repaired · 2023 Q3
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
2013 Ram 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 115 owner complaints about the 2013 Ram 3500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 16 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 October 8, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Ram 3500 has problems
115 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
38Steering4 crash/fire/injury
27Engine3 crash/fire/injury
18Suspension
17Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
15Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
15Vehicle speed control
12Power train1 crash/fire/injury
7Wheels
5Fuel system, diesel
2011 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 38 | 4 |
| Engine | 27 | 3 |
| Suspension | 18 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 15 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 15 | 0 |
| Power train | 12 | 1 |
| Wheels | 7 | 2 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 5 | 1 |
| 11 other systems | 20 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
16 recalls
2013 Ram 3500 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 · 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.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Link: connection
Risk. A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
Show 12 more recalls
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.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Wheels
Risk. If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 Q4
Steering
Risk. If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, 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: 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
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
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 steering problems start?
51kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 34 steering complaints. 79% were reported before 100,000 miles.
11under 30k miles27under 100k miles7100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other 3500 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 3500 median. How we score
'07'08'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Ram 3500, 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 3500 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle became uncontrollable and was difficult to maneuver while driving on the road. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the part was to repair the vehicle was on back order. While driving…
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65-68 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact decelerated, exited the freeway, and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The contact was able to…
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RECALL ISSUED BY NHTSA. THE RECALL WAS V06 DRAG LINK. WHEN THE RECALL WA PREFORMED, THE ALIGNMENT NUTS ON THE DRAG LINK WERE WELDED SO THE COULDN'T COME LOOSE. I'VE HAD TO HAVE MY TRUCK REALIGNED 2 TIMES SINCE THE DRAG LINK NUTS WERE WELDED. AS OF RIGHT NOW THE…
Own a 2013 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.