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 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving through a curve at 15 MPH, the power steering assist failed without warning. As a result of the failure, the contact lost control of the vehicle and drove into the front yard of a residential property almost crashing into a tree. Due to the failure, the contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a defective rack and pinion. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Sep 28, 2022, crash
THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING GEAR FAILED. THAT IS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME FIVE TIMES WHILE I WAS ON MY WAY HOME. IT PUT ME INTO THE DITCH AND THE SIDE OF HILL THREE OF THOSE FIVE. HAD THERE BEEN ANY ON COMING TRAFFIC THIS COULD HAVE VERY EASILY TURNED INTO A HEADON COLLISION AS THESE EVENTS CAUSED TOTAL AND COMPLETE LOSS OF ABILITY TO STEER OR CONTROL THE TRUCK. LITHIA DODGE IN BILLINGS MONTANA HAS CONFIRMED THE FAILURE OF THE EPS SYSTEM. THE ONLY PEOPLE TO INSPECT THIS ISSUE HAS BEE THE LITHIA DODGES LINE TECHS.THERE WERE NO WARNING LAMPS OR ANY OTHER INDICATIONS OF EMMINENT FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE COULD HAVE KILLED US. LITHIA DODGE HAS TOLD US THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE.. KEEP TRYING TO TELL US THIS IS GOING TO COST 4700.00 THE FIRST TIME THEN 2400. I THINK IT IS. BUT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, IF THERE IS A FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT. WHY DOES IT NOT ALLOW A MANUEL OVERIDE TO OCCUR WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE DRIVER TO AT LEAST STEER THIS THING. AND IM BEING TOLD THAT THEY, WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL....... I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY REMOVED THE SKID PLATE AND REFERENCED THE NUMBER ON THE STEERING GEAR UNIT TO THE NUMBERS LISTED ON THE VB8 RECALL INSTRUCTIONS.
Service brakes, Sep 26, 2022, crash
My newly purchased vehicle was in the parked position, I took the key out of the car, the Gearshift was hit and the vehicle rolled down my hill in my backyard, hit a tree and was totaled. The Antilock brakes failed on me.
Engine, Sep 20, 2022
2013 Dodge Ram 1500 big horn 2wd 5.7 v8 160000 rebuild valves , rocker arms,push rods ,cam,gaskets, and lifters all damaged bad lifters ate the cam destroyed everything. About 5thousand dollars for the job . Please help seen this happening to other trucks and cars
Steering, Aug 19, 2022
Steering warning light came on and very hard to turn any direction
Steering, Aug 19, 2022
I had drove to a job the truck drove fine probably 10 miles. I went to leave the job after about an hour and half went to back out and I couldn’t turn my steering wheel. The service power steering light came on I proceeded to drive because me and my 3 year old had no other way of getting back home so I had to struggle to turn some three of four times about ten miles to park it in my garage. I haven’t been able to dive it to get it fixed because I am not able to drive it far to get it serviced. I have checked the fuse and it is good and everything I read says it has to do with the power steering module.
Steering, Aug 18, 2022
While driving in the second largest city in my state, the electric power steering went out without a warning almost causing an accident because steering the vehicle while in a turn became so difficult I had to use both hands to force the to make the turn needed. Once I was able to get off of the road then the warning light to service the power steering came on. After investigating the issue, I see thousands of others have had the same problem .
Steering, Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel jerked and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact used extra effort to steer the vehicle safely to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Engine, Aug 8, 2022
Dodge ram engine under <100,000 miles has broke down. Dodge does not want to repair the engine.
Steering, Aug 1, 2022
As I was driving my steering wheel jersey and my dash light indicator show a red steering wheel with an exclamation point next to it. As I continued to drive my steering wheel was very stiff. I noticed that I have no power steering.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 27, 2022, fire
I was driving down the interstate and started to see flames and smoke coming from my hood. I pulled over and was able to put out the fire. The fire department showed up and determined that the fire started from the fuel injector system.
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2022
The TIPM failed, & has been failing The vehicle just died in a traffic lane. There were no warnings or ability to avoid any incident that could happen from being stranded in a travel lane. Being stuck in a travel lane is extremely dangerous. The part is not inspectable, Ram seen fit to create an issue with the design of the TIPM that can easily be avoided. The vehicle gives no warning
Steering, Jun 29, 2022
Electric Steering rack - just stopped working in the middle of driving good thing i am young otherwise an older person wouldn't be able to handle causing a wreck - Dealer confirmed when towed in on service order showing code C2217- also had serviced for all pending recalls. No inspections yet by anyone else - but we are checking on our options. Check power steering lite came on at time of failure
Engine, Jun 20, 2022
The exhaust manifold bolts failed a second time, causing and exhaust smell and leak into the cab of the truck. Took it to a dealership who repaired the passenger side only, and now driver side needs repaired. Spoke with RAM only to be told that it is a Known issue but there is no recall, or plan to issue a recall to remedy the issue. There were no warnings by the truck.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2022
The front fuel tank strap pulled through the frame mount which was highly corroded, causing the front of the fuel tank to drop significantly down and be held up only by the rear hanger strap and rubber fuel line. I heard a noise underneath after filling the tank and looked to see the fuel tank hanging way down. If this had dropped further or been hit by a road imperfection while driving it could have resulted in significant fuel leakage, and fire or explosion. I contacted the local dealer who said this was nothing they could repair. I contacted FCA Customer Care who infomred me I was out of warranty and they would not help. The same issue has been recalled on 2009-2012 RAM 1500 trucks under #U04 (Part 573 Safety Recall Report 18V-160). The bracket accumulates water and has no drain hole, resulting in long term corrosion. I have read of many other instances of this failure on RAM forums. My local repair specialist confirmed the issue and created a work around to secure the tank, but it is not a factory level solution. Repair cost was $1,066.28 including towing, but again, this is not a factory level solution. Pictures of my rusted strap mount and tank dropped down attached.
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2022
2013 RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DELAY WITH THE HORN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HORN HAD A SIGNIFICANT DELAY BETWEEN BEING PRESSED AND BEING HEARD.
Steering, Jun 8, 2022
while driving my 2013 Ram 1500 down the road the power steering suddenly and totally went out almost causing an accident.There was no warning lights or any other indication of a problem.I had the Truck towed to the Dodge dealership where it was determined that the Electric Power Steering had failed.This is a really bad safety issue as the vehicle is extremely hard to steer with no power assist.
Air bags, Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was being driven by a friend into the parking lot at approximately 3 MPH, the two front and side curtain air bags deployed inadvertently and injured the driver's neck. The friend was in the process of taking the keys out of the ignition when the failure occurred. There was a crash data log and air bag warning light illuminated. There was no medical treatment. The contact disconnected the battery and control module so no additional failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,990
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 2, 2022
I heard a metallic scraping noise from my truck pulled over to inspect the undercarriage. My fuel tank is hanging down approximately 6 inches. Upon closer inspection I see that one of the two metal retaining brackets has come undone. It appears the bracket welded to the frame of the truck has corroded and the metal strap pulled through the deteriorated rusty metal. After doing some online research this is a well-known problem which is the subject of a previous recall (# 18VI6000) by Chrysler. The problem is the recall data from 2009 to 2012 and my truck is a 2013. I called both my local dealership and then the FCA customer care line. Both informed me this is not covered under a recall. My question is; Since this is obviously the exact same problem as many other vehicle owners have experienced and it was covered under a previous recall, what can I do to be compensated and have this problem fixed? The truck is currently UNSAFE to drive. Thank you very much Tim
Engine, May 27, 2022
The vehicle developed a ticking noise that was diagnosed by a certified mechanic as being a defective cam and lifter assembly. The engine was at risk of locking up and if not corrected, could have happened on any roadway. The only corrective action for this problem was to replace the engine. I consulted several mechanics in my area and all of them refused to simply rebuild the head. Instead, they all insisted that the engine be replaced. I did so at the cost of $9000. This needs to become a recall.
Engine, May 27, 2022
Cam and lifters are a common problem on the 13-20 (maybe 21-present too) ram 1500s with 5.7L Hemi. I see this happen all the time with these trucks under 100k miles and even under 50k miles. I don’t think it’s the cam and lifters. I think the problem is more oil starvation type situation. And when they go out it’s costly.
Steering, May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to safely drive to work. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty electric power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 255,000.
Steering, May 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while at a traffic light and attempting to turn left, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number 19E077000 (Steering) as a possible solution to the failure. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective circuit card assembly on the electric power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
Steering, May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electrical power steering to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Consumer filed a complaint with the Dodge manufacturer for the part number 68536636AB power steering gear. Consumer was told they were not responsible to replace it to contact the dealership cause they have executive programs. The tech at Albany Dodge in Albany Georgia stated it was an internal defective gear which will cost $3,500 to have replaced. The case number is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Steering, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while at a stop sign and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel lost power steering functionality. The message: "Power Steering Service Needed" had illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. However, the parts to do the repair were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,300. The VIN was not available.