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.
Power train, Mar 13, 2014
A FEW WEEKS EARLIER I HEARD A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE FROM MY TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING AT 30-35 MPH. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND INSPECTED MY VEHICLE STATING THAT THERE WERE NO LEAKS, FLUID WAS FINE AND TRANSMISSION WAS IN GOOD SHAPE. I THEN GOT MY VEHICLE BACK AFTER 18 BUSINESS DAYS IN THE SHOP AND I HEARD THE GRINDING AGAIN (950 MILES LATER). I GOT UNDER MY TRUCK TO LOOK AND FOUND THAT MY HYDRAULIC COOLER LINES WERE LEAKING AND MY TRANSMISSION LOOKED LIKE IT HAD 200,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS VERY STRANGE BECAUSE I HAVE NO DOCUMENTED WORK ON MY TRANSMISSION AND IT WENT 19793 MILES WITH NO LEAKS AND RANDOMLY STARTED TO LEAK?? *TR
Power train, Mar 13, 2014
FOUND A HOLE IN MY STOCK MUFFLER. IT APPEARS THAT A SPOT WELD BROKE OR THE MUFFLER RUSTED THROUGH. AS A RESULT OF THE HOLE CO WILL LEAK OUT UNDER MY VEHICLE BED THEN WILL EVENTUALLY FILL MY CAB UP IF THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING IN THE PARKED POSITION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 13, 2014
AFTER COMING TO SLOWER SPEEDS (45 MPH) FROM HIGHWAYS SPEEDS (75) MY VEHICLE WAS DRIVING BY ITSELF WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND IT KEEPS A CONSTANT SPEED OF 35 MPH. THE FURTHEST I HAVE DRIVEN LIKE THIS IS 2.5 MILES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 11, 2014
I FEEL THAT THE HEADLIGHTS (HALOGEN) ON MY 2013 RAM 1500 SLT ARE INADEQUATE TO DRIVE THE TRUCK SAFELY. THE LOW BEAMS ARE TOO DIM AND YELLOWISH TO SEE DOWN THE ROAD. I HAVE HAD MANY VEHICLES IN MY 35+ YEARS OF DRIVING AND THESE ARE THE WORST HEADLIGHTS OF ANY CAR OR TRUCK I HAVE EVER SEEN OR EXPERIENCED. I HAVE SEEN OTHER 2013 RAM TRUCKS WITH SIMILAR HEADLIGHTS WITH THE SAME DIMNESS AND YELLOWISH LIGHTING. I FIND MYSELF OVER USING THE HIGH BEAMS SIMPLY BECAUSE THE LOW BEAMS FAIL TO DO THE JOB. OTHERS HAVE HAD TO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS, RAM NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS. ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS IS THAT THERE IS A APPROXIMATE 1 SECOND DELAY WHEN USING THE HORN TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS. TAKE THAT 1 SECOND DELAY WHILE DRIVING AT 30...40...50 MPH AND IT MAGNIFIES THE DANGER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 11, 2014
AFTER A WEEKEND OF CAMPING I LOADED UP THE TRUCK AND WAS ON MY WAY HOME DOING APPROX 45-55 MPH. I STOP AT A RED LIGHT AND AS SOON AS I GET A GREEN I PROCEED TO ACCELERATE EXCEPT I HAVE NO ACCELERATION. I LOOKED DOWN AND SEE "SERVICE THROTTLE CONTROL". MY VEHICLE HAS NOW ENTERED LIMP MODE LEAVING ME TO DRIVE 120 MILES HOME ON THE INTERSTATE AT 15-25 MPH WITH VERY LIMITED ACCELERATION IF ANY. ALSO 3 WEEKS BEFORE THIS I HAD SPARATIC ACCELERATION AT STOPLIGHTS ALMOST AS IF MY TRUCK WANTED TO JUMP INTO THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. I DID NOT THINK TOO MUCH OF THIS AS IT ONLY HAPPENED A HAND FULL A TIME AND THOUGHT IT TO BE FUEL IN THE LINES BUT NOW THAT IVE DONE MY RESEARCH I NKOW THIS TO BE THE ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION AND NEEDS ANSWERS.
Engine, Mar 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG SULFUR ODOR EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE HOUSES THE ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE CAB AND BECAME STRONGER WHEN THE HEATING OR COOLING SYSTEM WAS ON. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NOT YET A REPAIR FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE HOSES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000. *TR
Power train, Feb 28, 2014
I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 RAM 1500 IN NOVEMBER OF 2013. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2,500 MILES I STARTED EXPERIENCING A STRONG (PROPANE / PETROLEUM TYPE OF SMELL) ODOR COMING THROUGH THE VENTS AND OUTSIDE THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK. THIS HAS CAUSED ME (AND MY FAMILY) TO EXPERIENCE HEADACHES AND NAUSEA AFTER DRIVING / RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. MY DEALERSHIP CONTACTED STAR FOR A SOLUTION, BUT STAR DID NOT RESPOND. FINALLY THE DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTED ME TO BRING IT IN TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. THE DEALERSHIP FLUSHED THE COOLANT SYSTEM NUMEROUS TIMES AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN / SMELLED ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE, AND THAT TWO OF THEIR TECHNICIANS ACQUIRED HEADACHES FROM THE SMELL. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE SMELL WAS DEFINITELY COMING FROM THE COOLING SYSTEM, BUT DIDN'T NOT WHAT IT WAS OR WHAT WAS CAUSING IT. UNFORTUNATELY IT DOESN'T APPEAR THAT THE COOLANT FLUSH RESOLVED THE ISSUE AS IT STILL SMELLS. SUBSEQUENTLY, I CONTACTED RAM CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THEM. THEY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP TO CONFIRM AND PROVIDED ME WITH A CASE NUMBER. THEY INFORMED ME THAT SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT ME WITHIN A COUPLE OF DAYS.MY MAIN CONCERN IS RELATED TO THE TOXICITY OF THIS SMELL. WHAT IS CAUSING IT AND ARE THE VAPORS HARMFUL? IF THIS SMELL IS CAUSING HEADACHES AND NAUSEA, WHAT TYPE OF SHORT OR POTENTIALLY LONG-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS DOES THIS PRESENT? MEANWHILE, I?M STILL DRIVING THE TRUCK BECAUSE I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DRIVE. MY SECONDARY CONCERN IS RELATED TO THE DISPOSITION OF THE TRUCK. CAN RAM FIX IT SATISFACTORILY AND WHEN WILL IT BE RESOLVED. AGAIN, I?M STILL DRIVING THE TRUCK. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 26, 2014
HEADLIGHTS (STANDARD) ARE INADEQUATE. CAN NOT SEE WITH LOW BEAMS UNLESS IT IS TOTALLY BLACK OUT AND THERE ARE NOT ANY OTHER SOURCES OF LIGHT CLOSE. THE ONLY WAY I KNOW MY LIGHTS ARE ON WHEN IN TOWN IS BECAUSE OF THE GREEN LIGHT ON DASH. I CAME UP UPON ANOTHER TRUCK RECENTLY THAT WAS GOING SLOWER THAN I WAS AND HE HAD HIS BLINKERS GOING BECAUSE HE COULD NOT SEE WITH HIS LIGHTS EITHER (I PULLED INTO GAS STATION BEHIND HIM AND ASKED). IT WAS ANOTHER RAM 1500. THEY ARE SO UNDERPOWERED SOMEONE IS GONNA BE IN AN ACCIDENT. ALREADY TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR READJUSTMENT, DID NOT HELP. *TR
Power train, Feb 20, 2014
ONE DAY I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND WHEN I TURNED THE SHIFT KNOB ON MY 8-SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION V-6 FROM "REVERSE" TO "DRIVE" THE GEAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE. WHEN I APPLIED MY FOOT TO THE ACCELERATOR THE RPM'S INCREASED AS IF I WERE IN NEUTRAL. DURING THIS OCCURRENCE THE "D" ON THE SHIFT KNOB WAS BLINKING. AFTER TURNING THE KNOB BACK TO PARK AND THEN BACK TO DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL AWAY AND DRIVE NORMALLY. ON A DIFFERENT DAY ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER I NOTICED THAT WHILE IN "DRIVE" AND TRAVELING BETWEEN 15MPH AND 30MPH MY TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO BE IN THE WRONG GEAR. I WOULD APPLY THE ACCELERATOR AND THE RPM'S WOULD INCREASE UPWARDS TO 2500 - 3500RPMS WHICH SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AT SUCH LOW SPEEDS. MY TRUCK THEN BEGAN TO SHUTTER AS IT WAS TRYING TO FIND THE RIGHT GEAR. THIS TRUCK IS A 2013 WITH LESS THAN 1000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE READ A SIMILAR POST ON THIS NHTSA WEBSITE ABOUT THIS SAME VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO READ AN ARTICLE POSTED ON MOTORTREND.COM THAT REFERENCES A TRANSMISSION RECALL FOR VARIOUS 2013 CHRYSLER VEHICLES' INCLUDING THE RAM 1500 WITH 8-SPEED AUTOMATICS AND A SIX-CYLINDER ENGINE. STRANGELY, WHEN I LOOK UP RECALL NOTICES FOR THIS VEHICLE THERE IS NO RECALL ALERT FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2014
I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE AT THE BANK. WIPERS CAME ON AND ALL GAUGES STARTED FLASHING. SHUT TRUCK OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I VIDEOED IT. I HAD TAKEN IT IN TO DEALER ON 2/15/14 FOR SERVICE AND TOLD THE MANAGER THAT I HAD 2 OCCASIONS WHERE MY GAUGES HAD FLASHED AND WENT COMPLETELY DARK AND I RESTARTED IT AND THEY CAME BACK ON. FIRST PROBLEMS NOTED WERE AROUND 5K MILES, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT AND TOOK IT TO VACUUM IT OUT AT THE CARWASH. AFTER SHE WAS FINISHED, SHE STARTED IT AND WENT TO PUT IT INTO GEAR AND IT WOULD NOT GO. HOWEVER THIS TIME IT WAS HAULED OFF ON A ROLL BACK COMPLETELY DEAD. SPENT A LOT ON MONEY ON BIG RED AND IT MAKES ME SICK TO KNOW THERE ARE ISSUES NO ONE INFORMED ME OF. *TR
Power train, Feb 11, 2014
01/08/14. UPON START UP IT WAS STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. WOULD NOT COME OUT OF 4TH GEAR. IT SET AN ENGINE LIGHT. DEALER DID A "FLASH UPDATE" ON 01/09/14. WAS FINE UNTIL 02/11/14 AND DID IT AGAIN,(WOULD NOT COME OUT OF 4TH GEAR). THIS TIME, SHUTTING IT OFF AND RESTARTING IT (TWICE) RESET IT AND IT CAME OUT OF 4TH GEAR. *TR
Service brakes, Feb 10, 2014
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGED THE BRAKES BUT THE CALIPERS LOCKED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CALIPERS, ROTORS, BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,260 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,790. PM
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2014, fire
DRIVING VEHICLE ON PAVED ROADWAY TRAVELING APPX 30 MPH. VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. WITNESS SAID FLAMES SHOT OUT BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE FROM UNDER THE BODY. LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE WAS AROUND THE VEHICLE AS I PULLED OFF THE ROAD. A QUICK GLANCE AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED EVERYTHING APPEARED NORMAL AND NO WARNING LIGHTS. SMOKE IN CAB AND FLAMES CAME UP THROUGH THE DASH AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD BUSTING OUT FROM THE HEAT. TOOK FIRE DEPARTMENT 3 ATTEMPTS TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. AFTER FLOODING THE INTERIOR AND DASH CAVITY (THROUGH THE HOLE BURNED THROUGH THE DASH) OF THE VEHICLE 2 TIMES, THE FIRE CONTINUED. AT THAT TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND FLOODED THE INTERIOR AND DASH AREA A 3RD TIME WHICH FINALLY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ONLY INJURY WAS SMOKE INHALATION AND RESULTING SORE THROAT SUFFERED BY ME, THE ONLY OCCUPANT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD AND I HAD NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (NYLE MAXWELL DODGE, AUSTIN TX) ON THE MORNING OF THE FIRE (12/19/2013) AND WHILE CHRYSLER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED LIABILITY THEY HAVE NOT SETTLE WITH ME ON MY LOSS AS OF THIS DATE (01/23/2014). THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A COMPLETE LOSS BY BOTH MY INSURANCE COMPANY INVESTIGATOR (STATE FARM) AND THE CHRYSLER INVESTIGATOR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 20, 2014
DRIVING TRUCK IN TOWN APPROX 35 - 40 MPH. CAN GIVE EXACT DETAIL / LOCATION. VEHICLE TRANSMISSION IN "DRIVE". VEHICLE HAS CENTER CONSUL. AS VEHICLE WAS CLIMBING GRADUAL HILL, TRANSMISSION AUTOMATICALLY DOWNSHIFTED. VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO FULL THROTTLE UNCONTROLLABLY. ENGINE RPM JUMPED TO 6K - 7K. VEHICLE SPEED STILL INCREASING. STEPPED ON GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES THINKING IT WAS STUCK WITH NO EFFECT - RPM REMAINED CONSTANT. THEN PUT BOTH FEET ON BRAKE PEDAL - RPM REMAINED CONSTANT. THEN SHIFTED TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL POSITION. CHECK ETC / RED LIGHTNING BOLT MESSAGE NOW ON IN MESSAGE CENTER LOCATED BETWEEN TACH & SPEEDOMETER. RPM'S NOW AT A CONSTANT 4K WITH VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND COASTING. NO PLACE TO TURN OFF WITHOUT BLOCKING TRAFFIC. STOPPED AT LIGHTED INTERSECTION - VEHICLE STILL AT 4K RPM. SHIFTED BACK INTO "DRIVE", TIRES CHIRPED AND TRUCK LUNGED FORWARD STILL AT 4K RPM. PARKED VEHICLE IN SAFE PLACE ADJACENT TO GAS STATION AND SHUT OFF - TRANSMISSION STILL EITHER IN GEAR OR NEUTRAL. ENGINE OFF - SHIFTED INTO "PARK". WAITED 3-4 MINUTES AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE. ENGINE ICON, ECT ICON AND RED STEERING WHEEL WITH EXPLANATION POINT ICON WHERE ALL ON. VEHICLE CRANKED, BUT ACTED LIKE NO FUEL / SPARK AND WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP ON FLATBED. NO WORD BACK FROM DEALER YET. MILEAGE 5,443 - MOSTLY HIGHWAY. NOTE: NO FLOOR MATS JUST FACTORY RUG AND CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT "ON" OR IN USE IN ANY WAY. ONLY MODIFICATIONS TO VEHICLE ARE THE ADDITION OF A SPRAY BED-LINER AND TOPPER. I WAS BORN AND RAISED AROUND CARS AND HAVE GOOD MECHANICAL ABILITY INCLUDING GROUND-UP RESTORATIONS OF PRE 1970 VEHICLES. THIS IS A REAL AND TANGIBLE EXAMPLE OF A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 BIGHORN WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR ANY VEHICLE, BUT ESPECIALLY FOR A NEW, $46,000 VEHICLE. I AM LUCKY THAT I DID NOT HURT ANYONE OR END UP DEAD. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2014
VEHICLE DIDN'T START, WE WERE STRANDED MILES FROM HOME IT SHOWED "WRONG KEY FOB" ON THE SCREEN, STEERING & TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER THEY REPROGRAMMED THE ORIGINAL KEY IT DIDN'T WORK, PROGRAMMED A NEW KEY DIDN'T WORK EITHER ORDERED RECEIVER MODULE DIDN'T WORK EITHER, PROGRAMMED A THIRD KEY & SOMEHOW STARTED. REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET & FOUND MULTIPLE CASES, SOME SAY THAT THEY HAD SAME PROBLEM IN MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. WE WERE NOT IN DANGER AT ANY TIME, BUT IF THIS INCIDENT OCCURS UNDER COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS OR IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION THE STORY COULD BE VERY DIFFERENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2014
WHEN USING THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER A TOXIC SMELL FILLS THE CAB CAUSING METALLIC TASTE AND OCCUPANTS TO HAVE A HEADACHE. THE FACTORY SAYS THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAVE EVEN APPLIED A STAR CASE NUMBER [XXX] WITH A RELEASE DATE OF 10/24/2013. THEY SAY THAT THE ISSUE IS BOTHERSOME BUT HAS NO EFFECT ON DURABILITY OR LONGEVITY OF THE COOLING SYSTEM. THIS IS NOT MY CONCERN. MY CONCERN IS, THIS TOXIC SMELL CAUSING LONG TERM HEALTH PROBLEMS OR CANCER? I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS ON THE SUBJECT SOME DATING BACK TO MARCH 2013. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 31, 2013
MY RAM 1500 MANUFACTURED 2013 STOPPED SUDDENLY AND REFUSED TO START UP AGAIN WITH ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT BEEN WORKING REGULARLY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME HAPPENED TO ME AFTER TWO WEEKS ONLY. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO MY CLOSEST AGENT. THE FIRST REPORT DIDN'T DIAGNOSE ANY DEFECT ON THE TRUCK. I CONSIDER THIS INCIDENT AS A VERY HIGH AND CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 30, 2013
I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A SHORT TRIP ON THE INTERSTATE AND I HAD JUST MADE A TURN ON THE STREET WE LIVE ON WHEN I HEARD A DING SOUND. MY WIFE AND I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A MESSAGE ON THE DISPLAY THAT SHOWED, "SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL". IT STAYED ON ONLY A SECOND AND DISAPPEARED. I DIDN'T REALLY NOTICE ANY EFFECT TO THE DRIVING CAPABILITY, BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT MESSAGE HAS APPEARED AND I NOTICE THAT THERE ARE TWO SIMILAR COMPLAINTS POSTED HERE ABOUT THE SAME MESSAGE. I THINK I'LL GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AT LEAST LET THEM KNOW ABOUT IT AND SEE WHAT THEY DO. I HAD BEEN USING MY CRUISE CONTROL ON THE WAY BACK FROM MY TRIP WHICH I NORMALLY DO USE AND I NOTE THAT IN AT LEAST ONE OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS THE PERSON WAS USING THEIRS TOO. AT THE TIME OF THE MESSAGE I WASN'T USING CRUISE BUT LIKE I SAID, I HAD BEEN. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2013
WHEN WE PURCHASED THE RAM 1500/V6 ENGINE PICKUP TRUCK NEW IN APRIL 2013, JOHNSON DODGE, BUDD LAKE, NJ, IT DID NOT HESITATE AND RAN WELL. OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS IT SLOWLY DEVELOPED AN SIGNIFICANT, ONE SECOND PLUS, HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP. THE SERVICE MANAGER [XXX] AT JOHNSON DODGE TEST DROVE AND AGREED THERE WAS A HESITATION BUT COULDN'T/CAN'T FIX/ADJUST IT DO TO EVERYTHING BEING CONTROLLED BY COMPUTER MODULES. HE SAID, "UNTIL THEY, (RAM ENGINEERS), RELEASE A SOFTWARE FIX/UPDATE OR TECH BULLETIN, THERE WAS NOTHING HE/THEY COULD DO." THIS HESITATION IS SO SEVERE IT REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO ANTICIPATE THE DELAY AND THAN PRE-PRESS THE ACCELERATOR WHEN CROSSING A STREET IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR OTHER SITUATION REQUIRING TIMELY ACCELERATOR RESPONSE. I BELIEVE THIS HESITATION AND LACK OF DEALER CORRECTION CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING REQUIREMENT OF ME AND ANY OTHER DRIVER OF THESE PICKUP TRUCKS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure, Dec 14, 2013
VEHICLE DASHBOARD IS BEGINNING TO BREAK INTO PIECES. THIS PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL HAS A HISTORY OF THE DASHBOARD BREAKING COMPLETELY APART, EXPOSING EVERY ELEMENT OF THE DASHBOARD THAT IS DESIGNED TO BE COVERED. INCLUDING SOME ELEMENTS OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. IT IS NOT ONLY A DANGER TO HAVE LOOSE, SHARP SHARDS OF PLASTIC FLYING AROUND IN THE PASSENGER CABIN, BUT IT HAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE RESALE AND MARKETABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. DODGE AND OR RAM HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE CONSUMER TO MAKE GOOD ON THE ORIGINAL INVESTMENT MADE TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE. . *TR
Structure, Nov 6, 2013
2013 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BED OF VEHICLE IS SPLITTING ON BOTH ENDS. *SMD
Power train, Nov 5, 2013
2013 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE REAR AXLE SHEARED OFF, AND THE BRAKE CALIPER BROKE OFF, AT THAT POINT THE VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKES. THE WHEEL AND TIRE WERE PUNCTURED BY THE CALIPER BRACKET, AND WENT INTO AN UNCONTROLLABLE SPIN. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP AGAINST THE FREEWAY CEMENT CENTER DIVIDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT SOME GEARS EITHER IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL OR TRANSFER CASE BROKE BEFORE THE AXLE SHEARED OFF OF THE VEHICLE. ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIAN, THE TRANSFER CASE WAS NOISY AND LOCKING UP, THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO NOISY AND NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. HE ALSO STATED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS MAKING A HOWLING NOISE AND HAD EXTENSIVE VIBRATION. THE TECHNICIAN BELIEVED THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS CAUSED BY SOME TYPE OF GEAR FAILURE. THE BROKEN AXLE SHOWED STRESS FRACTURES/CRACKS DUE TO POSSIBLE METAL FATIGUE. THE DEALER STATED THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS CAUSED BY THE DRIVER.
Power train, Nov 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT AND THE ANTI-SKID WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE MILES AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCKS BECAME UNLOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE RADIO WOULD ALSO POWER ON AND OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,859.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 21, 2013
ON AUGUST 26TH I WAS TRAVELING IN MY TRUCK AT ABOUT 58MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON. AS I ENTERED A 45MPH SPEED ZONE I TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE. THE TRUCK MAINTAINED SPEED SO I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL MANY TIMES WITH THE TRUCK NOT SLOWING DOWN. I THEN HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES QUITE HARD TO SLOW DOWN. WHILE DOING THIS I NOTICED A MESSAGE COME UP ON THE INFO SCREEN WHICH READ SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL. AFTER STOPPING I CHECKED TO SEE IF SOMETHING LIKE A FLOORMAT WAS PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, WHICH THERE WAS NOT. THIS SAME SITUATION HAPPENED AGAIN ON AUGUST 30TH. I CONTACTED SOUTH LAKE MOTORS, THE LOCAL RAM DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR SEPT. 4. I TOOK MY TRUCK IN AND THEY FOUND A CODE IN THE COMPUTER, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IN THE FOLLOWING 2 WEEKS THE SAME THING HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES AS I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN FROM A SPEED OF BETWEEN 55 AND 60MPH, EXCEPT I DID NOT HAVE THE CRUISE ON. THEY LOOKED IT OVER AGAIN ON SEPT 19 AND DECIDED TO PUT A NEW ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN IT ON SEPT. 20TH. THE NEXT DAY IT STUCK AGAIN AS I TRIED TO SLOW FOR A TRUCK TURNING IN FRONT OF ME, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO REAR END THAT VEHICLE. SEPT 27TH I TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY STILL COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. ON OCT 7 I ONCE AGAIN DROPPED MY TRUCK OFF AT THE DEALER AND THEY KEPT IT FOR 5 DAYS TRYING TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. ON OCT 13 WHILE TRAVELING AT 45MPH I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE TRUCK MAINTAINED SPEED, I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW IT DOWN TO NEGOTIATE A CORNER WITHOUT WRECKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO TIME SINCE THEN. ON OCT 21ST I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED A DATA RECORDER TO RECORD THE EVENTS.THE MECHANIC AND OTHER DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES HAVE TOLD ME THIS TRUCK IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE CALLED CHRYSLER DAILY TELLING THEM THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. *TR