2013 RAM 1500 Problems

Power steering has failed. The vehicle is available for inspection. The steering without power assist is worthless. There is no way to avoid any kind of emergency incident. An independent repair shop has verified that the steering doesn't work. No one else has inspected the vehicle. In the dashboard information panel there is a flashing red warning light that was on when the vehicle was started. The symbol is a steering wheel and an exclamation mark. This first appeared on July 10, 2026.

The power steering light is on and will not steer properly. The vehicle is well maintained with only 70k. I have read some other issues with steering.

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.

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.

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.

I have my vehicle at the dealership to check a ticking noise from the 5.7L engine in my truck. I was told that there are broken exhaust bolts causing the noise. I see online that this is a common issue and that there is a recall for this issue, but my vehicle is not included in the recall list. I feel that the recall should cover my vehicle as well. Since it is the same issue of the current recall.

Recently purchased the truck an warning light of low beam headlight out keeps coming on, but light is working fine, also horn and left controls on steering wheel dont work. Found There was a recall 15V459000 dealer said was completed in 2015 so is no longer warranty but the issue is happening now and it says it can cause a wire short that can cause airbag deployment

My truck for several years has intermittently turned off all safety features and steering control, i.e. air bags, traction control, anti lock breaks, and power steering all turn off randomly which in turn disables the cruise control, towing functions, etc. In the past I could turn the truck off then back on and the problems would dissappear, Now the problem has escalated and is occurring at shorter intervals now turning it off doesn't work and its getting dangerous. There is various recalls for these problems with same make and years model trucks, but mine is not included. I've tried contacting the dealer but they basically say sorry we can't help you unless your truck is added to the recall list. It's just not right that 1000's of vehicles the exact same as mine have been recalled for the exact same problems but not mine. Thanks for your time!

Abs module shut down causing truck to lose control. Now all drive train systems are locked out

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

Abs module shut down causing truck to lose control. Now all drive train systems are locked out

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

Abs module shut down causing truck to lose control. Now all drive train systems are locked out

Dash light came on for ABS. Took my truck to a Dodge Dealership to be repaired plus other non urgent work to be done. On my way to taking it to the Dealership, I started experiencing issues with braking and right before I arrived, braking meant pushing the brake pedal all the way to the floor, it also felt delayed. While checking in my truck with the Service Department, they mentioned some Recalls that I needed done and they would take care of everything. Received a call later that everything was replaced except for ABS Control. They said they didn't have one and would search for it. Week went by, I called and they said it was back ordered with no ETA. It has been there since August 2025. My only vehicle. No warranty but I still owe 11k to the bank. I contacted Ram which sent me to contact Stellantis. Explained everything in hopes they would provide a loaner or rental. This is their response. I understand your frustration. The Stellantis rental reimbursement policy is a goodwill consideration. If the vehicle doesn't meet the guidelines the request is rejected. There is no exception, or appeal process. Let me know if you have any questions or further concerns. I replied, I am requesting exception review due to a manufacturer-controlled backorder of a safety-critical ABS component that has rendered the vehicle undrivable. This is the last communication I received which is from today 2/12. There is still no definite ETA for the part at this time, but our parts team is still working to get it expedited. I will receive another update in 5-6 business days and will follow up with you then.

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.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was at a stoplight, the fuel tank detached. The driver was able to reconnect the tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Ram has a known issue with the air suspension giving out which can cause the lights to shine up in the air or lower on the pavement. This can also lead to one side dipping or leaning which makes driving difficult at best. It’s such a known problem many individuals opt to delete the suspension and go with one of the many after market shock replacements. Have not had it in the shop because of age. Does air down over time or dip. Love this truck and it only has 18K miles on it so not over use.

While performing a left-hand U-turn across three lanes and into the far right-hand 4th turning lane, at less than 15mph my 2013 Ram 1500's power steering failed and jerked the wheel out of my hands back towards the neutral position. This action forced me across all the lanes and into the curb on the right edge of the 4th lane which was the turning lane that I was trying to reach. When I finally got the vehicle off the curb and was able to get the vehicle into the parking lot I was originally going to, the power steering seamed to operate breifly as long as the wheel was turned slowly and under speeds less than 10mph, so I limped it home. This however was short lived by the end of the next day I had totally lost all power steering assist and had to fight the wheel to turn at all. This led to having the electronic power steering rack assembly replaced at a local shop adding up to a total of $4943.55 US dollars. After receiving my 2013 Ram 1500 from the shop I began to experience heavy vibrations felt through the steering wheel and pedals. The vibration was caused by the damaged front passenger wheel hub which cost a further $400 plus dollars in parts and labor. The electronic power steering rack assembly had to be turned in for a core charge and is unavailable for inspection but had signs of water intrusion according to the shop. The associated bushings, tie rod ends and wheel hubs were either discarded or turned in for additional charges and are unavailable for inspection. My safety was threatened when the steering gave out mid turn while I was crossing oncoming traffic in the three through traffic lanes. The "service power steering" warning light did illuminate when the power steering failed and the initial impact with the curb occurred then went away after stopping. However, the "service power steering" light returned the next day. The electronic power steering rack was verified to be the cause of the failure at the local service center that performed the repairs.

I was alerted today November 2025 that the fuel tank bracket support strap was unable to be reattached to the frame due to a rusted frame body where it was supposed to attach to. Luckily, it didn't come completely off and allow the fuel tank to drop to the ground while I was driving with my 2 young children in the truck causing a massive fatal accident. I spoke with the dealership regarding any recalls/coverage for this item and was made aware that they was an extended unlimited mileage warranty on this particular item that just expired in April 2025. Here we are just a few months past that and I've been alerted to the same issue, but am being told that it cannot and will not be covered as the warranty has expired. I escalated to RAM corporate customer care and was told the same thing, that they would not cover the issue and no manager would call me back at all. This is a known safety failure of this vehicle which was left by the company to be found by the driver AFTER it broke which could have had a disastrous outcome. This should have been a recall with a fix provided instead of rolling the dice with peoples lives. This could have happened months ago, well within the warranty period, but got worse and worse little by little until we got to this point now. Even me finding it now was serendipitous as I just happened to be under the truck performing other work. The company should 100% cover this repair based on their obvious knowledge of the safety problem.

SAFETY DEFECT: Database Classification Failure - 2013 Ram Vehicles Vehicle: 2013 Ram 1500, VIN: [ENTER VIN ABOVE] Owner: [ENTER NAME ABOVE] Email: [ENTER EMAIL ABOVE] Phone: [ENTER PHONE ABOVE] Defect Description: The 2013 model year Ram vehicles suffer from a systematic database classification failure that prevents normal ownership operations and creates safety hazards. Due to the Dodge-to-Ram brand transition in 2013, these vehicles are not properly recognized in automotive databases used by: • Auto parts retailers (O'Reilly's, AutoZone, etc.) • Insurance companies and quote systems • Tire retailers and service centers • Emergency roadside assistance systems • Government vehicle registration systems Safety Implications: • Inability to quickly procure critical replacement parts during emergencies • Delays in obtaining proper insurance coverage • Emergency service complications due to vehicle misidentification • Forced manual workarounds that increase human error risk Consumer Impact: Vehicle owners are forced to spend excessive time and resources (phone calls, manual lookups, repeated explanations) to perform basic vehicle ownership functions. This constitutes an operational defect that prevents normal commercial transactions. Requested Action: NHTSA should require Stellantis to issue a recall to correct the database classification error across all automotive systems, or provide alternative identification mechanisms that ensure proper vehicle recognition. Root Cause: Stellantis' failure to properly coordinate database updates during the 2013 Dodge Ram to Ram transition, leaving vehicles in a "database orphan" state.

DEFECTIVE headlamps. Excessive moisture builds up in housing effecting performance of lights in evening. Was stopped by DPS for having bad headlamps. Dealership says it normal, no its not. It's very unsafe to drive at night with moisture in lamps. Had it looked at or inspected by independent shop and DPS. My safety is at risk for you can't see at night with all the moisture in lamps. This is a common problem with Ram 1500 all over the internet.

ABS system has failed and damaged the traction control module. Speedometer does not work and brake lights stay on constantly. Power steering assist does not work. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and cannot get the parts to fix these issues.

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. In 2022 with only 122000 miles it had to go in the shop for an engine overhaul because of the problem with missing on 5th cylinder. I have never owned a Dodge Ram before & never will again. I have had nothing but problems with it. I made phone calls & wrote emails & the closest I got to a recall is 2014 was the cutoff year & mine is 2013. I did back into a dumpster because the backup camera doesn’t work in January of 2020. I had insurance with White’s Insurance out of Purdy but I don’t have the paperwork anymore.

All instruments and control of window wipers stopped responding to their switches. Wipers will not turn off, no horn, no working switches on steering wheel, communication to abs system, trailer brakes, data from abs not being received. Dash cluster flashes out for about 10 seconds while driving not knowing if the vehicle is still running while on the highway or freeway. Everything is pointing to the steering wheel clock spring. All replaced but still no controls or horn or ability to run vehicle safely on the roads. Will not pass inspection from this issue.

While performing a left-hand U-turn across three lanes and into the far right-hand 4th turning lane, at less than 15mph my 2013 Ram 1500's power steering failed and jerked the wheel out of my hands back towards the neutral position. This action forced me across all the lanes and into the curb on the right edge of the 4th lane which was the turning lane that I was trying to reach. When I finally got the vehicle off the curb and was able to get the vehicle into the parking lot I was originally going to, the power steering seamed to operate breifly as long as the wheel was turned slowly and under speeds less than 10mph, so I limped it home. This however was short lived by the end of the next day I had totally lost all power steering assist and had to fight the wheel to turn at all. This led to having the electronic power steering rack assembly replaced at a local shop adding up to a total of $4943.55 US dollars. After receiving my 2013 Ram 1500 from the shop I began to experience heavy vibrations felt through the steering wheel and pedals. The vibration was caused by the damaged front passenger wheel hub which cost a further $400 plus dollars in parts and labor. The electronic power steering rack assembly had to be turned in for a core charge and is unavailable for inspection but had signs of water intrusion according to the shop. The associated bushings, tie rod ends and wheel hubs were either discarded or turned in for additional charges and are unavailable for inspection. My safety was threatened when the steering gave out mid turn while I was crossing oncoming traffic in the three through traffic lanes. The "service power steering" warning light did illuminate when the power steering failed and the initial impact with the curb occurred then went away after stopping. However, the "service power steering" light returned the next day. The electronic power steering rack was verified to be the cause of the failure at the local service center that performed the repairs.

Lost my eps while I'm driving on school zone and can't turn the wheels snd i end on crash it

The contact owned a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 60-65 MPH on the highway, he crashed head-on into a culvert. The driver side air bag failed to deploy, and the front driver’s side seat belt failed to retract. A police report was filed. The ambulance arrived on scene and transported the driver to the hospital where he suffered from a chipped and fractured vertebrae. The driver was the only occupant at the time of the failure. The vehicle was deemed totaled. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot where the insurance company was retrieving the vehicle from. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RE-ALIGN TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. THE CONTACT VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE, LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE, INNER TIE ROD END, SHOCK ASSEMBLY AND LOWER CONTROL ARM TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE STEERING RESUMED TO NORMAL BUT DUE TO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DAMAGE, IT NEEDED TO BE TOWED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN HIM. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HIT HIS FACE AND WRIST AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD GLASS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED HE WOULD BE GOING TO THE HOSPITAL FOR HIS INJURIES. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V347000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) and 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while moving the gear shifter out of park(P), the gear was stuck in park(P). The contact opened the door and rocked the vehicle back and forth, then closed the door and moved the gear shifter out of park(P). The contact moved the gear shift lever. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was part of the inheritance his father left. The contact's father had experienced the same failure. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after the vehicle was started, the power steering failed to function as intended and locked up, and the contact was unable to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact used force to move the steering wheel. The message "check the steering" was displayed on the dashboard. Most recently, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact used force to maneuver the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the electrical system inside the rack and pinion had failed. The contact was informed that the entire steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated they received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V347000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 17V821000 (Power Train); also the contact stated that the ABS warning light was blinking, and the engine light was illuminated However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to another local dealer and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500 EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRES, SIZE: P275/60R20. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES HAD NO TREAD AND WERE LESS THAN A YEAR OLD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE, BUT THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE, DOT NUMBER, AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

2013 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD, TIRE BALANCE ISSUES, CLOCK, IGNITION MALFUNCTION AND OTHER MECHANIC PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE CLOCK AND IGNITION SWITCH WERE REPAIRED. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. THE DEALER OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH REPAIRS FOR THE TIRES, BUT THE CONSUMER DECLINED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS MADE,TO BE ADVISED ABOUT WARRANTIES, AND A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/10/2017*JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE RPM'S INCREASED TO 1100 AS THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE CONTINUOUSLY OCCURRED OVER A PERIOD OF EIGHT MONTHS HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.