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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-RAM-2500NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2013 · RAM
RAM 2500 problems
178 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
7.0 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 2500?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Electrical system: 39 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 12,248–85,000 mi
Steering: 31 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 22,500–47,500 mi
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 2500· steering
Steering became extremely loose. It became so loose that if I hit a bump I would end up in the next lane of traffic. The upper and lower ball joints, tie rod ends, and the entire steering linkage were replaced and the problem didnt get better. I had nearly 6 inches of play in…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle had a rapid alternator failure due to diode thermal fatigue. In addition, the vehicle shut off due to an underhood electrical fire. A police report was not filed. The contact extinguished the fire. The…
While driving I needed to merge into on coming traffic. As I accelerated I suddenly needed to let off he throttle due to conditions. When the throttle was reapplied I had a completely dead gas pedal that was not responsive. The truck remained unresponsive for a solid 2-3…
While driving alternator started smelling and rapid changes in voltage. When stopped and opened hood alternator was smoking and starting to catch on fire. Truck was being driven on city street as well as a highway. I have taken the truck to dealership in july to correct all…
Had a problem with your 2013 RAM 2500?
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Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with optional premium headlamps
Improper headlight shutter function during high beam use may reduce the drivers visibility and possibly blind oncoming traffic. Either condition may increase the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reconfigure the Central Body Controller, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N33.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013
The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on May 31, 2013. A second letter was mailed to owners with instructions on how to obtain the free remedy on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N19.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
RQPower Train › Automatic Transmission · opened July 2025
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ25003 on NHTSA →
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 178 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 RAM 2500 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 RAM 2500?
The 2013 RAM 2500 is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 39 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 12,248–85,000 mi; Steering: 31 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 22,500–47,500 mi; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 RAM 2500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 39 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 52,933 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 52,933 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my RAM 2500 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 RAM 2500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 178 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/RAM/2500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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