SEAL - OUTPUT SHAFT
View on NHTSA →2013 RAM 2500 powertrain problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
2fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 20 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 RAM 2500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GEAR - REACTION SUN
View on NHTSA →Plate - Planetary
View on NHTSA →Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
View on NHTSA →Transfer Case Shift Lever Design Change
View on NHTSA →Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 RAM 2500 powertrain complaints describe eight distinct failure modes across 20 narratives. The shift interlock system fails repeatedly—vehicles shift into gear without the brake pedal pressed, with keys removed, or ignition off, allowing unintended rolling downhill. One owner was run over by his truck; another's child's action triggered a 25-foot roll into a tree. FCA issued a recall (17V821000) but owners report the issue persists after repair.
Driveshaft failure occurs at highway speeds with catastrophic results: front driveshaft separates from the axle, ruptures brake and transfer case lines, ignites leaking fluid, and burns the vehicle to total loss. Transmission solenoid failures trap the truck in fourth gear (Limp Mode), reducing power and creating traffic hazards. Electronic throttle control exhibits a consistent two-second delay between pedal input and engine response, worsening over time and nearly causing accidents. Turbo failures cause sudden limp mode at 15 mph. Transmission cooling lines rupture from rubbing on engine components, spraying fluid.
Rear main seals leak at low mileage despite replacement. Dealers claim minor seepage is normal design. One owner cannot use the vehicle in sensitive environmental areas due to fluid seepage.
Same RAM 2500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Shift Interlock Failure (Park-to-Gear Without Brake)
Brake shift interlock system fails to prevent shifting out of Park without brake pedal depressed. Vehicle can be shifted into gear with key off, ignition off, or without brake applied, allowing unintended vehicle movement.
When: Occurs when vehicle parked; reported at various mileages including 116,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts into and out of Park with no key in ignition; Vehicle shifts into gear without depressing brake pedal; Vehicle shifts into Reverse when column shifter bumped; Shifter indicates Park but is actually between Park and Reverse detent; Unintended vehicle roll downhill after parked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have confirmed shift interlock system failure; FCA declined responsibility in one case despite failed inspection
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V821000 (Powertrain) addressing unintended rolling; FCA declined assistance in one case stating no manufacturing responsibility; one recall completed but owner continued to experience issue
Driveshaft Failure with Secondary Fire Risk
Front driveshaft breaks and separates from axle at highway speeds, striking and rupturing brake lines and possibly transfer case, igniting brake fluid and causing engine compartment fire.
When: At highway speeds; one vehicle had 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking and clanging/banging noise while driving; Loss of braking power sensation; Smoke from right front corner followed by flames; Driveshaft found separated in center of freeway; Brake fluid or transfer case fluid burning on ground; Fire spreads through engine compartment and cab
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled by fire; front driveshaft and drive line failure identified as root cause
Transmission Solenoid Failure / Limp Mode
Transmission solenoid failure causes vehicle to enter Limp Mode, restricting transmission to fourth gear only, reducing power and drivability. Issue recurs after replacement.
When: At various speeds during highway driving; recurring 11 months after first solenoid replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters Limp Mode while driving; Transmission stuck in fourth gear; Reduced acceleration and power; Check Engine light illuminates during failure; Solenoid replacement temporary fix; failure recurs
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission solenoid replacement performed multiple times; temporary fix lasting ~11 months before recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no solution offered
Electronic Throttle Control Lag / Dead Pedal
Delayed throttle response from electronic throttle control system. Two-second delay between depressing accelerator pedal and engine response; also lag on deceleration. Worsens over time.
When: From stop and during acceleration; reported at 3+ years ownership; progressively worse over time
Symptoms owners cite: Severe delay (2+ seconds) between gas pedal depression and vehicle acceleration; Delayed throttle response on letoff (~2 seconds); Dead pedal from complete stop; Dead pedal intermittently on and off throttle; Problem worsens over ownership period; Nearly caused multiple traffic accidents
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports issue exists across RAM 2500/3500 with turbo diesel 2011-2016 model years; issue attributed to BCM and electronic throttle control software
Transmission Shift/Torque Converter Issues
Backlash in drivetrain and transmission shift timing problems when accelerating to 30-35 mph then decelerating. System appears to shift gears before torque converter unlocks, causing rough engagement.
When: When accelerating to 30-35 mph then decelerating
Symptoms owners cite: Drivetrain backlash sensation; Rough gear shift before torque converter unlocks; Jerking sensation during gear changes; Transmission shifts into Towing Mode 4 unexpectedly while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership visits have not resolved issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers indicate issue unrelated to recent recalls
Turbo Failure with Limp Mode
Cummins Holset turbo unit fails due to soot buildup, causing vehicle to enter limp mode at reduced speed (15 mph) without warning. Issue documented across 2007-current model years.
When: Without warning during normal driving; issue not caught during dealer 20-point inspections
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls and begins to limp at 15 mph; Loud grinding sound before failure; No warning from dealer inspections despite regular maintenance
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost cited as $5,000.00; dealers do not address known soot buildup issue during regular maintenance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledged awareness of issue but provided no proactive service; owners must pay for repair
Rear Main Seal Leakage
Rear main seal develops persistent leak starting at low mileage. Seal replacement and sleeve replacement both fail. Dealers claim seepage is normal design unless fluid pours out on ground.
When: Starting at 15,000 miles; repeated failures at 16,800 and 17,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from rear main seal; Leak persists after seal replacement; Leak persists after seal and sleeve replacement with RTV sealant
Repairs/costs cited: Original seal replaced; replaced again with seal and sleeve; RTV coating applied at 16,800 miles but leaked again by 17,600 miles. Dealers claim seepage is normal design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM service dealerships state seepage from engine seals is designed behavior and not an issue unless fluid covers vehicle
Transmission Cooling Line Abrasion / Rupture
Transmission cooling line rubs against engine compartment component, develops hole, and ruptures catastrophically. Sprays transmission fluid throughout engine compartment and roadway.
When: Over time during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid sprayed in engine compartment; Transmission fluid sprayed on roadway; Environmental contamination; Potential for loss of power and fire
Repairs/costs cited: Issue reported by multiple users of same make, model, year online
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Driver performed a pre-use walk around inspection on vehicle and observed no damage. Driver proceeded on to destination. Driver merged on to hwy 70 east and accelerated to the posted speed limit of 75mph and set the cruise control. With no other vehicles around the driver, on or around mile marker 184, the vehicle started to make a loud grinding sound and violently vibrated. The driver…
Over time the transmission cooling line to the radiator was rubbing against another part in the engine compartment resulting in a hole in the line and eventually catastrophic failure of the line. This caused transmission fluid to be sprayed around the engine compartment and the roadway creating an environmental issue. This could cause loss of power, fire and damage to the environment. Online…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 RAM 2500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 RAM 2500?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 25,485 and 116,000 miles, with the median around 65,896. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,485; a quarter make it past 116,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/RAM/2500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.