2013 Ram 2500 Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 54 of 178 complaints (30%) filed on the 2013 Ram 2500, the highest share of any model year listed. Median mileage at failure is 28,000 miles, and three separate engine-related recalls (water pump, wiring harness, engine cover) apply to this year.
- Engine complaints
- 54
- 30% of 178
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 28,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe a "dead pedal" condition where the accelerator stops responding for several seconds after being released and then reapplied, often while merging or changing lanes.
- Several drivers report severe hesitation or lag on the 6.7L Cummins diesel when trying to accelerate quickly from low speed onto a highway or into traffic.
- One owner reported flames coming from the engine compartment after a remote start, with the vehicle towed and not driven again.
- A brand-new truck reportedly surged and lurched forward unexpectedly while approaching a stop sign, requiring the driver to shift into neutral.
- One complaint describes check-engine light illumination with strong fuel fumes entering the cabin, especially in cold weather, that the dealer could not diagnose.
When 2013 Ram 2500 engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 20, 2013, latest Mar 6, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2013 Ram 2500
- NHTSA 17V562000Sep 12, 2017Engine443,874 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Risk: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.
- NHTSA 14V635000Oct 8, 2014Engine315,325 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
- NHTSA 13V122000Apr 3, 2013Engine6,143 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover.
Risk: The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on May 31, 2013. A second letter was mailed to owners with instructions on how to obtain the free remedy on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N19.
Engine complaints by 2500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine complaints on the 2013 Ram 2500?
- Engine issues make up 54 of 178 total complaints for the 2013 Ram 2500, or 30% of all complaints filed for that year, the highest share among the model years listed.
- Is there a recall for the 2013 Ram 2500 engine?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three engine-related recalls covering the 2013 Ram 2500: campaign 17V562000 for Cummins 6.7L water pumps, 14V635000 for engine wiring harness connectors, and 13V122000 for the engine cover trapping heat.
- At what mileage do 2013 Ram 2500 engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 28,000 miles at the time engine-related failures were reported.
- What kind of engine symptoms do owners report most on the 2013 Ram 2500?
- Owners most often describe a delayed or unresponsive accelerator pedal, sometimes called "dead pedal," along with acceleration hesitation on the 6.7L Cummins diesel.
- Were there any crashes or fires linked to engine complaints?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash and 1 fire among the 54 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Ram 2500, with 0 injuries reported.