Dual EVAP System Extreme Duty Vapor Canister Filter Kit This informational bulletin is to make technicians aware that an EVAP dual vapor canister filter kit(Mopar part #68478013AA)is available in place of the OEM single vapor canister filter.This kit should not be installed on vehicles driven in normal conditions that are not subjected to the below symptom/conditions. Customers operating fleet or severe/extreme duty gasoline vehicles in continuous dusty driving conditions can plug the single OE filter system and may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon furtherinvestigation the technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set:P04
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 RAM 1500 fuel system problems
severe Owners of the 2013 RAM 1500 have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the fuel system, typically surfacing around 29,897 miles at roughly $1,200 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See fuel system across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,200
| Model year | fuel system complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 1500 (this page) | 15 |
| 2014 1500 | 49 |
| 2015 1500 | 63 |
| 2016 1500 | 72 |
| 2017 1500 | 30 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 15 fuel system complaints filed for the 2013 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 9 model years of RAM 1500 we track for fuel system problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (15).
No new NHTSA fuel system complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 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 fuel system 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.
Dual EVAP System Extreme Duty Vapor Canister Filter Kit This informational bulletin is to make technicians aware that an EVAP dual vapor canister filter kit(Mopar part #68478013AA)is available in place of the OEM single vapor canister filter.This kit should not be installed on vehicles driven in normal conditions that are not subjected to the below symptom/conditions. Customers operating fleet or severe/extreme duty gasoline vehicles in continuous dusty driving conditions can plug the single OE filter system and may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon furtherinvestigation the technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set:P04
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗External Fuel Pump Relay Kit Now Available
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Power Distribution Center, Intelligent Power (TIPM) Certain levels of this part were changed to remove additional content not needed on light duty truck. Content removed was only used on heavy duty truck and not needed for light duty vehicles. Content that may not be present includes the following fuses: F15 (J Case A1-S) F16 (M Case) F32 (M Case) F33 (M Case) F34 (M Case) F39 (M Case) If the PDC is being replaced due to a failed internal fuel pump relay, the relay can now be serviced as a separate component. Please use relay replacement KIT part number: 68510768A$.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Intelligent Power Distribution Center If the PDC requires replacement due to a failed internal fuel pump relay, the relay can now be serviced as a separate component. Please use relay replacement KIT part number: 68510768A$.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two major fuel-system failure patterns in this truck.
The first is unintended acceleration and loss of braking authority. At highway speeds (35–60 mph), the truck has maintained speed or accelerated despite brake pedal input and throttle release. One owner describes the engine revving to 6,000–7,000 RPM uncontrollably during a transmission downshift on a gradual hill; another reversed through a storefront with the engine maxed out despite dual-foot braking. The "SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL" message appears repeatedly. Dealers have replaced accelerator pedals and installed data recorders on multiple vehicles over weeks of visits, yet remain unable to identify the root cause or restore proper function.
The second is fuel tank strap failure. The steel straps holding the tank corrode and fracture, causing the tank to hang or drag at highway speeds. Owners hear metallic clunking, smell gasoline strongly inside the cab, see white vapor from the hood, and observe fuel running underneath. Tanks have hung extremely close to the ground, creating an obvious fire hazard. One fuel supply line ruptured outright. Multiple owners cite NHTSA Campaign 18V160000 but their VINs fall outside that recall.
A third issue involves the fuel tank circuit: check engine light, limp mode, and throttle control warnings recurring every 40–50 miles after refueling, clearing only after 4–5 restarts. Dealer replacements of fuel tank, cap, and TPS sensor have not resolved this.
Same RAM 1500 fuel system reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration / throttle control failure
Vehicle maintains or increases speed when brake is applied or accelerator is released; drivers report loss of braking authority and inability to slow down. Multiple owners encountered 'SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL' warning message. One vehicle stuck at full throttle (6K–7K RPM) during transmission downshift on a gentle hill. Another reversed into a storefront with engine revving uncontrollably despite brake input. Dealers have replaced accelerator pedals and installed data recorders but remain unable to isolate root cause in several cases.
When: Mostly 55–60 mph highway or town driving; one incident at ~35–40 mph on a hill; one while parked in reverse. Incidents occur both with and without cruise control engaged.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal ineffective or delayed response; multiple pedal inputs required; Vehicle maintains speed despite releasing accelerator; Engine RPM jumps to 6K–7K or holds constant at 4K in neutral; Service Electronic Throttle Control warning message displays; Check ETC light and red lightning bolt icon illuminate; Vehicle lunges forward unexpectedly when shifted into gear
Codes mentioned: P0602 (inferred from 'SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL' message)
Repairs/costs cited: Accelerator pedal replaced; data recorder installed by dealer; no successful repair documented. Dealers state inability to find root cause despite multiple visits spanning weeks.
Check engine light / limp-mode cycles with refueling
Check engine light, lightning bolt warning, and 'SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL' message activate approximately 40–50 miles after refueling. Vehicle enters limp mode and message clears after 4–5 restarts over 1–2 days. Condition has recurred at least 4 times. Dealer has replaced fuel tank, fuel cap, updated software, and replaced TPS sensor without resolving issue.
When: Approximately 40–50 miles after refueling; recurring multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Lightning bolt warning light displays; Service Electronic Throttle Control error message appears; Vehicle enters limp mode; Message clears after multiple start cycles
Codes mentioned: Check engine code (unspecified), Lightning bolt code (unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel tank replaced, fuel cap replaced, TPS (throttle position sensor) replaced, software updated; issue persists.
Fuel tank strap failure and tank detachment
Fuel tank straps corrode, fracture, or become detached, causing tank to hang or drag. Owners report hearing abnormal metallic sounds, observing tank hanging by one strap, or finding straps completely loose or off. Corrosion of frame brackets cited as cause. Tank has hung extremely close to ground, creating fire hazard. Multiple owners relate to NHTSA Campaign 18V160000 but vehicles not included in recall.
When: 55,623 miles; 107,000 miles; 115,000 miles; 144,000 miles; 184,000 miles. No obvious age pattern.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud metallic sound from underneath vehicle; Fuel tank hanging by one strap or straps; Gasoline smell in vehicle; White vapor visible from hood area; Gasoline running out from under vehicle; Severe shaking at highway speed due to erratically moving tank; Rusted and dislocated brackets
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have strapped tank back in place with tie-down straps; one owner replaced driver-side fuel supply line (dealer performed). No factory repair or reinforcement documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle not included in NHTSA Campaign 18V160000; case opened but no assistance provided. Extended warranty letter received by one owner but coverage unknown.
Fuel supply line rupture and leaking gasoline
Fuel supply line ruptures, causing gasoline to leak from under vehicle. Strong gasoline smell inside cabin and white vapor visible from hood. Immediate hazard of fire.
When: Mileage undisclosed; owner smelled issue while driving and pulled over
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline smell in vehicle; White vapor visible from hood area; Gasoline running out from underneath vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Driver-side fuel supply line replaced by dealer after 2–3 day delay.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated issue was repaired and declined further remedies despite safety concern.
EVAP system leak and misfiring fuel injectors
Engine light flashing, front-end shaking, vehicle stalls. Dealer diagnosed EVAP leak, cracked fuel pump on backorder, and misfiring fuel injectors (#7 and random). Vehicle remained at dealership for extended period. Owner paid ~$900 out of pocket for first visit; warranty covered nothing. No successful repair documented.
When: Multiple stalls between 55 mph highway driving and stationary idling; incidents occurred over several weeks in July
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light flashing; Front-end shaking; Vehicle sputtering and cutting off while driving; Vehicle won't restart
Codes mentioned: EVAP leak code (unspecified), Fuel injector misfire codes (#7 and random)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump ordered (cracked, on backorder); water drained from fuel tank first visit; dealer suggested 'possible sugar in fuel' but owner disputes. First visit cost ~$900 out of pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denied coverage.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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 and disappeared. I didn't really notice any effect to the driving capability, but this is the first time that message…
Had fuel system 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 fuel system problem on the 2013 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,200.
At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most fuel system failures cluster between 11,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 29,897. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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 $1,200 for fuel system 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 fuel system?
No active recalls currently cover fuel system 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.