2013 ram 2500 electrical problems

severe 39 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$850

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 16V739000 13/10/2016

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.

What owners are reporting 9 most recent

electrical · filed 12/29/2016

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 VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V739000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE DEALER DI…

electrical · filed 12/24/2018

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 RECALLS. THE DEALERSHIP DID ALL OTHER RECALLS OTHER THEN ALTERNATOR THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND WOULD CALL ME W…

electrical · filed 12/20/2013

I JUST PURCHASED THIS TRUCK LESS THAN 1 WEEK AGO; BRAND NEW. I WAS SLOWLY APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION (STOP SIGN) WITH VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME; WAITING TO TURN. THE TRUCK SUDDENLY STARTED SURGING/LURCHING FORWARD FOR A PERIOD OF 5-10 SECONDS; NEARLY HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I PLACED THE TRUCK INTO NEUTRAL AND APPLIED THE BRAKES SO AS NOT TO HIT ANOTHER CAR AND PREVENT AND ACCIDENT. …

electrical · filed 12/19/2015

FACTORY MOUNTED ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER DOES NOT PUT OUT ENOUGH VOLTAGE AND CURRENT TO SAFELY STOP A HEAVY TRAILER. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND MANY OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING IT.

electrical · filed 12/15/2014

WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK THE MAIN DISPLAY SHUTS DOWN, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS START FLICKERING, ENGINE STARTS TO SHUT DOWN, IF YOU TURN OF TRUCK COMPUTER WILL NOT LET IT START, STRANDED HAS DON'T THIS 5 TIMES NOW AND DEALER DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX PROBLEM. VERY DANGEROUS I WAS HAULING BY 5-WHEEL FROM TRIP COULD HAVE BEEN AN MAJOR ACCIDENT, NO LIGHTS AT NIGHT SUDDENLY, NO CONTROL. *TR

electrical · filed 12/07/2014

CALIBRATION ISSUE WITH DEF ON DEF TANK. CURRENTLY DRIVE VEHICLE SINCE NEW WITH A PROGRAMMER BY MY SIDE DUE TO VEHICLE BEING A PIECE OF [XXX]. CORPORATE GREED!!!! 30 YEARS IN AUTOMOTIVE AND NOW GOING TO TOYOTA HA!! [XXX] NEED TO GET YOUR [XXX] TOGETHER. 53,000 DOLLAR TRUCK IS A PIECE OF [XXX] AND YOU DUMB [XXX] CANT EVEN TELL THE CUSTOMERS THAT YOU SCREWED UP AND HAVE A FIX. TO [XXX] WITH AMERICAN …

electrical · filed 11/26/2018

FAULTY BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) DOOR LOCKS RANDOMLY WORK MAKING IT A SAFETY ISSUE.

electrical · filed 11/26/2017

ONLY MY TAILGATE AND DRIVER DOOR WILL LOCK. MY DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WHEN I START TO DRIVE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK MY DOORS ONLY THE TAILGATE AND DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK.

electrical · filed 11/18/2018

DOOR LOCKS SOMETIMES LOCK WHEN THE LOCKED BUTTON IS PRESSED. DOES NOT MATTER IF IT'S THE LOCK BUTTON ON THE TRUCK, THE AUTO LOCK ONCE YOU GO ABOVE 10MPH, OR THE LOCK BUTTON ON THE REMOTE. SINCE THE DOORS DO NOT LOCK, KIDS MAY BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AT SPEED AND GET HURT!

Common questions

How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 ram 2500?

It's a meaningful issue. 39 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.

At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.