KnownCarProblems2013 Ram 3500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 115 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ram 3500, most often about the steering (33% of complaints, typically around 51,000 miles). It is 9th of 17 3500 model years by number of complaints and has 16 recalls.
Most common 2013 Ram 3500 problems
Steering
38 complaints · 33%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles.
1st time our truck shook so bad we had to get off the highway, 2nd time truck wouldn't go into drive. 3rd time truck said it was in gear when it was in park. 4th time perform service light. Actuator. 5th time perform service light. And now this. We have owned this truck for 10 months and it has been in the shop…
Our truck has started shaking violently, seemingly randomly, at freeway speeds (has only occurred at 50+MPH). The steering wheel and the whole truck begins violently shake and becomes nearly uncontrollable while driving at freeway speeds- it happens instantaneously and without warning! You have to slow down to less…
Engine
29 complaints · 25%Half of these problems showed up before 37,500 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system.
Shaft on water pump sheared causing water pump to fail and serpentine belt to come off. Vehicle being driven on freeway at highway speeds. Serpentine belt failure results in loss of power steering and vacuum to power brakes. This in turn causes difficulty in vehicle control.
July 17, 2015 - while stationary, I started truck only to have all warning lights on the dash illuminate, wipers activate on their own, and radio unit power off. Eventually, all power was lost to the dash. Truck was towed to dealer for repair. Truck received new PCM and was returned to me. July 17, 2015 - later that…
Fuel system
20 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 8,500 miles.
There have been a couple times where I pulled out into traffic and got the famous "dead pedal" that dodge has programmed into this vehicle. There is too much torque mgmt. Or something and there are many cases, where you expect the vehicle to take off and it will sit there for 2-3 seconds before moving, therefore…
I was on pa turnpike attemping to merge from a service plaza, when an opening in traffic was available I applied power to merge into line . As I did this my truck did not respond !! I was pulling a 36' fifth wheel trailer at the time and my merge into traffic became very perilious! After what seemed like a very long…
Suspension
18 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 53,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
On highway at 60mph hit bump staring to shake violently slowdown to 30 mpg to stop it from shakeing this is about the six time dealer says nothing wronge some call it the dealth wobble.
Dodge death wobble. While driving our 2013 dodge Ram 3500 6.7 turbo diesel pickup truck at about 40 MPH the front end started violently shacking. I could not steer or control the vehicle at that point. This has happened now twice. First time I was on a freeway and almost caused a serious accident and the second time I…
Electrical
17 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 27,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, instrument panel.
Our Ram 3500 seems to have a wire chafing problem. On 26 june 2014 the truck locked in 4th gear. Ecm was replaced in fairbanks at 16490 miles. On 18 july 2014 the same thing happened at 18481 miles, the dealer in soldotna ak found a chafed wire in the wiring loom. On 29 july 2014, the truck completely died, the ECM…
The trucks body control module is faulty causing only the drivers electric door locks to lock making the child safety locks in operable. By doing online research this appears to be a common problem with these trucks and can pose a major safety issue for children in the back seats.
Speed control
15 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 15,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 dodge Ram 350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 34 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently with the throttle warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who indicated that the throttle modules were out of sync. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle began accelerating on its own and would not decelerate even when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact placed the vehicle into neutral, but the engine continued to rev. Eventually, the vehicle began to slow down. When the contact attempted to…
Transmission
12 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 13,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
I experienced a severe case of the dodge "death wobble." this is the fifth time in two months and this was the worst yet. I was driving on a state highway going about 60. The left from tire hit a small bump - maybe an inch deep. The truck began shaking violently and was not controllable. I slammed on the brakes to…
I was on pa turnpike attemping to merge from a service plaza, when an opening in traffic was available I applied power to merge into line . As I did this my truck did not respond !! I was pulling a 36' fifth wheel trailer at the time and my merge into traffic became very perilious! After what seemed like a very long…
Wheels and tires
9 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 52,000 miles. Parts named most often: hub, lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
1st time our truck shook so bad we had to get off the highway, 2nd time truck wouldn't go into drive. 3rd time truck said it was in gear when it was in park. 4th time perform service light. Actuator. 5th time perform service light. And now this. We have owned this truck for 10 months and it has been in the shop…
Driving down the highway, a 3 year old michelin defender ltx drivers side rear tire separated and then exploded. Body damage was $9,000 plus the cost of replacing all the tires. Michelin after 7 weeks responded says is was a classic trauma to the tire from a pothole or rock sometime during its life. In the 3 years I…
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 3500 recalls
Wheels and tires: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on november 30, 2021. Campaign y36 owner notification letters were mailed on november 30, 2021. Campaign y26 owner notification letters were mailed on december 1, 2021. Owners may contact fca US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Fca US's numbers for this recall are y26 and y36.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US, llc) is recalling certain 2012-2021 ram 3500, 3500 cab chassis, 4500 cab chassis, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the service and owner's manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
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.
Steering: connection
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began march 22, 2019. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is v06.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2013-2018 ram 3500 and 2014-2018 ram 3500 chassis cab and ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
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.
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.
Steering
Risk: If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket over the front track bar bracket. This recall began on february 24, 2016. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is r46.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2014 ram 2500 trucks and 2013-2014 ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis manufactured october 9, 2012, to july 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket components separating from the frame.
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 3500
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ram 3500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (38 complaints, typically around 51,000 miles); engine (29 complaints, typically around 37,500 miles); fuel system (20 complaints, typically around 8,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2013 Ram 3500 have?
- 16 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 27, 2021 (wheels and tires). 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 3500?
- It is 9th of 17 3500 model years by number of complaints, with 115 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.