Electrical gremlins plague the 2013 RAM 2500 across nearly every system. Door locks—driver, passenger, and rear—operate intermittently or fail outright, preventing automatic locking at highway speeds and disabling child safety locks. The root cause: the body control module (BCM) fails with no available replacement part. Clearing codes restores function for only 5–6 start cycles.
Alternators burn and catch fire at 64,000–80,000 miles due to diode thermal fatigue. Owners report smoke, burning smell, and ignition while driving. One truck had an electrical system recall completed but still burned. Another was excluded from the recall campaign despite identical failure.
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) systems fail completely after recall repairs, triggering undriveable countdown timers in wet conditions. DEF gauges don't register, service lights stay on, and SCR feed fuses blow repeatedly.
Dashboard electronics glitch continuously: wipers run unbidden, warning lights flicker, radios turn on at full volume, locks cycle randomly, and displays shut down while driving, sometimes preventing restart and stranding owners.
Ignition switches fail to start the truck. Brake controllers can't stop heavy trailers safely. Air bags didn't deploy in one collision despite prior recall service.
Recall parts sit on backorder for months; dealers mark recalls complete without actually performing repairs. Owners report the same failures recur and unresolved recalls linger for years.
Failure modes owners describe
DEF system complete failure post-recall
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system undergoes complete failure shortly after SCR catalyst recall repair. System initiates undriveable countdown timer. SCR feed fuse requires repeated replacement, failures occur consistently in wet/rainy conditions despite no water crossing.
When: 2 months post-recall; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: DEF system no longer functions; Countdown timer that cannot be stopped; Vehicle becomes undriveable when countdown reaches zero; Complete system failure during highway driving in rain; SCR feed fuse fails repeatedly during wet conditions
Repairs/costs cited: SCR feed fuse replaced twice; recall repair did not resolve root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall performed for SCR catalyst failure (campaign not specified); vehicle has two outstanding unresolved recalls
Door lock actuator and body control module failures
Door locks (front passenger and both rear doors) operate intermittently, failing to lock or unlock via key fob, door buttons, or keyless entry. Condition prevents child safety locks from engaging and disables automatic speed-dependent locking. Clearing body control module codes temporarily restores function for 5-6 start cycles. Part #68200252AG (BCM) unavailable; no superseding part number exists despite being on 6th revision.
When: Intermittent; onset varies from couple days to several months; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger and both rear doors unlock intermittently via key fob or door buttons; Doors fail to lock with key fob, door buttons, or speed-dependent automatic locking; Child safety locks do not engage; Vehicle cannot be securely locked against theft; No warning lights or messages preceding failures; Door lock actuators replaced without resolving issue
Repairs/costs cited: Door lock actuators replaced; clearing BCM codes via scan tool restores function temporarily for 5-6 start cycles only; BCM part #68200252AG unavailable through Mopar with no replacement superseding number
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose issue despite multiple visits; BCM part discontinued with no replacement available
Alternator burning and electrical fire
Alternator burns, smokes, and ignites fire due to diode thermal fatigue. Failures occur at 64,300–80,000 miles. Multiple units experience rapid voltage changes before failure. One vehicle had prior electrical system recall (16V739000) performed but alternator still failed. Another vehicle excluded from recall campaign despite same failure mode.
When: 64,300–80,000 miles; one incident 2 months post-electrical system recall
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke and burning smell from alternator; Alternator catches fire or begins smoking; Battery indicator lamp illuminates; Rapid voltage changes before failure; Vehicle shuts off due to underhood electrical fire
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator burned and required replacement; vehicle towed; recall repair did not prevent failure in previously serviced unit; dealer had alternator parts unavailable in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 16V739000 (electrical system recall) performed on at least one affected vehicle but did not prevent failure; one VIN explicitly excluded from 16V739000 despite identical failure; manufacturer sent investigator on one case but did not follow up; parts unavailable at dealers
Electronic throttle control surge and hesitation
Engine surges or lurches unexpectedly during low-speed approach, triggering electronic throttle control warning message. Throttle response delayed 2–3 seconds when reapplying throttle after release. Issue reported as common on forums.
When: Occurred within one week of new vehicle purchase; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges or lurches forward for 5–10 seconds during low-speed approach; Electronic throttle control warning message appears on dash; 2–3 second delayed throttle response when reapplying throttle; Issue occurs intermittently
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control warning
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet repaired; owner reported intent to visit dealership
DEF gauge and sensor malfunction
DEF gauge fails to move or register tank level accurately. Service light illuminates and remains on. Tank appears full but gauge unresponsive. Nitrogen oxide sensor also replaced in related incidents. Engine light triggered by sensor faults.
When: Multiple incidents September 2015; mileage not specified; sensor replacement at ~6,513 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: DEF gauge does not move or register level; Engine service light illuminates and persists; DEF tank appears full but gauge unresponsive; Gauge does not reset when truck cycled on/off
Codes mentioned: Engine service light
Repairs/costs cited: Nitrogen oxide sensor replaced; coolant bottle and coolant replaced in related incidents
Diesel fuel heater electrical connector recall delays
Recall 14V-635 (diesel fuel heater electrical connector) issued December 2014, but parts unavailable at dealer for extended period. Second recall notice sent 5 months after initial notice with no repair completed. Dealer did not have parts and would not commit timeline.
When: Recall issued December 2014; as of May 12, 2015 still not repaired (5+ months delay)
Repairs/costs cited: Parts unavailable; recall not completed for 5+ months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 14V-635 recall issued; marked 'important safety recall' but parts unavailable; second notice issued after 5 months with no repair completed
Air bag non-deployment in frontal collision
During 35 mph frontal collision, air bags failed to deploy despite prior air bag recall service (15V459000). Electrical system did not shut down and seat belts did not retract. One occupant sustained injuries requiring medical attention. Vehicle was serviced under recall prior to failure.
When: At 29,000 miles; vehicle previously serviced under 15V459000
Symptoms owners cite: Air bags did not deploy during frontal collision at 35 mph; Electrical system did not shut down after collision; Seat belts did not retract
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; vehicle status (destroyed/repairable) undetermined at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 15V459000 air bag recall performed prior to failure; manufacturer notified; police report filed; one injury with shoulder, knee, ankle, and neck pain
Widespread electrical system glitches and body control module faults
Multiple intermittent electrical faults including flickering dashboard, warning lights, radio dysfunction, automatic locks cycling, and engine shutdown risk. Display shuts down while driving with loss of warning lights and engine control. Vehicle stranded multiple times when computer prevents restart. Body control module replacement attempted but remedy failed.
When: Mileage ~85,000 for one documented BCM replacement; multiple incidents reported while driving or parked
Symptoms owners cite: Main display shuts down while driving; All warning lights flicker intermittently; Engine starts to shut down; Computer prevents restart after shutdown; Service tire pressure, SRS air bag, and low coolant warnings illuminate; Radio turns on/off with excessive volume; All locks lock and unlock periodically; Wipers function when not engaged; Lights flicker on high beam; High beams won't come on; Traction control indicator cycles on/off while driving; Radio display won't turn on; Air conditioning won't blow at selected speed; Turn signals don't function when engaged
Codes mentioned: DTC C0020-01 (traction/ABS related)
Repairs/costs cited: Body control module replaced at ~85,000 miles but remedy failed; owner reported stranded 5 times with trailer attached; wiper fuse pulled in one case to stop unwanted operation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BCM replacement did not resolve issue; manufacturer not notified in at least one case
Ignition switch failure and no-start conditions
Key fob ignition fails to start vehicle or loses connection, reported as widespread and common issue on forums. Wiring harness and computer failures cited as root causes in repair attempts. One customer charged $1,500 for wiring harness replacement that did not resolve issue, then quoted $2,500 for computer replacement.
When: Hard start issues reported since purchase; complete no-start at mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Hard to start since purchase; Won't start at all; Key fob ignition fails to engage
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replaced ($1,500 parts and labor) without resolving issue; computer subsequently diagnosed as fried (quoted $2,500)
Backup camera and taillight display faults
Backup camera signal scrambles and cuts out intermittently during reverse. System displays rear passenger taillight as out in messages despite light functioning normally.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera scrambles and cuts out intermittently when backing up; System message shows rear passenger taillight out when it is actually functioning
Intermittent engine stalling
Truck stalls unexpectedly while driving at any speed, occurring intermittently over 18-month period. Not attributable to fuel filter.
When: Over 18-month period; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls intermittently while driving at any speed
Repairs/costs cited: Not fuel filter related
Wiper motor uncontrolled operation
Wipers operate without being switched on. Disconnecting battery required to stop operation. Wipers restart immediately upon battery reconnection. Pulling fuse stops operation but prevents normal wiper function.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers run in low mode with key and wiper switch off; Wipers restart automatically when battery reconnected; Cannot operate truck with wipers functioning continuously
Repairs/costs cited: Wiper fuse pulled to stop operation; truck not used since issue occurred
Radio and Bluetooth system failures
Bluetooth phone system failed. Radio was replaced but Sirius satellite radio signal drops out repeatedly, showing 'acquiring signal' message before resuming intermittently.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Bluetooth phone system failed; Sirius radio signal drops out and shows 'acquiring signal'; Radio resumes then cuts out again repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Radio replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler contacted by dealer for fix but did not respond
Brake controller undersized for towing
Factory-mounted electric brake controller produces insufficient voltage and current to safely stop heavy trailer. Reported as known widespread issue among owners towing with this model.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Brake controller does not output enough voltage and current for safe heavy trailer stopping
Service light and sensor faults (general)
Service engine light illuminates repeatedly without clear trigger. Multiple sensor issues reported including nitrogen oxide and coolant level sensors. Dealers run tests and order parts; repairs completed in some cases but issues persist or recur.
When: Reported February 2015 and other dates; mileage ~6,500 in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Service light illuminates and remains on; Service light recurs after multiple repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Nitrogen oxide sensor replaced; coolant bottle and coolant replaced and air purged from system
Recall parts unavailability and repair delays
Multiple recalls cannot be completed due to parts unavailable at dealers. Owners report recalls listed as open but not actually repaired. One owner reports recalls being pencil-whipped (marked as completed without actual repair).
When: 2016 and ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Recalls cannot be completed; Parts on backorder with no timeline provided; Recalls marked as completed without actual repair performed
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple recalls listed as open but not repaired since 2016
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall parts unavailable; recalls marked as completed in records despite not being performed
ABS/traction control false fault codes
DTC C0020-01 appears after hitting speed bumps or during wet weather wheel spin, triggering service TCS and ABS system warnings. Dealer reports this is common but correct repair unknown. Wrong part often replaced.
When: Mileage not specified; vehicle out of warranty
Symptoms owners cite: DTC C0020-01 appears after speed bump impact; Service TCS and ABS system messages display; Message appears randomly but mostly during road bumps; Triggered by wheel spin in wet weather
Codes mentioned: C0020-01
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reports issue as common; wrong part frequently replaced; owner chose not to repair due to warranty expiration and part confusion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirms issue is common but unable to provide correct fix
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.