Is the 2013 Ram 4500 reliable?

The 2013 Ram 4500 has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Ram 4500?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (1 complaints, avg repair $500); SUSPENSION (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Ram 4500?

Yes, there are 9 recall(s): WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS, EQUIPMENT, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC., ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL, STRUCTURE. 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 4500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Ram 4500 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 4500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2013 Ram 4500 has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 10. The most common issue is engine problems (40% of all complaints), specifically: windshield wiper hoses come undone almost daily making the washer fluid not function. have had dealer replace once already but then fix doesn't last long. def system module malfunctions at 52000 miles causing truck to go into limp mode making it unable to go over 5 mph even though it is full of . There are 9 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

ENGINE

2 complaints

40%

• WINDSHIELD WIPER HOSES COME UNDONE ALMOST DAILY MAKING THE WASHER FLUID NOT FUNCTION. HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE ONCE ALREADY BUT THEN FIX DOESN'T LAST LONG. DEF SYSTEM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS AT 52000 MILES CAUSING TRUCK TO GO INTO LIMP MODE MAKING IT UNABLE TO GO OVER 5 MPH EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL OF
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 4500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER NEEDED TO BE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“WINDSHIELD WIPER HOSES COME UNDONE ALMOST DAILY MAKING THE WASHER FLUID NOT FUNCTION. HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE ONCE ALREADY BUT THEN FIX DOESN'T LAST LONG. DEF SYSTEM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS AT 52000 MILES CAUSING TRUCK TO GO INTO LIMP MODE MAKING IT UNABLE TO GO OVER 5 MPH EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL OF ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (9)

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS27/05/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.

Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Ram 4500

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 4500 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 4500, 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

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: WINDSHIELD WIPER HOSES COME UNDONE ALMOST DAILY MAKING THE WASHER FLUID NOT FUNCTION. HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE ONCE ALREADY BUT THEN FIX DOESN'T LAST LONG. DEF SYSTEM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS AT 52000 MILES CAUSING TRUCK TO GO INTO LIMP MODE MAKING IT UNABLE TO GO OVER 5 MPH EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL OF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 4500.THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE CALIBERS WERE STUCK TO THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 4500.THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE CALIBERS WERE STUCK TO THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER HOSES COME UNDONE ALMOST DAILY MAKING THE WASHER FLUID NOT FUNCTION. HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE ONCE ALREADY BUT THEN FIX DOESN'T LAST LONG. DEF SYSTEM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS AT 52000 MILES CAUSING TRUCK TO GO INTO LIMP MODE MAKING IT UNABLE TO GO OVER 5 MPH EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL OF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 9 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)