CarRecallWatchThe 2013 RAM 1500 has 11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1,281 complaints with NHTSA, including 72 crashes, 10 fires, 37 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (645 reports).
2013 RAM 1500 recalls
Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving
A plastic limiter tab in the power tailgate actuator may crack or fracture.
Transmission can shift out of Park without brake pedal
A brake interlock pin in the column-shift transmission can stick in the open position after the brake pedal is pressed for a long time while the vehicle is running and in Park.
Side Curtain Airbags and Seatbelt Pretensioners May Not Deploy
Certain pickup trucks may have a fault in their Occupant Restraint Controller triggered by a roll rate sensor.
Radio software flaw could let hackers control vehicle systems
The radio in these vehicles contains software vulnerabilities that can allow outside parties to access certain networked vehicle control systems.
Driver airbag may deploy unexpectedly, raising injury risk
On certain 2012-2014 Ram pickup trucks built between January 2011 and October 2014 with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option, the steering wheel wiring harness can rub against the driver airbag module retainer spring.
Side Airbags May Deploy Unexpectedly, Raising Crash Risk
Some 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks may have side impact sensors that are overly sensitive.
Most common 2013 RAM 1500 problems
Problem areas named in the 1,281 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 645 |
| Electrical System | 227 |
| Engine | 123 |
| Air Bags | 94 |
| Power Train | 86 |
| Service Brakes | 69 |
| Unknown Or Other | 50 |
| Suspension | 45 |
| Structure | 40 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 37 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with electronic rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the electronic rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an unknown steering message displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the steering module was inoperable and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering); and associated the failure with the investigation. The contact had the vehicle repaired by the dealer; however, the contact stated that the steering wheel became firm while accelerating. The failure mileage was 73,661.
Power steering is intermittently working. My truck barely made it to the side of the road because it was so hard to steer. If there was more traffic at the time I don't think I would have made it.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Additionally, the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with electronic power steering failure and an ESC software failure. The contact was informed that the ESC software needed to be updated, and the electronic power steering unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Power steering. While driving lost all control of the power steering. Mechanic said it's a fault in the internal of the electronic power steering.
2013 RAM 1500 questions
Does the 2013 RAM 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls for the 2013 RAM 1500: Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving; Transmission can shift out of Park without brake pedal; Side Curtain Airbags and Seatbelt Pretensioners May Not Deploy; Radio software flaw could let hackers control vehicle systems; Driver airbag may deploy unexpectedly, raising injury risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 RAM 1500?
Based on 1,281 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (645), Electrical System (227), Engine (123).
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 RAM 1500 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.