2013 Ram 1500 complaints

Revision "N" of the Body Control Module (BCM) is defective and causes the door auto door locks to not lock correctly by either either the key fob or the interior lock buttons. This results in the doors not locking and children can open the doors while driving at any speed. Many other reports of this are on the Ram Forums here: https://www.ramforum.com/threads/automatic-door-locks-will-unlock-but-wont-lock.79219/

When leaving/accelerating from a traffic light, the power steering stopped working. I immediately pulled into a parking lot to check power steering fluid...I then discovered this vehicle does not have hydraulic power steering.. It is electric. I got back in the truck to try and get home. The steering worked fine..for about 20 miles. At this time I was at highway speed and not power steering. I weigh over 250 lbs and could turn the steering wheel to get the truck off the road. If my wife would have been driving it could have been much worse. I took the truck to the Dodge dealer; Ron Carter/League City, 409-948-3132; they diagnosed electronic rack and pinion is bad. Must be replaced. After investigating this seems to be a common problem...and it is unsafe... But, for 2013 no recalls. Other years have a recall for this problem. I cannot get any information on this problem from the local dealer. The Manufacture ignores my emails.. Now, it is even worse, for something that is not bad enough for a recall, I have already waited over 70 days for the part to fix the problem. I realize supply chain, etc. But for a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles, and apparently not a Ram problem, why not a part to repair...ESPECIALLY SINCE IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM...THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM.

Check engine light, replaced plugs & coil pack & had to have engine overhauled. $5000 later & now check engine light again valve cover leaks, needs evaporate solenoid & o2 sensor. Service air bag system light comes on. Only 120000 miles when started all this. 79000 miles when I bought in 2018 & the uconnect system, backup, radio & everything went out. It’s a lemon.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel seized and the contact was unable to operate the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence where a diagnostic reader was used and the failure code for the electronic power steering module (EPS) was retrieved. The contact stated that the local dealer was made aware of the failure; however, they confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving through a curve at 15 MPH, the power steering assist failed without warning. As a result of the failure, the contact lost control of the vehicle and drove into the front yard of a residential property almost crashing into a tree. Due to the failure, the contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a defective rack and pinion. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. The VIN was not available.

THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING GEAR FAILED. THAT IS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME FIVE TIMES WHILE I WAS ON MY WAY HOME. IT PUT ME INTO THE DITCH AND THE SIDE OF HILL THREE OF THOSE FIVE. HAD THERE BEEN ANY ON COMING TRAFFIC THIS COULD HAVE VERY EASILY TURNED INTO A HEADON COLLISION AS THESE EVENTS CAUSED TOTAL AND COMPLETE LOSS OF ABILITY TO STEER OR CONTROL THE TRUCK. LITHIA DODGE IN BILLINGS MONTANA HAS CONFIRMED THE FAILURE OF THE EPS SYSTEM. THE ONLY PEOPLE TO INSPECT THIS ISSUE HAS BEE THE LITHIA DODGES LINE TECHS.THERE WERE NO WARNING LAMPS OR ANY OTHER INDICATIONS OF EMMINENT FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE COULD HAVE KILLED US. LITHIA DODGE HAS TOLD US THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE.. KEEP TRYING TO TELL US THIS IS GOING TO COST 4700.00 THE FIRST TIME THEN 2400. I THINK IT IS. BUT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, IF THERE IS A FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT. WHY DOES IT NOT ALLOW A MANUEL OVERIDE TO OCCUR WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE DRIVER TO AT LEAST STEER THIS THING. AND IM BEING TOLD THAT THEY, WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL....... I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY REMOVED THE SKID PLATE AND REFERENCED THE NUMBER ON THE STEERING GEAR UNIT TO THE NUMBERS LISTED ON THE VB8 RECALL INSTRUCTIONS.

My newly purchased vehicle was in the parked position, I took the key out of the car, the Gearshift was hit and the vehicle rolled down my hill in my backyard, hit a tree and was totaled. The Antilock brakes failed on me.

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 big horn 2wd 5.7 v8 160000 rebuild valves , rocker arms,push rods ,cam,gaskets, and lifters all damaged bad lifters ate the cam destroyed everything. About 5thousand dollars for the job . Please help seen this happening to other trucks and cars

I had drove to a job the truck drove fine probably 10 miles. I went to leave the job after about an hour and half went to back out and I couldn’t turn my steering wheel. The service power steering light came on I proceeded to drive because me and my 3 year old had no other way of getting back home so I had to struggle to turn some three of four times about ten miles to park it in my garage. I haven’t been able to dive it to get it fixed because I am not able to drive it far to get it serviced. I have checked the fuse and it is good and everything I read says it has to do with the power steering module.

Steering warning light came on and very hard to turn any direction

While driving in the second largest city in my state, the electric power steering went out without a warning almost causing an accident because steering the vehicle while in a turn became so difficult I had to use both hands to force the to make the turn needed. Once I was able to get off of the road then the warning light to service the power steering came on. After investigating the issue, I see thousands of others have had the same problem .

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel jerked and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact used extra effort to steer the vehicle safely to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Dodge ram engine under <100,000 miles has broke down. Dodge does not want to repair the engine.

As I was driving my steering wheel jersey and my dash light indicator show a red steering wheel with an exclamation point next to it. As I continued to drive my steering wheel was very stiff. I noticed that I have no power steering.

I was driving down the interstate and started to see flames and smoke coming from my hood. I pulled over and was able to put out the fire. The fire department showed up and determined that the fire started from the fuel injector system.

The TIPM failed, & has been failing The vehicle just died in a traffic lane. There were no warnings or ability to avoid any incident that could happen from being stranded in a travel lane. Being stuck in a travel lane is extremely dangerous. The part is not inspectable, Ram seen fit to create an issue with the design of the TIPM that can easily be avoided. The vehicle gives no warning

Electric Steering rack - just stopped working in the middle of driving good thing i am young otherwise an older person wouldn't be able to handle causing a wreck - Dealer confirmed when towed in on service order showing code C2217- also had serviced for all pending recalls. No inspections yet by anyone else - but we are checking on our options. Check power steering lite came on at time of failure

The exhaust manifold bolts failed a second time, causing and exhaust smell and leak into the cab of the truck. Took it to a dealership who repaired the passenger side only, and now driver side needs repaired. Spoke with RAM only to be told that it is a Known issue but there is no recall, or plan to issue a recall to remedy the issue. There were no warnings by the truck.

The front fuel tank strap pulled through the frame mount which was highly corroded, causing the front of the fuel tank to drop significantly down and be held up only by the rear hanger strap and rubber fuel line. I heard a noise underneath after filling the tank and looked to see the fuel tank hanging way down. If this had dropped further or been hit by a road imperfection while driving it could have resulted in significant fuel leakage, and fire or explosion. I contacted the local dealer who said this was nothing they could repair. I contacted FCA Customer Care who infomred me I was out of warranty and they would not help. The same issue has been recalled on 2009-2012 RAM 1500 trucks under #U04 (Part 573 Safety Recall Report 18V-160). The bracket accumulates water and has no drain hole, resulting in long term corrosion. I have read of many other instances of this failure on RAM forums. My local repair specialist confirmed the issue and created a work around to secure the tank, but it is not a factory level solution. Repair cost was $1,066.28 including towing, but again, this is not a factory level solution. Pictures of my rusted strap mount and tank dropped down attached.

2013 RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DELAY WITH THE HORN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HORN HAD A SIGNIFICANT DELAY BETWEEN BEING PRESSED AND BEING HEARD.

While driving my 2013 Ram 1500 down the road the power steering suddenly and totally went out almost causing an accident.There was no warning lights or any other indication of a problem.I had the Truck towed to the Dodge dealership where it was determined that the Electric Power Steering had failed.This is a really bad safety issue as the vehicle is extremely hard to steer with no power assist.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was being driven by a friend into the parking lot at approximately 3 MPH, the two front and side curtain air bags deployed inadvertently and injured the driver's neck. The friend was in the process of taking the keys out of the ignition when the failure occurred. There was a crash data log and air bag warning light illuminated. There was no medical treatment. The contact disconnected the battery and control module so no additional failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,990

I heard a metallic scraping noise from my truck pulled over to inspect the undercarriage. My fuel tank is hanging down approximately 6 inches. Upon closer inspection I see that one of the two metal retaining brackets has come undone. It appears the bracket welded to the frame of the truck has corroded and the metal strap pulled through the deteriorated rusty metal. After doing some online research this is a well-known problem which is the subject of a previous recall (# 18VI6000) by Chrysler. The problem is the recall data from 2009 to 2012 and my truck is a 2013. I called both my local dealership and then the FCA customer care line. Both informed me this is not covered under a recall. My question is; Since this is obviously the exact same problem as many other vehicle owners have experienced and it was covered under a previous recall, what can I do to be compensated and have this problem fixed? The truck is currently UNSAFE to drive. Thank you very much Tim

Cam and lifters are a common problem on the 13-20 (maybe 21-present too) ram 1500s with 5.7L Hemi. I see this happen all the time with these trucks under 100k miles and even under 50k miles. I don’t think it’s the cam and lifters. I think the problem is more oil starvation type situation. And when they go out it’s costly.

The vehicle developed a ticking noise that was diagnosed by a certified mechanic as being a defective cam and lifter assembly. The engine was at risk of locking up and if not corrected, could have happened on any roadway. The only corrective action for this problem was to replace the engine. I consulted several mechanics in my area and all of them refused to simply rebuild the head. Instead, they all insisted that the engine be replaced. I did so at the cost of $9000. This needs to become a recall.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to safely drive to work. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty electric power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 255,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while at a traffic light and attempting to turn left, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number 19E077000 (Steering) as a possible solution to the failure. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective circuit card assembly on the electric power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electrical power steering to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Consumer filed a complaint with the Dodge manufacturer for the part number 68536636AB power steering gear. Consumer was told they were not responsible to replace it to contact the dealership cause they have executive programs. The tech at Albany Dodge in Albany Georgia stated it was an internal defective gear which will cost $3,500 to have replaced. The case number is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while at a stop sign and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel lost power steering functionality. The message: "Power Steering Service Needed" had illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. However, the parts to do the repair were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,300. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the gas tank strap was hanging down. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was opened. The manufacturer's customer service representative advised the contact to call the dealer to schedule a diagnostic test. The contact stated that he received an extended warranty letter for the fuel tank strap. The contact was relating the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,623.

Air bag light came up. Headed to nearest mechanic he said there was a recall on airbags for this type of vehicle. Made an appointment on dealer. On my way engine light came up and vehicle started shaking

Exhaust manifold bolts broken on both sides which is allowing exhaust gases to leak out.

When at idle or driving at low RPM the engine ticks very loudly.

Electrical Power Steering (EPS) light turned on. Car is not drivable at this time. I understand that there is a known defect with the EPS in this make and model of the year.

Front fuel tank strap mounting hole/bracket rusted causing the strap to fall out and the fuel tank to hang low.

The fuel level gauge/sensor has failed 3 times now, making it impossible to know the fuel level when driving. It was repaired in January 2019, and again in July 2019, and failed again in August 2020 and remains broken due to the ridiculously high repair cost. This is a common problem with Ram pickups and should be a recall. When the fuel gauge fails the check engine light comes on and stays on until cleared by a technician. This is a safety hazard because the driver has no way of knowing how much fuel is actually in the tank and could easily end up with the driver being stranded on a busy interstate or in a dangerous situation.

Driving to work and heard metallic grinding noise. Pulled over to see front of gas tank almost on the ground. Upon inspection strap broke through the bracket on frame. It is rotted. Very dangerous. Why is in not recalled.

The contact owned a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 60-65 MPH on the highway, he crashed head-on into a culvert. The driver side air bag failed to deploy, and the front driver’s side seat belt failed to retract. A police report was filed. The ambulance arrived on scene and transported the driver to the hospital where he suffered from a chipped and fractured vertebrae. The driver was the only occupant at the time of the failure. The vehicle was deemed totaled. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot where the insurance company was retrieving the vehicle from. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

The truck just shut off, couldn’t get it started or move it out of traffic. I was out of state and 560 miles from home. No warning lights, no issues just cut off!

My side boxes do not open with key button and do not unlock with button on key and my bolts broke on exhaust manifold on drivers side and passenger side 4 bolts total

The front fuel tank strap pull out of its t slot due to corrosion. There is a recall for 2010- 2012 but not 2013. It is the exact same problem!

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing in the driveway, the steering wheel locked. The steering wheel warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back into the garage. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering wheel remained locked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the power steering unit number of his vehicle did not match the 15 parts numbers in the specifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering); therefore, his vehicle could not be repaired under the recall. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the repair were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. As the original owners of the RAM 2013 with a good service record, the owners requested a VOLUNTARY RECALL / WARRANTY REPAIR (CRYSLER CASE #XXX) due to SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS as the EPS failure is a KNOWN ISSUE on RAM models between years 2013-2019. Chrysler Corporation Supervisor, Kelly, refused to repair or replace the EPS unit as a recall item because the specific part number was not on the recall list of 15 other part numbers. DAVID TAYLOR CRYSLER DODGE Dealer of Benton KY - Daniel Gardener GM (270-527-8633) provided a loaner vehicle and was able

The power steering went out without any knowledge and all of a sudden the light came on the same time the power steering went out and almost slammed head on first into oncoming traffic but was able to recover the vehicle without any damage they say there is a recall for the power steering online for this electronic power steering rack and pinion device so when I brought it into the dealership to have it looked at they told me there was no recall on this and gave me an estimate of over $3000 to fix the rack and pinion electronic steering device and the company I brought it to was the same place I bought it from and I still owe on this vehicle it has 56,000 miles on it now but I bought it used at 30,000 miles I’ve only put 26,000 miles on this vehicle in six years I bought this vehicle from Dayton Andrews Dodge in St. Petersburg Florida and they were unwilling to help me except for charge me an ungodly amount which I cannot afford so now I have a truck that I’m paying for and I still owe $7000 on it so what can I do can you help with getting this done with the recall that’s online. Please I’m a single dad, and my children were in the car to when this happened so it definitely was a scare for everyone. This is our only means of transportation.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the HVAC system failed to defrost the windows. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V177000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power steering light error was intermittently coming on when starting the truck making steering inoperable starting shortly after last oil change that was performed West Palm Ram Dealership on 11/23/21(mileage at oil change was 67157). The power steering light error at times went away if I started the trunk again right away. Other times, I had to wait hours in-between the error occurring to attempt to drive the truck again where power steering would work. There was on consistency to this pattern. You may insect the truck at anytime. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was at risk in that the truck steering was inoperable on startup anywhere at any time. There was the possibility that the power steering would go out while driving with the inability to steer the truck. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Truck was taken to Napleton Ram Dealership on 1/3/22(mileage 67607) where I stated that the power steering failure matches recall "Equipment Safety RecallVB9/NHTSA 19E-077/Electric Power Steering Gear". Dealership stated my truck was not under any recall for the eventual repair that was performed. Dealership performed repair on 1/10/22 and below is right off the invoice: Power Steering Rack SR08 Power Steering Rack 1180 CPC4 $505.99 1 68453598AA Gear-rack and Pinion $2286.00 4. Has the vehi

The exhaust manifolds break on every truck. Leak exhaust gas. Tech told me every single truck has this problem how is it not a recall yet

Air suspension system fails and allows the vehicle to drop to the suspension stops. This results in a very rough and unlevel ride. As there is no cushion in this condition the vehicle bounces horribly at road and bridge seams. Very unsafe...

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot, the electronic steering became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the electronic steering module, part # 68419897AB, needed to be replaced which was identified under Equipment Safety Recall VB9 -- Electric Power Steering Gear. The vehicle was repaired at contact’s expense. The manufacturer was notified of the and requested a refund, however no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 22,721.

ABs brake system malfunction lights stays on cruise control not working some days the break lights don't come on the cruise control starts back working

Check engine light blinking. Bad lifter in motor causing the engine to shut down while driving, very very dangerous.