2013 Ram 1500 Structure & Body Problems
NHTSA lists 52 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Ram 1500, 4% of all 1,276 complaints filed for that year. Reported issues include fires, unintended power seat movement, dashboard breaking apart, and a tailgate latch recall covering 2013-2014 trucks. Median mileage at failure was 37,500.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 52
- 4% of 1,276
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 37,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Some owners report fires starting near the dashboard or engine bay, traced in at least one case to the body control module.
- Drivers describe the power seat sliding forward on its own during braking, which changed pedal pressure and made stopping harder.
- Several owners say the dashboard cracks and breaks into sharp plastic pieces over time, exposing wiring and airbag components.
- Door locks and the radio were reported to activate on their own while driving, with dealers unable to diagnose the cause.
- Owners in crashes reported that front or side airbags did not deploy despite direct impacts.
- One owner reported the truck bed splitting at both ends.
When 2013 Ram 1500 body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint May 8, 2013, latest Nov 17, 2025.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2013 Ram 1500
- 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.
Structure & Body 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 Structure & Body complaints does the 2013 Ram 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 52 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Ram 1500, which is 4% of the 1,276 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2013 Ram 1500?
- Yes. Recall campaign 19V347000 covers the tailgate latch on 2013-2014 Ram 1500 trucks, and Chrysler dealers repair it free of charge.
- What kind of Structure & Body problems do owners report?
- Owners report fires near the dashboard, unintended power seat movement while braking, dashboards cracking apart, and airbags failing to deploy in crashes.
- At what mileage do Structure & Body problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 37,500 at the time these failures were reported.
- Were any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?
- NHTSA recorded 5 crashes, 2 fires, and 6 injuries among the 52 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Ram 1500.