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, Sep 7, 2023
My Dodge ram electric power steering failed. It will not work in cold weather around freezing. If it’s warm, it will work. There have been multiple reports of this problem with Dodge Rams
Steering, Sep 7, 2023
While making a left turn my husband states the power steering went out and he almost lost control of the truck and hit a utility pole.
Steering, Sep 7, 2023
Power steering failed
Steering, Sep 6, 2023
Vehicle power steering failure. Steering operating as designed until I parked in a bank parking lot to use to ATM when I attemped to back out the power steering was inop. A local repair shop dignosed the problem as an internal failure of the power steering pump. Had this happen while driving an accident would almost certainly have occured. Very unsafe, the replacement part cost more than two thousand not to include the replacment cost.
Steering, Sep 6, 2023
Driving on interstate steering just abruptly got very hard to turn there was no power steering
Steering, Sep 4, 2023
On July 9, 2023 the steering failed as I was driving, resulting in loss of control. With great difficulty I was able to return the vehicle to my house. The vehicle stayed there untill it was repaired on August 8, 2023. Repairs required an expense of $3,251.36.
Steering, Sep 4, 2023
Electronic power steering suddenly stopped working while driving. Vehicle was able to be steered but was very difficult with no power assist. Paid for replacement at local Ram dealer.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 2, 2023
Electronic power steering failed while driving. Power steering has remained inoperable and vehicle can not be safely driven.
Steering, Sep 2, 2023
Steer controls were lost while driving around a 3 lane curb. I was responsive enough to refrain from hitting the vehicle in the lane next to me. I have not had the vehicle checked by a mechanic but I have investigated all electrical connections as well as fuses and found no culprit.
Steering, Sep 1, 2023
The power steering went out. I took it to the Dodge dealership and they said it was the electric power steering module and to replace it the rack and pinion steering had to be replaced as well at a total cost of $4100.00 . This vehicle only has 36400 miles on it and I feel it should be included in a recall.
Steering, Sep 1, 2023
Intermittent loss of Power Steering (EPS) Losing power steering limits my control of the truck, especially when it’s unpredicted. Dealership inspected the problem.
Steering, Aug 30, 2023
electronic power steering stopped working while driving very difficult to get to side of road. the service power steering warning light came on when it happened but nothing prior. have to bring it to dealership to have it diagnosed but see on ram forums and within the NHTSA site that this seems to be happeneing to others however Only certain years have been recalled.
Steering, Aug 30, 2023
Electric power steering loss leading to loosing control of steering while driving. Steering wheel tightened up and unable to drive safely on the road. Vehicle is currently sitting and unable to drive due to safety hazard. Unable to retrieve parts to fix the problem due to the parts being unavailable/ out of stock
Steering, Aug 29, 2023
Power steering failed while driving.
Steering, Aug 28, 2023
Electronic power steering suddenly went out while driving at a gas station.
Steering, Aug 28, 2023
Was driving my 2013 ram 1500 hemi truck to work when all of a sudden my wheel locked up and I lost all powersteering. This is a huge safety concern as there was no warning at all and come to find out after reading this is a very common problem on these trucks and it should not be. It’s extremely dangerous and puts the driver as well as other drivers on the road at extreme risk.
Steering, Aug 28, 2023
My 2013 Dodge Ram 1500, going down the road and the power steering stopped working, almost got in an accident due to the fact I could barely get the truck turned off the highway. It has been parked now for over a month. Mechanic states it needs a rack and pinion, out of stock everywhere, sounds like a multitude of people are having the same problem......so Dodge are you going do a recall and stand by your product?????
Steering, Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure recurred after five minutes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Steering, Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Steering, Aug 28, 2023
While driving the vehicle the electric power steering unit failed. We have reset the computer and checked the fuses and it is still not working. I will be taking to the dealership today.
Steering, Aug 27, 2023
Power Steering not activating immediately at ignition start. It takes 2-3 minutes. It was a few seconds at first, now it has become longer.
Suspension, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2023
2103 Ram 1500 Electronic Power Steering failed or malfunctioned, my vehicle is available for inspection if needed The loss of power steering capabilities put my safety and the safety of my family at risk by the possibility of and accident and injury. The loss of power steering capabilities is still evident and has been electrically verified. The EPS failure has NOT been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or any other agency.
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2023
LIGHTING ON INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WORKS INTERMITENTLY. WHEN IT CUTS OUT, I CAN NOT SEE THE SPEED NOR ANY WARNING SIGNALS. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED.NO WARNING SIGNS BEFORE IT GOES BLANK.
Steering, Aug 26, 2023
POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING AND SOMETIMES WORKS INTERMINTENTLY. POWER STEERING QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN AND I HAD TO DRIVE THOUGH A FRONT YARD TO AVOID COLLISION. HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED, CAN NOT TAKE IT IN BECAUSE I NEED IT TO GET TO WORK. NO WARNING LIGHT PRIOR TO FAILURE, LIGHT COMES ON ONCE THE STEERING LOCKS UP.
Steering, Aug 26, 2023
Power steering light came on and power steering became inoperable.