Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2013 Ram 2500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2016 to Dec 2015
The most reported issue is electrical system problems (20 complaints). 7 complaints involved crashes. 7 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (16)
NHTSA Campaign: 18E096000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V347000
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V824000
Component: EQUIPMENT
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
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V821000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V499000
Component: WHEELS
Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
Risk: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V302000
Component: AIR BAGS
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V562000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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.
Risk: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V739000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V459000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 16E041000
Component: EQUIPMENT
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V460000
Component: SEAT BELTS
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.
Risk: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V461000
Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
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.
Risk: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V635000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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.
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V237000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V240000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with optional premium headlamps. The headlamp shutters may function improperly when in high-beam mode. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V122000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover.
Risk: The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 177)
Unknown Or Other →3 issues
Your transmission's shift solenoid may be malfunctioning, which controls when your truck changes gears. You might experience rough shifting, delayed gear changes, or your transmission going into limp mode. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the solenoid with a scan tool and either cleaning, repairing, or replacing the faulty solenoid.
Parts you may need:
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Your check engine light turns on when you start the truck. You had it diagnosed and found it's related to the DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) system. Even though you had a DEF recall repair done a couple years ago, the same problem is causing the light to come back on now. The fix will likely involve inspecting and possibly replacing DEF system components or sensors.
Parts you may need:
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Your door locks are acting up—they're locking and unlocking on their own without you touching anything, and sometimes they won't lock at all even when you press the fob button or the interior lock button. You have to repeatedly hit the buttons before the doors finally lock. This has happened while driving straight down the road and also when you're just trying to lock or unlock the truck.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →2 issues
Your parked truck shifted into reverse and rolled downhill when someone bumped the gear shift, even though the engine was off. The vehicle struck a fence post but the airbags didn't deploy. This issue appears to be related to a known transmission problem that Ram recalled in 2019, and your truck may have already been repaired under that recall.
Parts you may need:
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After you turn off your engine and remove the key from the ignition, you're still able to shift gears even though the key is out and your foot isn't on the brake. Normally, the transmission should be locked in Park once the engine is off and the key is removed. This could be a problem with the transmission shift interlock mechanism that's supposed to prevent gear shifting when the key isn't in the ignition.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →2 issues
While driving on an interstate highway, your Ram 2500 suddenly lost engine power, nearly causing a collision with following vehicles. The dealer found that the diesel particulate filter had exploded and blocked the catalytic filter. Chrysler denied warranty coverage, claiming it was a wear item despite the catastrophic nature of the failure. The fix will likely require replacement of both the diesel particulate filter and catalytic converter.
Parts you may need:
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After your truck had a recall service (67A) performed in January, your check engine light came on in February and the DEF system showed an engine shutdown countdown warning. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty DEF injector, wiring harness, and SCR system—all covered under the recall warranty. However, the dealer has been unable to obtain the necessary parts for over 30 days, leaving your truck immobilized at the service department with no estimated delivery date provided despite multiple follow-up calls. The repair will require replacement of the DEF injector, wiring harness, and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system components.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →2 issues
Your door locks don't engage consistently, and the child safety locks aren't working reliably—a safety concern when children are in the truck. You've already replaced the door lock actuators without success. The issue appears to be with the body control module that manages all interior electrical functions; using a diagnostic scan tool to clear fault codes temporarily fixes the problem for about 5-6 engine starts, but the issue returns. The replacement part (68200252AG) is no longer available from Mopar with no superseding part number, despite this being the 6th revision of the component. A permanent fix may require body control module replacement or reprogramming by a Dodge dealer.
Parts you may need:
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Your alternator has been randomly surging voltage for the past couple of years. The dealership tried to contact you about a recall (S68 campaign) for an alternator fix, but you need to file a report to complete the recall process.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags →1 issue
Your airbag warning light turns on and off while you're driving, and an alarm sounds each time it does. When you start the truck, a message appears saying the airbags need servicing. This indicates a problem with your airbag system that needs diagnostic attention to identify the faulty sensor or electrical component.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →1 issue
While driving at 65 mph, your brake pedal failed to stop the vehicle, forcing you to use the parking brake to come to a stop. The issue was traced to an inner plastic tube in the hose from the power steering pump that became jammed in the power brake valve. The repair involves replacing or clearing the blocked brake hose and checking the power brake valve system.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,suspension,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your truck's track bar mounts have cracked welds, causing severe and uncontrollable shaking at highway speeds—you've nearly crashed twice because of this. When you drove at 60 mph, the shaking was so violent that other drivers had to brake to avoid you, and it only stopped when you slowed to 20 mph. FCA has issued recall R46 for this exact problem, but your truck isn't covered under it despite matching the model and year range. The fix will likely involve replacing or re-welding the track bar mounts to restore proper suspension alignment and stability.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,engine →1 issue
Your transmission cooling line may rub against other engine compartment parts over time, eventually developing a hole and failing completely. When this happens, transmission fluid sprays throughout the engine compartment and onto the road, which can cause loss of power, create a fire risk, and harm the environment. The fix will likely involve repositioning or protecting the cooling line to prevent it from rubbing against other components.
Parts you may need:
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Exterior Lighting →1 issue
Your headlights flicker, turn off, and turn back on intermittently on both sides. The driver's side headlights have now stopped working completely and stay off, even after a repair shop attempted to fix them. This issue affects both the low beam and high beam on the driver's side. The repair may involve replacing the headlight switch, wiring harness, or headlight assemblies.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your front passenger door and both rear door locks aren't working reliably — they'll unlock with the key fob or door buttons, but then won't lock again consistently, even while you're driving. This prevents the child safety locks from working properly, which means children could open doors while the vehicle is moving, and it also leaves your truck vulnerable to theft since you can't always secure the doors. The dealership checked the truck but couldn't consistently reproduce the problem to identify the cause.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your fuel filter housing has a defective connector that leaks fuel onto the starter motor, even though a recall (P65) was performed in 2015. This fuel leak is a safety concern that wasn't fully resolved by the recall repair. The fuel filter housing assembly will likely need to be inspected, repaired, or replaced to stop the leak and prevent fuel from reaching hot engine components.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags,unknown Or Other,engine →1 issue
Your airbag warning light keeps turning on, and your check engine light also keeps coming on — the Dodge service department told you to ignore both. Additionally, your 4x4 gear shift has no resistance when you move it, making it hard to select gears properly. These issues will likely need diagnostic scanning to identify fault codes and repairs to the airbag system, engine sensors, and 4WD transfer case components.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,unknown Or Other,engine →1 issue
Your truck had a recall service appointment in 2016, but the dealer did not complete the repair then and has not fixed any recalls since. The dealer claims only one recall is currently open, but you believe multiple recalls remain unrepaired. You suspect the work is being documented as complete without actually being done. Contact the dealer or manufacturer to verify which recalls have been properly completed on your vehicle.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,structure →1 issue
Your door locks aren't working properly on the passenger and rear doors. Whether you use the key fob, door panel buttons, or keyless touch entry, only your driver's door and tailgate will lock or unlock — the front passenger door and both rear doors won't respond to any locking method. This means those doors can't be secured, even when you're driving.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,service Brakes →1 issue
Your truck's ABS and traction control systems are displaying error messages, especially after hitting bumps or when wheels spin in wet weather. The dealership confirmed this is a known issue but hasn't provided a fix, and you're concerned about replacing the wrong part since you're out of warranty. The repair will likely involve diagnosing which component in the ABS/traction control system is triggering the false error code, possibly the wheel speed sensor or control module.
Parts you may need:
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