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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-RAM-3500NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
RAM
2013 RAM 3500 problems
The 2013 RAM 3500 has 114 NHTSA owner complaints and 18 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 3500 has 114 NHTSA owner complaints and 18 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 37 complaints, typically surfacing around 56,895 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
18
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 3500?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Steering: 37 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 24,700–86,500 mi
Reliability score 4.2/10 — below the segment average
18 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.
Buying a used 2013 RAM 3500? 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
steering — 37 owner reports
· tends to show around 56,895 mi · ~$700 to fix
engine — 17 owner reports
· tends to show around 74,816 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
electrical — 13 owner reports
· tends to show around 32,125 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 40,071 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 56,895 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 18 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 4.2/10 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 3500· powertrain
I was on pa turnpike attemping to merge from a service plaza, when an opening in traffic was available I applied power to merge into line . As I did this my truck did not respond !! I was pulling a 36' fifth wheel trailer at the time and my merge into traffic became very…
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V541000 (Steering); the contact stated that after the repair while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced the death…
Starting in july 2014 my 2013 Ram 3500 has had death wobble at least 6-7 times. Going down interstate around 65-75 MPH if the right tire hits a pot hole the front end starts to shake uncontrollably. In order to get the truck to stop I have to come down on the brakes very hard…
Truck was smoking under hood so pulled over to side of road and truck was on fire under the hood. Truck was completely burned. Found a recall on your website #p65. *tr
Had a problem with your 2013 RAM 3500?
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 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.2 out of 10 based on 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 RAM 3500 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 3500?
The 2013 RAM 3500 is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Steering: 37 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 24,700–86,500 mi; Reliability score 4.2/10 — below the segment average; 18 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 3500?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 37 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 56,895 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 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 3500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 4.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 114 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 56,895 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 3500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 37 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 56,895 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 56,895 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my RAM 3500 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 3500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 114 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, 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/3500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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