2013 RAM 3500 Problems and Recalls (112 Complaints)
The most-reported problem on the 2013 RAM 3500 is Steering (19% of 112 owner reports). There are 18 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Steering — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 112 complaints · 18 recalls
What problems show up on the 2013 RAM 3500?
21 of 112 filings named Steering (19% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.
Second is Engine (17 reports).
There are 18 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Lights, Engine, Airbags, Electrical, Transmission / driveline, Steering, and Wheels. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.
The previous year is not published here. Use the year list to jump around.
What owners reported
System named most often: Steering 21 complaints · 18.8% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
- Crashes 3
- Fires 7
- Injuries 2
- Deaths 1
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
Which systems owners named
Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.
“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.
View component data as a table
| System / Component | Complaints | Share of Reports | Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering (STEERING) | 21 | 18.8% | 2 crashes · 0 fires |
| Engine (ENGINE) | 17 | 15.2% | 0 crashes · 1 fires |
| Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) | 13 | 11.6% | 0 crashes · 2 fires |
| Suspension (SUSPENSION) | 13 | 11.6% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) | 12 | 10.7% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) | 8 | 7.1% | 0 crashes · 2 fires |
| Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) | 6 | 5.4% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Wheels (WHEELS) | 6 | 5.4% | 1 crashes · 1 fires |
| Airbags (AIR BAGS) | 1 | 0.9% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Unclassified NHTSA leftover | 20 | 17.9% | 1 crashes · 2 fires |
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
When reports and recalls showed up
When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.
- Campaign 14V635000 was reported 189 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 15V461000 was reported 357 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 16V739000 was reported 884 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 17V562000 was reported 1,259 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 17V821000 was reported 1,269 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 18E096000 was reported 1,553 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 19V021000 was reported 1,654 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 19V347000 was reported 1,743 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 21V398000 was reported 2,213 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
| Date | Record type | Count | Record identifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-Q1 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2014-Q2 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2014-Q3 | Owner reports | 14 | |
| 2014-Q4 | Owner reports | 6 | |
| 2015-Q1 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2015-Q2 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2015-Q3 | Owner reports | 5 | |
| 2015-Q4 | Owner reports | 11 | |
| 2016-Q1 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2016-Q2 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2016-Q4 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2017-Q1 | Owner reports | 5 | |
| 2017-Q2 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2017-Q3 | Owner reports | 5 | |
| 2017-Q4 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2018-Q1 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2018-Q2 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2018-Q3 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2018-Q4 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2019-Q1 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2019-Q2 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2019-Q3 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2019-Q4 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2020-Q1 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2020-Q2 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2020-Q3 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2021-Q1 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2021-Q3 | Owner reports | 3 | |
| 2022-Q2 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2022-Q4 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2023-Q1 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2023-Q2 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2023-Q4 | Owner reports | 2 | |
| 2025-Q1 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| 2025-Q3 | Owner reports | 1 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 13V122000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 13V237000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 13V240000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 14V635000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 15V459000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 15V460000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 15V461000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 15V541000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 16E041000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 16V739000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 17V499000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 17V562000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 17V821000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 17V824000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 18E096000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 19V021000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 19V347000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 21V398000 | |
| Defect investigation | 1 | RQ15004 | |
| Defect investigation | 1 | PE18016 | |
| Defect investigation | 1 | RQ25003 |
Safety Recalls (18)
Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.
In short, these campaigns were filed about Lights, Engine, Airbags, Electrical, Transmission / driveline, Steering, and Wheels.
-
Recall campaign 13V122000
Safety recall 13V122000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
- Remedy:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on May 31, 2013. A second letter was mailed to owners with instructions on how to obtain the free remedy on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N19.
-
Recall campaign 13V237000
Lights
- Report date
- Component:
- Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
- 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.
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 13V240000
Lights
- Report date
- Component:
- Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
- Consequence:
- Improper headlight shutter function during high beam use may reduce the drivers visibility and possibly blind oncoming traffic. Either condition may increase the risk of crash.
- Remedy:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reconfigure the Central Body Controller, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N33.
-
Recall campaign 14V635000
Engine
- Report date
- Component:
- Engine (ENGINE)
- Consequence:
- If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 15V459000
Airbags
- Report date
- Component:
- Airbags (AIR BAGS)
- 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.
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 15V460000
Airbags
- Report date
- Component:
- Airbags (AIR BAGS)
- Consequence:
- Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 15V461000
Safety recall 15V461000
- Report date
- Component:
- Unclassified NHTSA leftover
- Consequence:
- Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 15V541000
Safety recall 15V541000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket over the front track bar bracket. This recall began on February 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R46.
-
Recall campaign 16E041000
Safety recall 16E041000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- 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.
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 16V739000
Electrical
- Report date
- Component:
- Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
- 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.
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 17V499000
Safety recall 17V499000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
-
Recall campaign 17V562000
Engine
- Report date
- Component:
- Engine (ENGINE)
- Consequence:
- The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 17V821000
Transmission / driveline
- Report date
- Component:
- Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
- 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.
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 17V824000
Safety recall 17V824000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 18E096000
Steering
- Report date
- Component:
- Steering (STEERING)
- Consequence:
- The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
-
Recall campaign 19V021000
Steering
- Report date
- Component:
- Steering (STEERING)
- Consequence:
- A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy:
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
-
Recall campaign 19V347000
Safety recall 19V347000
- Report date
- Component:
- Unclassified NHTSA leftover
- 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.
- 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.
-
Recall campaign 21V398000
Wheels
- Report date
- Component:
- Wheels (WHEELS)
- Consequence:
- 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.
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
What owners actually wrote
Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Showing 7 of 112 complaints · page 1 of 5
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle, the contact discovered there was a discrepancy in the mileage. The contact stated that the Carfax mileage was 47,029, and on March 10, 2015, the mileage was recorded at 49,873, and nine days later the mileage was recorded at 47,019.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65-68 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact decelerated, exited the freeway, and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the upper ball joints and control arms needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the upper control arms. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the upper ball joints were replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact stated that the upper and lower ball joints, the control arms, the bushings, and other unknown parts were replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RECALL ISSUED BY NHTSA. THE RECALL WAS V06 DRAG LINK. WHEN THE RECALL WA PREFORMED, THE ALIGNMENT NUTS ON THE DRAG LINK WERE WELDED SO THE COULDN'T COME LOOSE. I'VE HAD TO HAVE MY TRUCK REALIGNED 2 TIMES SINCE THE DRAG LINK NUTS WERE WELDED. AS OF RIGHT NOW THE NUTS ARE NOT WELDED AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE DRAG LINK IS COMPROMISED. I'VE HAD IT INTO 3 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS AND EACH SAY THAT WELDING THE NUTS SHOULD ONLY BE A TEMPORARY FIX NOT A PERMANENT FIX. SINCE THE WELDING, I'VE HAD STEERING ISSUES WITH MY TRUCK WHICH IS WHY I'VE HAD IT IN THE REAPIR SHOPS. I FEEL THAT THE DRAG LINK NEEDS A TOTAL REPLACEMENT AND NOT A BANDAID FIX. I'VE CONTACTED FCA 2 TIMES AND HAVE A CASE NUMBER, #[XXX]. THE CALLS MADE WERE ON OCT. 10 & OCT 24. I'VE ALSO CONTACTED THE THE RAM DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA WHERE I GET SERVICE DONE AND HAVE "0" RESPONSE FROM THEM. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. THE WELDING OF A STEERING COMPONENT (DRAG LINK) IS NOT A FIX. I HAVE HAD STEERING ISSUES AND DEATH WOBBLE OCCUR SINCE THIS RECALL WAS COMPLETED. I'VE HAD IT IN FOR 2 ALIGNMENTS. I'M WORRIED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY NOT HAVING THIS ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF. PLEASE ADVISE ON MY NEXT STEPS THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION. RECALL - V06 NHTSA 19V-021 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
CrashFireInjuryDeath
When having to brake hard, the lining of the pressure line from the pump to the hydro booster comes apart and causes the brakes to not work and the power steering to act up. The plastic lining shoots into the booster causing it to fail. They don’t make a replacement line so I was forced to fabricate one. Very expensive fix.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Truck was repaired June 2019. They welded the jam nut which made it impossible to get an alaignment.Been having a open claim with Chrysler Jeep and Dodge going on 2 years per claim #78469040 Front Suspension Track Bar Frame Bracket ( vehicle recently started to do the death wobble again)
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the tailgate would fall open unintendedly while driving and the tailgate would fail to close securely after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the tailgate was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V347000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the failure reoccurred while the contact was attempting to drive off the dealer's parking lot. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the following day, the dealer was able to close the tailgate securely; however, the failure persisted while driving. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Took truck to Mac Haik here in Houston to perform the recall.The jam nut on drag link was welded,which was not a fix.Went back after being told truck can't be aligned with the drag link being welded.Was told I'd have to pay out of pocket for the weld to be cut,which sense have led to other issues with the front suspension. Attached is docs concerning this matter .....I been having a open claim with Dodge Chrysler and Jeep for over 2 years.Is there any remedy for such a problem?
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems on the 2013 RAM 3500?
Owners named Steering most often — 21 of 112 reports (19%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.
Are there recalls for the 2013 RAM 3500?
NHTSA lists 18 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Lights, Engine, Airbags, Electrical, Transmission / driveline, Steering, and Wheels. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.
What should I inspect before buying a 2013 RAM 3500?
Look up the VIN for open recalls. Check for play in the wheel, noises on lock and whether it tracks straight. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.
Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?
No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.
Estimated Ownership Cost
EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates
Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Adjacent Model Years
Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
Methodology & Data Integrity
Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.