repaired · 2020 Q4
Tailgate: latch
Risk. If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
2013 Ram 1500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1,283 owner complaints about the 2013 Ram 1500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-347 the manufacturer reports only 57% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: LotPro Cars, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Ram 1500 has problems
1,283 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
643Steering21 crash/fire/injury
228Electrical system9 crash/fire/injury
123Engine7 crash/fire/injury
94Air bags23 crash/fire/injury
86Power train
69Service brakes
44Suspension
40Structure
37Vehicle speed control
19919 other systems19 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 643 | 21 |
| Electrical system | 228 | 9 |
| Engine | 123 | 7 |
| Air bags | 94 | 23 |
| Power train | 86 | 18 |
| Service brakes | 69 | 9 |
| Suspension | 44 | 4 |
| Structure | 40 | 6 |
| Vehicle speed control | 37 | 7 |
| 19 other systems | 199 | 19 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2013 Ram 1500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Lever and linkage: column shift
Risk. Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle…
repaired · 2018 Q3
Air bags
Risk. If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a…
repaired · 2017 Q1
Electrical: radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Risk. Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a…
Show 7 more recalls
repaired · 2016 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Air bags: side/window
Risk. Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2015 Q3
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Exterior lighting: turn signal
Risk. Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being…
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Parking brake
Risk. If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ram.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
90kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 181 steering complaints. 54% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 47% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
21under 30k miles97under 100k miles84100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Steering
59 owners mentioned a cost$3,100median
Middle half: $2,450 – $3,950
Engine
12 owners mentioned a cost$3,750median
Middle half: $875 – $5,000
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other 1500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 1500 median. How we score
'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Ram 1500 safety ratings
2013 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Ram 1500, and the recalls they led to.
- Vehicle RollawayNo recall
- Software security vulnerabilityLed to recall 15V-508
- Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power SteeringOpen
- Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) FailureOpen
In owners' words
What 1500 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
While driving my truck, on a public roadway, I had a sudden, and complete lose of steering. A service power steering light and warning showed up on the dash. The vehicle cannot steer at all. Prior to this incident, there was no sign of failure or any warning lights.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with…
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an unknown steering message displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the steering module was inoperable and…
Own a 2013 1500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.