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2013 RAM 2500
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 178 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 RAM 2500, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and steering categories. 16 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 490 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2015 | 2 | 60 |
| Dec 2015 | 2 | 62 |
| Jan 2016 | 4 | 66 |
| Mar 2016 | 3 | 69 |
| Apr 2016 | 2 | 71 |
| May 2016 | 1 | 72 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 73 |
| Aug 2016 | 2 | 75 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 76 |
| Oct 2016 | 1 | 77 |
| Nov 2016 | 3 | 80 |
| Dec 2016 | 2 | 82 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 83 |
| Feb 2017 | 4 | 87 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 88 |
| Apr 2017 | 2 | 90 |
| May 2017 | 1 | 91 |
| Jun 2017 | 2 | 93 |
| Jul 2017 | 1 | 94 |
| Aug 2017 | 5 | 99 |
| Nov 2017 | 2 | 101 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 102 |
| Jan 2018 | 4 | 106 |
| Feb 2018 | 4 | 110 |
| Mar 2018 | 8 | 118 |
| May 2018 | 2 | 120 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 121 |
| Jul 2018 | 2 | 123 |
| Aug 2018 | 2 | 125 |
| Sep 2018 | 2 | 127 |
| Nov 2018 | 3 | 130 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 131 |
| Jan 2019 | 3 | 134 |
| Apr 2019 | 3 | 137 |
| May 2019 | 2 | 139 |
| Jul 2019 | 3 | 142 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 143 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 144 |
| Nov 2019 | 4 | 148 |
| Dec 2019 | 2 | 150 |
| Jan 2020 | 3 | 153 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 154 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 155 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 156 |
| Aug 2020 | 2 | 158 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 159 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 160 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 161 |
| Feb 2021 | 3 | 164 |
| Mar 2021 | 2 | 166 |
| May 2021 | 3 | 169 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 170 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 171 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 172 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 173 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 174 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 175 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 176 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 177 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 178 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine4719.1%
- Electrical4116.7%
- Steering3112.6%
- Fuel system3012.2%
- Suspension239.3%
- Powertrain (other)218.5%
- Driver assistance156.1%
- Brakes93.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
16 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSTEERING:LINKAGES
EQUIPMENT
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering loss due to linkage separation
On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to control or maintain the direction of the vehicle. During the investigation, it was determined that the same threaded coupler was used on two different drag link designs FCA manufactured on MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. FCA refers to the designs as either 4x2 or 4x4 style. In both designs, the coupler is prevented from turning on the drag link via two jam nuts that are tightened against the coupler. In its response to NHTSA's March 15, 2019, Information Request (IR) letter, FCA identified 48 incidents alleging separation of the steering linkage at the coupler resulting in a loss of steering control. Of those, 13 involved a crash, one of which resulted in an injury. All of the separations involved the 4x4 style drag link. Additionally, FCA's IR response refers to over 300 4x4 style equipped vehicles that experienced, or may have experienced loosening of one or more coupler jam nuts. On January 25, 2019, FCA submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) initiating NHTSA Recall No. 19V-021. In its DIR, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut in certain MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 could loosen potentially resulting in damage to the coupler and/or drag link threading allowing one end of the drag link to separate. The DIR notes that drag link separation results in loss of steering control, which in turn can cause a crash without warning. FCA's DIR did not identify a root cause for the defect, however it posits that an improperly torqued outboard jam nut could loosen, and with long-term vehicle use, cause damage to the outer link bar and/or coupler threads due to relative motion between the two components. The scope of Recall 19V-021 included vehicles with the 4x4 style drag link only. Also discussed in its IR response, FCA noted that the 4x2 style drag link contains a design difference (the outboard portion of the drag link is straight while the 4x4 style contains a bend) which it suggests may result in differences in the mechanical (bending) loads presented at the coupler and jam nut interface. Moreover, the DIR states that While root cause of the 4x4 style defect has not been established, FCA US believes that bending loads on the drag link is, at least, a causal contributing factor. FCA notes it did not identify any reports alleging 4x2 style separation as well as only three reports of loosening of jam nuts, two of which resulted in loosening that provided obvious warning to the vehicle operator, indicating a different failure mode.NHTSA is upgrading this investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 19-004 in order to continue to monitor the subject 4x2 style vehicles for evidence of field failures. Additionally, in conjunction with NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center, ODI intends to more thoroughly study potential root cause(s) of the 4x4 style defect mechanism, and if identified, will seek to determine if the 4x2 drag link is susceptible to the same mechanism(s). NHTSA will also evaluate the long-term suitability of the recall
Software security vulnerability
On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman International.On July 24, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU security vulnerabilities and remedy effectiveness in the recalled population and to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other FCA vehicles.In an August 11, 2015 letter, FCA submitted a second Part 573 safety recall report expanding the scope of the Uconnect RA4 model radio to include additional 7,810 MY 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured from September 18, 2014 through June 25, 2015 (Recall 15V-508).Scope analysis indicated that Uconnect radios installed in FCA vehicles not included in recalls 15V-461 or 15V-508 (subject recalls) are not equipped with built-in cellular access or short range wireless communication features and, thus, do not contain the security vulnerabilities addressed by the subject recalls. SUBJECT VEHICLES: MY2014 through 2015 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles; MY2013 through 2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500/5500 pickup trucks; MY2013 through 2015 Dodge Viper vehicles; and MY2015 Chrysler 200, 300, Jeep Renegade, Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles.According to FCA, long and short range wireless vulnerabilities identified in the recalled vehicles could allow unauthorized third-party access to, and manipulation of, networked vehicle control systems.Successful exploitation of the vulnerabilities, coupled with reverse engineering of networked microprocessor control modules, could result in unauthorized manipulation of vehicle control systems. This unauthorized manipulation of vehicle controls and systems could expose the driver, vehicle occupants or other highway users to an increased risk of injury.FCA and its network provider, Sprint, conducted a nationwide campaign to block access to a radio communications port that was unintentionally left open.On July 27, 2015, short range wireless vulnerabilities were also blocked.Finally, third party security evaluation and regression testing identified vulnerabilities that were either remedied by Sprint or through updates to the FCA Uconnect software.ODI identified a total of 30 complaints or field reports on unique vehicles submitted by FCA (29) or received by NHTSA (1) alleging incidents of theft from a vehicle or anomalous performance that the owner alleged were caused by, or may have been caused by, remote hacking.Twenty-six (87%) of these reports were submitted after a magazine article was published on July 21, 2015, describing the remote hacking of an FCA vehicle by researchers who were able to affect the operation of various vehicle control systems, including the service brakes, steering, throttle and ignition.Most of the complaints involved vehicle systems that were not safety critical (e.g., complaints related to radio, navigation system, or air-conditioning control) and did not affect vehicle control.Three complaints reported engine stalls.One owner reported sudden unintended acceleration allegedly related to hacking.None of the complaints or field reports reviewed involved the steering and braking vehicle control effects demonstrated by the research hackers prior to the recall.There were no confirmed incidents of hacking in any of the records reviewed by ODI.The remedies completed by Sprint and FCA appear to have eliminated vulnerabilities that mi
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The ABS module is not working. Part # 68052421AF is part of a recall # C4B but not for my truck. The VIN states it's been reprogrammed. What can I do?
- NHTSA ID
- 11742010
- Incident
- Mar 11, 2026
Jan 8 th had Ram 67A recall performed. Feb1 the EL on dash comes on and def system engine shutdown countdown. Feb 4 brought truck to dealer for service fix. Feb 5 dealer states that truck needs new DEF injector, Wiring harness , and SCR .and covered under the 67A recall warranty. Dealer states truck will be ready Feb 11. Feb 11 dealer states parts part out for devilery status but delayed with no eta on delivery date. Called dealer for status with same parts not available reply from dealer on Feb 11,17,18,23,24 March 2, 4 . Truck had been immobile at dealership for over 30 days and no delivery date available after 67A recall issues.
- NHTSA ID
- 11722441
- Incident
- Feb 4, 2026
Over time the transmission cooling line to the radiator was rubbing against another part in the engine compartment resulting in a hole in the line and eventually catastrophic failure of the line. This caused transmission fluid to be sprayed around the engine compartment and the roadway creating an environmental issue. This could cause loss of power, fire and damage to the environment. Online other users of same make model and year have reported the same issue.
- NHTSA ID
- 11701825
- Incident
- Nov 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was turned off and in park(P), the vehicle shifted into reverse after the contact’s son bumped into the column shifter. As a result, the vehicle rolled down hill coming to a complete stop after striking a fence post. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. A Police report was not filed. No injury was reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance but informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under recall in 2019. The failure mileage was 116,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11616887
- Incident
- Sep 22, 2024
- Mileage
- 116,000 mi
DTC C0020-01 appeared after hitting a speed bump along with service TCS and ABS system. This message is displayed sometimes at random but mostly during common bumps in the road. Any wheel spin during wet weather also creates the message. Contacted the local Chrysler deal and was informed this was common and to report it. I have yet to spend money to fix the issue since finding that the wrong part is often replaced and I am no longer under warranty.
- NHTSA ID
- 11554389
- Incident
- Apr 4, 2023
Hi, I own a 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and the door locks do not lock all the time. The concern here is that when I have children in the truck the child safety locks do not lock and to me this is a concern. I had the door lock actuators replaced and that still didnt fix the problem. After doing research, there is a body control module that controls all electrical functions to the interior of the truck. If you use a scan tool and clear any codes in the module the door locks work perfectly for about 5-6 start cycles. The part #68200252AG is not available through mopar and has no replacement part number that supersedes the old one. Other item to note is this part number is the 6th updated revision. There is something wrong here and Mopar doesnt seem to care.
- NHTSA ID
- 11552925
- Incident
- Oct 31, 2023
hi beam, low beam, both sides flicker, go off, then come on. Driver's side (low and hi beam) is now permanently off even after having a repair shop fix them.
- NHTSA ID
- 11546694
- Incident
- Sep 22, 2023
Front passenger door and both rear door locks operate intermittently. . Doors will unlock with key fob or either front door buttons or front door handles; but they will intermittently lock with key fob or front door buttons or while in drive. Doors not locking keep child safety locks from engaging and children being able to exit vehicle without being in park. Also, prevents vehicle from being securely locked and protecting from theft of items. Truck been to dealership and told of problem they checked but could only get it to replicate issue 2 times and found nothing causing the problem. I have also found multiple Ram forums with a lot of people with same issue. There haven't been any warning lamps or messages before or during issues. The problem is intermittently and has last anywhere from a couple of days to several months at a time.
- NHTSA ID
- 11487779
- Incident
- Oct 3, 2022
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
SERVICE BRAKES
Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
ENGINE
BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
ENGINE
BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 22 | 6 | 0 | 52.6 |
| 2025 | 60 | 6 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2024 | 54 | 5 | 0 | 65.0 |
| 2023 | 47 | 8 | 0 | 59.0 |
| 2022 | 174 | 12 | 0 | 58.4 |
| 2021 | 105 | 8 | 0 | 60.8 |
| 2020 | 162 | 10 | 2 | 61.6 |
| 2019 | 189 | 12 | 2 | 65.2 |
| 2018 | 2,534 | 10 | 4 | 68.2 |
| 2017 | 680 | 12 | 4 | 66.7 |
| 2016 | 256 | 14 | 3 | 63.8 |
| 2015 | 212 | 15 | 4 | 61.0 |
| 2014 | 341 | 16 | 4 | 59.8 |
| 2013Viewing | 178 | 16 | 3 | 61.4 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — |
| 2009 | 5 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2007 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2006 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2003 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.