2013 Ram 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,277 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 72 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 37 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, tailgate, latchMay 9, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Campaign 19V347000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftDec 20, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Campaign 17V821000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 9, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Campaign 17V302000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentMay 16, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
Campaign 16E041000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.Jul 23, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
Campaign 15V461000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsJul 22, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
Campaign 15V460000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 22, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.
This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.
Campaign 15V459000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionDec 6, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.
Campaign 13V610000 on NHTSA.gov
Electronic stability control (ESC)Jul 2, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013. Due to a software issue with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module, the ESC system may be disabled when the vehicle is started.
A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESC module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N37.
Campaign 13V287000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, turn signalJun 4, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps. In the affected vehicles, the turn signal indicator may not flash at a double rate to give a notification to the driver of a turn signal malfunction. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N35.
Campaign 13V237000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingMay 7, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.
Campaign 13V177000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeApr 3, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on a 20% grade. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the parking brake performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N22.
Campaign 13V128000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,277 reports, newest first.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 13, 2025
We recently bought the dodge truck from a dealer in Puyallup Washington and noticed it was hard to steer and pulling to the left and right when Turning. It was a hard pull ! Now we can't even drive the truck at all its hard to steer and there's a red light at the bottom of the cluster with a red circle and a exclamation mark.! We don't want to drive it as my husband says it's the electric power steering.the electronic steering does not work at all. We shouldn't be having this problem . As we only had it 5 mos.i don't know the approximate day but started shortly after we bought the truck. Thank you for reviewing our complaint. We are retired and needed a truck for hauling .
Steering, Jun 12, 2025
The Power Steering suddenly failed without warning when starting the truck while parked in a public parking lot. Could not steer the truck and noticed the red warning light was illuminated. I turned off the vehicle and waited a few minutes and then the power steering was working. I drove immediately home. The problem then occurred again when I started the truck up. The truck was not safe to drive. Checked the serial number of my steering rack and it is not included in the recall list for this known problem. I had to replace the steering rack with a new unit. This should be recalled and covered by the manufacturer. Less than 29,000 miles on the truck.
Steering, Jun 10, 2025
Attempted to back out of garage when the steering became very difficult to turn. Could not safely drive the vehicle as the steering was extremely hard to turn. Service steering message appeared on console. Vehicle towed to dealership for repair. Dealer advised this repair will require replacement of the steering rack at a cost of over $3,000.00. While there may not be a specific recall based on my VIN this problem is very similar to other vehicles that have been recalled for this issue. Part is back ordered which indicates they are doing a lot replacements. This should be elevated to a systemic recall. My truck has under 70,000 miles on it and has been well maintained.
Steering, Jun 10, 2025
The power steering keeps going out while I’m driving. Sometimes it will reset and work again after restarting my truck but now it’s staying out. This has been a problem for two months now. This almost caused me to crash twice.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 8, 2025
Subject: Power Steering Failure – Recall Concern on 2013 Ram 1500 Dear [Ram Customer Care / NHTSA / Dealership Representative], I am writing to formally express my concern regarding a serious safety issue I experienced with my 2013 Ram 1500, which has only 140,000 miles. While driving, I suddenly lost total power steering functionality. Fortunately, I was able to safely bring the vehicle to Piedmont Dodge in Anderson, SC. After paying a $185 diagnostic fee, I was informed that the steering rack and pinion had failed and would require full replacement. I was also told that the necessary part is currently on back order with no estimated time of arrival, which leaves me without a working vehicle and no clear resolution. What is especially troubling is that I’ve learned Ram issued recalls for steering issues on 2013–2016 Ram 1500 models—recall campaigns that clearly acknowledge this as a known and recurring problem. However, for reasons unclear to me, my specific VIN does not fall under the existing recall despite showing the same symptoms as vehicles that do. Given the nature of the failure—complete loss of power steering while driving—and the significant cost of repairs quoted to me (over $2,700 for parts and labor), I am requesting a thorough review of my vehicle's eligibility under the known recall campaign or warranty support. I strongly believe this issue reflects a broader systemic defect, not isolated wear and tear. I respectfully ask that Ram take responsibility for this critical safety concern and assist in resolving the issue either through recall expansion, goodwill repair assistance, or another appropriate remedy. I am eager to continue being a loyal Ram owner but believe this matter requires immediate attention and action. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] ] VIN: [XXX] [Vehicle: 2013 Ram 1500 | Mileage: 140,000 mi] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Jun 2, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to check the Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 136,000, and at the time of reviewing the Carfax, it was discovered that the mileage was 220,000.
Steering, May 31, 2025
Power steering stopped working
Electrical system, May 30, 2025
The ABS, parking brake, and traction light are illuminated constantly when driving the vehicle. The vehicle’s braking system and other functions seem to work fine; however, I have lost the use of my cruise control functions. Unfortunately, the ABS module, which, from research, has been the main culprit that malfunctions, is no longer manufactured. This results in me finding a used ABS module via the internet.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2025
Front fuel tank strap pulled out of frame. The strap T portion is still intact but the mounting location on the frame rotted out. The rear strap held so the tank didn't make contact with the ground. There was a recall on the 09-12 rams for a similar issue, I think it needs be expanded to 2013 and maybe 2014 models as well.
Steering, May 22, 2025
Can't turn...steering wheel is very hard to turn....
Steering, May 18, 2025
I was driving on [XXX] on Friday evening ([XXX]) about [XX] near Chattanooga, TN and the power steering quit suddenly (all at once). My speed at time of power steering failure was 65 MPH. No warning lights, messages or symptons at all before complete failure of power steering system. If driving conditions had warranted me to swerve suddenly to avoid a hazard, it would have been impossible and that would have put other's safety and my own safety in harm. Never had any problem before this incident and nothing that would have alerted that power steering was not functioning properly. I think this is a major safety issue and requires further investigation as to why this happened. The problem has been reported to an independent service center and I also plan to contact local Ram dealership in Ringgold, GA Monday morning, May 19, 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, May 15, 2025
Out of nowhere could not turn the steering wheel. It was really stiff. I had my mechanic come take a look and after doing a diagnostic test it was the EPS (electric power system). After looking into it we noticed a recall for the EPS for 2013-2019 Dodge rams which is what we have. We took it to a dodge dealership who also found that out but is saying we are not part of the recall just because our VIN number is not associated to the recall. We could have died with 4 kids in the car and this is what we were told that it would cost a more than 5k to fix. The issue is the same as the recall. There was no warning lamps or messages to let us know something was wrong. Again could have died cause we could not turn the wheel. Our car should be part of this recall and I have seen others complaining about the same issue in forums. We are already on low income and top it off have only one car this has put a real burden on our family. Please acknowledge that this is the same recall and our VIN should be included and repaired without cost.
Steering, May 12, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving at highway speeds, the power steering assist failed. Due to the failure, the contact's son used excessive effort to steer the vehicle off to the left shoulder of the highway. The contact's son called for the vehicle to be towed to an independent mechanic. While the contact's son waited for the tow truck to arrive, the "Service Power Steering" message was displayed on the instrument panel while restarting the engine. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic, and the contact was informed that the power steering assist was electrical and that no repairs could be made to the vehicle. The contact was then informed that there was an unknown recall associated with the failure. The contact was then referred to the dealer who informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.
Steering, May 6, 2025
My steering on my 2013 Ram 1500 completely seized while the vehicle was in motion, with no warning. I was leaving a drive through luckily at low speed, I am reporting this because if this had happened 2 minutes later, I would have been on a 55mph 2 lane highway, and possibly caused an accident harming me or other drivers. I had a few mechanics look at it and state they thought it was the steering rack, and how unsafe it was that it seized completely. The vehicle is open to inspection. I hope this at least gets looked into, I don’t want anybody to get hurt.
Steering, Electrical system, May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a loss of electric power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start or unlock. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown electric power steering recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Apr 29, 2025
The steering went out on my 2013 Dodge Ram 1500. I purchased this vehicle used in July 2016 The dealership stated that this recall has already been fixed however if that's the case it wasn't fixed properly and failed again. To fix the problem is thousands of dollars. There was no warning lamps that indicated a problem. It acutely happened.
Steering, Apr 28, 2025
Steering locked up. Very difficult to steer. Condition remains 4/28/2025 09:00. Dealer approx 30 miles away. Can't afford towing. Low speed (35 MPH) No crash, No injuries. Flashing steering wheel with (!). No other indications. No Codes. NOTE: BASED ON INFORMATION FROM MY TIME IN THE MILITARY AS A HELICOPTER PILOT AND ISSUES WE HAD WITH AIRCRAFT GROUNDS, I REMOVED AND CLEANED ALL TERMINALS ON THE BATTERY AND APPLIED DI-ELECTRIC GREASE. I THEN REMOVED AND CLEANED THE CONNECTORS ON THE ELECTRICAL STEERING UNIT AND APPLIED DIELECTRIC GREASE BEFORE REINSTALLING THE CONNECTORS. I STARTED THE ENGINE WITH NO RESULTS ON THE STEERING ISSUE. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND WAITED 30 MINUTES. UPON RESTARTING, THE ISSUE RESOLVED.
Steering, Apr 27, 2025
Traveling back from Tennessee I stopped for fuel when I started my truck to leave the warning light was on the dash for service power steering and I had no power steering I have checked the fuse but it does not appear to be bad I will take my truck to the shop tomorrow morning Monday 4/28/2025
Steering, Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle to regain power steering assist; however, the failure persisted. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Steering, Apr 21, 2025
2013 ram 1500 Express, steering will randomly lose all power steering without any warning, and become almost impossible to steer the vehicle. I believe the issue to be related to the faulty rack and pinions installed on the ram 1500 trucks.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 21, 2025
Steering wheel jerks to center position when making turns and power steering has totally stopped working now
Steering, Apr 14, 2025
The electronic power steering unit completely failed. The power steering system failure dash indicator appeared on the dash information screen. I parked the truck, turned it off, and after I restarted the truck, I no longer had power steering and the truck was nearly impossible to steer. The truck has approximately 171000 miles on the odometer. There are currently no recals. There does not appear to be any physical damage to the power steering unit. The truck is currently being diagnosed by the second mechanic at a Dodge dealership. The initial information from the first mechanic was that his scan tool, a Snap-On Zeus, could not find any specific error codes other than, "Could not communicate with electronic power steering system."
Steering, Apr 13, 2025
While I was driving my 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 at a low speed through a parking lot the power steering just went out. I have 90k miles on my vehicle and this should not be happening. I was in a parking lot full of parents and children walking to their cars and was turning when this happened. There was no warning and not light on my dashboard until after a few seconds of my power steering being out. After looking online I saw this was a common problem for Dodge. Dodge said they would put another dodge part in it to replace the EPS and I didnt want that so I took it to a private mechanic who fixed it....$3k to fix. This is ridiculous and should be covered by Dodge.
Steering, Apr 12, 2025
The electronic power steering abruptly failed while driving, because of this failure my safety as well as others safety was put in grave danger. I completely lost the ability to turn the steering wheel which led me to forcefully pull as far over on the freeway that I could to avoid having an accident. Truck was then towed to my home. I had no prior messages or alarms or check engine lights on and the truck had been running in top condition. Suddenly I heard a chime then the steering wheel got stiff and the the “service power steering” message showed on my cluster. The vehicle is available for any inspections needed and has not been repaired due to the cost. The power steering went out on April 9, 2025.
Steering, Apr 9, 2025
Forward: While pulling out of a mall parking lot my steering failed causing me to momentarily block traffic. There were no warning lights, messages or audible alarms at this time. I was able to safely pull back into the parking spot, turned the vehicle off and turned it back on. Power Steering was restored and no messages/alerts were present. I assumed at that time that maybe the steering wheel lock got hung up. When we got home and went to use the vehicle again the same thing happened except this time it didn’t correct itself and the flashing “Service Power Steering” light came on. The vehicle has not been driven since. After researching this situation I learned that this is a known issue that has not been resolved and I believe this to be a safety impacting defect. (1) Electronic Power Steering (EPS) failure. Vehicle is available for inspection. (2) Loss of vehicle control had the failure occurred on the open road could have led to a crash (3) We have not towed the vehicle to the dealership yet as we will be out of town for a couple of weeks (4) Vehicle has not been inspected by any party at this time (5) There were no warning lamps prior to this failure. After the second failure there is now a blinking “Service Power Steering” message but no fault codes Supplemental: we are the original owners of this vehicle and all maintenance to include known recalls have been kept up-to-date and the vehicle has been well maintained.