2013 Ram 2500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Ram 2500, 12% of that year's 178 total complaints. Owners commonly report the truck rolling or shifting out of park without the brake pedal depressed, plus a recall (17V821000) tied to the brake shift interlock. Median mileage at failure is 64,000 miles.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 22
- 12% of 178
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 64,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the truck shifting out of park or rolling away without the brake pedal being depressed, in some cases while unattended.
- Several owners describe a hesitation or lag of a couple seconds between pressing the accelerator and the vehicle responding, especially after letting off and reapplying the throttle.
- Some owners report the transmission getting stuck in fourth gear, with the check engine light illuminating and a solenoid replacement performed by the dealer.
- One owner described a torque converter that drains fluid back into the transmission when parked overnight, causing soft engagement of the gear and stalling.
- One owner reported violent shaking and a clanging or banging noise while driving, along with a feeling of losing power, followed by a fire.
- One owner noted that recall 17V821000 parts for the brake shift interlock were unavailable at the dealer when they tried to get the repair done.
When 2013 Ram 2500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 13, 2014, latest Nov 27, 2025.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 Ram 2500
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 2500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2013 Ram 2500 have?
- NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Ram 2500, which is 12% of the 178 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission-related recall for the 2013 Ram 2500?
- Yes. Recall campaign 17V821000, reported December 20, 2017, covers the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) on a range of Ram trucks including the 2013 2500. The remedy involves a software update and BTSI inspection, with replacement as necessary.
- What is the typical mileage when transmission problems occur?
- The median mileage at failure among reported cases in this area is 64,000 miles.
- Have transmission complaints led to crashes or fires?
- Among the 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Ram 2500, NHTSA data shows 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries.