NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Ram 1500 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2013 Ram 1500 has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,283 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ram dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Ram 1500, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2013 Ram 1500 owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,283 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ram 1500, describing incidents dated May 11, 2012 to October 26, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Steering 643 complaints
  • Electrical System 228 complaints
  • Engine 130 complaints
  • Air Bags 94 complaints
  • Power Train 86 complaints
  • Service Brakes 79 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).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11775272 · Filed

    i was driving and the headlights dimmed and went out, almost causing accident. I brought it to my mechanic and at [XXX] it says the alternator on your vehicle may experience a rapid alternator failure due to diode thermal fatigue. Variability in the failure mode ranges from no output, reduced…

  • ODI #11774968 · Filed

    While driving my truck, on a public roadway, I had a sudden, and complete lose of steering. A service power steering light and warning showed up on the dash. The vehicle cannot steer at all. Prior to this incident, there was no sign of failure or any warning lights.

  • ODI #11772708 · Filed

    The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with…

Read all 1,283 complaints

Owner-reported

2013 Ram 1500 mileage at failure

601 of the 1,283 complaints on file for the 2013 Ram 1500 give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
SteeringMedian 120,000 milesMiddle half 75,000–160,000 milesBased on 180 complaints
Air BagsMedian 60,000 milesMiddle half 35,000–85,000 milesBased on 54 complaints
Power TrainMedian 30,000 milesMiddle half 12,000–70,000 milesBased on 60 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Ram 1500 in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly

NHTSA #19V347000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Tailgate — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported May 9, 2019 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 1,103,209 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.75% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign V44 · Owners notified May 23, 2019 · Vehicles built June 20, 2012 – March 31, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Vehicle May Rollaway

NHTSA #17V821000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Lever and Linkage — Column Shift · NHTSA notice

Reported December 20, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 1,482,874 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.47% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T79 · Owners notified February 26, 2018 · Vehicles built May 28, 2008 – December 31, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Side Curtain Air Bags may not Deploy in a Rollover

NHTSA #17V302000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported May 9, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 1,021,279 vehicles

Repair completion: 67.68% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T25 · Owners notified June 26, 2017 · Vehicles built June 20, 2012 – July 10, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.

Safety consequence

If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Seat Cover Affects Air Bag Deployment

NHTSA #16E041000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported May 16, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 345 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.72% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign S30 · Owners notified July 1, 2016

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

Safety consequence

If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Radio Software Security Vulnerabilities

NHTSA #15V461000 · Equipment — Electrical — Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. · NHTSA notice

Reported July 23, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 1,416,903 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.79% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign R40 · Owners notified August 25, 2015 · Vehicles built June 20, 2012 – July 23, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.

Safety consequence

Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Inadvertent Driver Air Bag Deployment

NHTSA #15V459000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported July 22, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 1,059,444 vehicles

Repair completion: 74.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign R36 · Owners notified September 18, 2015 · Vehicles built January 18, 2011 – October 7, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

Safety consequence

This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment

NHTSA #15V460000 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice

Reported July 22, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 667,441 vehicles

Repair completion: 80.11% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign R23 · Owners notified September 8, 2015 · Vehicles built June 20, 2012 – January 26, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.

Safety consequence

Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Transmission Output Shaft may Fracture

NHTSA #13V610000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported December 6, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 4,194 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.38% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N65 · Owners notified March 31, 2014 · Vehicles built January 12, 2013 – June 27, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.

Safety consequence

The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Electronic Stability Control may be Disabled

NHTSA #13V287000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice

Reported July 2, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 45,896 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign N37 · Owners notified September 11, 2013 · Vehicles built June 26, 2012 – February 5, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013. Due to a software issue with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module, the ESC system may be disabled when the vehicle is started.

Safety consequence

A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESC module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N37.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

No Warning of Turn Signal Malfunction/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #13V237000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice

Reported June 4, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 17,411 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign N35 · Owners notified June 27, 2013 · Vehicles built September 9, 2012 – December 5, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps. In the affected vehicles, the turn signal indicator may not flash at a double rate to give a notification to the driver of a turn signal malfunction. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Safety consequence

Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N35.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Restricted Coolant Flow/FMVSS 103

NHTSA #13V177000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported May 7, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 498 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign N25 · Owners notified June 25, 2013 · Vehicles built June 25, 2012 – December 12, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Safety consequence

Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Parking Brake Cable may allow Truck to Roll

NHTSA #13V128000 · Parking Brake · NHTSA notice

Reported April 3, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 6,574 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign N22 · Owners notified April 22, 2013 · Vehicles built December 17, 2012 – January 22, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on a 20% grade. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the parking brake performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Safety consequence

If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N22.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Ram 1500 model years

Check your 2013 Ram 1500 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ram 1500 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Ram VIN