ProblemsByVin File / 2013-RAM-4500 NHTSA data synced 1 hour ago

2013 · RAM

RAM 4500 problems

1 active recall campaign on file, only 3 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

Reliability score

9.2 / 10

Limited NHTSA data — only 3 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2013 4500?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 3 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

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.

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Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2013 4500's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 4500 · suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge Ram 4500.the contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced, an independent mechanic noticed that the rear brake calibers were stuck to the suspension. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the…

10/16/2015 · at 60,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10782833.0

2013 4500 · engine

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ram 4500. While the contact's employee was driving 40 MPH, the check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle began to decelerate. The vehicle did not shut off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbo…

09/20/2019 · at 122,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11256915.0

2013 4500 · engine

Windshield wiper hoses come undone almost daily making the washer fluid not function. Have had dealer replace once already but then fix doesn't last long. DEF system module malfunctions at 52000 miles causing truck to go into limp mode making it unable to go over 5 MPH even…

02/15/2019 · at 52,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11180420.0

Had a problem with your 2013 RAM 4500? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 13V288000 July 2, 2013

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2013, through March 8, 2013

The incorrect attaching bolt may break or fall out, resulting in the vehicle suddenly pulling to one side, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the track bar fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 3, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N41.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

RQ Power Train › Automatic Transmission · opened July 2025

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ25003 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2013 RAM 4500 reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 3 owner complaints have been filed for the 2013 RAM 4500, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2013 RAM 4500?

Only 3 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2013 RAM 4500 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2013 RAM 4500?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2013 RAM 4500 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2013 RAM 4500 a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 3 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 RAM 4500?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my RAM 4500 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 4500?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 3 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 hour ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/RAM/4500. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with RAM. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.