2013 Ram 1500

High concern

Owners filed 1,275 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 12 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

606 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 62,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering583
1700
Electrical System152
241
Engine102
321
Air Bags90
19024
Service Brakes61
712
Power Train54
1301
Unknown or Other31
302
Structure › Body31
223
Suspension30
200
Fuel/Propulsion System25
000

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch19V347000
Filed May 9, 20191,103,209 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift17V821000
Filed Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain17V302000
Filed May 9, 20171,021,279 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Equipment16E041000
Filed May 16, 2016345 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.15V461000
Filed Jul 23, 20151,416,903 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal15V459000
Filed Jul 22, 20151,059,444 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Seat Belts15V460000
Filed Jul 22, 2015667,441 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission13V610000
Filed Dec 6, 20134,194 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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'.

Remedy. 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.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)13V287000
Filed Jul 2, 201345,896 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal13V237000
Filed Jun 4, 201317,411 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Sep 17, 2026CA

We were going to the beach a couple of days ago. While I was driving down the highway the power steering went out. All of a sudden I had no control over the steering. I was fortunate enough that the person on the right side of me was alert enough to recognize that something wrong was happening as I quickly veered into his lane. I was able to slow down enough and fight the wheel for control and get it parked on the medium. If he wouldn't have been alert this could have had some bad results. He pulled over and checked on us. Ensured we had a phone. The truck is available for a inspection. The truck is a 2013 but it has been pampered taken care of. Milage is only 47,510 miles. If the miles of the truck truly represented the age. 13 years old but it's well under 50,000 miles.

Steering
Filed Sep 17, 2026SC

1. Electric Power steering Rack and Pinion assermbly quit working. Turning into my drive way to park and the power steering completely quit working causing me to almost run into the side of our new ( 1 month 2026 KIA ) before I could get my 2013 1500 stopped. 2.Yes it is avaible for inspection. 3. I have not taken it to anyone, I have been a mechanic in the military and work for serveral auto dealerships ( 76 years old now ). 4. Service Electric Power Steering warnng light came on same time the power steering quit working only for a second then went off, now warning light comes on with key in run position briefly but goes out and when the engine is running I get no warning light.

Steering
Filed Sep 9, 2026FL

No warnings for power steering going out it just completely went out.

Steering
Filed Sep 9, 2026KS

While making a left turn the steering wheel jerked slightly and vehicle suddenly became difficult to steer. Noted a red flashing steering wheel icon with a red flashing exclamation mark icon on the instrument panel. An accident was narrowly avoided only due to the strength of the driver to manually turn the vehicle sufficiently to avoid collision. Mechanic diagnosis is that the Electronic Steering Assist Motor or Module in the EPS Rack and Pinion assembly had failed. Vehicle has not been repaired as of yet.

Steering
Filed Sep 9, 2026TX

Intermittent loss of power stering

Steering
Filed Sep 8, 2026TX

Started vehicle, drove about 400 meters and the power steering went out while making a left turn. More than went out, as it felt like it actively fought me. I've driven vehicles without P/S before, and this was significantly worse. It almost caused me to overrun the turn and collide with an embankment. I restarted the vehicle after a bit, and the power steering worked fine again for about 400 meters, whereupon it failed once more with similar symptoms. I can feel the steering wheel actively trying to work back the other direction when turning. It seems to be actively trying to return to straight status. I received a warning on the cluster about servicing power steering during both incidents. This warning cleared on startup.

Steering
Filed Sep 4, 2026SC

The vehicles power steering randomly stopped working. I checked the fuse box 10amp and 125amp battery connection and no power issues with it. There is power to the rest of the vehicle.

Steering
Filed Sep 4, 2026SC

Lost all power steering

Steering
Filed Sep 1, 2026NC

On 08/29/2026 while traveling on the interstate the electronic power steering light activated on the cluster of the 2013 ram 1500 truck. After hearing the warning and seeing the warning, there was no power steering on the vehicle as I was traveling at 70 mph down the interstate. The wheel was difficult to turn and the vehicle was hard to maintain control while driving. This presented a safety issue for myself and other motorist traveling on the same interstate as myself. The only warning I received was the warning when the power steering completely failed and was inoperable. no other symptom or warning was triggered. I have a scheduled appointment for the dealer to check the vehicle on Friday Sept 4, 2026 at 0800. I am a sworn sheriff's deputy and the vehicle displays a red steering wheel with a red exclamation mark beside it on the dash with a warning that reads "service power steering" power steering will begin to work again after shutdown of the truck and fail after a few minutes of driving and stays out.

Steering
Filed Aug 29, 2026AR

I had gone into my local Walmart after work and turned the truck off. After I came back out and turned the truck on, my power steering had gone out completely.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 27, 2026AR

A ton of 2013 ram 1500’s are having ABS module problems or needing repairs. Very unsafe to travel without it working properly. Unable to get a new part because Mopar discontinued making them. For what reason? I think this is the exact reason. Something needs to be done about it. To many reports of ABS modules being broken or not working/ functioning properly. Mine is broke and can not find a replacement.

Steering
Filed Aug 21, 2026140,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the contact stopped the vehicle and activated the hazard lights. Another driver assisted the contact in moving the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electric power steering rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 17, 2026SC

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability/traction control system on my 2013 Ram 1500 have malfunctioned. The Serious incident occurred when another vehicle pulled out in front of me and I had to brake hard. Dash immediately displayed the ABS and brake warning lights, The normal hydraulic brakes operated, but ABS did not activate. The wheels locked and the vehicle skidded sideways during the emergency stop, significantly reducing directional control and creating a significant risk of collision and rollover. Diagnostic scanning identified DTC C2200-49, indicating an internal electronic failure of the ABS control module. The problem has progressively worsened. The warnings now occur at normal temperatures and may appear immediately after ignition. The vehicle also displays “Service Integrated Electronic Brake System,” and traction control becomes unavailable. On another occasion, while accelerating on a dry road at approximately 70°F ambient temperature, I heard a click and felt a slight jerk immediately before the ABS/brake warning lights illuminated. The ABS control module is available for inspection upon request. The identified ABS control module is Mopar part number 68196035AA. I have found that obtaining a new replacement module may be difficult because the original part appears to be discontinued/unavailable through normal OEM sources. The failure has progressed from intermittent to persistent and has resulted in the actual loss of ABS, traction control,

Steering
Filed Aug 16, 2026AL

Electronic power steering suddenly went out while driving

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 2026SC

I am receiving code C2200, and the ABS, brake, lights on confirmed by my local Jeep, Dodge, Ram dealership. The dealership wants to sell me aftermarket ABS module telling me it's a 50/50 chance of it working with electronic flush. All other ABS modules are on backorder with the current safety recall for 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500's.

Steering
Filed Aug 13, 2026GA

See it’s a known things with rams that the electronic power steering goes out randomly because of how dodge made it and the dealerships don’t do recalls for it and it’s absolutely absurd to spend 2-4k$ for a fix

Electrical System
Filed Jul 29, 2026GA

In December 2025, my check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes read P0128 (coolant thermostat) and U1467 (module communication). I took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed and repaired the issue. Shortly after, the check engine light returned, so the same mechanic replaced the ECM (plug and play). This repair did not resolve the check engine light. The mechanic recommended I take the vehicle to a dealership and identified a related service bulletin tied to Safety Recall N25 / NHTSA Campaign 13V-177 (three-way coolant valve). To confirm this diagnosis, I sought a second opinion from another independent mechanic. That shop purchased the coolant valve part directly from a dealership, installed it on my truck, and the same issue persisted. They also were unable to resolve it and advised me to take the vehicle to a dealership. I researched NHTSA Campaign 13V-177 (Chrysler Manufacturer Campaign N25) and confirmed that Chrysler recalled certain 2013 RAM 1500 trucks built between June 25, 2012 and December 12, 2012, because the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that prevents coolant flow to the heater core. The official remedy for this recall is replacement of the coolant valve along with an updated module calibration, performed by a dealer. I was told by dealership staff that there is no active recall on my vehicle. However, my truck matches the affected description, and I have not had the calibration portion of the recall remedy performed, only the physical part

Steering
Filed Jul 27, 2026KY

Power steering has failed. The vehicle is available for inspection. The steering without power assist is worthless. There is no way to avoid any kind of emergency incident. An independent repair shop has verified that the steering doesn't work. No one else has inspected the vehicle. In the dashboard information panel there is a flashing red warning light that was on when the vehicle was started. The symbol is a steering wheel and an exclamation mark. This first appeared on July 10, 2026.

Steering
Filed Jul 25, 2026TX

The power steering light is on and will not steer properly. The vehicle is well maintained with only 70k. I have read some other issues with steering.

Steering
Filed Jul 24, 2026158,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact purchased and replaced the battery, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

20 of 1,275 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202691710Routine
2025344830Above average
202472620Routine
20232001110Above average
20226071662Fatalities reported
20216781540Do not drive
20206251461Fatalities reported
20191,47330111Fatalities reported
20186601580Above average
201787113161Fatalities reported
20161,53817365Fatalities reported
20151,44418584Fatalities reported
20141,76417240High concern
2013 — this page1,27512100High concern
200937200Routine

Compare every 1500 year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 9, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.