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, Jul 24, 2023
Brake pedal will randomly have NO resistance and no brake activation, a quick second stroke usually gives full normal brakes with no fade or problems. Occasionally second and third stroke may not have brakes, but eventually come firm. I believe it's a power assist issue, several posts online referr to same issue.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 21, 2023
Dealer confirmed faulty ABS unit module part #68210719AB on my 2013 Ram 1500 Big Horn. No antilock brake capability, no trailer brakes, no traction control and 4 dashboard warning lights on. Dealer went to order parts in April and FCA says it's on engineering hold until march 2024 at the earliest. I told FCA Ram Customer Care on multiple occasions that the truck in not useable and is a safety hazard. I contacted FCA in June and they wouldn't give me a case number and basically said it is what it is. Dealer can't do anything and has tried everything to find the part. I saw there was a class action lawsuit filed and multiple complaints about this very same issue, most notably with 2017-18 Ram 1500's but mine is a 2013 with same issues and same part #. I can't be expected to not have a vehicle for 11 months at best. Ram Customer care has not been helpful at all.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2023
The electronic power steering suddenly stopped working while I was turning and I almost got in an accident, then the power steering suddenly came back again while I was turning and since it wasnt working I was having to use a lot of force to turn it so when it came back on the steering wheel turned very quickly and I ended up in the ditch. Luckily no one was hurt this could have been very bad. Yes it is available for inspection. The safety of a lot of people were at risk. This is a recall on other 2013-2015 Dodge Ram 1500's, ours however doesnt match the serial numbers of the recalled ones even though it is obviously affected by the same issue. The recall number is VB9/NHTSA 19E-077. The parts have been looked at by a mechanic and they are bad, and very expensive to replace. The electronic dash also stopped working before this so I dont know if there were any warning lights or anything before this happened.
Steering, Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2023, crash
I was driving and slowing down to 45 mph going through Corrigan, TX on 59. The truck all the sudden accelerated pulling to the left, then all of a sudden slammed to the right and went over a curb. I had no steering control and my foot was all the way down on the brakes to try and stop. I'm lucky it didn't happen 20 min before when 75mph was speed limit. The a frame broke, Ball joints, broke rack and pinion, cracked the weld that holds the a frame to the truck, and I'm not sure what else is broken yet. My rim and tire both need to be replaced. The aluminum broke straight across. This should not have happened and could have gotten me and others killed. I am getting the truck taken to dodge to find out what all broke and how much it is going to cost. I should not have to pay for this. This should never happen and it put me and everyone around me in danger. I am still a nervous wreck from this.
Steering, Jul 12, 2023
EPS (Power Steering Rack and Pinion) Driving on the interstate when my whole EPS (Power Steering System) failed at 75MPH. Never had had prior issues, No warning lights until after the system failed
Steering, Jul 2, 2023
The power steering failed
Steering, Jun 30, 2023
While driving local hiway at about 45mph, just as I was making a right turn the steering wheel locked up and had to strong arm the truck out of oncoming traffic. Got to the side of road, and noticed a "Service Steering" message on dash. Shut the vehicle off, rested 10 minutes and restarted without the concern. Continued on errands, and again without warning, the steering locked up and caused me to hit a curb with right front wheel. Had to drive this truck with manual steering back to my driveway. Dealer tech stated this is common, will cost approx. $3000 and the electronic rack is on back order!! WTF ????
Engine, Jun 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to make an abnormal sound. The contact was able to park the vehicle at an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the camshaft, rocker arm, the valves and both manifolds to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic and had the camshaft rocker arm, the valves, and both manifolds replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Engine, Jun 8, 2023
Vehicle engine shuts off while driving especially on the freeway. There is some kind of problem with the lifters on this type of motor. Several people are having this problem.
Steering, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and approaching an exit, the contact became aware that the steering had seized, and the vehicle became extremely difficult to control. The power steering fault warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic steering module inside the steering gearbox. The vehicle unrepaired at the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Electrical system, Jun 1, 2023
Truck says service electric brake system.
Electrical system, May 30, 2023
Electronic power steering. My steering will go out while driving and I have to pull over, turn the truck off and turn it back on. The power steering will stop working without any notice and has almost cause FATAL accidents if I were not able to recover in time. Last time I brought the truck in to get looked at i was told nothing was wrong drive safe.... which is impossible now cause my power steering randomly fails on this truck. There is no warning or anything that pops up until it is too late. This happens at any time between 0-85 MPH and if im in a turn or going straight.
Steering, May 27, 2023
Power steering intermittently stops working when driving. Shut vehicle off and restart to get it working again.
Steering, May 24, 2023
While driving at approximately 40mph, the power steering system failed without warning causing the vehicle to cross a double line into the oncoming lane. The vehicle was very difficult to steer. The message "Service Power Steering" appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle has not yet been independently inspected, but an online search revealed hundreds of similar cases of the electronic rack and pinion system failing.
Engine, May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to shift to park and restart the vehicle and the vehicle operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,748. The contact stated that this failure has occurred several times but has only taken the vehicle to the dealership 5 times. No cause of the failure has been found due to the fact that the vehicle is not showing any codes. The manufacturer is requiring a second opinion from a different mechanic, but the contact has not received one yet.
Steering, May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering, which caused her husband to almost crash into another vehicle. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who also confirmed the previous mechanic's diagnosis and that the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Apr 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for an oil change and the mechanic was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, he began to hear an abnormal sound. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
5.7L Engine failed due to lifter roller bearing disintegrating and filling the engine with debris. This seems to have been a known issue anf has been going on for a long time. This is a danger to passengers when engine fails. Also, cost me $8000 dollars to have a remanufactured engine installed. I don't know how manufactures can get away with this without any kind of compensation to the injured parties.
Steering, Apr 24, 2023
Electronic power steering stopped working making the vehicle impossible to steer. This appears to be a problem with a lot of these vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2023
Was driving and noticed a rattling noise, arrived at work, myself and a co-worker, who also owns a Ram, looked under the truck and noticed that my bracket that holds my gas tank in place had broken loose from the frame, which it is supposed to be attached to(the actual bracket that is supposed to hold the support for the tank had rusted out, this has got to be a safety issue???
Steering, Service brakes, Apr 16, 2023
I parked at a house where I was doing a service call for a plumbing issue. The house has a 45 degree driveway. I killed the truck and I exited the vehicle and started my work inside. I needed my headlamp from the visor of the truck. I came out to the truck to get my headlamp. I put my right knee onto the driver seat and grabbed my headlamp. My elbow hit my shifter and my truck took off rolling backwards. I was able to get away from the truck, the truck jumped the curb across the street and came to a stop in an open grassy spot. I walked to the truck to see if I could tell what happened. The truck was not cranked at the time and I had the keys in my pocket. I tried to put the truck into park and couldn’t do so. I put the key into the ignition and turned the key so that I could put the truck into park and crank it. Couldn’t shift it up. I called my friend who is s master mechanic and he removed the steering wheel cover and pushed a yellow button down in which then he was able to shift it back into park. I drove the truck home which was very tough bc there was no longer any power steering. Very hard to do. I got the truck home and i haven’t used it because it no longer has assisted steering which was working fine before this happened.
Suspension, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact then stated that the vehicle failed to deactivate from exit mode and the air suspension system compressor had frozen. Additionally, the contact stated that he waited for several minutes to start the vehicle. The contact also stated that after the vehicle was started, he was driving at an undisclosed speed however, the vehicle failed to switch from the exit mode causing the vehicle to drive lower to the ground than normal. The contact was concerned that the temperature below freezing would cause a failure with the air bag compressor. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the air suspension system needed to be replaced or replaced with springs as another option. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Steering, Apr 5, 2023
Power steering (EPS failure) powersteering keeps going out randomly
Equipment, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while parked, the radio and instrument panel failed to illuminate as designed. The contact stated that after inserting the ignition key into the ignition switch, the vehicle failed to start; however, the windshield wipers inadvertently activated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V461000 (Equipment) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Steering, Mar 17, 2023
The power steering system failed and malfunctioned resulting in the loss of all steering control. The safety of myself and drivers around me are put at risk as the vehicle is nearly impossible to control or turn without the power assistance. Thus is making any slight turns or changes will result in continuing forward without the ability to move out of the way or pull over to the curb. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or dealer. It was inspected and reproduced at my local service station. There was no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. And it first appeared on March 16th, 2023. My truck has never had any major issues. While the truck is 10 years old, it has low mileage at just under 55k miles driven. Dodge RAM has an outstanding recall for this issue on several of their 1500 model, however I was informed today that this truck is not part of the recall. Researching online, I have found that this is a major problem for my model and that owners have to fork out an average of $2,500 for the repair. This is a major safety issue and should be included in the recall.