2013 Ram 2500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
8/100
#12 most-complained of 13 2500 years
The 2013 Ram 2500 has a complaint index of 8, the lowest of 13 model years, ranking it 12th worst (best overall) with 178 complaints and 14 recalls. Compared to years like 2018 (index 100) or 2017 (index 92), 2013 stands out as the strongest year for this model.
- Complaints
- 178
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 7
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2013 Ram 2500 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden steering arm failure at low mileage, causing loss of control and collision.
- Some report an alternator that overheats, smokes, or catches fire, sometimes after recall repairs were incomplete.
- A few describe a 'death wobble' — violent front-end shaking at highway speed that removes steering and braking control.
- Owners mention a 'dead pedal' condition where the accelerator briefly stops responding during driving.
- Some report airbags and seat belts failing to function correctly during a collision despite prior recall service.
- One owner described the truck rolling on its own after being put in park on snow-covered ground.
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?
- Among 13 model years of the Ram 2500, 2013 has the lowest complaint index at 8 and ranks 12th worst (best overall), earning a 'Best' verdict relative to other years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ram 2500?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues lead at 54 complaints (30% share), followed by Electrical System at 45 complaints (25%) and Steering at 31 complaints (17%).
- Does the 2013 Ram 2500 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2013 Ram 2500, including a 2017 recall for Cummins 6.7L water pumps, a 2017 airbag software recall, and a 2016 alternator replacement recall.
- How does the 2013 Ram 2500 compare to the 2018 model year?
- The 2018 Ram 2500 has a complaint index of 100 with 2,590 complaints and an 'Avoid' verdict, far worse than the 2013 model's index of 8 and 178 complaints.
- Were there fires reported in the 2013 Ram 2500?
- NHTSA lists 7 fire-related complaints for the 2013 Ram 2500, several tied to alternator failures in the Electrical System category, which had 3 fires among its 45 complaints.