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, Jan 23, 2020
THE AIR RIDE SUSPENSION DOESN'T WORK IN COLD WEATHER AND IT DROPS TO THE BUMP STOPS AND RIDE IS TERRIBLE. AND KEEPS BLOWING FUSES MANY MANY TIMES WHEN TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 30 DEGREES
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2020
MY 2013 RAM WILL LOCK THE DOORS RANDOMLY, WITH NO ONE IN IT OR NEAR IT. ITS HAPPENED MANY TIMES, NOW I HAVE TO LEAVE A WINDOW DOWN IF IM JUST UNLOADING THE BACK, OR CARRY A SPARE KEY. I'VE BEEN WORKING IN THE YARD, KEYS NOT EVEN ON ME, AND I HEAR "CLICK" AND ALL THE DOORS ARE LOCKED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS I COULD GET LOCKED OUT SOMEWHERE. I LIVE IN DEEP WOODS, THERE ARE NO NEIGHBORS TO HAVE A CONFLICTING KEY, SO TO SPEAK. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN LOCKED OUT SEVERAL TIMES, BUT HAVE EITHER HAD A SPARE KEY, OR LEFT THE WINDOW DOWN WHILE PUMPING GAS, ETC. THIS HAPPENS WITH THE MOTOR OFF, NO ONE IN THE CAR, KEY FOB MAY BE IN MY POCKET OR 100 YARDS AWAY IN THE HOUSE IN A DRAWER. HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY, TRUCK HADNT EVEN BEEN DRIVEN, I WAS OUT SHOVELING SNOW AND I HEAR "CLICK", ALL LOCKED UP AGAIN.
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2020
ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS WORK INTERMITTENTLY ON THE FOUR DOOR OF THE CAB. IT IS NOT A DOOR ACTUATOR ISSUE AS THE DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK IN AN UNUSUAL PATTERN. IT APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO A CONTROL MODULE. THIS DOOR LOCK AND UNLOCK ISSUE COULD INTERFERE WITH CHILD SAFETY LOCKS AS I SEE IT. THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE WITH OTHER OWNERS AS EVIDENCED WITH ONLINE SEARCHES.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jan 20, 2020
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN GIVING TROUBLE FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS, WITH THE ELECTRICAL PANEL GOING OFF WHILE DRIVING ON STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL SPEED OR BRAKES, WINDSHIELD WIPERS COMING ON RANDOMLY, SIGNALS NOT WORKING, FALSE ALARMS FOR WASHER FLUID, RADIO AND BLUETOOTH SHUTTING DOWN AND CAR SHUTTING DOWN AND NOT STARTING ALTOGETHER. I'VE TAKEN IT TO 3 DIFFERENT SHOPS AND MECHANICS, WHO ALL HAD A HARD TIME DIAGNOSING AND FIXING THE PROBLEMS. I'VE HAD TO SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON TOW TRUCKS AND REPAIRS, AND AM NOT CONVINCED THE ISSUES ARE ADEQUATELY REPAIRED. I ALSO FIRMLY BELIEVE THIS IS AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. THE PREVIOUS SECTION WOULD NOT LET ME CHOOSE ALL THE ISSUES BUT I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAG, BRAKES, ELEC. STABILITY CONTROL, ELECTRICAL, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, LIGHTING, POWER TRAIN, SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, SUSPENSION, VISIBILITY/WIPER AND WHEELS.
Steering, Jan 8, 2020
THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON MY WIFE WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING. THIS PROBLEM IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2015 RAM RECALL. WHY DO WE NOT QUALIFY FOR RECALL. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP AND NOT CRASH. WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS?
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2020
NONE OF CONTROLS ON STEERING COLUMN ARE WORKING. FIRST THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED.. REPLACED THE FUSE IT LOOKED BURNT OUT. DID NOT SOLVE. THEN RADIO CONTROLS QUIT ALONG WITH LEFT SIDE DASH CONTROLS. WHILE DRIVING THE CRUISE WAS NOT WORKING. THE RADIO WHILE DRIVING AND THE LEFT SIDE DASH CONTROLS WORKED WHILE SITTING G I. DRIVEWAY BUT WHEN I MOVED THEY FROZE.
Exterior lighting, Dec 20, 2019
FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES CONDENSATION, WILL NOT GO AWAY
Service brakes, Dec 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RELEASE AND THE CYLINDER WAS NOT RELEASING THE BRAKE FLUID. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE OVERHEATING AND PRODUCED A VERY STRONG BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN RELEASED A LITTLE BIT OF THE FLUID. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT CALLED HUNTINGTON BEACH CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (16701 BEACH BLVD, HUNTINGTON, CA 92647, (714) 841-3999) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,026.
Air bags, Dec 5, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AND SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AS WELL AS THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER, WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT OCCURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NATIONAL DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (2223 N MARINE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, NC 28546, (844) 872-2972) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A TECHNICIAN WOULD BE SENT OUT IN TWO DAYS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,195.
Steering, Dec 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAYED "POWER STEERING FLUID LOW" AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. ROB LAMBDIN'S UNIVERSITY DODGE (5456 UNIVERSITY DR, DAVIE, FL 33328) WAS CONTACTED AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TOWED TO THEIR FACILITY. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING UNIT AND HARNES NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 71381486. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,824.
Electrical system, Dec 3, 2019
MY ENTIRE DASH, RADIO AND ALL ELECTRONICS IN TRUCK SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. I CAN STILL DRIVE THE TRUCK AS THE ENGINE, STEERING AND BRAKING STILL WORKS. THE DASH CYCLES LIKE I HAVE JUST TURNED THE TURN ON. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO CATCH THIS ON VIDEO AS IT HAPPENS AND SCARES ME SO I KEEP WATCHING THE ROAD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CAN'T REPLICATED IT. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO PIN DOWN WHY IT HAPPENS YET IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING MORE OFTENT. NOW MY DASH LIGHTS ARE STARTING TO FLICKER AND FLASH. THIS IS VERY VERY DISTRACTING ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. I HAVE VIDEO OF THIS HAPPENING.
Power train, Dec 1, 2019
TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, FIRST INCIDENT PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK LEFT RUNNING CAME BACK TO VEHICLE AND IT HAD ROLLED FORWARD INTO FRONT OF GARAGE. SECOND INCIDENT PARKED TURNED VEHICLE OFF AT TOP OF DRIVEWAY WOKE UP NEXT MORNING TO FIND VEHICLE AT BOTTOM OF THE DRIVEWAY.
Steering, Nov 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PARKED IN A NEARBY PARKING LOT AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,969.
Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2019
I AGREED TO PURCHASE THIS TRUCK, BUT IT HAD A RECALL ON THE TAILGATE. WHEN I GOT HOME I COULDN'T QUITE USE THE TAILGATE. THE DEALER IS SAYING TO YOU THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY THAT THEY FIXED IT AND THEY WILL GET PAID FOR IT. I AS THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE TO FIGHT OR HAVE TROUBLES DOWN THE ROAD, LITERALLY! THEY CHECKED OFF THE REPAIR AND HAVE BEEN RUSHING ME TO SIGN OVER THE TITLE. GARBER SAGINAW, MI IS THE DEALER
Electrical system, Nov 21, 2019
INTERIOR DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON LOCATED ON INTERIOR DRIVERS DOOR PANEL WILL NOT FUNCTION, I.E. WILL NOT LOCK, UNLOCK THE DOORS. KEY FOB WILL LOCK/UNLOCK DOORS, BUT NOT DOOR PANEL BUTTONS AT ANY TIME, MOVING OR STATIONARY. WINDOW FUNCTION BUTTONS WERE NOT WORKING, BUT HAVE STARTED WORKING ON THEIR OWN. BUT THE INABILITY TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE DOORS SEEMS LIKE A HUGE SAFETY FACTOR. THEY DID WORK INITIALLY, SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING RECENTLY.
Steering, Nov 20, 2019
WAS NAVIGATION THROUGH A PARKING LOT WHEN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED RESULTING IN ALMOST ZERO ABILITY TO TURN THE TRUCK. THANKFULLY I WAS GOING SLOW AND ABLE TO STOP IMMEDIATELY. SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND RESTARTED, EPS WAS FUNCTIONING NORMAL. WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME. NEXT TIME STARTING TRUCK, EPS IS NON FUNTIONAL. IT IS LITERALLY ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THIS TRUCK. IT DOES NOT REVERT TO MANUAL STEERING. I CURRENTLY MULTIPLE MANUAL STEERING VEHICLES AND THE RAM IS INFINITELY HARDER TO STEER EVEN WHILE IN MOTION. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND IT CURRENTLY ONLY HAS ROUGHLY 23K MILES ON IT. HAS HARDLY EVER EVEN BEEN RAINED ON. RAM HAS ACTIVE RECALLS FOR EPS ISSUES FOR LATER MODELS BUT REFUSES TO ADDRESS EARLIER MODELS.
Steering, Nov 19, 2019, crash
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WENT OUT WHILE I WAS IN A TURN I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE AND THIS CAUSED ME TO CROSS INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND SLIDE OFF THE ROAD BEFORE I COULD STOP. AFTER 30 MIN OF TRYING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE THE MESSAGE TO SERVICE THE EPS SYSTEM WAS GONE AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE DEALER IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND ALMOST HIT NEW VEHICLES IN THE LOT. THE TECHNICIAN SCANNED THE VEHICLE AND REPORTED THAT FCA WAS OR IS ISSUING A VB9 RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, THEY WILL NOT AUTHORIZE MY VEHICLE TO BE FIXED AND NO ONE HAS CALLED ME SINCE I GOT A CASE NUMBER ON FRIDAY THE CASE NUMBER IS 68148835
Steering, Nov 13, 2019
UPON STARTING ENGINE AND BACKING FROM CARPORT I NOTICED STEERING WAS STIFF AND 'SERVICE POWER STEERING' NOTICE AND SYMBOL WERE DISPLAYED ON DASH. ABSOLUTELY NO ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST. TRIED RESTARTING ENGINE BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. I HAD NO WARNING SIGNS WHATSOEVER, AS THE POWER STEERING HAD BEEN OPERATING EXACTLY AS USUAL THE EVENING BEFORE. THANKFULLY THE FAILURE HAPPENED AS I STARTED THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF NEGOTIATING A CURVE OR DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED WITH APPROXIMATELY 46,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THESE MILES WERE ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY NORMAL HIGHWAY MILES ON GOOD, POTHOLE AND CONSTRUCTION FREE ROADS. A PART AS INTEGRAL TO THE SAFETY AND OPERATION OF A VEHICLE AS THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK SHOULD NOT FAIL WITHIN 46,000 MILES WITHOUT SOME RESPONSIBILITY SHOULDERED BY THE MANUFACTURER, IN MY OPINION. THE STEERING RACK ALONE WAS $1875.00 NOT INCLUDING LABOR OR TAXES.
Steering, Nov 12, 2019
WHILE BACKING INTO MY PARKING SPACE AT WORK MY 2013 RAM 1500 EXPRESS LOST POWER STEERING. THE SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER. THE ELECTRIC MOTOR COULD BE HEARD TRYING TO TURN THE RACK AND PINION BUT THE TIRES WHERE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THIS HAPPENED AT 60,000 MILES WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF SENDING MY VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX RECALLS I HAD.
Steering, Nov 11, 2019
OUR 2013 RAM 1500 SUDDENLY LOST IT'S POWER STEERING. VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVING FINE BUT HAD A "RUBBING" NOISE WHEN TURNING. TOOK TO MECHANIC AND SAID "THIS IS TYPICAL OF RAM'S". WONDERING IF THAT WAS PRECURSOR TO ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPS) UNIT TO FAIL. SON HAD DRIVEN TRUCK TO SCHOOL WITHOUT ISSUE. WHEN STARTED TO COME HOME SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON DASH AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. LUCKILY THIS FAILED WHILE PARKED, BECAUSE LOSS IF POWER STEERING ON SUCH A LARGE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER INVESTIGATION, THIS IS A NOTED PROBLEM WITH RAM 1500 AND HAS EVEN RESULTED IN RECALLS FOR OTHER MODEL YEARS BUT NOT 2013. 2013 WAS THE FIRST MODEL YEAR FOR EPS AND IT IS CLEARLY FAULTY. WITH A REPLACEMENT PART COSTING ~$2100 WITH LABOR AN ADDITIONAL $600, THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR FOR AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT FOR SAFE DRIVING. THIS REALLY SHOULD BE UP TO FIAT-CHRYSLER AMERICA (FCA) TO OWN UP TO THIS DEFECT AND ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT CAUSING INJURY/DEATH OCCURS.
Power train, Engine, Nov 8, 2019
MY TRUCK FAILED THE STATE INSPECTION BECAUSE 2 EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD BROKEN OFF AND WERE INSIDE THE CYLINDER HEAD WITH NO WAY TO GET THEM OUT. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A MECHANIC UPON DISCOVERING HOW DEEP THEY HAD BROKEN OFF WITH NO SUCCESS AT REMOVING THE FIRST ONE AND THE MECHANIC WAS ALSO UNABLE TO REMOVE THEM. THEY HAVE NOW BEEN DRILLED OUT BY THE MECHANIC WHICH CREATED A COOLANT LEAK OUT OF ONE OF THE BOLT HOLES AND IT LOOKS LIKE I'LL NEED A NEW CYLINDER HEAD. I'VE READ IT'S A COMMON ISSUE AND NOW I'M EXPECTING THE DRIVERS SIDE TO DO THE SAME ANY TIME IF THEY AREN'T BROKEN ALREADY.
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DOORS BEGAN TO LOCK AND UNLOCK INDEPENDENTLY AND THE ENGINE STARTED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ELDER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1798 TX-31 BUS, ATHENS, TX 75751, (903) 677-2292) AND PAID $300 TO HAVE THE KEY FOB REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *BF*JB
Air bags, Nov 4, 2019, crash
28 OCTOBER 2019 I WAS IN A SERIOUS VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH MY 17 YEAR OLD SON IN THE TRUCK AND NEITHER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *TR*JB *DT *TR
Visibility/wiper, Nov 1, 2019
HEAT BLOWS OUT OF THE PASSENGERS SIDE VENTS AND DEFROSTER BUT NOT THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS CREATES VISIBILITY PROBLEMS AS THE WIND SHIELD FOGS EASILY AND FREQUENTLY.
Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2019
THE HEAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOES NOT WORK IT WORK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ONLY