Is the 2013 Ram 1500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Ram 1500 is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ram 1500?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Ram 1500 have?

12 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Ram 1500

◆ Worse than typical

2013 Ram 1500
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 1,275
Recalls: 12
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2013: 1,275 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	37
2010	0
2011	0
2012	0
2013	1,275
2014	1,766
2015	1,445
2016	1,545
2017	877
2018	658
2019	1,484
2020	633
2021	679
2022	614
2023	200
2024	75
2025	353
2026	97

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

50% · 639 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and electric power assist system.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-24

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The steering wheel seized, and the power steering warning light was illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-15

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was a flashing triangle symbol associated with the power steering fault displayed on the instrument panel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-15

Electrical system

18% · 227 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and switch.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I bought it in 2018 & 1 month later no radio, gps, backup any of the stereo system worked. The only thing that worked was volume. I took it in & they charged me $125 diagnosis & was gonna be over $600 for new system. I never got it fixed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-11

Also filed under Engine and visibility/wiper

Driving vehicle on paved roadway traveling appx 30 MPH. Vehicle burst into flames. Witness said flames shot out both sides of the vehicle from under the body. Large amount of smoke was around the vehicle as I pulled off the road.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-23

My vehicle gave my a check engine light after acceleration.I had it towed to a shop they checked everything in said they didn't see anything.So I drove it with no issues for about 5 months.I was driving to work in the truck lost power.I had it towed...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Engine

10% · 123 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Air bags

7% · 94 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

When passeat is decline the airbag warning light come on,have airbag service.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-24

Also filed under Seats

Power train

7% · 86 reports

Most commonly citing axle assembly and automatic transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. While the vehicle was parked, it rolled over the contact's foot, crashed into a tree in a grocery store parking lot, and struck a concrete pillar.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-21

Safety timeline

12 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2013Complaint volume 1,275 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2013-04-22Parking brake13V128000 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2013-06-25Engine and engine cooling13V177000 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2013-06-27Exterior lighting13V237000 Chrysler 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. In the affected…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler'

Check if this car was fixed →
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2013-09-11Electronic stability control (esc)13V287000 Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013. Due to a software issue with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESC module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2014-03-31Power train13V610000 Chrysler 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.…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2015-07-24Recall queryClosed 2016-01-05 Software security vulnerability
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2015-08-25Equipment15V461000 Chrysler (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 Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015...

Remedy: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-09-08Air bags, seat belts15V460000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2015-09-18Air bags15V459000 Chrysler (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 option.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2016-07-01Equipment16E041000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2016-12-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-01-25 Vehicle Rollaway
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2017-06-26Air bags17V302000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2018-02-26Power train17V821000 Chrysler (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 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500...

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2019-05-23Latches/locks/linkages19V347000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-08-04Recall queryOpen Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering
I
2025-07-03Recall queryOpen Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Ram 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 639 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 227 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 123 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V128000 · Parking brake
Recall 13V177000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 13V237000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 13V287000 · Electronic stability control (esc)
Recall 13V610000 · Power train
Recall 15V461000 · Equipment
Recall 15V460000 · Air bags, seat belts
Recall 15V459000 · Air bags
Recall 16E041000 · Equipment
Recall 17V302000 · Air bags
Recall 17V821000 · Power train
Recall 19V347000 · Latches/locks/linkages

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 Ram 1500 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Ram 1500 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ram 1500?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ram 1500 have?: 12 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.

2013 Ram 1500

Complaints per year

Known problem areas

Steering

Electrical system

Engine

Air bags

Power train

Safety timeline

Buy-smart checklist

Inspect

Verify these recalls were completed

Other years of this model

▲Best years3 years

■Worst years3 years

FAQ

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years