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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-RAM-1500NHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2013 · RAM
RAM 1500 problems
1,233 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 5 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
5.6 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 1500?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
6 fire-related complaints and 2 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
Powertrain: 79 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 14,800–70,000 mi
Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average
5 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 1500· steering
To whom it may concern, I'm currently experiencing an intermittent flashing red steering column and exclamation point on my dash as well as the power steering disengaging, forcing me to manually wrestle with the steering wheel while trying to control the truck without crashing…
Electronic power steering intermittent failure. Vehicles power steering ‘service now’ light comes on and abruptly shuts off power steering and will abruptly turn back on several miles/ days later. This causes a severe safety risk as the module will autocorrect steering mid turn…
I was returning home from a short trip on the interstate and I had just made a turn on the street we live on when I heard a ding sound. My wife and I noticed that there was a message on the display that showed, "service electronic throttle control". It stayed on only a second…
Brought this vehicle and drove it for 1 month before power steering went out. I was driving on the interstate at a high speed when the power steering light came on. I was unable to steer the vehicle off the road so I had to stop on the interstate and call a tow truck.
Had a problem with your 2013 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
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Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012
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.
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.
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
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'.
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.
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
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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 1,233 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 RAM 1500 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2013 RAM 1500?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 RAM 1500 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints and 2 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Powertrain: 79 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 14,800–70,000 mi; Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average; 5 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 RAM 1500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 601 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 96,965 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 96,965 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my RAM 1500 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 RAM 1500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,233 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/RAM/1500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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