersection my electronic power steering failed and put myself and my passenger at risk as it was extremely difficult to make the turn and my truck ended up hitting the curb before completing the turn. There was the potential to hit pedestrians or other vehicles if I had not been able to turn the steering wheel manually. It was confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by any other individuals or entities. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to this immediate failure during a turn. Following the failure of the power steering a warning lamp appeared on the dash that said service power steering and stayed on.
Steering, Jun 26, 2026
Vehicle steering became extra hard to steer. Has now been parked for about 12-24 months as could not steer. Not enough personal strength to move/steer it.
Steering, Jun 25, 2026
Started vehicle this morning 6-25-26 and noticed the power steering light flashing. Shut off truck and started again but light still flashing. This is the first time this has happened as I have driven the truck everyday without any issues before.
Steering, Jun 24, 2026
Power steering goes in and out while driving which causes the steering wheel to get very stiff and lose the ability to steer the half-ton vehicle. This is a huge flaw in the design and wildly unsafe
Steering, Jun 23, 2026
The electronic steering suddenly went out while driving. Became an intermittent issue for a couple days and then fully died all the components and fuses have been checked. Just a service steering light on the dash is on, once the problem started. I am an independent technician. The vehicle can be inspected at any time. There was no warnings or any symptoms the power steering just turned off and became incredibly hard to use.
Steering, Jun 22, 2026
The power steering stopped working several times on a local trip I was on today. The steering unexpectedly became hard to steer, and the power steering failure alarm came on. I parked my vehicle at my destination, and when I started to return home, the steering failed again as i was leaving the Dr's parking lot. I am taking the vehicle with the suspected component, in for repairs, and will retain the part for NHTSA inspection. The first failure occurred as I was entering freeway traffic, and it caused my truck to change trajectory and speed while entering 70 mph traffic. I am taking the vehicle in for evaluation and repair on 6/23/26. There were no warnings or alarms prior to the failure, on either incident of failure. The alarm light came on during the failure both times.
Steering, Jun 20, 2026
Electronic Power Steering failure. It is available for inspection on request although we can not move the truck. Do to no steering and we do not want to damage anything else by driving it. Luckily we were not traveling at the time. This happened yesterday. We have not taken it to a repair facility. In reviewing these problems on line. Everything matches what we have read concerning other Electronic Power Steering problems on our 2013 Ram truck . How the problem occurred: I backed the truck from the garage. parked it in the driveway to work on my mower in that space. When returning the truck to the garage. No steering and the notification light came on. Requesting service on power steering unit. I barely got it into the garage. This is a 2013 truck. Purchased in 2013 only has 42000 miles on it. We bought it with only 10000 miles on it. It has been in a garage most of it's life. According to your information : out of 1234 (complaints on you web site) 597 were for this exact Power Steering issue. Out of 526 "Manufacture Communication" none deal with loss of Power Steering. I see there is 1 investigation still open. Questioning why there is no recall on these units. I don't know how many of the other complaints have more usage of their vehicles but 42000 miles on a 2013 vehicle and a well cared for vehicle should not have an issue happen just all of a sudden. I am certainly glad we were not out driving. We live on gravel roads and no steering could have cause an accident. This is a life changing situation just waiting to happen Please reply with intentions toward this complaint. Thank you
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 19, 2026
The electric power steering light came on and has caused difficulties driving the vehicle.
Steering, Jun 18, 2026
The contact owns 2013 RAM 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, when attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned the vehicle off, turned the vehicle on and the vehicle began to work as intended. The contact mention after reentering the vehicle attempting to start after five minutes the vehicle began to work as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they referred to call NHTSA to have his VIN recalled. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Steering, Jun 13, 2026
Complete and sudden loss of power steering assistance. Occurred June 11, 2026.No warnings prior to failure.Failure occurred in my driveway thankfully. No accident or injuries. Diagnostics performed by owner to determine electrical failure within the EPS.
Steering, Jun 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a slight right turn, the power steering suddenly failed. The Power Steering failure warning light was flashing. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact inspected the fuses, disconnected the power steering, and continued driving; however, the failure recurred approximately 10 minutes later. The contact was able to drive to the residence with manual steering. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Steering, Jun 10, 2026
Power steering failure, known issue with stellantis, EPS. Failure to be able to control vehicle. Yes and independent service center confirmed malfunction and inspected by mechanic. No warning lamps or other messages appeared prior to failure.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 10, 2026
2013 Ran 1500 with 120000 miles. Service Anti-lock Brake System advisory message. Truck will start but will not switch into gear.
Power train, Service brakes, Jun 10, 2026, crash
Will driving in the rain my abs brakes, traction control, and 4wheel drive went out all the sudden causing me to lose control crash into the back of the vehicle in front of me. There was no warning no sound just light everywhere and all the safety items that make me truck worth buying gone. I even spent extra money to have 4 wheel drive. After the accident I found out that this is happening so often that the part to fix my brakes, traction control, and 4 wheel drive is 2 years out and now is no longer made. So now I’m supposed to drive a once 4 wheel drive truck that is now 2 wheel drive. It also no longer has abs brakes just reqular brakes and no traction control so now everytime it rains no matter how fast I’m going I’m sliding all over the place. I bought this truck to have the vehicle that was able to pick daughter up and rain sleet or snow and now I have to use my fiance suv to pick her up even on sunny days. I whole reason to buy my truck is now gone. It’s literally a car that looks like a truck and it’s a car from the 80s before abs was a thing
Steering, Jun 5, 2026
The electric power steering (EPS) suddenly failed while driving. Loss of this system created an unsafe situation in which it was extremely difficult to hold the vehicle within the appropriate driving lanes and especially difficult to make any turns at intersections. The problem occurred on June 2, 2026, the failure was confirmed by an independent service center and the vehicle is currently at the center awaiting replacement of the entire EPS. A warning message was displayed immediately when the EPS failed by showing a red steering wheel followed by an exclamation point (!)
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was at a stoplight, the fuel tank detached. The driver was able to reconnect the tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Steering, May 18, 2026
Steering is loose and unresponsive at times. Just bought the 2013 truck, used, from a dealer. Dealer stated no issues, but discovered while driving it home on the highway. Feels very unsafe and by researching other complaints, with same make and model, it appears this is a serious issue replicated across many different owners, with similar make/model/year.