NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
This page covers 15 recalls, 1227 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Ram 1500.
15–19 mpg combined
12.4–15.7 L/100km
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering dominates the complaint picture for the 2013 Ram 1500, accounting for nearly half of all reports filed. Owners frequently describe the electric power steering (EPS) failing suddenly and without warning while the truck is moving, often mid-turn, leaving the wheel very heavy to operate. A warning light typically appears on the instrument cluster at the same time, but owners note there are usually no gradual symptoms beforehand. The electrical system draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners reporting various faults across lighting, sensors, and related components. Engine complaints make up the third-largest group, though at a notably lower volume than the steering issues. The EPS failure pattern is the clearest recurring theme here, with many owners describing an abrupt loss of assisted steering that requires significant physical effort to maintain control of the vehicle.
1,227
Total Complaints
70
Crash-Related
10
Fire-Related
25
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 RAM 1500 has 15 recalls, the most serious being an unexpected airbag deployment risk: the steering wheel wiring harness can rub against the driver airbag retainer and short out, firing the airbag without warning, and separately, overly sensitive side impact sensors can trigger side curtain airbags, seat airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash.
There is also a software vulnerability in the infotainment system that can allow unauthorized remote access to vehicle controls, raising the risk of a crash. On the transmission side, the column shifter can be moved out of park without pressing the brake pedal or having a key in the ignition, creating a rollaway risk. Two recalls address the parking brake, where an incorrectly adjusted cable equalizer may not hold the vehicle on a slope, allowing it to roll when parked. Four-wheel-drive models have an additional concern: the electronic stability control system can be disabled at startup or misconfigured, reducing the vehicle's ability to maintain directional control. The rollover sensing system on some vehicles can also fault under off-road conditions and disable rollover curtain airbags and pretensioners until the vehicle is restarted. A stuck coolant bypass valve can block heat to the heater core, leaving the windshield unable to defrost or defog. Trucks with a power locking tailgate can have the tailgate open while driving, spilling cargo into traffic. Some vehicles also have daytime running lights that were not enabled.
At a glance
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate latch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while parked may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick open, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain conditions, a fault in the rollover sensing system can turn on the airbag warning light and disable rollover detection until you restart the vehicle. If a rollover happens while sensing is disabled, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy.
What the fix does
The dealer will reprogram the occupant restraint controller to fix the rollover sensing fault.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Off-road driving or debris impact may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault in the restraint controller, disabling the rollover side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the restraint controller software at no cost to restore airbag and pretensioner function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio software has security weaknesses that could let unauthorized people access some vehicle control systems through a network connection.
What the fix does
A software update will be installed via USB drive (mailed free, downloadable, or installed at a dealer) to close the security vulnerability.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel wiring harness may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring, potentially causing damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, add protective caps to the air bag retainer spring ends, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side impact sensors are overly sensitive, which can cause the side air bag curtains, seat air bags, and seat belt pre-tensioners to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration to correct the sensor sensitivity.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The airbag control software may be too sensitive to side impacts, causing side airbags, seat airbags, and seatbelt pre-tensioners to deploy unexpectedly during normal driving and potentially cause crashes.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the airbag control module software to adjust the sensitivity settings.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Electronic Stability Control system was incorrectly configured during manufacturing, potentially causing it to stop working and the warning light to turn on. Loss of this safety feature increases crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the ESC module software to correct the configuration.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software problem in the Electronic Stability Control module may disable the ESC system when you start your truck, reducing traction and stability control.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the ESC module software at no charge to restore proper system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The coolant bypass valve can stick, blocking coolant from reaching the heater core. This prevents the windshield defroster and defogger from working, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect the coolant bypass valve, replace it if needed, and update the engine control computer software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The coolant bypass valve may stick and block coolant flow to the heater core, preventing the windshield defroster from working properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the coolant valve and reprogram the engine control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The parking brake equalizer may have been adjusted incorrectly during assembly, reducing parking brake effectiveness. On slopes, this could allow the vehicle to move unintentionally.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the parking brake equalizer and re-adjust it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on steep slopes, failing to meet federal brake performance standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer at no charge to restore proper parking brake function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The daytime running light system was not activated due to a configuration error. Without these lights on during the day, other drivers and pedestrians may not see the vehicle as easily, increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the daytime running light configuration to ensure the lights operate properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
