NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
This page covers 14 recalls and 177 owner complaints for the 2013 Ram 2500.
Complaints on the 2013 Ram 2500 spread across several systems, with the electrical system drawing the most attention, followed by the engine and steering. On the electrical side, owners report intermittent failures involving the body control module, door lock actuators that stop working reliably, and warning lights cycling on without a clear trigger. Engine complaints cover a range of symptoms including the diesel exhaust fluid system triggering shutdown countdowns and related warning messages on the dash. Steering complaints rank third by volume. A recurring issue owners describe involves the ABS and traction control warning messages appearing after hitting bumps or during wet-road wheel spin, tied to a specific fault code that some dealers acknowledged as a known pattern. Transmission cooling line failures also appear across multiple reports, with owners describing fluid leaks into the engine compartment after a line wore through from contact with nearby components.
177
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 RAM 2500 has 14 recalls, with the most serious being a fire risk from heat trapped under the engine cover that can ignite an underhood fire, putting the engine compartment at risk.
Several other fire and heat concerns round out the drivetrain cluster. On diesel-equipped trucks, the water pump can leak coolant into the engine compartment, raising fire risk there as well. The 220-amp alternator can fail without warning, stalling the truck, and can also short circuit and start a fire. On the occupant safety side, the steering wheel wiring harness can rub against the driver airbag retainer and short out, causing the airbag to deploy without warning. Separately, overly sensitive side impact sensors can trigger the side curtain airbags, seat airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash, while rough driving or debris can cause the roll rate sensor to fault and disable those same systems when they are actually needed. The column shifter can be moved out of park without pressing the brake or having the key in the ignition, creating a rollaway risk. A software vulnerability in the infotainment system can allow remote access to vehicle controls. AEV-modified trucks with cast aluminum Katla wheels may experience a fractured wheel and sudden air loss. Mopar gooseneck hitch ball kits may not fully lock into place, leaving a trailer attachment that appears secure but is not. Power-locking tailgates can open unexpectedly while driving, dropping cargo onto the road. A fire extinguisher included on some vehicles may fail to
At a glance
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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
The gooseneck trailer hitch ball may not fully seat and lock into the truck hardware due to dirt, debris, or manufacturing tolerances. The ball can appear locked when it isn't, and may detach while driving.
What the fix does
FCA Canada will perform a voluntary field action to remedy this condition on all affected Mopar gooseneck ball kits (part numbers 82213631 and 82213632).
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
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
The water pump may leak coolant because it lacks a vent hole, potentially causing engine overheating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water pump at no cost to restore proper cooling system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels on your truck's outer surface may crack, causing the tire to lose air rapidly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your wheels with new wheels of similar value at no charge.
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 220 amp alternator may suddenly fail, leaving the vehicle without charging power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator at no cost.
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 high-beam headlights may not meet safety standards, reducing visibility down the road and potentially increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
The dealer will reprogram the vehicle's central body controller to fix how the headlamp shutter operates in high-beam mode.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Heat can build up under the engine cover and potentially cause a fire under the hood, which could result in injury or damage.
What the fix does
Your dealer will install an updated engine cover to prevent heat buildup.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cover may trap excessive heat underneath, which could cause overheating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine cover with a redesigned version at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
