2013 Ram 3500 Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 41 engine complaints for the 2013 Ram 3500, 36% of that year's 114 total complaints. Owners most often described throttle hesitation and delayed acceleration, with median failure mileage of 24,500. Three related engine recalls exist, covering water pumps, wiring connectors, and the engine cover.
- Engine complaints
- 41
- 36% of 114
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 24,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report a delay of one to several seconds between pressing the accelerator pedal and the truck actually responding, especially when releasing and reapplying throttle.
- This hesitation is described as most noticeable when merging into traffic, passing, or pulling out at intersections, creating near-miss situations.
- Some owners report the throttle warning light illuminating along with the vehicle behaving as if it independently changed speed.
- A separate cluster describes diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) consumption far above expected rates while towing.
- Other owners report diesel fuel odor entering the cabin, worse in cold weather, tied to a loose hose clamp that a dealer replaced but which recurred.
- One complaint describes smoke and fire under the hood linked to a known recall.
When 2013 Ram 3500 engine complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 27, 2014, latest Apr 17, 2023.
Engine recalls for the 2013 Ram 3500
- 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 3500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What engine problems are most reported on the 2013 Ram 3500?
- NHTSA lists 41 engine complaints for this year, the largest share (36%) of the 114 total complaints filed. The most common pattern owners describe is delayed or unresponsive throttle when accelerating from a stop or while merging.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2013 Ram 3500?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three engine-related recalls: 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 3500 engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 24,500 miles.
- Did the engine problems cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records zero crashes, three fires, and one injury among the 2013 Ram 3500 engine complaints.