2013 Ram 5500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2013 Ram 5500 has a complaint index of 21, ranked 12th worst of 15 model years, with 4 complaints and 9 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. It has no assigned verdict, but its complaint index is lower than most later years like 2018, 2020, and 2022.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 21/100
- #12 of 15 5500 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 4
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2013 Ram 5500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (50%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (50%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (50%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front suspension wears out tires prematurely, with owners needing alignment repairs after replacing tires twice.
- Accelerator pedal shows a delay before the engine responds when pressed to the floor from a stop, raising safety concerns.
- Water pump and water pump bearing fail, causing coolant leaks and belt damage, with a check engine light appearing after repair.
- Rearmost shackle bolts on a utility body work loose, with threaded ends found mostly out of place and a 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?
- NHTSA lists 4 complaints for the 2013 Ram 5500 and a complaint index of 21, which ranks 12th worst out of 15 model years. This is lower than more recent years such as 2018 (79), 2020 (93), and 2022 (86).
- What recalls affect the 2013 Ram 5500?
- NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns tied to the 2013 model year, covering areas including suspension torque specs, engine water pumps, alternators, airbags, electrical connectors, and software vulnerabilities. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the top problem area for the 2013 Ram 5500?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Engine as the top problem area, tied with Suspension, Wheels & Tires and Transmission & Powertrain, each accounting for 2 of the 4 complaints (50% share).
- At what mileage do 2013 Ram 5500 problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 22,500 miles for the 2013 Ram 5500 overall, with Engine and Transmission & Powertrain complaints showing a median of 45,010 miles.