CarRecallWatchThe 2013 RAM 3500 has 16 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 7 fires, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (38 reports).
2013 RAM 3500 recalls
Wrong lug nut torque spec can break wheel studs
Some RAM 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks and cab chassis were built with incorrect torque information in the Service and Owner's Manuals.
Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving
A plastic limiter tab in the power tailgate actuator may crack or fracture.
Steering Link Can Separate, Causing Loss of Steering Control
The steering linkage jam nut on the outboard end of the drag link can loosen over time.
Fire Extinguisher May Clog or Fail to Discharge
Some in-vehicle Kidde fire extinguishers, sold with certain Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM vehicles, may become clogged.
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.
Leaking Water Pump Can Cause Engine Fire
Certain RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks with 6.7L Cummins diesel engines may have Concentric-brand water pumps that lack a vent hole.
Aluminum wheels can crack and cause sudden air loss
Certain heavy-duty trucks that were modified by an aftermarket company to use cast aluminum Katla 8.5-inch road wheels may have wheels whose outer surface can fracture.
Alternator May Suddenly Fail, Causing Stalls or Fire
The alternator in certain RAM heavy-duty trucks may suddenly fail.
Steering Bracket Can Separate, Making Truck Harder to Control
Some pickup trucks built between October 9, 2012 and July 29, 2014 may have weak welds holding the front track bar frame brackets.
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 3500 problems
Problem areas named in the 115 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 38 |
| Engine | 27 |
| Suspension | 18 |
| Electrical System | 17 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 15 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 15 |
| Power Train | 12 |
| Wheels | 9 |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 5 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle became uncontrollable and was difficult to maneuver while driving on the road. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the part was to repair the vehicle was on back order. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a ditch caused by a failure with the drag link. The contact stated that the shift interlock was fractured, causing the gear shifter to detach while the vehicle was driven. The vehicle became stuck in park(P). The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and was repaired with an aftermarket part. The contact stated that the dealer had not repaired the vehicle causing
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle, the contact discovered there was a discrepancy in the mileage. The contact stated that the Carfax mileage was 47,029, and on March 10, 2015, the mileage was recorded at 49,873, and nine days later the mileage was recorded at 47,019.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65-68 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact decelerated, exited the freeway, and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the upper ball joints and control arms needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the upper control arms. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the upper ball joints were replaced. The contact
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RECALL ISSUED BY NHTSA. THE RECALL WAS V06 DRAG LINK. WHEN THE RECALL WA PREFORMED, THE ALIGNMENT NUTS ON THE DRAG LINK WERE WELDED SO THE COULDN'T COME LOOSE. I'VE HAD TO HAVE MY TRUCK REALIGNED 2 TIMES SINCE THE DRAG LINK NUTS WERE WELDED. AS OF RIGHT NOW THE NUTS ARE NOT WELDED AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE DRAG LINK IS COMPROMISED. I'VE HAD IT INTO 3 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS AND EACH SAY THAT WELDING THE NUTS SHOULD ONLY BE A TEMPORARY FIX NOT A PERMANENT FIX. SINCE THE WELDING, I'VE HAD STEERING ISSUES WITH MY TRUCK WHICH IS WHY I'VE HAD IT IN THE REAPIR SHOPS. I FEEL THAT THE DRAG LINK NEEDS A TOTAL REPLACEMENT AND NOT A BANDAID FIX. I'VE CONTACT
When having to brake hard, the lining of the pressure line from the pump to the hydro booster comes apart and causes the brakes to not work and the power steering to act up. The plastic lining shoots into the booster causing it to fail. They donât make a replacement line so I was forced to fabricate one. Very expensive fix.
2013 RAM 3500 questions
Does the 2013 RAM 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 16 safety recalls for the 2013 RAM 3500: Wrong lug nut torque spec can break wheel studs; Tailgate Can Unlatch and Open While Driving; Steering Link Can Separate, Causing Loss of Steering Control; Fire Extinguisher May Clog or Fail to Discharge; Transmission can shift out of Park without brake pedal. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 RAM 3500?
Based on 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (38), Engine (27), Suspension (18).
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 RAM 3500 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.