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, Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while reversing at 2 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced and reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Steering, Aug 25, 2023
Driving on interstate on vacation, we stop for gas and started engine no power steering. Cut off and restarted engine now I have power steering. Stop again to get gas start engine no power steering. Tried cutting off and restarted engine no power steering and still 2 weeks later no power steering and you can't drive this truck without power steering. Checked on getting it replaced and was told the part is on Nation wide backorder. So how is this going to be drivable? Called Ram dealer and they say no recall on this. So many ram trucks are having this issue. Ram should fix this deadly problem they created.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2023
Broken exaust manifold bolts bringing exaust fumes into cab
Steering, Engine, Aug 25, 2023
Service power steering fault , power steering is intermittent and will throw a code and you will loss power steering until you reset ignition! Also exhaust manifold bolts seem to break alot
Steering, Aug 24, 2023
Power steering went out thankfully I was pulling in my driveway during a heavy rain and it just went out completely
Steering, Aug 24, 2023
The service power steering light appears often upon starting the truck and the steering wheel is locked. The power steering warning lamp comes on with no warning at all and the power steering locks up intermittently while driving or cornering. I have not had a dealership look it over. I just discovered this complaint form. My mechanic will take a look at it this coming weekend. Until then the truck isn't drivable and I am out of a vehicle. It is extremely dangerous and now costing me money in lost work.
Steering, Aug 22, 2023
EPS light is on electric power steering know as electric rack & pinion steering Code C2217-00 hard steering left & right in a parking lot
Engine, Aug 22, 2023
I believe the exhaust manifold is leaking as I can smell gas in the cabin and also truck makes a ticking sound that goes away after 30 seconds when it's warmed up. This seems to be a common issue with this type of truck and should be recalled.
Steering, Aug 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the "Loss of Steering" message displayed. The contact shutoff and restarted the vehicle to correct the failure; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the steering gear was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 13,600.
Steering, Aug 20, 2023
Power steering failed while driving
Power train, Aug 20, 2023, crash
The vehicle rolls away while still in park and showing it’s in park. No one was in the vehicle. All passengers had exited and was in a building.
Steering, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Aug 20, 2023
All instruments and control of window wipers stopped responding to their switches. Wipers will not turn off, no horn, no working switches on steering wheel, communication to abs system, trailer brakes, data from abs not being received. Dash cluster flashes out for about 10 seconds while driving not knowing if the vehicle is still running while on the highway or freeway. Everything is pointing to the steering wheel clock spring. All replaced but still no controls or horn or ability to run vehicle safely on the roads. Will not pass inspection from this issue.
Steering, Aug 19, 2023
This is an issue I had with my electric power steering on my 2013 Ram 1500. I stopped at a gas station to fill up and when finished and cranked up my truck I had no power steering. The truck was very very difficult to steer on my way back home. If this would have happened while driving especially on a sharp curve I could have had an accident. The whole unit had to be replaced at the dealership for a cost of over $2000. There should have been a recall on this part with the manufacturer responsible for the repair cost.
Steering, Aug 18, 2023
Steering randomly stopped working upon cranking up. Dealership says codes lead to replacing rack/pinion for $4000. There is no seen damage & nothing leading up to this problem, so I wanted to make you aware since this topic is being investigated.
Steering, Aug 17, 2023
The power steering suddenly stopped working. There was absolutely no warning prior to the incident. The part is still on my truck. I was pulling onto a major highway at the time and was just lucky there was no traffic anywhere near me or this could have caused a major wreck. If I turn the truck off and back on, the problem corrects itself, but it comes back. Sometimes after 30 secs or sometimes not until the next day, but it will always come back. I have not had it checked out yet.
Steering, Aug 17, 2023
Power steering does not work below 50 degrees F.
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2023
Light on dash comes on randomly saying that my gas cap isnt on all of the way, and everytime i check it, it will definitely be on and tightened.. it comes and goes at random… Also, if i hit 11.0 mpg average, then my ECO mode will shut off and causes my check engine light to come on, and then that wont go away and let me go into ECO mode again until i am back under 11.0 mpg average.
Steering, Aug 16, 2023
My 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 suddenly lost all power steering on Saturday 8/12/23. There were no warning lights beforehand but in the moment it said "service power steering" on the dash. Luckily I was in a parking lot and able to go in reverse back into my spot. I then had my truck towed to my mechanic who said that everything was working perfectly when he arrived on Monday morning. Upon further inspection he said that there is an error with the electronic steering gear and that it would take approximately 10-12 weeks and upwards of $5,000 to fix. At this point, I took the truck back home because they said that it was working fine and it did work fine for one day until I tried to go to work this morning (8/16/23)and the same thing happened. Again, I was luckily still in the parking lot of my apartment complex so I was able to pull straight forward into another parking spot. Upon request, I would be happy to allow for inspection on my vehicle. It is certainly scary to think that the power steering could go out at any point while on the road. This is not like a typical power steering problem, I cannot turn the wheel at all even with high amount of force. I am hoping that this report helps others before someone gets hurt involving this problem. Thank you!
Steering, Aug 15, 2023
EPS stopped working. The truck has less than 40,000 miles on it.
Steering, Aug 15, 2023
While traveling 70 mph down a straight highway my power steering jerked and became inoperable with no prior indications or warnings. The Service Power Steering indication came on afterwards. I was able to regain and maintain control with great physical exertion and difficulty. If my wife, daughter, or someone with a weaker stature was driving, the results could have been catastrophic. I checked all connections and fuses related to the electric power steering and everything appeared to be is good operating condition, indicating the likely culprit is an EPS module. The nature in which the EPS failed can and will cause serious injury and death if not resolved.
Steering, Aug 15, 2023
2013 RAM 1500 EXPERIENCED TOTAL AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FUNCTION DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT. THIS MATCHES THE NHTSA INVESTIGATION RQ 23-003 AS OF 8/4/23 (Investigator: [XXX] ). THAT I FOUND ONLINE THIS MORNING. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT THE LOCAL RAM DEALERSHIP IN MURFREESBORO, TN. TRUCK WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 45 MPH GOING STRAIGHT WHEN THE STEERING LOSS OCCURRED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 14, 2023
Backing out of the driveway, the power steering light came on and the power steering completely stopped working. I checked the fuses and they were all functional. This morning, I read an article (published 6 days ago) that other 2013 RAM 1500s have experienced the same issue and that NHTSA is investigating. Please add my truck to the list of those experiencing this issue.
Steering, Aug 13, 2023
My steering column locked up while leaving my driveway. And has not come unlocked since as of August 9th 2023. This had happened once before on the road. It was about three weeks prior I was driving in a 55 mph zone and was on a very gentle right curve and my steering wheel didn't want to turn I pulled a little harder on it and it popped loose and I didn't have any problems with it until the ninth.
Steering, Aug 13, 2023
Loss of power steering, service power steering warning came on simultaneously. Warning went off and power steering was restored before being lost at a later date. At this time have not had a chance for mechanical evaluation.
Steering, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.