2013 Ram 1500 recalls and problems

11 recalls and 1,281 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Ram 1500.

11
recalls
1,281
owner complaints
72
complaints mentioning a crash
10
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2013 Ram 1500 recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate, latch

NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · reported May 9, 2019 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,103,209 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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 shift

NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · reported December 20, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,482,874 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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, curtain · Air bags

NHTSA campaign 17V302000 · reported May 9, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,021,279 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Equipment: electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.

NHTSA campaign 15V461000 · reported July 23, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,416,903 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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: frontal

NHTSA campaign 15V459000 · reported July 22, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,059,444 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Air bags: side/window · Seat belts

NHTSA campaign 15V460000 · reported July 22, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 667,441 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix
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 transmission

NHTSA campaign 13V610000 · reported December 6, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 4,194 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 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'.
The fix
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)

NHTSA campaign 13V287000 · reported July 2, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 45,896 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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 signal

NHTSA campaign 13V237000 · reported June 4, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 17,411 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The 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.
The fix
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.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 13V177000 · reported May 7, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 498 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Parking brake

NHTSA campaign 13V128000 · reported April 3, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 6,574 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The risk
If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 21, 2026 · Steering · 73,661 miles

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an unknown steering message displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the steering module was inoperable and needed to be…

Oct 21, 2026 · Steering · 135,000 miles

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with electronic rack and pinion…

Oct 9, 2026 · Steering

Power steering is intermittently working. My truck barely made it to the side of the road because it was so hard to steer. If there was more traffic at the time I don't think I would have made it.

Oct 7, 2026 · Steering · 196,000 miles

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Additionally, the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed…

Sep 26, 2026 · Steering

Power steering. While driving lost all control of the power steering. Mechanic said it's a fault in the internal of the electronic power steering.

1500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 111,2817210
2014 161,7779924
2015 171,4597958
2016 161,5549236

Across all years, the 2014 1500 has the most complaints (1,777). All Ram 1500 years →

Questions

Does the 2013 Ram 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2013 Ram 1500, the most recent reported on May 9, 2019 (Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ram 1500?
Owners have filed 1,281 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (642 complaints), followed by electrical system (227).
How many 2013 Ram 1500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
72 of 1,281 complaints report a crash and 10 a fire; 37 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 21, 2026.