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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the gas tank strap was hanging down. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was opened. The manufacturer's customer service representative advised the contact to call the dealer to schedule a diagnostic test. The contact stated that he received an extended warranty letter for the fuel tank strap. The contact was relating the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,623.
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, May 2, 2022
Air bag light came up. Headed to nearest mechanic he said there was a recall on airbags for this type of vehicle. Made an appointment on dealer. On my way engine light came up and vehicle started shaking
Engine, May 1, 2022
exhaust manifold bolts broken on both sides which is allowing exhaust gases to leak out.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 15, 2022
Electrical Power Steering (EPS) light turned on. Car is not drivable at this time. I understand that there is a known defect with the EPS in this make and model of the year.
Engine, Apr 15, 2022
When at idle or driving at low RPM the engine ticks very loudly.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2022
The fuel level gauge/sensor has failed 3 times now, making it impossible to know the fuel level when driving. It was repaired in January 2019, and again in July 2019, and failed again in August 2020 and remains broken due to the ridiculously high repair cost. This is a common problem with Ram pickups and should be a recall. When the fuel gauge fails the check engine light comes on and stays on until cleared by a technician. This is a safety hazard because the driver has no way of knowing how much fuel is actually in the tank and could easily end up with the driver being stranded on a busy interstate or in a dangerous situation.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2022
Front fuel tank strap mounting hole/bracket rusted causing the strap to fall out and the fuel tank to hang low.
Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2022
Driving to work and heard metallic grinding noise. Pulled over to see front of gas tank almost on the ground. Upon inspection strap broke through the bracket on frame. It is rotted. Very dangerous. Why is in not recalled.
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 28, 2022, crash
The contact owned a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 60-65 MPH on the highway, he crashed head-on into a culvert. The driver side air bag failed to deploy, and the front driver’s side seat belt failed to retract. A police report was filed. The ambulance arrived on scene and transported the driver to the hospital where he suffered from a chipped and fractured vertebrae. The driver was the only occupant at the time of the failure. The vehicle was deemed totaled. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot where the insurance company was retrieving the vehicle from. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Mar 23, 2022
My side boxes do not open with key button and do not unlock with button on key and my bolts broke on exhaust manifold on drivers side and passenger side 4 bolts total
Engine, Mar 23, 2022
The truck just shut off, couldn’t get it started or move it out of traffic. I was out of state and 560 miles from home. No warning lights, no issues just cut off!
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 21, 2022
The front fuel tank strap pull out of its t slot due to corrosion. There is a recall for 2010- 2012 but not 2013. It is the exact same problem!
Steering, Mar 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing in the driveway, the steering wheel locked. The steering wheel warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back into the garage. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering wheel remained locked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the power steering unit number of his vehicle did not match the 15 parts numbers in the specifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering); therefore, his vehicle could not be repaired under the recall. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the repair were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. As the original owners of the RAM 2013 with a good service record, the owners requested a VOLUNTARY RECALL / WARRANTY REPAIR (CRYSLER CASE #XXX) due to SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS as the EPS failure is a KNOWN ISSUE on RAM models between years 2013-2019. Chrysler Corporation Supervisor, Kelly, refused to repair or replace the EPS unit as a recall item because the specific part number was not on the recall list of 15 other part numbers. DAVID TAYLOR CRYSLER DODGE Dealer of Benton KY - Daniel Gardener GM (270-527-8633) provided a loaner vehicle and was able to finally replace the EPS gear after several weeks delay due to part availability, at the "decreased" cost of $400.00 to the owners. Upon picking up the repaired RAM it was noted that another RAM was brought in with the same EPS issue. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 12, 2022
The power steering went out without any knowledge and all of a sudden the light came on the same time the power steering went out and almost slammed head on first into oncoming traffic but was able to recover the vehicle without any damage they say there is a recall for the power steering online for this electronic power steering rack and pinion device so when I brought it into the dealership to have it looked at they told me there was no recall on this and gave me an estimate of over $3000 to fix the rack and pinion electronic steering device and the company I brought it to was the same place I bought it from and I still owe on this vehicle it has 56,000 miles on it now but I bought it used at 30,000 miles I’ve only put 26,000 miles on this vehicle in six years I bought this vehicle from Dayton Andrews Dodge in St. Petersburg Florida and they were unwilling to help me except for charge me an ungodly amount which I cannot afford so now I have a truck that I’m paying for and I still owe $7000 on it so what can I do can you help with getting this done with the recall that’s online. Please I’m a single dad, and my children were in the car to when this happened so it definitely was a scare for everyone. This is our only means of transportation.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the HVAC system failed to defrost the windows. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V177000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Steering, Jan 13, 2022
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power steering light error was intermittently coming on when starting the truck making steering inoperable starting shortly after last oil change that was performed West Palm Ram Dealership on 11/23/21(mileage at oil change was 67157). The power steering light error at times went away if I started the trunk again right away. Other times, I had to wait hours in-between the error occurring to attempt to drive the truck again where power steering would work. There was on consistency to this pattern. You may insect the truck at anytime. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was at risk in that the truck steering was inoperable on startup anywhere at any time. There was the possibility that the power steering would go out while driving with the inability to steer the truck. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Truck was taken to Napleton Ram Dealership on 1/3/22(mileage 67607) where I stated that the power steering failure matches recall "Equipment Safety RecallVB9/NHTSA 19E-077/Electric Power Steering Gear". Dealership stated my truck was not under any recall for the eventual repair that was performed. Dealership performed repair on 1/10/22 and below is right off the invoice: Power Steering Rack SR08 Power Steering Rack 1180 CPC4 $505.99 1 68453598AA Gear-rack and Pinion $2286.00 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Napleton Ram Dealership 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Power steering light error message that first started on 11/23/21 Note: Asked dealership for parts back, but core return was involved. They took pics of parts with serial numbers instead that I will submit these.
Engine, Jan 8, 2022
The exhaust manifolds break on every truck. Leak exhaust gas. Tech told me every single truck has this problem how is it not a recall yet
Air bags, Jan 6, 2022
Air suspension system fails and allows the vehicle to drop to the suspension stops. This results in a very rough and unlevel ride. As there is no cushion in this condition the vehicle bounces horribly at road and bridge seams. Very unsafe...
Steering, Dec 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot, the electronic steering became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the electronic steering module, part # 68419897AB, needed to be replaced which was identified under Equipment Safety Recall VB9 -- Electric Power Steering Gear. The vehicle was repaired at contact’s expense. The manufacturer was notified of the and requested a refund, however no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 22,721.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 7, 2021
ABs brake system malfunction lights stays on cruise control not working some days the break lights don't come on the cruise control starts back working
Engine, Dec 3, 2021
Check engine light blinking. Bad lifter in motor causing the engine to shut down while driving, very very dangerous.
Steering, Suspension, Lane departure, Nov 22, 2021, crash
To: I have a 2013 ram 1500 4x4 my miles 48,000 .Generally safety defect the drive shaft column, lower steering shaft column intermediate. Like all Bushings control arms, ball joint and lower ,upper, bar links , etc.The defects components fall apart easy to the bolts, nuts, rubber bushing. Its a problem for poses a very risk to all drivers on road. Definitely it should bring ATTENTION to all 2013 ram 1500 4x4 an all ram Chrysler can recall so it can repair and very safe for all drivers , families whenever in all vehicles. Anyway I will park my ram in the driveway, when if it recalls the vehicle and drive for it safe !!!!!! Thank You From A VERY SAFE DRIVER!!!!!
Steering, Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made abnormal noises while turning and was stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with electric power steering failure. The steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Equipment) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 10, 2021
The heat works on the passenger side but not the drivers side. This makes it impossible to see on cold days because the defrost will not work. It is in the shop now. They have changed actuators, blend doors, heater core and still can't find the issue. When checking the internet, I see that this is a common problem with Dodge, Ram, Chrysler vehicles.
Steering, Oct 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized intermittently. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to restart the vehicle to correct the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact the vehicle was out of warranty and to take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 64,100.