2013 Ram 1500
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2013 Ram 1500 has 1565 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 1093. The most common issue is steering problems (39% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the tires were cupping. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who stated that the tie rod was defective. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 22,000.. There are 12 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 11 fire reports filed.
1565
Total Complaints
12
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.4x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
STEERING
609 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE CUPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TIE ROD WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL RATTLED AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUCKING NOISE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION BOLT SEPARATED. THE DEFECTIVE BOLT WAS TIGHTENED INSTEAD OF REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE CUPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TIE ROD WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2013 Ram 1500
Based on 770 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 59K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
TRANSMISSION
BRAKES
FUEL SYSTEM
LIGHTING
SPEED CONTROL
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (12)
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.
Above-average theft risk
The Ram 1500 was the #15 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 6,900 thefts reported to law enforcement.
Notes: Full-size truck; catalytic converters
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2013 Ram 1500
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Ram 1500
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Ram 1500 Service Intervals
5.7L HEMI: 8,000 mile oil intervals; EcoDiesel: shorter intervals for DEF and fuel filter. Towing usage requires severe service intervals.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Ram New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Ram. If you're buying a used 2013 1500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ram dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2013 Ram 1500
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 1565 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE CUPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TIE ROD WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: PLASTIC KEY ---CAN NOT REMOVE FROM SWITCH----WILL TURN OF ENGINE---BUT WILL NOT COME OUT OF KEY HOLE----HAVE TO LEAVE IN TRUCK---DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME----NEXT TIME DRIVEN MAY COME OUT AND THEN MAY NOT-----THIS SEEM LIKE NOT READING TRUCK SHIFT HANDLE IS NOT IN PARK-----YOU CAN LEAVE IN TRUCK
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: STARTED HAVING ODOR IN CAB MAKING ME DIZZY AND SICK. GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE FOR NEXT 900 MILE. I BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER AND FACTORY TOLD HIM TO RUN IT FOR 2 DAYS. TWO DAYS LATER I GOT IT BACK LESS A HALF A TANK OF GAS. PROBLEM SEEM TO BE SOLVED. TWO DAY LATER SAME THING GOT SICK AND COMPLAINT WAS T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: ACCELERATING FROM STOP LIGHT AND AT 35 MPH A LOUD EXPLOSION WAS HEARD FROM THE PASSENGER DASH AREA. I THOUGHT I SAW SOME POWDERY DUST AFTERWARD. TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED. THEY DID A DRB COMPUTER TEST AND ROAD TEST. NOTHING FOUND. ALSO THERE WERE NO DASH WARNING LI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 12 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Ram 1500 — Year Comparison
How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 1565
- Recalls
- 12
- Fire reports
- 11
- Crash reports
- 80
- Injury reports
- 39
- Segment avg
- 1093
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2013 Ram 1500