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…
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.
| Component | Median | Middle half | Based on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | Median 120,000 miles | Middle half 75,000–160,000 miles | Based on 180 complaints |
| Air Bags | Median 60,000 miles | Middle half 35,000–85,000 miles | Based on 54 complaints |
| Power Train | Median 30,000 miles | Middle half 12,000–70,000 miles | Based 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.
- Recall Query RQ25-003: Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
Open since July 3, 2025
- Recall Query RQ23-003: Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering
Open since August 4, 2023
- Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014: Vehicle Rollaway
Closed January 25, 2024
- Recall Query RQ15-004: Software security vulnerability
Closed January 5, 2016
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