Vehicles / Ram / 1500 / 2013

2013 Ram 1500UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

1,265 federal complaints (1,600 component records) · 11 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 411 service bulletins · 14 Canadian recalls
See all 15 model years of the Ram 1500 →
Engine
4.7L 8-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Midgrade, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
1,265
Recall campaigns
11
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
629
Electrical system
227
Engine & cooling
131
Air bags
94
Power train
86
Brakes
80
Other
50
Fuel system
50
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

629 complaint records21 crash reports
"Electronic power steering failed while driving. Power steering has remained inoperable and vehicle can not be safely driven...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Electrical system

227 complaint records6 fire reports3 crash reports
"Electronic power steering failed while driving. Power steering has remained inoperable and vehicle can not be safely driven...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

131 complaint records2 fire reports5 crash reports
"LOW ENGINE OIL WARNING LIGHT, OIL FILTER LEAKING OIL, LEAKED AT 2500 MILES, 6,000 MILES, 8,000 MILES, 11,000 MILES. *JS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
RQ25003
opened Jul 2025
OPENPower TrainPost Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year...
RQ23003
opened Aug 2023
OPENSteeringIntermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 380 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or complete loss of power steering assistance in certain 2013-2016 Ram 1500.The failure allegations occur at various speeds with limited detectability...
PE16014
opened Dec 2016
closed Jan 2024Power TrainVehicle Rollaway
Basis – On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway...
RQ15004
opened Jul 2015
closed Jan 2016Electrical SystemSoftware security vulnerability - led to recall 15V508000
On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V347000Latches/Locks/LinkagesChrysler (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.Normally free
17V821000Power TrainChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and...Normally free
17V302000Air BagsChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles.Normally free
15V461000EquipmentChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and...Normally free
15V460000Seat BeltsChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015.Normally free
15V459000Air BagsChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center...Normally free
13V610000Power TrainChrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions.Normally free
13V287000Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013.Normally free
13V237000Exterior LightingChrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps.Normally free
13V177000Engine And Engine CoolingChrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012.Normally free
13V128000Parking BrakeChrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019441
2019-08-30
Structure220,317Issue: On certain trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate, the tailgate may open while driving. If this occurs, cargo that is not secured could fall out of the truck bed and onto the road.
2019420
2019-08-21
Other5,327Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered.
2017659
2017-12-21
Powertrain290,200On certain vehicles equipped with a steering column gear shifter, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) may become inoperative.
2017250
2017-05-10
Airbag216,000On certain vehicles equipped with Occupant Restraint Controllers (“ORC”) with roll rate sensing, under certain external conditions, a fault may be set relating to rollover sensing that will illuminate the airbag warning light and disable...
2016214
2016-05-12
Accessories42*** This notice is provided for information purposes only as the subject equipment is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act *** Certain Mopar canvas seat covers, sold as aftermarket parts, may not be compatible with vehicles...
2015326
2015-07-22
Airbag152,621On certain 4-door pickup vehicles, the software in Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module may contain side impact calibrations that are overly sensitive.
2015330
2015-07-22
Airbag235,925On certain vehicles equipped with Electronic Vehicle Information Centers, the steering wheel wiring harness may wear against the driver frontal airbag retainer spring, potentially resulting in an electrical short which could cause...
2013434
2013-12-06
Powertrain1,424On certain Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 all-wheel drive vehicles and RAM 1500 four wheel drive vehicles equipped with 8 speed automatic transmissions, the transmission output shaft could fail.
2013230
2013-07-04
Other20,895On certain four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module was incorrectly configured during the manufacturing process. This could cause a loss of ESC function and trigger the ESC warning lamp to illuminate.
2013198
2013-06-07
Lights And Instruments590Certain vehicles may not comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 101 - Controls and Displays and CMVSS 105 - Brake Systems.
2013201
2013-06-07
Lights And Instruments11,539Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting and Retroreflective Devices. The vehicles may not give notification of a turn signal malfunction, as is required by the standard.
2013156
2013-05-08
Visual System34On certain vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant flow to the heater core.
2013106
2013-04-05
Brakes2,466On certain vehicles, the parking brake equalizer may have been adjusted incorrectly during vehicle assembly. This could result in reduced effectiveness of the parking brake system.
2012405
2012-12-03
Lights And Instruments3,021Certain pickup trucks may not comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. Due to an error in the configuration of the vehicle, the Daytime Running Light (DRL) system was not enabled.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
S1623000028 Rev. K
Jun 2026
Electrical SystemOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
S1623000028 REV.J
Jun 2026
StructureOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
S1623000028 REV.I
May 2026
Electrical SystemOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
S2623000032
Apr 2026
StructureSqueak Or Squawk Noise Coming From Either Side Door Of The Vehicle, It Could Be Just One Door Or More. The Noise Can Be Present In Either The Upper Or The Lower Hinge.
S1623000028 REV.H
Apr 2026
StructureOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
31-001-25 REV. B
Aug 2025
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
31-001-25 REV. A
Aug 2025
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
31-001-25
Aug 2025
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates
106241
Jul 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
104974
Jun 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
103774
May 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
S2505000001
Feb 2025
EngineCEL (Check Engine Lamp) C006A-49 Multi-Axis Acceleration Sensor Internal Electronic Failure And C10CC-00 ESC Sensors.
25-009-24
Dec 2024
Unknown Or Other"Dual EVAP System Extreme Duty Vapor Canister Filter Kit Customers operating fleet or severe/extreme duty gasoline vehicles in continuous dusty driving conditions can plug the single OE filter system and may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
31-001-24
Jul 2024
Structure"Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
0902323
Nov 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThrottle Blade Icing Service Fix Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: ?
9100229
Sep 2023
SuspensionLIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
9100226
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability.
93023
Aug 2023
EquipmentWarranty Bulletin D-16-03 - "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC (Rev. B)
93120
Aug 2023
EquipmentFCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-23-20 "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC
9100196
Jul 2023
EquipmentLubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
0700723
May 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingWater Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
1804823
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingwiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
9003357a
Feb 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect.
9003357
Feb 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect.
3100123
Feb 2023
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
S1623000028 Rev.
Jan 2023
VisibilityOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
31-002-22
Dec 2022
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
9004470
Sep 2022
Electrical SystemCONNECTOR Trailer Tow,WIRING Trailer Tow,CONNECTOR 7 Way,WIRING Rear Bumper If the connector or wiring is physically damaged, burned, melted or corroded, prior to replacing the part, please contact FCA Redacted Content If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair.
3100122
Aug 2022
Unknown Or OtherApproved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural...

Showing 30 of 411 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 11 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Ram 1500 →