Vehicle report

2013 Ram 1500

Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2013 Ram 1500, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.

The 2013 Ram 1500 has 12 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 4 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.

12

Open recalls

15

Complaints

4

Overall safety

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2013 Ram 1500 recalls (12)

  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

    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.

    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 SHIFT

    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.

    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

    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.

    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.

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

    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.

    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.

  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

    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.

    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.

  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    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.

    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.

  • EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

    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.

    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.

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

    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."

    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.

  • SEAT BELTS

    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.

    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.

  • EQUIPMENT

    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.

    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.

  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    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."

    Remedy: 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

    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."

    Remedy: 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.

2013 Ram 1500 safety ratings

4

Overall

4

Front

5

Side

3

Rollover

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2013 Ram 1500 owner complaints (15)

  • STEERING

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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, and electronic stability functions. The vehicle retains conventional braking, but the emergency braking incident demonstrated that wheel lock and loss of directional stability can occur when ABS is unavailable. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The diagnostic code and warning behavior have been reproduced repeatily.

  • STEERING

    Electronic power steering suddenly went out while driving

  • SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

    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,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    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,ENGINE

    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 replacement, which two independent mechanics have already completed without resolving the underlying issue. My vehicle is currently at Landmark Dodge in Morrow, GA. Despite this being an open federal safety recall (13V-177/N25) with a remedy that includes a required software calibration update, the dealership is attempting to charge me for this repair, even though I have already paid to have the physical part replaced twice by independent mechanics.

  • STEERING

    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

    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

    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.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    My vehicle gave my a check engine light after acceleration.I had it towed to a shop they checked everything in said they didn't see anything.So I drove it with no issues for about 5 months.I was driving to work in the truck lost power.I had it towed home.I has a crank no start.That's where I am with.

  • STEERING

    My steering completely locked up after driving for 2 mins. I could have crashed and killed myself or someone else. I had my truck towed to dealership lewis chrysler in fayetteville, arkansas 72704. They said i need to replace my REPLACE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE and will cost $5000. Here is a link to my invoice [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • STEERING

    The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was a flashing triangle symbol associated with the power steering fault displayed on the instrument panel. The power steering service message was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage for the power steering failure. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

Checking a used Ram 1500 before you buy

The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2013 1500 in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular 1500's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.

Before you buy a 2013 Ram 1500 in Alberta:

See other model years of the Ram 1500, or browse more Ram models.

2013 Ram 1500 — questions and answers

Does the 2013 Ram 1500 have any recalls?+

Our check found 12 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2013 Ram 1500. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

How many complaints does the 2013 Ram 1500 have?+

NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2013 Ram 1500 in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.

Is the 2013 Ram 1500 safe?+

The 2013 Ram 1500 has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 4. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.

How do I check a 2013 Ram 1500 VIN?+

Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.

Are recall repairs on a Ram free?+

Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Ram dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.

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