2013 RAM 1500 cruise control problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 RAM 1500 has serious documented issues with cruise control disengaging unexpectedly and sudden unintended acceleration that can occur at highway speeds with loss of brakes—safety problems that dealers struggle to diagnose and Chrysler has not consistently recalled or fixed. Multiple owners report the ABS control module fails and the OEM replacement is unavailable or severely backordered, leaving the truck with no anti-lock brakes or stability control.
Cruise control is a consistent problem: it shuts off without warning when the resume button is pressed, forcing sudden manual acceleration in traffic. The most alarming complaint describes cruise control that would not disarm despite pressing the brake pedal—a hazard that required a truck restart to regain control. One owner reports this happening over 100 times from new.
Sudden unintended acceleration is severe and recurring across multiple units. The throttle pedal sticks or travels to the floor on its own, with the vehicle accelerating to 85 mph or higher without driver input. Braking doesn't stop it; owners have had to shut off the engine while moving or shift to neutral. At 137,000 miles, a stuck throttle caused complete brake failure, smoke, and burning smell—yet produced no diagnostic codes.
A "Service Throttle Control" warning triggers limp mode, reducing the truck to 15–25 mph on highways. The condition clears only after the truck sits overnight.
ABS control modules are failing outright. The OEM replacement is either discontinued or stuck in engineering hold with no availability expected until 2024 or later. When the ABS module fails, cruise control, traction control, and ESC shut down as well.
Dealers cannot consistently diagnose or repair these issues. Some owners have had recalls applied with no resolution; others report the manufacturer was notified but the vehicle was never fixed or diagnosed at all.
Same RAM 1500 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Cruise Control Intermittent Disengagement / Failure to Disengage
Cruise control shuts off unexpectedly when resume button is pressed, fails to activate, or—most critically—fails to disarm when brake is applied. Multiple owners report pressing resume and losing speed suddenly, forcing manual acceleration. One incident describes cruise control that would not shut off or disarm despite brake pedal application, creating a serious safety hazard.
When: Throughout ownership; one critical incident reported 7/28/2014; some owners report issue from new
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control shuts off when resume button pressed; Cruise control does not activate when set; Cruise control fails to disarm when brake pedal pressed; Vehicle suddenly loses speed when resume activated; Cruise control unresponsive; restart temporarily restores function
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed issue exists but could not replicate on 2014 model test drive. No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Speed control related recall mentioned in one complaint; no other manufacturer action documented
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates without driver input or accelerates beyond intended speed. Throttle pedal travels to floorboard on its own or sticks wide open. Acceleration occurs at highway speeds and in traffic, forcing owners to shut off engine or shift to neutral to regain control. Multiple incidents involve acceleration to 85 mph from normal highway speeds.
When: Various mileages: 60,484 miles; 137,000 miles; early ownership (3,000 miles); intermittent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal becomes stuck or travels to floorboard without input; Vehicle accelerates independently without warning; Vehicle surges forward at higher speeds after acceleration; Vehicle will not stop accelerating even after braking; Engine revs when placed in neutral
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnostic trouble codes present at 137,000 miles despite stuck throttle and loss of brakes. Throttle control component replaced in one case without resolving issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in multiple cases; case number 32212838 opened in one incident. No repairs completed.
Service Throttle Control Warning / Limp Mode
Engine enters limp mode with 'Service Throttle Control' message displayed, severely limiting acceleration and forcing reduced speeds. Vehicle may stall or lose all power in traffic. Condition clears after truck sits for a day or two. One owner reports sparatic acceleration preceding the limp mode event.
When: After 120-mile highway drive from camping trip; recurring within 4-month period; multiple incidents over time
Symptoms owners cite: Service Throttle Control warning message appears; Vehicle limited to 15–25 mph acceleration on interstate; Engine loses all power or stalls; Vehicle difficult to control, stop, or exit traffic; Sparatic acceleration at stoplights prior to full limp mode activation
Codes mentioned: Service Throttle Control
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced throttle control component; issue persisted. Problem clears after vehicle sits overnight or for a day.
ABS / Stability Control Module Failure
ABS control module develops internal fault, disabling anti-lock braking, stability control (traction control / ESC), and cruise control functionality simultaneously. One owner reports the replacement part has been discontinued and is on backorder for over a year. Another reports part on engineering hold with no availability until March 2024 or later.
When: Various mileages and ownership periods
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminates; Traction Control light illuminates; Brake warning light illuminates; Cruise control stops functioning; OBD2 scanner shows ABS control module internal fault
Codes mentioned: ABS control module internal fault
Repairs/costs cited: OEM replacement part discontinued or on engineering hold. Third-party or refurbished options available online with no guarantee.
Brake System Loss / Brake Failure During Acceleration
Complete loss of brake functionality occurs during stuck accelerator events. Brakes do not respond even when applied with both feet. One incident involved burning odor and smoke from underneath vehicle. Brake lights intermittently fail to illuminate.
When: At 57 mph and 137,000 miles (stuck throttle event); intermittent throughout ownership (brake light issue)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of brake functionality; Brake pedal does not respond when depressed; Burning odor from underneath vehicle; Smoke rising from underneath vehicle; Brake lights do not illuminate on some days
Repairs/costs cited: No warning indicators or diagnostic trouble codes present despite complete brake loss. Vehicle towed; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no action documented
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2013 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 9,312 and 60,484 miles, with the median around 48,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,312; a quarter make it past 60,484. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.