2013 RAM 1500 Electrical Problems

In December 2025, my check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes read P0128 (coolant thermostat) and U1467 (module communication). I took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed and repaired the issue. Shortly after, the check engine light returned, so the same mechanic replaced the ECM (plug and play). This repair did not resolve the check engine light. The mechanic recommended I take the vehicle to a dealership and identified a related service bulletin tied to Safety Recall N25 / NHTSA Campaign 13V-177 (three-way coolant valve). To confirm this diagnosis, I sought a second opinion from another independent mechanic. That shop purchased the coolant valve part directly from a dealership, installed it on my truck, and the same issue persisted. They also were unable to resolve it and advised me to take the vehicle to a dealership. I researched NHTSA Campaign 13V-177 (Chrysler Manufacturer Campaign N25) and confirmed that Chrysler recalled certain 2013 RAM 1500 trucks built between June 25, 2012 and December 12, 2012, because the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that prevents coolant flow to the heater core. The official remedy for this recall is replacement of the coolant valve along with an updated module calibration, performed by a dealer. I was told by dealership staff that there is no active recall on my vehicle. However, my truck matches the affected description, and I have not had the calibration portion of the recall remedy performed, only the physical part replacement, which two independent mechanics have already completed without resolving the underlying issue. My vehicle is currently at Landmark Dodge in Morrow, GA. Despite this being an open federal safety recall (13V-177/N25) with a remedy that includes a required software calibration update, the dealership is attempting to charge me for this repair, even though I have already paid to have the physical part replaced twice by independent mechanics.

NHTSA ID

11753492

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

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 home.I has a crank no start.That's where I am with.

NHTSA ID

11752138

Incident

Apr 14, 2026

EPS (Electronic Power Steering) failed while driving. Red steering wheel with exclamation point lights up on dash and loss of steering. Local dealership blamed it on low mileage and lots of city driving when I called them about repairs. They are a week out or more just to diagnose the issue. It has just over 95k miles.

NHTSA ID

11748074

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

While driving and making a left hand turn at a major intersection my electronic power steering failed and put myself and my passenger at risk as it was extremely difficult to make the turn and my truck ended up hitting the curb before completing the turn. There was the potential to hit pedestrians or other vehicles if I had not been able to turn the steering wheel manually. It was confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by any other individuals or entities. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to this immediate failure during a turn. Following the failure of the power steering a warning lamp appeared on the dash that said service power steering and stayed on.

NHTSA ID

11747725

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

The electric power steering light came on and has caused difficulties driving the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11745258

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

2013 Ran 1500 with 120000 miles. Service Anti-lock Brake System advisory message. Truck will start but will not switch into gear.

NHTSA ID

11743229

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

The vehicle experienced hard steering and intermittent loss of power steering assist while driving. The failed component was diagnosed by an independent repair facility as the electric power steering rack and pinion assembly and steering module. The repair shop replaced the rack and pinion assembly, reset steering codes, performed a wheel alignment, and road tested the vehicle. The steering failure created a safety concern because steering became difficult and required increased effort to control the vehicle, especially at lower speeds and during turning maneuvers. The condition was confirmed by an independent repair shop. The manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. The removed component may no longer be available for inspection because the repair has already been completed. Prior to the repair, the vehicle experienced intermittent hard steering and/or loss of steering assist. No specific warning lamps or messages are recalled at this time. This vehicle is a 2013 Ram 1500 and experienced symptoms similar to known electric power steering issues affecting similar Ram 1500 vehicles, although this VIN was not included in the recall population.

NHTSA ID

11736407

Incident

Feb 14, 2026

My electrical power steering randomly went out while driving come to find out I have to replace rack and pinion as well since my steering is electric. I have been trying to find a remanufactured rack and pinion with electric power steering for 4 months and everywhere is out of stock and on back order I’m very disappointed in this safety issue considering I’m a single dad of 3 and the steering randomly went in and out almost causing me to wreck. Then on top of that I can’t even get the part I need this isn’t okay and needs to be addressed asap

NHTSA ID

11728665

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

While driving home from work on the interstate, the steering locked up and became stiff. The power steering light came on the dash. It was very scary as it was on a high speed interstate with no ability to control it. The safety of myself and others were at risk as I could no longer fully control the vehicle. It has not been taken to a dealer as of yet. The component has not been inspected as of yet. No warning lights were on prior to this incident.

NHTSA ID

11722122

Incident

Jul 22, 2025

The Electric Power Steering Pump has failed. The same problem has been confirmed by the dealer where I take my vehicle to get all its oil changes etc. While driving the truck the power steering will randomly stop working. This is a huge safety concern especially since the 3 times it has happen I have my wife and [XXX] old son in the vehicle with me. I am able to turn the vehicle off and then back on. And the power steering will start working again. Obviously you can see that this is a giant problem a safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11721352

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

Power steering went out when i try to turn on car I get a red steering wheel with “!” Signal next to it and I am unable to use steering wheel

NHTSA ID

11715430

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

1. The component that fails is the EPS System and yes it is available for inspection. 2. My safety was put as risk because the wheel would not turn while driving home and I was almost involved in a crash. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced due to the wheel not turning efficiently and it happened for the first time today while driving. It has not been inspected 4. No it has not been inspected. The wheel will not turn efficiently. 5. The steering wheel warning lamp turned on suddenly when I went to turn into my neighborhood and could not turn the wheel. It was very scary and I could not make the turn.

NHTSA ID

11714629

Incident

Jan 30, 2026

A lot of the Ram and Dodge Vehicles are having the same problems and Stellantis has failed over and over to recall the item!!!! And has not!! did so I have a 2013 Ram 4x4 with only 90k miles on my truck this is the same problem I'm having Stellantis has issued several major recalls for vehicles experiencing simultaneous illumination of the ABS, brake, and traction control (ESC) lights. These issues typically stem from defective software or hardware within the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) control module. Major Recalls (2024–2026) Ram 1500 (2019, 2021–2024): Nearly 1.5 million trucks were recalled worldwide due to a software malfunction in the ABS control module that can inadvertently disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Jeep Grand Cherokee & Dodge Durango (2018–2019): Approximately 207,000 SUVs were recalled because a brake control computer could falsely read brake pressure, disabling ABS/ESC and causing brake lights to stay on. All came on at the same time!!! Make them fix it!! Because it didn't show up on my VIN RECALL Not to even talk about the New fuel system I had to pay for at 30K I got my truck brand new!!!

NHTSA ID

11712379

Incident

Sep 5, 2025

Service Power steering warning message popped up while driving and lost all control of steering in vehicle. Very dangerous situation while moving

NHTSA ID

11708719

Incident

Dec 25, 2025

Component or system that failed / malfunctioned The brake system (pads, calipers, hydraulic fluid) failed three times in less than 90 days. The right-side tie rod end also separated from the steering assembly. Both components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk The brakes repeatedly lost all stopping power while driving, with the pedal going to the floor and the reservoir emptying within minutes. On one occasion, the brake pads and caliper fell off the wheel assembly, confirmed by the dealer’s own shop manager. The tie rod failure caused uneven tire wear and a highway blowout, forcing an emergency tow. These issues placed me, my child, and other drivers at risk of a serious crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Premier Auto (the dealer’s affiliated garage) confirmed and attempted repairs three times. On the third visit, the shop manager (Mike) stated that the brake pads were so low they had fallen off, causing the calipers to overextend and leak. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by others? Yes. Premier Auto inspected and repaired the brakes multiple times. Dobbs Tire & Auto later inspected after the blowout and diagnosed additional electrical issues. Documentation, invoices, and photos are available. Were there warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms? The brake warning light illuminated and the pedal sank to the floor during failures. No prior warning lamps appeared before the tie rod separation or blowout. The failures occurred suddenly while driving.

NHTSA ID

11690765

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

Mileage

132,000 mi

Have not had any problems until this morning. Started the truck to move it and there was a warning flashing on the instrument cluster of a steering wheel and exclamation point. The power steering is not working at all. I have not been able to bring it to a dealer for diagnostics as it is unsafe to drive and can't afford to tow it at this moment.

NHTSA ID

11674882

Incident

Jul 20, 2025

Electronic throttle body system

NHTSA ID

11668369

Incident

Jun 21, 2025

I’ve owned the truck for about a month with 0 issues up to this point. I was driving home after work on June 17th 2025, when all of a sudden the service power steering light appeared on my dash and my power steering completely stopped working. It became almost impossible to turn the vehicles steering wheel and I almost ran into a building. After doing some research, this issue is apparently a common problem with this year model of ram pickups.

NHTSA ID

11667692

Incident

Jun 17, 2025

We recently bought the dodge truck from a dealer in Puyallup Washington and noticed it was hard to steer and pulling to the left and right when Turning. It was a hard pull ! Now we can't even drive the truck at all its hard to steer and there's a red light at the bottom of the cluster with a red circle and a exclamation mark.! We don't want to drive it as my husband says it's the electric power steering.the electronic steering does not work at all. We shouldn't be having this problem . As we only had it 5 mos.i don't know the approximate day but started shortly after we bought the truck. Thank you for reviewing our complaint. We are retired and needed a truck for hauling .

NHTSA ID

11666718

Incident

Jun 13, 2025

Subject: Power Steering Failure – Recall Concern on 2013 Ram 1500 Dear [Ram Customer Care / NHTSA / Dealership Representative], I am writing to formally express my concern regarding a serious safety issue I experienced with my 2013 Ram 1500, which has only 140,000 miles. While driving, I suddenly lost total power steering functionality. Fortunately, I was able to safely bring the vehicle to Piedmont Dodge in Anderson, SC. After paying a $185 diagnostic fee, I was informed that the steering rack and pinion had failed and would require full replacement. I was also told that the necessary part is currently on back order with no estimated time of arrival, which leaves me without a working vehicle and no clear resolution. What is especially troubling is that I’ve learned Ram issued recalls for steering issues on 2013–2016 Ram 1500 models—recall campaigns that clearly acknowledge this as a known and recurring problem. However, for reasons unclear to me, my specific VIN does not fall under the existing recall despite showing the same symptoms as vehicles that do. Given the nature of the failure—complete loss of power steering while driving—and the significant cost of repairs quoted to me (over $2,700 for parts and labor), I am requesting a thorough review of my vehicle's eligibility under the known recall campaign or warranty support. I strongly believe this issue reflects a broader systemic defect, not isolated wear and tear. I respectfully ask that Ram take responsibility for this critical safety concern and assist in resolving the issue either through recall expansion, goodwill repair assistance, or another appropriate remedy. I am eager to continue being a loyal Ram owner but believe this matter requires immediate attention and action. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] ] VIN: [XXX] [Vehicle: 2013 Ram 1500 | Mileage: 140,000 mi] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11665644

Incident

Jun 4, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to check the Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 136,000, and at the time of reviewing the Carfax, it was discovered that the mileage was 220,000.

NHTSA ID

11664275

Incident

Jun 2, 2025

Mileage

220,000 mi

The ABS, parking brake, and traction light are illuminated constantly when driving the vehicle. The vehicle’s braking system and other functions seem to work fine; however, I have lost the use of my cruise control functions. Unfortunately, the ABS module, which, from research, has been the main culprit that malfunctions, is no longer manufactured. This results in me finding a used ABS module via the internet.

NHTSA ID

11663922

Incident

Aug 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a loss of electric power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start or unlock. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown electric power steering recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11658463

Incident

May 2, 2023

Steering wheel jerks to center position when making turns and power steering has totally stopped working now

NHTSA ID

11655771

Incident

Apr 21, 2025

Lost complete steering with no warning or lights on the dash At risk none was parked and steered perfectly prior to parking There is a recall open for other vin numbers associated with the same issue

NHTSA ID

11645917

Incident

Mar 2, 2025