2013 Ram 2500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 Ram 2500 has a complaint index of 15 and ranks 12th out of 14 model years, earning a Caution verdict capped by 14 recall campaigns. Engine (30%) and Electrical System (25%) complaints dominate, including alternator fires and water pump failures.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 15/100
- #12 of 14 2500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 178
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 14
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2013 Ram 2500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine54 (30%)
- Electrical System45 (25%)
- Steering31 (17%)
- Fuel System30 (17%)
- Other23 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires23 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain22 (12%)
- Brakes11 (6%)
- Airbags8 (4%)
- Structure & Body5 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering components, including tie rods and the steering arm, have broken or failed suddenly, sometimes causing loss of control at speed.
- The alternator has failed and caught fire in the engine compartment, in some cases even after recall repairs were performed.
- Owners describe a 'death wobble,' a violent front-end shaking at highway speeds that made steering and braking difficult.
- The accelerator has gone unresponsive after being pressed and released, described by owners as a 'dead pedal.'
- Airbags and seat belts have failed to work as intended during a crash, including non-deployment and belts that would not release.
- The truck has rolled away unexpectedly after being put in park, in one case striking the owner.
2013 Ram 2500 recalls
14 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 17V824000Dec 21, 2017Other61,791 vehicles
Equipment
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
- 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.
2013 compared with other 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Ram 2500 reliable?
- Compared with other Ram 2500 model years, 2013 has a complaint index of 15 and ranks 12th of 14 years, which is relatively low. Its verdict is Caution mainly because of 14 recall campaigns, not high complaint volume.
- What are the most common problems on the 2013 Ram 2500?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Engine issues lead at 30% of complaints, followed by Electrical System problems at 25%, including alternator fires, and Steering complaints at 17%.
- Does the 2013 Ram 2500 have a recall for alternator fires?
- Yes. Recall 16V739000 covers the electrical system and alternator replacement, and NHTSA sample complaints describe alternator fires occurring even after the recall repair was attempted.
- How does the 2013 Ram 2500 compare to other years?
- 2013 has a complaint index of 15, much lower than 2018's 100 or 2017's 92, both rated Avoid. Only 2009, 2023, and 2025 have lower or comparable index scores among the listed years.