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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Ram 4500 Recalls & Complaints

The 2013 Ram 4500 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 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 4500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2013 Ram 4500 owner complaints

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ram 4500, describing incidents dated September 29, 2015 to February 13, 2019.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 2 complaints
  • Service Brakes 1 complaint
  • Suspension 1 complaint
  • Visibility/Wiper 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11256915 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 4500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER NEEDED TO BE…

  • ODI #11180420 · Filed

    WINDSHIELD WIPER HOSES COME UNDONE ALMOST DAILY MAKING THE WASHER FLUID NOT FUNCTION. HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE ONCE ALREADY BUT THEN FIX DOESN'T LAST LONG. DEF SYSTEM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS AT 52000 MILES CAUSING TRUCK TO GO INTO LIMP MODE MAKING IT UNABLE TO GO OVER 5 MPH EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL OF DEF…

  • ODI #10782833 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 4500.THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE CALIBERS WERE STUCK TO THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE…

Read all 3 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Ram 4500 in 2 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

Wheel Studs May Break

NHTSA #21V398000 · Wheels — Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · NHTSA notice

Reported May 27, 2021 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 447,985 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.41% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign Y26, Y36 · Owners notified August 26, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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.nhtsa.gov.

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

NHTSA #17V824000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported December 21, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 61,791 vehicles

Repair completion: 48.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T82 · Owners notified February 14, 2018 · Vehicles built July 12, 2011 – November 14, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

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 February 3, 2010 – 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.

Water Pump Leak may cause Fire

NHTSA #17V562000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported September 12, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 443,874 vehicles

Repair completion: 81.11% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T51 · Owners notified February 26, 2018 · Vehicles built October 24, 2012 – February 28, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.

Safety consequence

The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.

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.

Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall/Fire

NHTSA #16V739000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported October 13, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 74,811 vehicles

Repair completion: 66.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign S68 · Owners notified December 23, 2016 · Vehicles built February 3, 2010 – June 1, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.

Safety consequence

If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.

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.

Fuel Heater may Leak and could Increase Fire Risk

NHTSA #14V635000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported October 8, 2014 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 315,325 vehicles

Repair completion: 71.01% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign P65 · Owners notified April 27, 2015 · Vehicles built March 27, 2009 – September 5, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

Safety consequence

If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.

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.

Track Bar may Detach/Loss of Directional Control

NHTSA #13V288000 · Structure · NHTSA notice

Reported July 2, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 747 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign N41 · Owners notified September 3, 2013 · Vehicles built January 22, 2013 – March 8, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2013, through March 8, 2013. An incorrect bolt may have been used to attach the track bar to the frame.

Safety consequence

The incorrect attaching bolt may break or fall out, resulting in the vehicle suddenly pulling to one side, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the track bar fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 3, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N41.

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.

Other Ram 4500 model years

Check your 2013 Ram 4500 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ram 4500 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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