repaired · 2023 Q3
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
2013 Ram 4500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2013 Ram 4500, most often about the engine. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-824 the manufacturer reports only 44% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 27, 2021. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Ram 4500 has problems
3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Engine
1Service brakes
1Suspension
1Visibility/wiper
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2013 Ram 4500 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 5 more recalls
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: 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
Structure
Risk. The incorrect attaching bolt may break or fall out, resulting in the vehicle suddenly pulling to one side, 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.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other 4500 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 4500 median. How we score
'08'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Ram 4500, and the recalls they led to.
- Software security vulnerabilityLed to recall 15V-508
- Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) FailureOpen
In owners' words
What 4500 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 4500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER NEEDED TO…
WINDSHIELD WIPER HOSES COME UNDONE ALMOST DAILY MAKING THE WASHER FLUID NOT FUNCTION. HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE ONCE ALREADY BUT THEN FIX DOESN'T LAST LONG. DEF SYSTEM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS AT 52000 MILES CAUSING TRUCK TO GO INTO LIMP MODE MAKING IT UNABLE TO GO OVER 5 MPH EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL OF DEF…
Own a 2013 4500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.