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.
Suspension, Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side suspension air bag had failed causing the rear passenger side of the vehicle to lean down and reducing the height of the vehicle. The contact also indicated that the failure had rendered the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the passenger’s side rear suspension and air suspension module. The vehicle was fixed but later reoccurred. The contact indicated that the vehicle had been serviced for the same failure on four separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Steering, Mar 3, 2023
I lost power steering while driving twice. Now, the power steering no longer works. When cranking the truck, you get service power steering message. Ram issued a recall for defective eps rack and pinion units. The serial number on my unit is TIC0583B5480, it is not one of the serial numbers included in the recall, but it has failed at 75,100 miles. I have not taken to the dealer because I am not going to pay them to tell me it's not in the recall and to tell me it has to be replaced at my expense.
Structure, Feb 27, 2023
Several times I came back to my truck and the locking tailgate was in the down position even though I had left it up and checked it. I was several miles back a dirt road on a secure base were nobody came near it. If this happens with a load or my trailer attached it could damage the gate or cause the load to fall out. I have inspected it but found no misalignment and this just started in 11-12/2022. The vehicle has only 15k miles on it and I’m the original owner. The truck is also a model with the Rambox sides so the tailgate is different to others. I heard that 2014 and up Rams had a recall and was wondering if the 13 should have been affected? Thanks,,
Steering, Feb 21, 2023
My power steering has become intermittent and sluggish then works great for some periods of time. I would like my vehicle added to the Safety Recall VB8 / NHTSA 19V-812 Electric Power Steering Gear.
Steering, Feb 20, 2023
Electronic Power Steering has intermittent failures without warning while driving. The truck is unsafe to drive. An independent service center has confirm confirmed the problem.
Steering, Feb 16, 2023
My power steering stopped working making the truck very difficult to steer. Luckily it happened upon cranking the engine after filling up at a gasoline station. There was no warning of any kind before the failure happened. Mileage on my 2013 Ram is 62,000 miles. If I would have been driving at a highway speed traveling into a curve it would have been very difficult to maintain control. My dealership has had my truck over 2 weeks waiting on a whole new power steering unit to come for them to install. No guarantee the part will be in by next week either. Cost will be approximately $2500.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 10, 2023
The car is not breaking or driving and dangerous at times. Was taken to deer and the abs computer module was the issue. It’s been 4 months every abs module they’ve gotten from the company is programmed wrong. I went through 3. No parts are available nationwide. Hundreds if not thousands of dodge ram truck owners have the same parts issue the abs module stops working and cannot find another. Dodge has done nothing to address the situation the dealers are being forced to go on eBay and junkyards to get these modules - if dodge knows the part is breaking down in 70-80% of its cars after only 30-120k in miles have been put in they should have a recall and capability to manufacture said part.
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 3, 2023
The airbag light turns on and beeps. The truck is available for inspection. A dealership told us it was the sensors that have gone bad. It is odd that all the sensors would go bad all at one time. Concern is if there is an accident, the air bags will not go off as intended. There is also concern that the airbags could go off while driving. Also it is beeping often while driving and it is distracting. There are no other issues. But we see that there has been recalls in the past over airbag systems on this truck. We are very concerned since the truck carries very precious cargo.
Steering, Jan 24, 2023
January 22, 2023, When I cranked my 2013 Ram 1500 truck the Power Steering warning light came on and my steering wheel was locked. It would not turn left or right. I am so glad I was not on the road when this malfunction occurred. I checked all fuses associated with the power steering and all were good. After speaking with a mechanic the parts I need is not available until mid-February and cost expected above $2,000. This is not good. If the steering locked while I was driving no telling how many people could have been hurt or killed.
Steering, Jan 11, 2023
While driving my power steering all of a sudden went out due to the electric power steering. I was lucky I didn’t have a load and I was traveling alone. Other people may not be as lucky as me. I don’t want anyone else to experience that
Steering, Jan 10, 2023
The E.P.S (electric power steering) failed and cause the steering wheel to lock. This caused a safety issue as I was unable to steer. The vehicle had to be towed, taken to a local repair shop where ALL the electric components were tested (Battery, computer and wires) This seems to be a problem with Ram trucks as a replacement part is unavailable anywhere and over $1500. There was no warning of a problem and suddenly it failed which made it impossible to steer and dangerous. This failed component put my life and my family's life in jeopardy
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 8, 2023
Front fuel tank strap mount rusted through allowing strap to pull out and front of fuel tank to drop down. This is the same problem that happened on the same model pickups in year model 2008 - 2012. In my research up to this current point the situation on my vehicle is the same problem on the previous year models. I will be reaching out to a Dodge dealer to see what can be done about issue. I feel that your department should be researching this issue further because upon reading some forums, that this issue does appear on even newer year models.
Electrical system, Jan 7, 2023
FOUND THAT WHILE DRIVING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL GO BLANK. ALL GUAGES DROP OUT. AS THIS HAPPENS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL RUN. SOMETIMES LAST ONLY A FEW SECONDS. OTHER TIMES I HAVE TO RESTART THE TRUCK TO GET THE CLUSTER BACK.
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Dec 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the defroster was engaged but failed to respond or perform as designed. The contact rolled down the windows due to the loss of visibility of the roadway. Additionally, the vehicle lost heating system functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that he recalibrated the defroster actuator; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle would only blow cold air. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V177000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 206,500.
Steering, Dec 14, 2022
Electronic Power Steering randomly goes in and out of power while in operation. A laughably minute amount of research revealed multiple others with identical issues with the same make/model vehicle.
Steering, Dec 13, 2022
Steering power assist failed, luckily in a parking lot. Steering warning light illuminated and there was no power assist. Obviously loss of power assist is a real danger to me and any vehicle or pedistrian nearby. Drove another 5 miles, with great steering difficulty, to an appointment. Shut vehicle off 45 minutes. When I restarted, steering warning light was off and steering worked normally. Have not been able to duplicate the problem. Current mileage is 64000
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2022
Rack opinion according to Dodge dealership mechanics need replacing. I was told by another professional mechanic that the sway bar and tire rods need to be replaced. Will you all please search for Recalls N complaints. I will have the racken opinion work done because of the Safety issues that are at hand. Also anticipating sway bar n tire rod and front end work to Ensure that we are safe in the vehicle. Thank you!Safety First!
Steering, Nov 17, 2022
Driving home from school and steering light came on and power steering stopped working ,nearly lost control,pulled over to check it out and didn’t see any problems,started truck back and was running fine , happened again a couple days later and took it to the dealership,, they said over 3000 dollars to fix,I could have been in a serious accident but there is no recall on this part ,ram needs to really do something about this before someone gets seriously injured or worse
Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2022
I was driving on Monday Nov. 14th. and I was at a complete stop and started to turn left. As I was accelerating and turning left... the steering wheel locked up and I could not turn the wheel left or right. I got home safely, and I looked online and noticed there is a current recall identical or very similar to what happened to me. The Recall number is VB9
Structure, Nov 6, 2022
Gas tank front strap came out causing the tank to almost touch the ground. After looking into this further I saw serious corrosion in the main frame of the truck that caused the strap to fall off and release the gas tank. It appears this was recalled on this model and then switched to just the 08-2012 models.
Steering, Nov 4, 2022
While driving at hwy speed 55 mph, lost power steering. The dash board lit up saying service power steering and the truck was extremely difficult to control. No warning just happened. Had this happened before entering a curve or having to avoid an obstacle in the road would create a safety concern for my self and others. Truck is equipped with electronic power steering, and i beleave is what failed. I have an appointment to have it looked at.
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2022
Revision "N" of the Body Control Module (BCM) is defective and causes the door auto door locks to not lock correctly by either either the key fob or the interior lock buttons. This results in the doors not locking and children can open the doors while driving at any speed. Many other reports of this are on the Ram Forums here: https://www.ramforum.com/threads/automatic-door-locks-will-unlock-but-wont-lock.79219/
Steering, Oct 15, 2022
When leaving/accelerating from a traffic light, the power steering stopped working. I immediately pulled into a parking lot to check power steering fluid...I then discovered this vehicle does not have hydraulic power steering.. It is electric. I got back in the truck to try and get home. The steering worked fine..for about 20 miles. At this time I was at highway speed and not power steering. I weigh over 250 lbs and could turn the steering wheel to get the truck off the road. If my wife would have been driving it could have been much worse. I took the truck to the Dodge dealer; Ron Carter/League City, 409-948-3132; they diagnosed electronic rack and pinion is bad. Must be replaced. After investigating this seems to be a common problem...and it is unsafe... But, for 2013 no recalls. Other years have a recall for this problem. I cannot get any information on this problem from the local dealer. The Manufacture ignores my emails.. Now, it is even worse, for something that is not bad enough for a recall, I have already waited over 70 days for the part to fix the problem. I realize supply chain, etc. But for a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles, and apparently not a Ram problem, why not a part to repair...ESPECIALLY SINCE IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM...THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM.
Engine, Oct 8, 2022
Check engine light, replaced plugs & coil pack & had to have engine overhauled. $5000 later & now check engine light again valve cover leaks, needs evaporate solenoid & o2 sensor. Service air bag system light comes on. Only 120000 miles when started all this. 79000 miles when I bought in 2018 & the uconnect system, backup, radio & everything went out. It’s a lemon.
Steering, Oct 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel seized and the contact was unable to operate the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence where a diagnostic reader was used and the failure code for the electronic power steering module (EPS) was retrieved. The contact stated that the local dealer was made aware of the failure; however, they confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.