PLATE - CLUTCH PRESSURE For 68RFE trans use selective fit pressure plates between the overdrive and reverse clutch packs and hence use all three 52119929A$, 52119930A$, 04799116A$ maintain clearance For 65RFE & 66RFE no selectives for this pressure plate: 65RFE use 04799116A$ 66RFE use 52119929A$
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 RAM 1500 brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2013 RAM 1500 have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 79,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 1500 (this page) | 36 |
| 2014 1500 | 103 |
| 2015 1500 | 90 |
| 2016 1500 | 161 |
| 2017 1500 | 47 |
3crashes
What stands out
Owners have filed 36 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
PLATE - CLUTCH PRESSURE For 68RFE trans use selective fit pressure plates between the overdrive and reverse clutch packs and hence use all three 52119929A$, 52119930A$, 04799116A$ maintain clearance For 65RFE & 66RFE no selectives for this pressure plate: 65RFE use 04799116A$ 66RFE use 52119929A$
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PadKit- Front Disc Brake
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PadKit- Front Disc Brake
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Title Inspection and Return: Hydro-Booster, - Power Brake. Start Date: 10/27/2015 7:00 AM End Date Message You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all suspect stock of part numbers: 68144663AA, 52013874AE. See the attached file for identifying suspect material. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 17 November, 2015. Return any open orders in process too. Direct all questions via email to MOPARQC@fcagroup.com
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Ram 1500 brake system has earned a terrible track record. The most common issue is ABS control module failure, typically flagged by diagnostic code C2200-49 and accompanied by illuminated ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights. Owners report their vehicles at 27,000 to 200,000 miles encountering a non-communicating ABS module that can't be reprogrammed and needs replacement. The catch: dealers have had the required part (P/N 68210719AB) on backorder for months to years. Multiple owners report waiting 18 months to over two years with no ETA, with some told the part is "no longer made" or "undergoing engineering review." This isn't a cosmetic issue—when the ABS module fails, ESC and stability control systems go offline, and the vehicle becomes undrivable.
Beyond the ABS module, owners describe brake pedal going soft or to the floor with no stopping power, brake caliper lockups that pull the truck hard to one side, and rear brakes overheating catastrophically. One owner had a brake failure at 75 mph that forced the truck into oncoming traffic. Another reported a parked truck rolling away downhill when the parking brake failed. There's also a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) recall for a locking pin stuck in the open position, which lets the transmission shift out of Park without the brake pedal—also hamstrung by missing parts at dealerships.
Same RAM 1500 brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Control Module Failure - Internal Electronic Failure
The ABS control module experiences internal electronic failures, causing the module to become non-communicating and unable to be reprogrammed via software flash. Owners report diagnostic trouble code C2200-49 (Anti-lock Brake Module Internal - Internal Electronic Failure). This failure renders the vehicle unsafe and unable to complete the N37 safety recall which requires ABS module communication. Parts remain chronically on backorder with no ETA, some on waiting lists for years.
When: Between 27,000 and 200,000 miles; failures reported across the 2013 model range
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Service ABS message displayed; Traction control warning light illuminated; Brake warning light illuminated; Module non-responsive to dealer diagnostic scan; Unable to flash/reprogram ABS module software; Loss of ESC (Electronic Stability Control) function; Cruise control inoperative; Adaptive Cruise Control mode inoperative; Speedometer and odometer cease to function
Codes mentioned: C2200-49
Repairs/costs cited: ABS Control Module replacement required (Part Number 68210719AB). Dealers unable to complete repairs due to chronic parts backorder with no ETA; some owners report waiting 2+ years. Dealers have stated part is 'no longer made' or 'undergoing engineering review.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: N37 recall issued to address ESC and brake warning light issues; however, recall cannot be completed due to defective non-communicating ABS modules. Manufacturer has directed owners to waiting lists. Stellantis rental/reimbursement policies do not provide exceptions for manufacturer backorder situations. Ram customer care refusing to replace defective modules under recall, claiming it is an out-of-pocket expense despite recall explicitly stating parts and labor are covered.
Brake Pedal Loss of Resistance / Power Assist Failure
Brake pedal randomly loses resistance and does not activate brakes on initial pedal depression. Owner must depress pedal a second or third time to restore normal braking. Occurs intermittently and cannot be reliably reproduced. Brake fluid reservoir confirmed full.
When: 85,000 miles; sporadic over several months prior
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor with no braking resistance; Loss of brake activation on initial pedal depression; Multiple pedal strokes required to restore brakes; Vibration when braking observed over months prior; OEM brakes present; no problems noted at 80k service
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed. Brake fluid level confirmed full.
Caliper Lockup and Dragging
Right front brakes (and previously left side) lock up or drag causing vehicle to pull hard to one side. Brake assembly pulls and shimmies severely at speed; brakes fail to release properly and overheat. Temperatures measured over 450 degrees in wheel/hub area. Owner replaced left side brake assembly the previous year; right side exhibits same issue at 17,000 miles. Possible causes cited by owner and online forums: tight piston tolerances causing sticking when hot, or collapsing brake lines.
When: 17,000 miles; right front issue occurred after left side replacement the prior year
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls hard to right when brakes applied at speed; Brake shimmy and steering wheel jerk to ten o'clock position required to maintain straight direction; Brakes do not release after use; Severe overheating (450+ degrees measured); Brake odor consistent with overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Left side brake assembly replaced previously. Right side brake assembly replacement likely required but not completed.
Brake Failure - Calipers Lock at Highway Speed
While driving at 75 mph, calipers locked when brakes were engaged, forcing vehicle into oncoming traffic. Failure occurred multiple times. Dealer replaced calipers, rotors, and brake pads; failure persisted and vehicle was not repaired.
When: Between 2,260 and 19,790 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Calipers lock when brakes engaged at highway speed; Vehicle forced into oncoming traffic; Multiple occurrences
Repairs/costs cited: Calipers, rotors, and brake pads replaced by dealer; remedy failed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; vehicle not repaired.
Rear Brake Pad Overheating and Fluid Non-Release
Rear brake pads overheat producing strong burning odor. Master cylinder does not release brake fluid, causing brakes to fail. No warning lights illuminated. Independent mechanic manually released fluid to restore function. Vehicle has only 27,026 miles.
When: 27,026 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake pads overheat; Strong burning odor from brakes; Brake fluid not released by cylinder; Brakes failed to release; No warning indicators illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic released brake fluid manually to restore function. Appointment scheduled at dealership but repair status unknown.
Brake Lock-Up When Bleeding Required
Brakes lock up while driving, truck slows itself down unintentionally. After bleeding brakes, temporary function returns but issue repeats. ABS and traction control lights remain illuminated. Brakes lock again after vehicle sits for a few days, requiring re-bleeding before next drive. Push-button start vehicle cannot start until brakes are bled off.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock up while driving; Vehicle slows down on its own; ABS light illuminated; Traction control light illuminated; Brake light illuminated; Brakes require bleeding to function; Issue recurs after vehicle sits for days; Push-button start cannot engage until brakes bled
Codes mentioned: ABS (generic)
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary relief via brake bleeding, but condition recurs.
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) locking pin becomes stuck in open position, allowing transmission to shift out of Park and to/from any gear without depressing brake pedal and/or without key in ignition. Recall issued but dealers have not had parts on hand. Owner called 3 times prior to scheduling appointment to pre-order part; dealer refused, stating part not available.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: BTSI locking pin stuck in open position; Transmission can be shifted out of Park without brake pedal depression; Transmission can shift to/from any gear without key in ignition
Repairs/costs cited: Recall remedy exists but parts unavailable at dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BTSI locking pin recall issued; parts unavailable at dealerships.
Rotor Noise and Potential Rotor Defect
Unusual noise occurs when brake pedal is depressed at low speeds (approximately 30 mph). Dealer diagnosed need for rotor replacement, but contact was uncertain which rotors. Occurs at very low mileage (15,000 miles).
When: 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unusual noise when brake pedal depressed; Noise occurs at low speeds (30 mph); Multiple occurrences
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor replacement diagnosed as needed; contact uncertain which rotors; vehicle not repaired.
Service Electronic Braking System Light - Unable to Duplicate
Service Electronic Braking System light illuminates during driving. Failure recurs on several occasions but dealer unable to duplicate the problem. Vehicle not repaired.
When: 34 miles (very early in vehicle life)
Symptoms owners cite: Service Electronic Braking System light illuminated; Multiple recurrences; Unable to duplicate by dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Unable to duplicate at dealer; no repair completed.
Service Towing Brake Error and ABS System Messages
Service ABS System and Service Towing Brake error messages display on instrument cluster during normal highway driving (not towing or hauling). 4X4 Temporarily Unavailable error also displays. These are reported as common issues by owners researching online.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Service ABS System message displayed; Service Towing Brake message displayed; 4X4 Temporarily Unavailable message displayed; Messages appear during normal interstate driving with no towing or hauling
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Parking Brake Failure to Hold and Light Malfunction
Safety parking brake does not always hold vehicle. Parking brake warning light remains illuminated until owner repeatedly manipulates parking brake release. Owners report their VIN excluded from recall despite vehicle being same year and model with same issue.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake fails to hold vehicle; Parking brake warning light remains illuminated; Requires repeated manipulation of brake release to turn off light
Repairs/costs cited: Recall exists but owner's VIN excluded despite matching year and model.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued; however, some owners' VINs excluded from recall eligibility despite same year/model and issue.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2013 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 36 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 27,026 and 122,000 miles, with the median around 79,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,026; a quarter make it past 122,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/RAM/1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.