2013 Ram 5500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
17/100
#11 most-complained of 13 5500 years
The 2013 Ram 5500 has 4 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls, with a Complaint Index of 17 — ranked 11th out of 13 model years, meaning it's among the better years for reported problems.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2013 Ram 5500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (50%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (50%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (50%)
What owners report
- Front-end alignment problems caused abnormal tire wear, requiring owners to replace front tires more than once.
- Some drivers reported a delay in throttle response after flooring the accelerator, with the engine taking a noticeable moment to react.
- Owners reported a defective water pump and bearing that leaked coolant and damaged the belt, followed by check engine lights and multiple trouble codes after repair.
- On a truck fitted with a utility body and hoist, both rearmost suspension shackle bolts were found nearly backed out with the retaining nut missing.
2013 Ram 5500 recalls
9 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 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 5500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Ram 5500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2013 Ram 5500 has a Complaint Index of 17 and ranks 11th out of 13 model years, making it one of the years with fewer reported problems relative to other 5500 model years.
- What are the most common problems on the 2013 Ram 5500?
- NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Ram 5500 are split evenly between Engine, Suspension/Wheels/Tires, and Transmission & Powertrain issues, each accounting for 50% of the complaints filed (2 complaints each), with a median failure mileage of 22,500 to 45,010 miles.
- Does the 2013 Ram 5500 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2013 Ram 5500, covering areas including the engine (Cummins water pump), electrical system (alternator), airbags (steering wheel wiring harness), and suspension (lug nut torque specification).
- How does the 2013 Ram 5500 compare to other years?
- The 2013 model's Complaint Index of 17 is lower than several later years, including 2018 (75), 2020 (83), and 2022 (92), which are flagged as Avoid years for the 5500.