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 2500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 178 owner complaints about the 2013 Ram 2500, most often about the engine. It is covered by 14 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-499 the manufacturer reports only 11% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Ram 2500 has problems
178 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
43Engine1 crash/fire/injury
41Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
31Steering2 crash/fire/injury
23Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
22Fuel/propulsion system
22Power train4 crash/fire/injury
14Vehicle speed control
8Air bags
8Fuel system, diesel
3711 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 43 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 41 | 4 |
| Steering | 31 | 2 |
| Suspension | 23 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 22 | 0 |
| Power train | 22 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | 1 |
| Air bags | 8 | 1 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 8 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 37 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2013 Ram 2500 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 Q2
Equipment
Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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 · 2019 Q4
Engine: diesel
Risk. The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Show 10 more recalls
repaired · 2018 Q1
Wheels
Risk. If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 · 2018 Q2
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
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…
repaired · 2016 Q4
Air bags: side/window
Risk. Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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 Q3
Engine: diesel
Risk. If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
no report yet
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Improper headlight shutter function during high beam use may reduce the drivers visibility and possibly blind oncoming traffic.
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. The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
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 engine problems start?
30kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 29 engine complaints. 90% were reported before 100,000 miles.
14under 30k miles26under 100k miles3100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other 2500 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 2500 median. How we score
'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Ram 2500 safety ratings
2013 Ram 2500 Crew PU/CC 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 3 stars (23.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Ram 2500, and the recalls they led to.
- Steering loss due to linkage separationLed to recall 19V-021
- Software security vulnerabilityLed to recall 15V-508
- Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) FailureOpen
In owners' words
What 2500 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
1) AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON 2) ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. DODGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS JUST IGNORE IT. 3) 4X4 4WD HAS NO RESISTANCE ON INTERIOR GEAR SHIFT
Own a 2013 2500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.