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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-RAM-2500NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
RAM
2013 RAM 2500 problems
The 2013 RAM 2500 has 178 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2013 RAM 2500 has 178 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 39 complaints, typically surfacing around 52,933 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
16
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 4.4/10 — below the segment average
16 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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★3/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Ram 2500 Crew PU/CC 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 RAM 2500? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 39 owner reports
· tends to show around 52,933 mi · ~$850 to fix
steering — 31 owner reports
· tends to show around 45,938 mi · ~$700 to fix
engine — 28 owner reports
· tends to show around 55,629 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 20 owner reports
· tends to show around 75,048 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 52,933 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 16 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 4.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
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 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks
The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.4 out of 10 based on 178 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 RAM 2500 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
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 4.4/10 — below the segment average; 16 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 RAM 2500?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 39 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 52,933 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 RAM 2500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 4.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 178 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 52,933 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
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 1 day 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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