2013 Ram 1500 Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 93 brakes complaints for the 2013 Ram 1500, 7% of that year's 1,276 total complaints. Nine crashes and two injuries are tied to this area, with a median failure mileage of 75,000. Two brakes-related recalls exist for this model year.
- Brakes complaints
- 93
- 7% of 1,276
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 75,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report the ABS module failing, triggering a warning light and, in some cases, sudden loss of anti-lock braking, traction control, and 4-wheel drive while driving.
- Some owners describe the truck rolling or accelerating unexpectedly with the brake pedal pressed to the floor, unable to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision.
- Several complaints mention the vehicle losing brake control while parked or coasting, including one case where the truck rolled downhill after the gearshift was disturbed.
- Owners report the electronic braking system warning light illuminating intermittently at low speeds, with dealers unable to duplicate or diagnose the fault.
- One owner reported a software update disabling driving assistance features, which they believe contributed to a highway collision.
- A dealer reportedly diagnosed a failed ABS module but could not complete repairs due to a backordered part.
When 2013 Ram 1500 brake complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 16, 2013, latest Aug 27, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2013 Ram 1500
- NHTSA 13V287000Jul 2, 2013Brakes45,896 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013. Due to a software issue with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module, the ESC system may be disabled when the vehicle is started.
Risk: A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESC module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N37.
- NHTSA 13V128000Apr 3, 2013Brakes6,574 vehicles
Parking brake
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on a 20% grade. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the parking brake performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N22.
Brakes complaints by 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brakes complaints does the 2013 Ram 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 93 brakes complaints for the 2013 Ram 1500, which is 7% of the 1,276 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brakes recall for the 2013 Ram 1500?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two brakes-related recalls: campaign 13V287000 for an Electronic Stability Control software issue, and campaign 13V128000 for an incorrectly set parking brake cable equalizer.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2013 Ram 1500?
- The median mileage at failure for brakes complaints on the 2013 Ram 1500 is 75,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Have brake problems on the 2013 Ram 1500 caused crashes?
- NHTSA data ties 9 crashes and 2 injuries to brakes complaints on the 2013 Ram 1500.