KnownCarProblems2013 Ram 2500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 178 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ram 2500, most often about the engine (26% of complaints, typically around 29,000 miles). It is 8th of 15 2500 model years by number of complaints and has 14 recalls.
Most common 2013 Ram 2500 problems
Engine
47 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 29,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
Note: this is with the cummins 6.7 diesel engine. If you are driving at, say, 35 MPH, back off the throttle, then immediately step on the throttle, the engine will be unresponsive for 2 to 3 seconds. This can be extremely dangerous if, for example, you have started a left turn across traffic,back off the throttle, and…
2 months after recall was performed for the scr catalyst failure in the Ram 2500 2013 truck, the DEF system has undergone a complete failure and no longer functions. The truck in currently in a mileage count down that can not be stopped until repaired by the dealer. The vehicle will be undrivable once the countdown…
Electrical
41 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 44,500 miles.
Factory mounted electric brake controller does not put out enough voltage and current to safely stop a heavy trailer. This is a known problem and many owners are experiencing it.
Body control module. Electrical fault doesn't allow the ability to lock the door. To lock the door you must manually lock the door. Safety issue having to manually walk around to each door to lock it in unsafe locations.
Steering
31 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 34,500 miles.
Driving on the ma route 128 s highway around 65-70 MPH, I hit a pothole on the left side of the travel lane. The truck started to shake violently as described with a death wobble. The violent shaking did not stop after applying the brakes to slow through about 35-40 MPH. It felt as if all 4 tires blew simultaneously.…
While traveling down a highway at 55 MPH the vehicle became hard to control and had a very strong vibration in the front end. The steering was not controllable and the vehicle felt like it had a flat tire. No tire damage was noted upon inspection. The vehicle continues to have steering and ride issues even after a…
Fuel system
30 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 12,000 miles. Parts named most often: fuel filter.
While driving my 2013 Ram 2500 crew cab 4x4 (VIN [] ) I was on an onramp headed onto the highway and I tried to accelerate from roughly 10-15 MPH to highway speed because of the short on ramp and heavy traffic. The truck refused to accelerate at even a moderate speed while the accelerator was fully depressed. I ended…
The contact owns a 2013 dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated and fuel fumes emitted into the cabin. The fumes were extremely strong while idling and in cold climates. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage…
Suspension
23 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles.
I am having what they call the "death wobble" when I drive over 65 MPH and hit a pot hole, the front end starts to shimmy up and down violently. I have to slow down quickly not to lose control of the vehicle. Also tends to vibrate badly on turns.
I purchased this vehicle in washington and it was never disclosed by the dealer that the vehicle was built in canada. When I drive the truck at certain speeds the truck has a very serious vibration. I was told by a mechanic that is was displaying obvious signs of the "death wobble" when driven on the street or…
Other or unspecified
23 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 24,000 miles.
The last time my truck was in for recall was in 2016. They did not fix it then and have not fixed any recall since, but they clam that there is only one recall open as of date. None of the recalls have been repaired. This is being pencel whiped.
My vehicle has a ratcheting sound that comes from somewhere in the left front corner of the truck when a pothole or dip is driven over at highway speeds. I am unable to tell if this is caused by the braking system, suspension or steering mechanism. I can clearly feel the ratcheting vibrations in on the steering wheel…
Transmission
22 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
I recently merged onto the highway where I live and I let off the throttle very quickly and then got back into it and my truck didn't accelerate at all for a couple seconds. This has happened 10-15 times during the 3+years I've owned it but this incident almost caused a crash because letting off the gas pedal and then…
The e-brake keeps losing it adjustment and will not hold the truck when parked. It has a 6 speed manual transmission when driving will pot out of gear on rough roads and at time will not shift into reverse. I hand to dodge several times on this issue to no avail.
Speed control
14 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 14,000 miles. Parts named most often: cruise control.
During normal driving when turning or changing lanes and trying to accelerate rapidly to merge into moving traffic, the truck will stop responding via accelerator completely. The traction control is on, but not active during this effect. Basically anytime I accelerate rapidly from a stop the truck does not respond and…
The electronically controlled throttle pedal has a severe delay when having to suddenly let off at speed then the need to re-apply throttle in an emergency situation. There is a delay in upwards of 1 to 2 seconds before the truck responds to throttle input. This happens on a regular basis and can be very dangerous…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 Ram 2500 recalls
Doors and locks: latch
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began february 14, 2018. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "product safety recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is t82.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling various dodge, chrysler, and ram vehicles equipped with kidde plastic-handle or push button 'pindicator' fire extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2017/rmisc-17v824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2017/rmisc-17e062-5427.pdf
Transmission: column shift
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: diesel
Risk: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 t51.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2013-2017 ram 2500, 3500, 3500 cab chassis, 4500 cab chassis, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles, equipped with cummins 6.7l turbo diesel engines that have concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Wheels and tires: wheels
Risk: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Aev will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2017. Owners may contact aev customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
Full defect summary
Streetcar orv llc, dba american expedition vehicles (aev) is recalling certain 2013-2017 ram 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by aev to be equipped with cast aluminum katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
Air bags: curtain
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on december 23, 2016. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is s68.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 dodge charger police vehicles, 2007-2013 ram 3500 cab chassis, 2008-2013 ram 4500 and 5500 cab chassis, and 2013 ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Equipment: radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Risk: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 a
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: frontal
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts
Risk: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel system, diesel
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on december 8, 2014. The recall began on april 27, 2015. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is p65.
Full defect summary
Chrysler group llc (chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured march 27, 2009, to september 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Lights: headlights
Risk: Improper headlight shutter function during high beam use may reduce the drivers visibility and possibly blind oncoming traffic. Either condition may increase the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reconfigure the central body controller, free of charge. The recall began july 30, 2013. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is n33.
Full defect summary
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured january 7, 2013, through february 28, 2013 and equipped with optional premium headlamps. The headlamp shutters may function improperly when in high-beam mode. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Lights: turn signal
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Engine: engine and engine cooling
Risk: The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on may 31, 2013. A second letter was mailed to owners with instructions on how to obtain the free remedy on august 15, 2013. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is n19.
Full defect summary
Chrysler group llc (chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 dodge ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured january 7, 2013, through march 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) has received 14 vehicle owner questionnaire (voq) reports and 6 ewr death & injury (d&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) system in certain model year (my) 2013-2018 ram pickup trucks.the subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.the failures of the btsi described in the voqs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17v-821 or 18v-100.both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the btsi locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of park without
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Summary
On december 17, 2018, NHTSA's office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation (pe) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (my) 2015 and 2016 ram 2500 manufactured by fca US, llc (fca). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to
Software security vulnerability
Summary
On july 23, 2015, fiat chrysler automobiles (fca) launched safety recall 15v-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (my) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with uconnect head units (hu) 8.4a (ra3 radio) and 8.4an (ra4 radio) manufactured by harman international.on july 24, 2015, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened recall query, rq 15-004, to investigate hu security vulnerabilities and remedy effectiveness in the recalled population and to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other fca vehicles.in an august 11, 2015 letter, fca submitted a second part 573 safety recall report expanding the scope of the uconnect ra4
Questions about the 2013 Ram 2500
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ram 2500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (47 complaints, typically around 29,000 miles); electrical (41 complaints, typically around 44,500 miles); steering (31 complaints, typically around 34,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2013 Ram 2500 have?
- 14 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 9, 2019 (doors and locks). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2013 a bad year for the Ram 2500?
- It is 8th of 15 2500 model years by number of complaints, with 178 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.