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.
Air bags, Apr 17, 2017
APRIL 15TH 2017 I WAS LEAVING A FRIENDS HOUSE WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS PARK. I GOT IN MY VEHICLE AND STARTED THE ENGINE. WHEN ALL THE GAUGES LITE UP FOR THE SYSTEM CHECK I NOTICED MY AIR BAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON. FOR THE NEXT 3 DAYS AND STILL, MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND I GET PERIODICALLY A MESSAGE ON MY DASH STATING "SERVICE AIR BAG".
Visibility/wiper, Mar 31, 2017, crash
MY MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY ON MY 2013 RAM 1500 HAS GONE BLANK. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY DEVICE BECAUSE I HAVE LOST THE USE OF MY BACKUP CAMERA WHICH IS INVALUABLE ON THIS LARGE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALREADY BUMPED INTO SMALL OBJECTS WHILE IN REVERSE, WHICH I WOULD NOT OF IF MY DISPLAY WAS WORKING. AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I HAVE NARROWLY ADVERTED A MORE SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE DISPLAY ALSO SHOWS OTHER NON-CRITICAL FUNCTIONS, SUCH AS THE RADIO AND NAVIGATION, BUT I AM BRING IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE NTSB BECAUSE OF THE SO IMPORTANT BACK UP CAMERA THAT PROVIDES A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE, ENHANCING THE DRIVERS REARWARD VISIBILITY. I HAVE CHECKED THE FUSES AND TRIED RESETTING THE COMPUTER BY DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, BUT THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THE DISPLAY UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A RIDICULOUS COST. THE DEALER SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2013 RAM 1500. MY PERSONAL RESEARCH ONLINE CONFIRMS THIS THROUGHOUT THE MESSAGE BOARDS. PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTP://WWW.TUNDRAHEADQUARTERS.COM/BLOG/NEW-RAM-1500-OWNERS-REPORT-RADIO-PROBLEMS/ I AM REQUESTING THE NTSB TO LOOK INTO THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED, AND TO ORDER AN IMMEDIATE RECALL BY RAM TO FIX THIS CRITICAL SAFETY PROBLEM AND MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THANK YOU.
Power train, Mar 23, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AND IN THE PARK POSITION, IT INDEPENDENTLY REVERSED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,184.
Power train, Mar 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK, IT ROLLED AWAY INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 18, 2017
I FIRST NOTICED THAT, WHILE IN DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT TO 4TH GEAR AND COULD NOT BE CHANGED. I COULD SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE BUT WHEN I TRIED TO GO TO DRIVE IT WOULD GO TO 4TH GEAR. THEN, 2 DAYS AGO, I BEGAN TO NOTICE OTHER PROBLEMS THAT APPEARED TO BE COMPUTER RELATED. WHEN I TURNED THE RUCK OFF THERE WOULD BE A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. I CHECKED AND IT APPEARED TO BE THE A/C/ COMPRESSOR. THEN IT STOPPED WHEN I UNLOCKED THE TRUCK DOORS. THEN I NOTICED WHAT SEEMED TO BE THE FUEL PUMP TICKING AS IF CALLING FOR FUEL. ONCE AGAIN, THE ENGINE WAS OFF AND, ONCE AGAIN, IT STOPPED. THE NEXT MORNING MY BATTERY WAS DEAD. I TRIED TO JUMP IT WITH NO LUCK SO I PURCHASED E NEW BATTERY. NOW WHEN I TRY TO START IT, THE STARTER MAKES ALL KIND OF CRAZY NOISES AND IT WON'T START.
Power train, Feb 13, 2017
DODGE RAM 1500 KEY FOB WILL NOT START THE VEHICLE. THE FOB IS NOT RELIABLE, AS IT HAS FAILED YEARLY SINCE WE OWNED THE VEHICLE. WE FEAR THAT FAILURE TO START POSES A SAFETY HAZARD, AS THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF IT STALLS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2017
WHEN DRIVING MY RADIO WILL TURN OFF AND RESET IT SELF ALONG WITH MY SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER IT WILL ALL TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING SO YOU DON'T KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING UNTIL IT RESETS AND TURNS BACK ON. *TR
Power train, Jan 8, 2017
VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE AND IN PARK. PARKING BRAKE NOT ENGAGED. UNLOADING GROCERIES WITH RT REAR DOOR OPEN. THE TRUCK ROLLED BACKWARDS ABOUT 1.5 FEET THEN STOPPED. THIS TRUCK HAS THE COLUMN SHIFTER. NOTICED COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ROTARY SHIFTER. HOWEVER, IT ROLLED ON ITS OWN WHILE THE SHIFTER WAS IN PARK POSITION. TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 25 DEGREES AND CLEAR. LEFT TIRES WERE ON DRY PAVEMENT. RIGHT TIRES ON SNOW. TRUCK DID NOT SLIDE AS IT LEFT VERY NOTICEABLE TIRE TRACKS.. FIRST TIME WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE. NOW WE ARE VERY LEARY OF THE TRUCK ROLLING UNATTENDED... THANKS
Electrical system, Jan 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE VEHICLE LOWERED ONTO THE TIRES INDEPENDENTLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Dec 27, 2016
BOUGHT THE PICKUP IN JANUARY 2016 ONE PREVIOUS OWNER EVERYTHING ORIGINAL THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR PIN NEEDS TIGHTENED CONSTANTLY BECAUSE THE LOW BEAM HIGH BEAM LOSES CONNECTION AND WON'T COME ON UNLESS YOU PULL HEADLIGHT AND TIGHTEN THE CONNECTOR PINS. IT HAPPENS AT VARIOUS TIMES IN VARIOUS SITUATIONS WHILE DRIVING IT WILL ALSO FLICKER ON AND OFF. PARKLIGHT WORKS FINE. I DON'T KNOW ACTUAL DATE BECAUSE IT IS SO FREQUENTLY SO THE DATE IS AN ESTIMATE. THE SPEED VARIES ALSO FIRST TIME I WAS AT 65 ON FREEWAY. *TR
Power train, Engine, Dec 26, 2016, crash
ON 12/7/16, A DESOLATE, STRAIGHT, COUNTRY ROAD, I STOPPED MY TRUCK TO INVESTIGATE DAMAGE FROM A DEER THAT HAD RUN INTO THE DRIVER'S FENDER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH. EVEN THOUGH I PLACED THE TRUCK IN PARK AFTER MY STOP (TO MAKE IT STATIONARY), THE RAM STARTED MOVING AS I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT ITS CABIN; AND THEN IT DROVE FOR ABOUT 300 FEET AT IDLE SPEED DOWN THE ROAD, WHERE IT STOPPED IN A SHALLOW DRAINAGE DITCH. MEANWHILE, THE RAM'S "SELF-DRIVING" MODE HAD CAUSED ME TO SLIP ON THE RUNNING BOARD AND TO FALL VERY HARD TO THE GROUND (A DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 22 INCHES). THE RESULTS: PAIN, HAND AND KNEE CUTS, EXTREME BRUISING AND SWELLING OF THE ENTIRE LEFT LEG, AND BRUISING AND SWELLING OF THE LOWER RIGHT LEG. THESE REQUIRED SOME MEDICAL ATTENTION. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO BLOOD CLOTS, NO BROKEN BONES, NO DISLOCATED LIMBS, NOR RUN-OVER LIMBS! I WAS VERY LUCKY!! *TR
Power train, Dec 21, 2016, crash
MY TRUCK ROLLED DOWN A HILL WHILE IN PARK THROUGH MY GARAGE AND WAS STOPPED MY ROLLING INTO MY TRACTOR. MY TRUCK WAS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD AND ALMOST TOTALED. PLUS I WAS HURT TRYING TO JUMP INTO THE TRUCK TO GET TO THE BRAKES AS IT WAS ROLLING
Power train, Dec 20, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED OVER AN INCLINE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000.
Electrical system, Dec 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Suspension, Dec 10, 2016
DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT ABOUT 65 MPH VEHICLE BEGAN PULLING TO THE LEFT WAS ABLE TO CORRECT BUT THEN NOTICED THE FRONT END APPEARED TO BE LOW. WHEN I STOPPED I NOTICED THE FRONT END WHEEL WELLS WERE ALL MOST ON TOP OF THE TIRES. AFTER I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT BUT I CYCLED THOUGH THE MESSAGES AND SAW A MESSAGE THAT SAID SERVICE AIR SUSPENSION IMMEDIATELY. ATTEMPTED TO RAISE THE VEHICLE USING AIR SUSPENSION BUTTONS TO RAISE THE FRONT END BUT IT DID NOT FUNCTION. THE FAILURE OF SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AT HIGHWAY SPEED COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. I HAVE SCHEDULED SERVICE WITH THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT GET AN APPOINTMENT FOR 5 DAYS. AFTER REVIEWING SEVERAL RAM VEHICLE FORUMS I SEE THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RAM 4 CORNER AIR SUSPENSION. FIAT (CHRYSLER) SHOULD FIX THESE ISSUES AS SUSPENSION FAILURE COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTS OR WORSE AS THESE SYSTEMS AGE AND FAIL. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 28,000 MILES AND IF IT IS FAILING ALREADY I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS. IF FIAT CAN NOT DO A VIABLE FIX THEY SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THE SYSTEMS WITH COIL SPRINGS.
Air bags, Nov 29, 2016
I HAD THE 2 AIR BAG RECALLS WORK PERFORMED AT DEALERSHIP. LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER THE SERVICE AIRBAG SYSTEM LIGHT AND MESSAGE INDICATOR CAME ON UPON CRANKING AND STAYED ON, SO I TOOK IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER. THEY KEPT IT FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THEY SAID THE HARNESS CONNECTOR WAS BAD AND THEY NEEDED TO ORDER A NEW ONE. THE NEXT DAY THEY CALLED AND SAID THE TRUCK WAS READY. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD SIMPLY BENT THE HARNESS CONNECTORS AND THAT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. A MONTH OR SO LATER THE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON UPON CRANKING. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE TECH PULLED ON OF MY BOYS' SMALL FOOTBALLS FROM UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT AND FIDDLED WITH THE HARNESS AND SAID THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY FIX IT, BUT COME BACK IF NOT. (UP UNTIL NOW WAS BEFORE THREE YEARS OR 36,000 MILES HAD ELAPSED.) I TOOK THE TRUCK IN FOR THE RECOMMENDED 30,000 MILE SERVICE AND STRESSED THAT WARRANTY PERIOD WOULD SOON RUN SO CHECK AIR BAG LIGHT AND EVERYTHING ELSE. A FEW MORE MONTHS GO BY AND THE AIR BAG SYSTEM LIGHT AND MESSAGE INDICATOR COMES BACK ON BUT GOES OFF WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. I CALLED THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND TECH SAID "AS LONG AS IT GOES OFF IT IS OK. IT SOMETIMES JUST DOES A SELF-CHECK ON THE SYSTEM." AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS NO MORE LIGHT. A FEW WEEKS AGO THE LIGHT AND MESSAGE INDICATOR CAME ONE AND WENT OFF WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. NOW THE INTERMITTENT AIR BAG SYSTEM LIGHT AND MESSAGE INDICATOR CONTINUES (GENERALLY UPON CRANKING, BUT OFTEN WHILE DRIVING). SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY; SOMETIME NOT FOR A DAY OR SO. I CANNOT GET DEALER TO RETURN MY CALLS. *TR
Power train, Nov 15, 2016, crash
THE TRUCK SHIFTED IT SELF INTO GEAR WHILE RUNNING IT WAS IN PARK I GOT OUT AND WALKED AWAY ONCE I WAS 50' AWAY I HEARD THE TRUCK SHIFT AND TURNED JUST IN TIME TO SEE IT START ROLLING AWAY. ONCE I RECOVERED MY TRUCK FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL I THOUGH MAYBE I LEFT IT IN GEAR AND GOT OUT UNLIKELY I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK FOR THREE YEARS. I ATTEMPTED TO SEE IF IT WOULD REPEAT I COULD NOT GET IT TO SIT ON MY DRIVEWAY IN GEAR WITH OUT ROLLING AWAY IMMEDIATELY WHILE IN GEAR. MY DRIVE WAY IS STEEP AND THIS DID CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AND PROPERTY. THE TRUCK SHIFTED ITSELF IN TO GEAR ONCE BEFORE WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE TRUCK BUT AT THE TIME I WROTE IT OFF TO MY CONFUSION WITH THE DIAL SHIFTER AND THE TRUCK ONLY WENT A FEW FEET INTO A CURB BLOCK. NOW THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED I RECONSIDERED. I WILL NOT BE LETTING MY TRUCK RUN ANY MORE WITHOUT ME BEHIND THE WHEEL.
Steering, Nov 14, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. AFTER STARTING THE IGNITION ON THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AT TIMES, THE POWER STEERING APPEARED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WAS DANGEROUS IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Electrical system, Nov 14, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY ENDED ON OCTOBER 15, 2016. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Air bags, Oct 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR TURNED ON AND OFF. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Oct 23, 2016
WHILE TRAVELING ON A PAVED ROAD AT ABOUT 25-30 MPH, RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS SEPARATED FROM INSIDE BEAD ALL ACROSS TOP OF TREAD TO OUTSIDE BEAD. TIRE BLOWING OUT CAUSED DAMAGE TO FENDER. NO EVIDENCE THAT THE TIRE STRUCK ANYTHING IN THE ROAD, INITIAL REPORT FROM A GOODYEAR REP SAID THAT THE TIRE JUST SEPARATED. NOTHING WAS FOUND IN THE ROAD OR VICINITY TO INDICATE THAT THE TIRE STRUCK ANYTHING
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2016, fire
2013 DODGE RAM 1500 TRADESMAN CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT. *TR
Engine, Oct 17, 2016
CHECK ENGINE CAME ON, TOOK IT TO GET IT TESTED AND THE CODE WAS FOR CYLINDER #3 MISFIRE. CHECKED AND REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND COIL PACK, ALONG WITH TESTING THE FUEL INJECTORS, ALSO GOOD. PERFORMED COMPRESSION TEST, FAILED AT 85 PSI. REMOVED DRIVERS CYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLY. REMOVED LIFTERS AND FOUND CYLINDER #3 INTAKE LIFTER COLLAPSED AND BOTTOM ROLLER LOCKED UP. THE FAILED LIFTER CAUSED THE CAM SHAFT LOBE TO BE SHAVED DOWN. WITH NO CAM LOBE, THE VALVE CANNOT OPEN TO ALLOW AIR IN THE CYLINDER, CAUSING LOW COMPRESSION AND MISFIRE. THE TRUCK IS A A DODGE RAM 1500, 2013. WITH 116,000. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED TO A TRUCK WITH THIS LOW OF MILAGE. THIS PART WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE ON DODGES PART. ESTIMATED COST $4000.
Electrical system, Oct 7, 2016
PURCHASED TRUCK CERTIFIED USED IN OCT 2015. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD APPROXIMATELY 9 INSTANCES OF MY INSTRUMENT PANEL (OR CLUSTER) COMPLETELY SHUTTING OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING. WHEN IT SHUTS OFF, THE SCREEN IN THE MIDDLE COMPLETELY GOES BLACK, THE RPMS AND SPEEDOMETER, AND OTHER GAUGES GO TO ZERO. AFTER A SECOND OR 2, EVERYTHING TURNS BACK ON AS IF I HAD JUST STARTED THE VEHICLE (RAM LOGO POPS UP, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, OIL TEMP LIGHT IS ON, GAS LIGHT IS LIGHT ON, SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON, ECT). ALL GAUGES THEN GET BACK TO THEIR PREVIOUS READINGS, AS FAR AS I KNOW, JUST BEFORE THE RESET. EACH TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED, I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING ANYWHERE FROM 35-55 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT WITH EACH TIME TELLING ME IF THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. ON A RECENT INCIDENT (9/27/16), IT HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO WORK, SO I BROUGHT IT IN THAT DAY, AS THE LAST DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTED ME TO. ONCE AGAIN, THEY COULDN'T PIN POINT THE PROBLEM, BUT HAD CONTACTED CHRYSLER TO SEE WHAT THEY WANTED THEM TO DO. CHRYSLER HAD THEM DO A SOFTWARE UPDATE, AND A WEEK LATER I HAD IT HAPPEN AGAIN AT NIGHT (10/4/16), AND ONCE AGAIN THE NEXT MORNING (10/5/16). I AM HOPING THAT THIS ISSUE DOESN'T CAUSE A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING AND I JUST HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED THAT YET. PLEASE HELP!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 30, 2016
SIMILAR TO NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10898441 I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED AN INTERIOR DOME LIGHT FLICKERING AND ALSO THE DRIVERS POWER WINDOW DOOR LOCK SWITCHES STOPPED WORKING. I WAS LOCKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS RUNNING WITH ALL DOORS LOCKED (BY ITSELF) AND WINDOWS WERE ROLLED UP. I HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE. THE SWITCH CONTINUED TO ATTEMPT LOCKING OF THE DOOR BY CONSTANTLY CLICKING. WHICH I FOUND OUT THE NEXT MORNING WHEN THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I FOUND OUT THIS VEHICLE WAS MADE FOR AND FIRST SOLD IN CANADA WHICH IF THAT WAS DISCLOSED TO ME I NEVER WOULD HAVE PURCHASED IT. THE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER AND THE MECHANICAL SPEEDOMETER ARE NOT SHOWING THE SAME SPEEDS. AT 30MPH THE DIGITAL ONE SHOWS 32MPH BUT AT 70MPH THE DIGITAL SHOWS 75MPH. REPAIRS ATTEMPTED AT LITHIA CHRYSLER JEEP RENO NV UNSUCCESSFUL. WHEN THE DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO WORK THE TRUCK WAS STATIONARY AND THIS LOCKING ALSO OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT SLOW AND FAST SPEEDS, CITY AND HIGHWAY.