Is the 2013 Ram 3500 reliable?

The 2013 Ram 3500 has 182 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Ram 3500?

Top problems: STEERING (37 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (29 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (20 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Ram 3500?

Yes, there are 18 recall(s): STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION, STEERING:LINKAGES, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH, WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, EQUIPMENT, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT, WHEELS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR, SEAT BELTS, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC., EQUIPMENT, STEERING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Contact any Ram dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Ram 3500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Ram 3500 is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Ram 3500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Ram 3500 has 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 182. The most common issue is steering problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: driving on i890 near campbell road exit east bound and i hit a bump in the road. the truck steering began violently vibrating and turning left to right and i lost steering control. the truck stopped wobbling when i slowed down to 30 mph. this is the second time this truck has done this. the last ti. There are 18 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 10 fire reports filed.

10 fire reports 5 crash reports 6 injuries

182

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

37 complaints

20%

• DRIVING ON I890 NEAR CAMPBELL ROAD EXIT EAST BOUND AND I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE TRUCK STEERING BEGAN VIOLENTLY VIBRATING AND TURNING LEFT TO RIGHT AND I LOST STEERING CONTROL. THE TRUCK STOPPED WOBBLING WHEN I SLOWED DOWN TO 30 MPH. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS TRUCK HAS DONE THIS. THE LAST TI
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE RIGHT AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
• SOMETIMES PROBLEM IT STARED WITH A LIGHT VIBRATION WHICH I IGNORED ALWAYS ON A LEFT SWEEPING CORNER ALWAYS BETWEEN 50-65MPH AND AFTER HITTING SOMETHING SMALL ON THE ROAD EVEN THE CENTER LINE BUT AUGUST 7 AFTER HITTING COW MANURE IT STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND ENDED UP OFF THE ROAD WITH NO DAMAG

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 2 crashes

“DRIVING ON I890 NEAR CAMPBELL ROAD EXIT EAST BOUND AND I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE TRUCK STEERING BEGAN VIOLENTLY VIBRATING AND TURNING LEFT TO RIGHT AND I LOST STEERING CONTROL. THE TRUCK STOPPED WOBBLING WHEN I SLOWED DOWN TO 30 MPH. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS TRUCK HAS DONE THIS. THE LAST TI”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Ram 3500

Based on 150 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 32K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 50K mi · 33 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 38K mi · 21 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 9K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 53K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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 (18)

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION25/01/2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.

Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Ram 3500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ram 3500 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

24K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

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

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ram. If you're buying a used 2013 3500, 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.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 182 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: DRIVING ON I890 NEAR CAMPBELL ROAD EXIT EAST BOUND AND I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE TRUCK STEERING BEGAN VIOLENTLY VIBRATING AND TURNING LEFT TO RIGHT AND I LOST STEERING CONTROL. THE TRUCK STOPPED WOBBLING WHEN I SLOWED DOWN TO 30 MPH. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS TRUCK HAS DONE THIS. THE LAST TI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXHAUST FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT A HOSE CLAMP BECAME LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, SHE SMELLED AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF DIESEL FUEL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONLY WHEN THE FRESH AIR CONTROL SETTING WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: TRUCK BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE, REDUCING ABILITY TO STEER. SHAKING DID NOT SUBSIDE UNTIL VEHICLE SPEED REDUCED TO 25MPH. DEALERSHIP STATED COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AS THERE WERE NO TROUBLE CODES SHOWING. THIS HAS RECURRED THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES, EACH TIME THE SHAKING INCREASINGLY VIOLENT, AN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 18 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)