Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 RAM 1500 electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2013 RAM 1500 have filed 157 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 40,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
157
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 1500 (this page) | 157 |
| 2014 1500 | 175 |
| 2015 1500 | 109 |
| 2016 1500 | 133 |
| 2017 1500 | 65 |
2crashes
6fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 157 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 157 electrical 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.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LAMP - DOME
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LAMP - DOME
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LAMP - DOME
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 has accumulated 155 electrical complaints centered on a handful of cascading failures. The instrument cluster and dash go completely black while driving, resetting 2–20+ times per owner, sometimes weekly and sometimes after months of silence. Turn signals work intermittently or stop cold; headlights flicker and fail, then mysteriously come back on. Door locks become unreliable, locking and unlocking themselves or locking only some doors. Owners report being locked inside running vehicles or locked out entirely.
The airbag on at least one truck deployed unprovoked while turning, didn't fully inflate, and bore a burn hole. Control modules fail in sequence—UConnect, instrument cluster, TIPM, BCM—and replacement of one doesn't fix the mess; dealers simply swap parts and call it fixed. Power steering and power-assisted braking fail without warning, leaving owners to wrestle 4,000-pound trucks. Engine stalls occur randomly; one owner's truck restarted at full throttle after a shutdown reset, nearly causing a wreck. The horn delay is by design, Chrysler says—a full second passes between pressing the button and hearing the horn, a dangerous oversight nobody has addressed.
Water leaks from the A/C system onto the gas pedal. The third brake light lets in water. Fuel gauges fail repeatedly. ABS modules are backordered nationwide with no ETA, making trucks undriveable but parts unavailable. Dealers cannot diagnose most of these issues, leaving owners stranded after multiple service visits.
Same RAM 1500 electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument cluster and dash electrical resets
Dashboard and instrument cluster shut down completely while driving, then reboot and come back online. The cluster goes black, all gauges reset to zero, and warning lights illuminate as if the truck just started. This occurs unpredictably at highway speeds (35–70 mph) and can happen multiple times per drive session.
When: While driving at 35–70 mph, no pattern tied to specific conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster shuts down completely; All gauges reset to zero; Cluster reboots after 1–2 seconds; Dashboard screen goes black; Warning lights illuminate on restart; Occurs 2–20+ times per owner, sometimes weekly or after months of no issues
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates attempted; instrument cluster replacement did not resolve the issue in some cases; no root cause identified by dealers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler advised software updates; some dealers replaced instrument cluster or entertainment console without success
Airbag deployment and steering wheel electrical short
Driver's side airbag deployed unexpectedly while turning onto a highway, showing a burn hole and melting plastic smell. The airbag did not fully inflate. Immediately after, turn signals stopped working and wipers ran continuously. Earlier, recall R36 (related to steering wheel harness rubbing on retainer springs) had been completed but the issue recurred.
When: July 22 during left turns and right turn; also reported to have recurred 7 months later in separate case after R36 recall
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deployed without collision; Airbag did not fully inflate; Burn hole visible in airbag; Smell of melting plastic; Turn signals stopped working after deployment; Wipers would not stop operating; Horn stopped working intermittently; EVIC controls on steering wheel stopped working
Repairs/costs cited: R36 recall completed in spring 2016; issue recurred approximately 6,000 miles and less than 3 years later
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: R36 recall performed; Chrysler special investigations contacted; Chrysler later acknowledged liability in separate fire case but no firm timeline or transportation offered
Turn signal and lighting electrical faults
Turn signals work intermittently or fail entirely. Dashboard falsely indicates lights are out when they are working, or fails to indicate when they actually are out. Headlights flicker and fail, then mysteriously come back on. Wipers operate randomly without input.
When: Intermittent over months; one case with two occurrences 2 months apart
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signals work intermittently; Dashboard falsely reports lights out; Headlights flicker and fail; Headlights mysteriously come back on; Wipers operate without user input; Left turn signal blinks very fast; Lights fail and reappear over weeks
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacement attempted but did not resolve issue; dealer unable to locate fuse; fuse replacement was attempted; no permanent fix found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to identify the problem or locate fuses
Door lock actuator and BCM failures
Doors fail to lock or unlock via key fob, door switches, or UConnect remote. Some doors lock while others remain unlocked in random patterns. Driver's door often fails to respond while other doors lock, or vice versa. Doors may lock themselves without command. One case involved driver locked inside running vehicle with all doors locked.
When: Intermittent, sometimes while parked, sometimes while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Doors fail to lock via key fob; Doors fail to unlock via key fob; Door locks cycle inconsistently (1–3 doors lock, others don't); Rear driver door fails to lock first, then driver door follows; Doors lock themselves without command; Driver locked inside running vehicle; Door lock switch clicking constantly, draining battery
Repairs/costs cited: Actuator replacement attempted on all four doors without resolving the issue; BCM (Body Control Module) part #68200252AF identified as root cause in online forums but part on backorder with no ETA; dealers charged for unnecessary actuator replacements
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued; dealers advised BCM replacement but part unavailable
UConnect and entertainment system failures
UConnect infotainment unit and entertainment console fail, becoming completely unresponsive. Replacement units fail within weeks. After replacement, entire dash electrical issues emerge, including instrument cluster resets and water leaks from A/C system.
When: UConnect unit replaced August 2016; dash electrical failures began September 17, 2016
Symptoms owners cite: UConnect unit completely dead; No radio; No A/C controls; Replacement unit failed within weeks; Entire dash went out repeatedly on highway; Dash rebooted multiple times per drive; A/C dripping water on gas pedal after repair
Repairs/costs cited: UConnect replaced under warranty August 2016; instrument cluster replacement attempted at owner's expense; issue persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler replaced UConnect unit; advised BCM or instrument cluster was the problem; no root cause found
Ignition key and wireless module failures
Truck fails to start or recognize the ignition key and key fob. 'Wrong Key Fob' message appears on screen. Engine shuts off while driving with this message displayed. Multiple key reprogramming and module replacement attempts fail. In one case, pushing key straight into ignition causes a tumbler to lock, preventing normal operation—Chrysler deemed this 'acting as designed.'
When: July 30, September 14, October 1, 2013; January 14, 2015; intermittently on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Truck will not start; Key fob does not unlock doors; Radio stays on without key in ignition; Dashboard lights stay on; Door locks fail to engage with key in ignition; 'Wrong Key Fob' message on screen; Engine stalls while driving with 'Wrong Key Fob' message; Steering wheel locks up when key not recognized
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition replaced twice in 2013; receiver module and wireless ignition module replaced; multiple key reprogramming attempts; third key eventually allowed starting
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler engineer advised issue was 'acting as designed' and recommended re-educating customer on proper key insertion; no design change offered
Alternator backfeed damage cascade
After alternator failure, when replaced, backfed voltage caused extensive secondary damage to the Power Distribution Center (PDC), battery, wiper motor, and other electrical components. Smoke filled engine compartment. Dealer feared submitting additional damage claims would void extended warranty.
When: August 2013; discovered after alternator replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob not responding; Truck would not respond to any controls; Battery dead after jump start; Smoke in engine compartment after alternator replacement; Multiple components damaged by backfed voltage
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced; subsequent damage included PDC, cables, battery, wiper motor damage from voltage backfeed; insurance company noted PDC issue as a known defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; extended warranty coverage in question
Engine fire
Vehicle burst into flames while driving at 30 mph on a paved road. Flames shot out both sides from under the body. Dashboard showed no warning lights before fire. Smoke and flames came through the dash. Windshield busted from heat. Fire department required three attempts and extensive flooding to extinguish. Vehicle less than 6 months old with no prior problems.
When: December 19, 2013; vehicle less than 6 months old
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle burst into flames; Flames shot from both sides under body; Large smoke in cab; Flames came through dash; Windshield busted from heat; No warning lights before fire; Smoke inhalation injury to driver
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed complete loss by insurance and Chrysler investigator
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledged liability as of January 23, 2014, but had not settled by that date; settlement status unknown
Power steering and brake system loss
Power steering and power-assisted braking systems fail intermittently, leaving the vehicle difficult or impossible to steer and brake. Loss of power occurs unpredictably while driving. Dashboard warning lights illuminate for these systems. In one case, loss of both systems occurred repeatedly without warning, forcing owner to park vehicle permanently out of safety concern.
When: Intermittently over extended periods; one owner reported nearly a year of unresolved issues
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fails unpredictably; Power assist braking fails; No warning before loss of power systems; Service power steering light illuminates; Service electronic braking system light illuminates; Loss occurs at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer and Chrysler attempts to resolve; no repairs successful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers and Chrysler unable to diagnose or repair
Electronic throttle control and engine stalling
Engine stalls without warning while driving or at stops. Electronic throttle control fails, and in one case came back at full throttle after dash reset, nearly causing loss of control. Vehicle shuts down and resets, sometimes for 15–20 minutes before restarting. 'Put vehicle in park to start' message displays. All power lost including steering and brakes during shutdown.
When: Intermittently while driving or at traffic stops; 10+ times in 2 months in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Electronic throttle opens full throttle on reset; Vehicle shuts down completely; Dashboard goes black; All power lost to steering and brakes; 'Put vehicle in park to start' message displays; Vehicle resets and attempts to restart automatically; Throttle unresponsive after stall
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits; no diagnosis or successful repair; video documentation provided by one owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to diagnose; one case noted another customer (Jeep) with identical issue
Cruise control and steering wheel controls failure
Cruise control buttons on steering wheel become unresponsive. Cruise control would not disengage even when brake was pressed. Failure to reset cruise control at intersection nearly caused accident. Issue intermittent and resumes working later. Preceded by steering wheel wire harness replacement.
When: Intermittent; began after wire harness replacement 'a few years ago'
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control buttons unresponsive; Cruise control will not disengage even with brake applied; Radio volume controls also fail intermittently; Issue intermittent; functions normally other times
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness replacement performed previously; volume control issues persist
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Horn delayed response
Horn has 1-second delay between depression and sound activation. Some owners report longer or shorter delays. Quick taps produce no sound. This is the normal logic circuit design in these vehicles but creates a safety hazard when rapid horn response is needed. Dealer confirmed this is 'as designed' and will not address it.
When: Intermittent over extended ownership
Symptoms owners cite: 1-second or longer delay between horn button press and horn sound; Quick horn taps produce no sound; Delay causes near-miss accidents on multiple occasions; Delay well-documented on RAM owner forums
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated no repair available; operating as designed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed this is normal operation and will not address
ABS module unavailability and electrical failure
ABS module (part #68210719AB) fails, disabling antilock brake capability, trailer brake control, and traction control. Part is on engineering hold or backordered nationwide with no ETA for months (or years). Multiple identical modules received are programmed incorrectly. Dealers forced to source parts from eBay or junkyards. Multiple service warnings illuminate.
When: Various mileages; one owner reported issue at 30–120k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service electronic braking system light on; ABS unavailable; Traction control unavailable; Trailer brake control unavailable; No antilock brake capability; 4 warning lights on dashboard
Codes mentioned: 68210719AB
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement attempted multiple times; replacement modules programmed incorrectly; parts backordered or on engineering hold with no ETA
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA stated part on engineering hold until March 2024 at earliest; refused case number; dealer unable to source part; no alternate solution offered
Trailer light connector electrical failure and fuse damage
Trailer light connector fails to provide power to trailer running lights even though truck running lights work. Fuse must be replaced in truck. If trailer is plugged in when truck is started, or if truck lights are left on 'auto' or radio left on, fuse blows and trailer lights lose power. Service manager reported same issue on his own truck.
When: July 3, 2013; upon discovery of trailer light failure
Symptoms owners cite: No power to trailer light connector; Truck running lights work but trailer lights do not; Fuse blows if trailer plugged in during startup; Fuse blows if lights left on 'auto' at startup; Fuse blows if radio left on at startup
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replacement required; issue creates safety hazard when towing at night
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Fuel level gauge failure
Fuel level gauge/sensor fails repeatedly, showing incorrect or no fuel level reading. Owner unable to know actual fuel level while driving. Check engine light illuminates when gauge fails. Sensor replaced twice but failed again. High repair cost prevents timely repair.
When: Failures in January 2019, July 2019, August 2020; remains broken
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge does not read or reads incorrectly; Check engine light illuminates; Driver unable to determine actual fuel in tank; Sensor failure recurring
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel gauge sensor replaced January 2019 and July 2019; failed again August 2020 and remains broken due to high repair cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response; should be a recall per owner
Door lock switch and window control failure
Driver-side door lock power switch stops working. Driver locked out of running vehicle with all doors locked by themselves. Window cannot be rolled down. Door lock switch clicks constantly, draining battery overnight.
When: Intermittent; battery drained overnight from continuous clicking
Symptoms owners cite: Power door lock switch unresponsive; Doors lock themselves; Driver locked in running vehicle; Driver locked out of running vehicle; Window will not roll down; Door lock switch clicks constantly; Battery drained overnight
Repairs/costs cited: Dome light also flickering; repairs attempted at Lithia Chrysler Jeep Reno NV without success
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Radio and entertainment system controls failure
Radio volume controls fail to respond. Radio channels change on their own or fail to change when commanded. Issues occur across satellite radio, FM/AM radio, and phone inputs. Radio controls must be activated multiple times to work.
When: Intermittent over extended ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Radio volume will not turn down; Channel change will not work; Radio channels change on their own; Issue occurs with satellite, FM/AM, and phone input; Controls require multiple attempts to function
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented as successful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Transmission shift interlock and engagement failure
Transmission fails to shift properly. Vehicle stuck in 4th gear and cannot shift to drive from park, or can shift to reverse but not drive. In separate case, vehicle would not engage into drive while attempting to park.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in 4th gear; Cannot shift to drive from park or reverse; Vehicle only shifts to 4th gear from park; Will not shift into drive while backing into parking space
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Engine and fuel system electrical issues
Multiple engine-related electrical failures including transmission solenoid failure, A/C compressor clicking when engine off, fuel pump ticking when engine off, fuel cap release problematic, and cold-start starter noise. One owner spent over $1,000 at independent shop to resolve fuel pump issues.
When: August 2013 onward for various issues
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission solenoid failure; A/C compressor clicking when engine off; Fuel pump ticking when engine off; Fuel pump issue causing gas pump to pop and taking 30–40 minutes to refuel; Starter makes 'crazy noises' and won't start; Battery dies after electronic issues; Ticking exhaust manifold at startup, then stops
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump repair cost over $1,000 at independent shop; battery replacement attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Backup camera and display failure
Backup camera display becomes inoperable or distorted, especially in hot weather. Fuse box overheats in hot weather, causing backup camera and A/C to fail. Backup camera does not work in automatic mode. One owner backed into dumpster because camera failed.
When: Hot weather conditions; August 2020 backup camera repair failed
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera screen inoperable; Backup camera display distorted; Fuse box overheats in hot weather; A/C becomes inoperable; Backup camera does not work in automatic mode
Repairs/costs cited: Backup camera not working; owner backed into dumpster January 2020 due to camera failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised no recalls; referred to manufacturer; manufacturer filed case but no diagnosis or repair completed
Tire pressure monitoring system false warnings
Tire pressure monitoring system displays low pressure warnings for one or more tires even though actual tire pressures are correct and equal across all tires.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Tire pressure warning displays for one or more tires; All tires at correct and equal pressure; False warnings intermittent
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Automatic seat adjustment and memory system failure
Driver seat adjusts automatically while driving (moves back and forth). System displays 'Memory system not available while not in park.' Adjustments occur without driver input.
When: Intermittent while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Front driver seat moves back and forth automatically; Seat adjustment occurs while driving; 'Memory system not available while not in park' message displays; Occurs sometimes, not consistently
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Sunroof and rear window mechanical failure
Sunroof will not open. Rear window will not open or close.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof will not open; Rear window will not open; Rear window will not close
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Tailgate latch and release failure
Tailgate opens while driving without command, especially when trailer is attached or when carrying cargo. Opened once while loaded with lawnmowers, spilling cargo on road. Tailgate difficult to open after latch damaged.
When: Intermittent while driving; happened during loaded cargo and trailer towing
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens while driving; Tailgate opens without command; Tailgate hits hitch when opening; Tailgate difficult to open after damage; Cargo spilled from bed due to tailgate opening
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; damage to hitch from impact
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls received until after these incidents occurred
Water ingress and A/C condensation drainage
A/C system drips water onto gas pedal and inside vehicle. Water leaks into truck bed from third brake light fixture. Condensation issues from A/C not properly drained. Water in cab creates mold risk.
When: Ongoing; third brake light water issue noted at 41,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A/C drips water on gas pedal; Water drips throughout cabin; Gas pedal becomes slick with water; Water leaks from third brake light into back window; Water drains into side behind cover; Risk of mold growth
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership blamed owner for using A/C in recirculate mode; no repair completed; third brake light bulb blown and light not working
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer gave lecture on A/C recirculate mode use; no resolution offered
Third brake light water ingress and electrical short
Third brake light assembly allows water ingress while vehicle is stationary or in motion. Water leaks into truck bed and interior. Third brake light bulb blows from water exposure. Third brake light no longer functions.
When: Just after warranty expired; 41,000 miles on truck
Symptoms owners cite: Water enters third brake light assembly; Water leaks into truck bed; Water leaks down into side panels; Third brake light bulb blown; Third brake light not functioning
Repairs/costs cited: Water and blown bulb indicate design defect; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer refused responsibility; cited out-of-warranty status
Instrument cluster flickering and distraction hazard
Instrument cluster flickers and causes driver distraction posing risk of accident or injury. Flickering occurs even before vehicle is started and continues for several miles after startup. Issue started sporadically but became more frequent.
When: Sporadic initially; became constant; reported across multiple 2013 RAM owners online
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster flickers; Flickering occurs before vehicle startup; Flickering persists for miles after startup; Issue worsens over time; Driver distraction hazard
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner has video evidence but cannot upload to NHTSA
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response; appears to be design or manufacturing defect
Radio shutdown and TIPM failure
Radio shuts down and fails to power on. One owner told replacement will cost $800+ and was informed by research that this is a widespread issue. TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) identified as likely culprit for multiple electrical issues including headlight and window failures.
When: 1 month after purchase in 2018; radio system did not work
Symptoms owners cite: Radio completely shut down; Radio will not power on; Only volume control works; Headlight flickering and failure associated; Window motor failure associated; Widespread issue across many owners
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement estimated at $800+; radio system repair never completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response
Control module replacement cascade without resolution
Multiple control module replacements attempted (TIPM, BCM, instrument cluster, entertainment console) without permanently resolving underlying electrical issues. Each replacement initially appears to solve the problem but issues recur within weeks or months.
When: Ongoing across multiple model years
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard goes blank and resets; Dash reboots without user input; Radio unresponsive; Multiple warning lights illuminate after reset; Issues recur after module replacement
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM, BCM, instrument cluster, and entertainment console replaced in various cases; no permanent resolution; some owners report 5+ dealer visits for same issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers replace components without determining root cause; Chrysler unable to provide diagnosis
Synthesized from 157 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Periodically when turning my steering wheel the dash and radio screen turn off and re-boot. When making a turn, left or right, every display and gauge on the dash and the radio/ back up camera screen all shut off and re-boot as if you have just put the key in and turned the ignition to the on position. I have no information for roughly 15 to 30 seconds.
Bought the pickup in january 2016 one previous owner everything original the passenger side headlight connector pin needs tightened constantly because the low beam high beam loses connection and won't come on unless you pull headlight and tighten the connector pins. It happens at various times in various situations while driving it will also flicker on and off. Parklight works fine. I don't know…
There have been several instances where my gauge cluster intermittently reboots itself while driving. I would say this occurrence has happened over 20 times during the year I have owned my truck. I bought it back in of september 2013. In addition, I have noticed that my map lights flicker. Not sure if it's an electrical issue. I've brought my truck in to the Ram dealership for service and they…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2013 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 157 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 108 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 17,000 and 81,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,000; a quarter make it past 81,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.