Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

2013 RAM 1500 engine problems

moderate 94 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
94
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
1injury

When does it fail?

Of the 94 engine complaints filed for the 2013 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.

0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
1 (50%)
150k+
1 (50%)

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

No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 13V177000 May 7, 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.

What owners are reporting 2 most recent

engine · 206,500 mi · filed 12/29/2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the defroster was engaged but failed to respond or perform as designed. The contact rolled down the windows due to the loss of visibility of the roadway. Additionally, the vehicle lost heating system functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that…

engine · 131,000 mi · filed 12/28/2018

Upon starting vehicle made loud ticking noise, and was running a bit rough, next morning again started the truck and it was making ticking noise but now was losing horsepower so we had truck towed to shop thinking could be something easy, truck maintenance maybe. Mechanic stated the c clip on the lifter had broken and the truck was utilizing 7 cylinders and not 8. Mechanic stated he couldn't pin…

Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2013 RAM 1500?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 94 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Across the 65 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 53,000 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 82,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,000; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

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.
Get a free warranty quote →
Sponsored — we earn a commission if you complete a quote. Disclosure.