NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
The 2013 RAM 5500 has 11 recalls, the most serious being a water pump that can leak coolant and cause an underhood fire on trucks equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine.
Several other recalls also carry fire risk. The diesel fuel heater's electrical connectors can overheat and cause fuel to leak near an ignition source, and a 220-amp alternator may fail suddenly, either stalling the vehicle or short-circuiting and starting a fire. On the software side, a vulnerability in the infotainment system allows remote access to certain vehicle controls, raising the risk of a crash.
Steering and chassis concerns are also present. A track bar bolt attached to the frame may be incorrect and can break or fall out, causing the truck to pull sharply to one side. Separately, the column shifter can be moved out of park without the brake pedal depressed or the key in the ignition, which can lead to an unintended rollaway.
Two electrical issues round out the more serious concerns: a steering wheel wiring harness can wear against the driver airbag module and cause the airbag to deploy without warning, and wheel studs can break if lug nuts are overtightened following incorrect torque specs in the owner's manual, potentially causing a wheel to separate. There is also a cabin-carried fire extinguisher that may not function when needed. A lower-severity recall addresses a brake warning indicator that displays text rather than the required symbol on Canadian-market vehicles.
At a glance
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What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
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 in vehicles with 6.7-liter diesel engines may fail, potentially causing a fire under the hood that could injure occupants or damage property.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water pump with a new one.
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 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 electrical connectors that power the diesel fuel heater can overheat, potentially causing failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the connector with an upgraded silver-plated part, inspect the fuel heater for leaks, and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An incorrect bolt may have been used to attach the track bar to the frame, which could affect steering stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the track bar fasteners as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake warning indicator displays the word 'BRAKE' instead of the required symbol, failing to meet Canadian safety standards for controls and brake system displays.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram your instrument cluster to display the correct brake warning symbol.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
