2013 Ram 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 Ram 3500 has 114 NHTSA complaints, 16 recall campaigns, and a complaint index of 33, ranking 11th worst of 16 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped due to the 16 recall campaigns despite a moderate complaint index.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #11 of 16 3500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 114
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 16
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2013 Ram 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine41 (36%)
- Steering37 (32%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires26 (23%)
- Fuel System20 (18%)
- Electrical System17 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (10%)
- Other8 (7%)
- Brakes6 (5%)
- Structure & Body4 (4%)
- Airbags3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires reported after smoking under the hood, in one case tied to a known recall.
- Steering locks up completely at highway speed, sometimes with emergency flashers failing at the same time.
- Alternators catch fire or smoke after a low-battery warning, even after a prior recall inspection.
- Wheels separate from the axle at highway speed, in one instance while the ABS light illuminated and the truck shook violently.
- Diesel fuel odor enters the cabin at highway speed when the fresh air control is on, and dealers have been unable to duplicate the issue.
- A tie rod end previously flagged in a recall broke into two pieces at the adjustment sleeve while driving.
2013 Ram 3500 recalls
16 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V398000May 27, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires447,985 vehicles
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
- 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 19V021000Jan 25, 2019Steering795,575 vehicles
Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
2013 compared with other 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Ram 3500 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 114 complaints and a complaint index of 33 for the 2013 Ram 3500, ranking 11th worst out of 16 model years for this model. It carries a Caution verdict, not because of complaint volume alone but because of 16 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.
- What is the top problem area for the 2013 Ram 3500?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 41 complaints (36% of all complaints) with a median failure mileage of 24,500 miles.
- Does the 2013 Ram 3500 have steering recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 19V021000 covers 2013-2018 Ram 3500 trucks for a steering linkage jam nut that may loosen and let the drag link separate. Steering accounts for 37 complaints, 32% of the total, at a median 50,000 miles.
- How does the 2013 Ram 3500 compare to other years?
- The 2013 model's complaint index of 33 is far lower than 2018 (100), 2017 (87), and 2022 (93), all rated Avoid. It ranks better than most later years but still lands in Caution due to its 16 recall campaigns.
- Are there fire risks with the 2013 Ram 3500?
- NHTSA data shows 7 fire-related complaints for the 2013 model year, including engine compartment fires and alternator fires reported by owners.