2013 RAM 1500 powertrain problems

The 8-speed automatic transmission unexpectedly drops out of Drive, Neutral, or Park, or fails to engage into selected gear. The D (Drive) light on the shifter flashes on and off. Engine revs but vehicle won't move or continues to roll uncontrolled, despite brake and shifter input.

When: Occurs during low-speed driving (15–35 mph), at stops, during parking maneuvers, or when shifting between gears. Some owners report it happening within first few thousand miles.

Symptoms owners cite: D light flashing on and off; Engine revving with no forward motion (acts like Neutral); Transmission dropping out of Drive while driving; Transmission failing to engage Park; vehicle slow-rolling on inclines despite Park setting; Manual shifter cycling required to restore engagement; Vehicle rolling backward or forward when Park is selected

Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler Technical Assist (STAR) cases opened. Transmission replaced on at least one vehicle; shifter knob replaced. Many repairs unsuccessful. Dealers unable to identify root cause.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall T79 issued for brake transmission shift interlock; recall 17V821000 (Power Train) issued. Multiple recalls (T25, R36, R23, T35) for related safety issues. Parts unavailable in many dealers for extended periods. Chrysler initially responded to complaints that pressing brake firmly during shifting was 'normal vehicle operation,' contradicting the safety concern.

Vehicle shifts out of Park or fails to stay in Park while parked. Truck rolls backward, forward, or sideways on inclines or flat surfaces without driver input. Occurs even with ignition off or parking brake engaged.

When: While parked on inclines (boat ramps, driveways, hills) and on flat surfaces. Can occur immediately after placing shift into Park or after vehicle has sat parked.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolling away while in Park position; Transmission not actually engaging Park despite shifter and dash indicating Park; Slow-rolling down inclines with transmission in Park; Vehicle rolling into objects (trees, other vehicles, driveways, garages); Truck shifting out of Park without driver input; Parking brake ineffective at preventing roll

Repairs/costs cited: No permanent fix documented. Dealers acknowledge problem but unable to resolve. One owner reports transmission replaced; issue persisted.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall T79 specifically addresses brake transmission shift interlock and park engagement. 1.5 million trucks affected. Parts for recall repair unavailable in many dealer locations for months after recall notification. Manufacturers stated problem is 'normal vehicle operation.'

Transmission fails to maintain correct gear or hunts between gears while driving. RPMs spike incorrectly for road speed, or transmission suddenly drops to lower gear without driver input. Transmission may emit loud grinding noise and lose pulling power.

When: At speeds 15–40 mph, while cruising or accelerating. One case reported after recall repair (17V821000).

Symptoms owners cite: High RPMs (2500–3500) at low speeds (15–30 mph); Transmission shuddering or hunting for correct gear; Loud grinding noise from transmission; Vehicle stalling or loss of pulling power; Transmission solenoid failure indicated on diagnosis; Sudden downshift to 4th gear causing vehicle to lurch forward

Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light illuminated

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission solenoid failure diagnosed on at least one vehicle; dealer charged for diagnostic but did not repair. Hydraulic cooler lines found leaking on another vehicle with grinding noise. Dealer unable to diagnose problem on multiple visits.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall for gear hunting. Dealer service ineffective.

Engine and electrical system shut down suddenly while driving at low speed. Gauges go dead, transmission automatically shifts to Park after 6 seconds, then vehicle resumes. Three separate incidents within 30 days on one vehicle.

When: While driving at low speeds (15–35 mph) during various conditions: light braking at stop light, cruising, accelerating from dead stop.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; All gauges go dead; Transmission automatically shifts to Park; Vehicle loses all electrical power; Infotainment system malfunctions (playlists duplicate, songs repeat, SD card not recognized, system reboots)

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to provide service within reasonable timeframe (advised 2-week wait). Problem remains unresolved.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially claimed no recalls applicable and would not service within reasonable timeframe.

Power steering and power brakes fail suddenly while driving. Owner loses brake response and steering assist, creating inability to control vehicle. Other electrical systems fail simultaneously (cluster lights, wipers, lights come on uncontrolled).

When: Multiple instances over a 2-year period starting in 2013–2014. Occurs without predictable pattern.

Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Instrument cluster warning lights illuminating in sequence; Airbag service light, engine light, all dashboard lights coming on together; Windshield wipers activating on their own; Radio not turning off; Vehicle fails to start; Electronics appearing to fail randomly

Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted computer reset; ineffective. No permanent repair found.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler has done nothing to resolve, per owner complaint. No recalls or service bulletins applied.

Steering wheel control buttons fail randomly, with wires pulled out of harness plug. Transmission gear control activates on its own, dropping into lower gear without driver input. Cruise control activates spontaneously. Radio changes channels by itself.

When: Occurs intermittently during driving.

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission drops into lower gear on its own, causing driver to lurch forward; Steering wheel controls unresponsive or inoperable; Cruise control activating without being engaged; Radio changing channels on its own; Wires pulled out of steering wheel harness plug; Display stuck on tire pressure screen

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed steering wheel harness issue with wires pulled from connector; charged $800 for repair of $20 wire harness. After repair, buttons worked but radio continued to change channels on its own; cruise control remained intermittent; gear dropping persisted.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to provide service within reasonable timeframe; initially couldn't diagnose issue.

Vehicle jerks abruptly when coming to stop, sometimes 1–3 jerks in succession. In some cases, transmission fails to disengage and vehicle moves forward even without brake applied. Accelerator pedal fails to respond initially, then vehicle jerks forward suddenly.

When: During braking and stopping, or at low-speed takeoff.

Symptoms owners cite: Jerking motion when stopping; Unintended forward motion after braking; Delayed acceleration response followed by sudden lurch; Transmission not disengaging at stop

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted transmission reprogramming once; was ineffective. Second visit, dealer claimed 'normal' for Dodge trucks and refused further service.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service manager claimed issue is 'normal vehicle operation.'

Exhaust manifold bolts break off and lodge inside cylinder head. Creates loud ticking noise from engine on startup that lessens as engine warms. Broken bolts have stress fractures indicating metal fatigue. Multiple bolts fail on both sides.

When: Occurs early in vehicle ownership; noted at low mileage on some vehicles (85k–113k miles). Ticking can be present for extended time before recognition.

Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking noise on engine startup; Ticking lessens as engine warms; Broken exhaust manifold bolts; Exhaust exiting before catalytic converter; Coolant leak from bolt holes after bolt removal

Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required new cylinder head after broken bolts were drilled out. Manifold bolts break off with no way to extract without specialist work. Repair costs $3,500+. Owners expect driver-side bolts to fail next.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread reports of 'HEMI tick.' Manufacturer has not acknowledged or covered repair costs.

Rear differential gears fail, causing rear axle to shear off or lock up. Driveshaft cracks or fractures. Transfer case also noisy and locking up. Creates sudden loss of vehicle control and braking capability.

When: At highway speeds (65–70 mph) or while towing.

Symptoms owners cite: Rear wheels locking up suddenly; Loud grinding and howling from rear differential; Axle shearing off; Driveshaft fracturing; Severe vibration; Loss of brakes (brake caliper breaks off when wheel locks); Vehicle spinning uncontrollably; Transfer case noisy and locking

Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential requires replacement. Driveshaft, U-joints, transfer case require inspection and replacement. Brake caliper damaged. Pinion nut was loose, allowing failure.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer blamed driver for damage; claim disputed by second shop stating no impact evidence.

Severe vibration begins around 22,000 miles. Vibration becomes so pronounced that at highway speeds, vehicle changes lanes on its own when hitting bumps. Driveshaft appears warped or damaged.

When: Starts around 22,000 miles; worsens over time. Occurs at speeds over 65 mph, especially when hitting road imperfections.

Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration throughout vehicle; Vehicle changing lanes on its own at highway speed; Warped driveshaft (possibly from impact)

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed warped driveshaft; claimed impact damage, denying warranty coverage. Second shop found no evidence of impact but acknowledged possible warping.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied warranty claim citing vehicle was over 30 months old despite being within 36-month/36,000-mile warranty and only at 25,600 miles. Offered paid repair only.

Strong propane or petroleum-type smell emanates from vehicle vents and outside front of truck. Causes headaches and nausea in occupants. Smell originates from cooling system but source unknown.

When: Started at approximately 2,500 miles on new vehicle.

Symptoms owners cite: Strong propane/petroleum odor from vents; Odor outside front of vehicle; Headaches and nausea in driver and passengers; Smell persists despite coolant system flush

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership flushed coolant system multiple times without identifying source. Two technicians acquired headaches from smell. No resolution achieved.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM Customer Support opened case after owner contacted them directly, but no resolution provided. STAR technical support did not respond.

Vehicle abruptly stops accelerating while driving at low speed despite accelerator input. Shifting into Reverse and back to Drive restores function temporarily. Transmission module requires replacement, but failure recurs within 1,000 miles after repair.

When: While driving at 10 mph; failure recurs within 1,000 miles of transmission module replacement.

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration while driving; No forward motion despite accelerator input; Requires gear shifting to restore function

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission module replaced by dealer. Failure recurred within 1,000 miles.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed repair but issue recurred. Manufacturer not notified of recurrence.

Transmission fails to shift gears during driving at various speeds. Anti-skid warning lamp illuminates simultaneously. Transmission diagnosed as defective and replaced by dealer, but failure recurs within 3 miles.

When: At various driving speeds.

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to shift; Anti-skid warning lamp illuminated; Immediate recurrence after repair (3 miles)

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced by dealer. Failure recurred within 3 miles of leaving dealership.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; vehicle not repaired after recurrence.

Engine develops tapping noise followed by cylinder misfire. Mechanic diagnoses cam lobe failure. Vehicle receives multiple misfire codes (P0302) and cylinder deactivation system codes. Engine shakes under load and stalls intermittently.

When: Around 113,500 miles on all-highway driving with synthetic oil.

Symptoms owners cite: Tapping noise from engine; Cylinder misfire codes; Check Engine Light illuminated; Engine skipping and hesitation; Shaking under load; Stalling while driving or at stops; Vehicle dies and turns off while driving

Codes mentioned: P0302 (misfire Cylinder 2), P0304 (misfire Cylinder 4), P0306 (misfire Cylinder 6), Cylinder deactivation system codes, Camshaft advance/retard disabled, Oil pressure out of range

Repairs/costs cited: Lifters and camshaft replaced. Repair cost approximately $3,500. This is reported as prevalent issue by owner's research.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Repair costs not covered by manufacturer despite being on vehicle less than 5 years old.

Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Engine Control Module (ECM), and Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) give false or no readings. Engine starts inconsistently, accelerator response erratic, Check Engine Light illuminates with no actual fault code. Mechanics unable to diagnose.

When: After approximately 98,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: False Check Engine Light without actual code; Engine won't start consistently; Delayed or uncontrolled acceleration; Sensors not reading correctly

Codes mentioned: Computer not receiving info (original code)

Repairs/costs cited: No permanent fix found. Dealership unable to diagnose; scanners show no code.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution provided.

ABS, brake, and traction control (ESC) warning lights illuminate simultaneously without apparent cause. Lights come on and stay on. Related to software or hardware malfunction in ABS control module.

When: Intermittently, with no warning.

Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminated; Brake warning light illuminated; Traction control / ESC light illuminated; All three lights on simultaneously

Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or successful by dealers.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple recalls issued for ABS control module software issues (2024–2026 recalls address similar issues on newer models; 2013 model owner reports recall not applicable to their VIN). No recall notification received by 2013 owner despite known issue.

Brake transmission shift interlock fails to prevent gear shifting when brake is not depressed. Vehicle can shift out of Park or into gear without brake pedal being pressed, creating rollaway hazard.

When: While vehicle is off or with ignition on.

Symptoms owners cite: Shifter can be moved without brake pedal pressed; Vehicle able to shift out of Park without brake applied; Vehicle can roll away even with shifter in Park

Repairs/costs cited: Addressed by Recall T79 brake transmission shift interlock repair.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall T79 issued specifically for brake transmission shift interlock issue affecting 1.5 million trucks. Parts unavailable for extended periods, delaying repair.

Defrost function fails to clear windshield effectively. Moisture builds inside cabin, creating mold growth and health hazard.

When: Ongoing issue unresolved by multiple service attempts.

Symptoms owners cite: Defrost not working properly; Hard to see when driving due to condensation; Moisture building inside cabin; Mold growth inside vehicle

Repairs/costs cited: Not resolved despite 7 services by Nissan and 2 by Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat dealership.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No effective manufacturer response; issue remains unresolved.

In winter conditions with snow or mud, transmission cannot be placed into Park. Snow or mud packs around shift linkage, preventing gear engagement.

When: During winter weather with snow on roads or after driving through mud.

Symptoms owners cite: Unable to put transmission into Park; Unable to remove ignition key; Engine must remain running until snow melts or manual intervention; Occurs multiple times (three times reported in one winter)

Repairs/costs cited: No solution provided by dealer. Requires manual removal of snow/mud or waiting for natural melt.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to help; stated issue is not their responsibility.

Vehicle in Park suddenly revs engine and drives forward uncontrollably. Brakes fail to stop vehicle despite firm application. Vehicle drives into parked cars, neighbor's property, trees.

When: Immediately after placing vehicle in Park in driveway.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine revving while in Park; Vehicle moving forward despite Park selection; Brake pedal not stopping vehicle; tires burning rubber; Vehicle out of control; hits multiple objects; Vehicle eventually stops after impact or engine stalls

Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner requests assistance with damage from incident.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.

Both rear tail lights malfunction, blinking very rapidly when blinker is activated. Lights appear half out. System indicates tail lights bad and need replacement.

When: Intermittent; does not occur all the time.

Symptoms owners cite: Tail lights blinking very fast; Lights half out; Message indicating tail lights bad/need replacement; Issue intermittent

Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner believes malfunction rather than true light failure.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for owner's VIN, though owners report issue affects all 2013 models.

Airbag warning indicator illuminates, often intermittently. Appears alongside other electrical failures or after recall repairs.

When: Intermittently or continuously.

Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on; Service needed message for airbags; Intermittent illumination

Repairs/costs cited: Recall repairs (T79, T35, R36) performed but failed to resolve airbag light issue.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall repairs attempted but unsuccessful.

Multiple safety-critical recalls issued (T79, T25, R36, R23, T35, 17V821000, 14V796000, 15V313000, 19V347000) but parts not available at dealer locations for months after recall notification. Vehicles cannot be repaired within reasonable timeframe.

When: Weeks to months after recall notification issued.

Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Parts unavailable at dealership; Vehicle cannot be safely driven pending repair; Owner forced to park vehicle and reduce usage

Repairs/costs cited: Parts distribution problem; dealers unable to obtain parts from manufacturer.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer issued recalls (T79 with 1.5 million trucks affected; T25, R36, R23, T35 for various safety issues) but failed to ensure parts availability. One owner received recall T79 in February 2018; as of March 21, 2018, parts still unavailable—manufacturer exceeded reasonable repair timeframe.