Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Ram 1500
The 2013 Ram 1500 has a notable number of recalls and owner complaints, particularly involving the steering, electrical system, and engine. With 1,281 complaints and 12 recall campaigns, potential buyers should thoroughly inspect these areas. However, some issues are not very common, indicating limited evidence of widespread problems. Careful attention during a test drive and asking the right questions to the seller can help ensure a sound purchase decision.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Ram 1500 has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,283 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 4 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V347000 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V821000 Vehicle May Rollaway NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V302000 Side Curtain Air Bags may not Deploy in a Rollover NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16E041000 Seat Cover Affects Air Bag Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V461000 Radio Software Security Vulnerabilities NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V459000 Inadvertent Driver Air Bag Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V460000 Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V610000 Transmission Output Shaft may Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V287000 Electronic Stability Control may be Disabled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V237000 No Warning of Turn Signal Malfunction/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V177000 Restricted Coolant Flow/FMVSS 103 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V128000 Parking Brake Cable may allow Truck to Roll NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 643 complaints
- Electrical System 228 complaints
- Engine 123 complaints
- Air Bags 94 complaints
- Power Train 86 complaints
- Service Brakes 69 complaints
Of the 1,283 complaints on file, 72 report a crash and 10 a fire; across all 1,283 complaints, owners report 37 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Steering failures
How to check: Test the steering at various speeds and angles.
Radio software vulnerabilities
How to check: Check for any unauthorized access or malfunctions.
Coolant bypass valve sticking
How to check: Ensure heater functionality on a cold start.
Air bags not deploying
How to check: Check airbag warning lights are off.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocking or grinding sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated check engine light.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Ensure smooth steering with no vibrations.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or wobbly.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor acceleration smoothness and response.
Red flag: Hesitation or stalling during acceleration.
- 05
Braking testing
What to check: Test for consistent, firm brake response.
Red flag: Brakes feel spongy or uneven.
- 06
Parking
What to check: Check the parking brake holds effectively.
Red flag: Vehicle rolls when parked on incline.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the powertrain been serviced recently?
- Have any recalls been performed?
- Are there any existing electrical issues?
- How often was the coolant system serviced?
- Has the steering issue been resolved?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty papers, if available
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Ram 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Ram 1500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.