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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-RAM-1500
2013 · ram

ram 1500 problems

5 safety recalls. 1,220 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
5.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
592 reports · avg $700
moderate
electrical
155 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
94 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
78 reports · avg $2,500
severe
airbags
70 reports · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
36 reports · avg $450
severe
suspension
35 reports · avg $900
moderate
body
31 reports · avg $1,500
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 1500 · other
MY RAM 1500 MANUFACTURED 2013 STOPPED SUDDENLY AND REFUSED TO START UP AGAIN WITH ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT BEEN WORKING REGULARLY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME HAPPENED TO ME AFTER TWO WEEKS ONLY. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO MY CLOSEST AGENT. THE FIRST REPORT…
12/31/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557924.0
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…
12/30/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707932.0
2013 1500 · steering
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…
12/30/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633212.0
2013 1500 · fuel system
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…
12/30/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557880.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 3 of 5

severe NHTSA 13V177000 07/05/2013

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.
severe NHTSA 13V610000 06/12/2013

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.
severe NHTSA 13V237000 04/06/2013

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.
View all 5 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2013 RAM 1500 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 1,220 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.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 RAM 1500?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 592 complaints filed. 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. 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 1,220 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 11 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ram. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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