2013 Ram 1500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 Ram 1500 has a Complaint Index of 46 and ranks 8th worst among 14 model years, earning a Caution verdict that's capped due to 11 recall campaigns. Steering complaints dominate, making up 50% of all reports, with a median failure mileage of 91,040 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 46/100
- #8 of 14 1500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,276
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 11
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 72
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 10
- Injuries
- 37
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 15 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 37 / 0
Top 2013 Ram 1500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering637 (50%)
- Electrical System240 (19%)
- Engine165 (13%)
- Airbags94 (7%)
- Brakes93 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain86 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires58 (5%)
- Other56 (4%)
- Structure & Body52 (4%)
- Fuel System50 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners describe sudden underhood fires with smoke and flames coming through the dash while driving at low speed.
- Several report the rear axle failing at highway speed, causing loss of control and crashes.
- Owners describe the engine dying without warning at freeway speeds, sometimes repeatedly after dealer visits.
- Multiple reports describe airbags failing to deploy during moderate-to-severe side and frontal collisions.
- Some owners report the vehicle hydroplaning and losing traction and braking ability in wet conditions.
- One owner reported a fire starting under the dashboard while parked, later traced to the body control module.
2013 Ram 1500 recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V347000May 9, 2019Structure & Body1,103,209 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
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.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
- NHTSA 17V821000Dec 20, 2017Transmission & Powertrain1,482,874 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
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 rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
- NHTSA 17V302000May 9, 2017Airbags1,021,279 vehicles
Air bags:side/window:curtain
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
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 crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
2013 Ram 1500 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Ram 1500 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2013 Ram 1500 a Complaint Index of 46, ranking 8th worst out of 14 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped from a better score because of 11 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Ram 1500?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 50% of complaints (637 of 1,276), with a median failure mileage of 91,040 miles.
- Does the 2013 Ram 1500 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ram 1500, covering areas including airbags, transmission, brakes, and structure/body issues like the tailgate latch.
- How does the 2013 Ram 1500 compare to other years?
- The 2013 model's complaint index of 46 is better than 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019, all of which carry an Avoid verdict with higher indexes, but worse than the 2009, 2018, 2023, and 2024 model years.
- How many complaints does the 2013 Ram 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 1,276 complaints for the 2013 Ram 1500, including 72 crashes, 10 fires, and 37 injuries.