CarModelProblems.com

2013 Ram 2500 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

Elevated complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 1.9× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
178Complaints
16Recalls
7Crashes
7Fires
4Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (24.2% of complaints) — is covered by 3 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Engine complaints here are 1.9× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine43 · 24.2%RecalledRecall 17V562000 · Recall 14V635000 · Recall 13V122000
Electrical System41 · 23%RecalledRecall 16V739000
Steering31 · 17.4%RecalledRecall 18E096000
Suspension23 · 12.9%not available
Fuel/propulsion System22 · 12.4%not available
Power Train21 · 11.8%RecalledRecall 17V821000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE43 · 24.2%
STEERING31 · 17.4%
SUSPENSION23 · 12.9%
Unspecified / other23 · 12.9%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM22 · 12.4%
POWER TRAIN21 · 11.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13 · 7.3%
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL8 · 4.5%
SERVICE BRAKES8 · 4.5%

Percentages are the share of the 178 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 16 campaigns

Steering:linkages

NHTSA campaign 18E096000 · 2018 · reported 10/16/2018

The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · 2019 · reported 05/09/2019

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 2017 · reported 12/21/2017

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 2017 · reported 12/20/2017

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Wheels

NHTSA campaign 17V499000 · 2017 · reported 08/10/2017

If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags

NHTSA campaign 17V302000 · 2017 · reported 05/09/2017

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

NHTSA campaign 17V562000 · 2017 · reported 09/12/2017

The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

NHTSA campaign 16V739000 · 2016 · reported 10/13/2016

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:frontal

NHTSA campaign 15V459000 · 2015 · reported 07/22/2015

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 16E041000 · 2016 · reported 05/16/2016

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 15V460000 · 2015 · reported 07/22/2015

Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

NHTSA campaign 15V461000 · 2015 · reported 07/23/2015

Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

NHTSA campaign 14V635000 · 2014 · reported 10/08/2014

If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

NHTSA campaign 13V237000 · 2013 · reported 06/04/2013

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:headlights

NHTSA campaign 13V240000 · 2013 · reported 06/04/2013

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling

NHTSA campaign 13V122000 · 2013 · reported 04/03/2013

The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“I RECENTLY MERGED ONTO THE HIGHWAY WHERE I LIVE AND I LET OFF THE THROTTLE VERY QUICKLY AND THEN GOT BACK INTO IT AND MY…”NHTSA complaint 10992867 — filed 06/02/2017 · ENGINE
“NOTE: THIS IS WITH THE CUMMINS 6.7 DIESEL ENGINE. IF YOU ARE DRIVING AT, SAY, 35 MPH, BACK OFF THE THROTTLE, THEN IMMEDIATELY STEP ON…”NHTSA complaint 10992762 — filed 06/01/2017 · ENGINE
“STARTING AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES, REAR MAIN SEAL DEVELOPED A LEAK. THE SEAL WAS REPLACED, LEAKED AGAIN AND REPLACED BY A SEAL AND SLEEVE. SEAL…”NHTSA complaint 10919985 — filed 10/29/2016 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

42013316820153829201740252019161020213420231220252

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ram 2500?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 43 of 178 NHTSA complaints (24.2%), followed by electrical system (41), steering (31), suspension (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2013 Ram 2500 have?

178 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 4 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2013 Ram 2500 have any recalls?

Yes — 16 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18E096000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2013 Ram 2500's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.