Is the 2013 Ram 5500 reliable?

The 2013 Ram 5500 has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Ram 5500?

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

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Ram 5500?

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, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC., AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, 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 5500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Ram 5500 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 5500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2013 Ram 5500 has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 21. The most common issue is engine problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: when i pulled out from a stop into the intersection i realized the cars were closer that i first thought, and when i instinctively pushed the accelerator to the floor to get out of the way, nothing happened for what seems like eternity but maybe just a portion of a second before the engine respon. There are 9 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

ENGINE

2 complaints

33%

• WHEN I PULLED OUT FROM A STOP INTO THE INTERSECTION I REALIZED THE CARS WERE CLOSER THAT I FIRST THOUGHT, AND WHEN I INSTINCTIVELY PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, NOTHING HAPPENED FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE ETERNITY BUT MAYBE JUST A PORTION OF A SECOND BEFORE THE ENGINE RESPON
• 02/26/15 WHILE UNDER WARRANTY.... #1 - WATER PUMP & WATER PUMP BEARING DEFECTIVE - COOLANT LEAKED, LEAKS AROUND SHAFT, BELT DAMAGE DUE TO FAILED WATER PUMP. #2 - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AFTER REPAIR COMPLETE PCM CODES P2509 BCM POWER SIGNAL INT P20EE SCR NOX CAT EFFICIENCY P20EE HAS A FLA

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

“WHEN I PULLED OUT FROM A STOP INTO THE INTERSECTION I REALIZED THE CARS WERE CLOSER THAT I FIRST THOUGHT, AND WHEN I INSTINCTIVELY PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, NOTHING HAPPENED FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE ETERNITY BUT MAYBE JUST A PORTION OF A SECOND BEFORE THE ENGINE RESPON”

— 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 5500

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 5500 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 5500, 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: WHEN I PULLED OUT FROM A STOP INTO THE INTERSECTION I REALIZED THE CARS WERE CLOSER THAT I FIRST THOUGHT, AND WHEN I INSTINCTIVELY PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, NOTHING HAPPENED FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE ETERNITY BUT MAYBE JUST A PORTION OF A SECOND BEFORE THE ENGINE RESPON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: WHEN I PULLED OUT FROM A STOP INTO THE INTERSECTION I REALIZED THE CARS WERE CLOSER THAT I FIRST THOUGHT, AND WHEN I INSTINCTIVELY PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, NOTHING HAPPENED FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE ETERNITY BUT MAYBE JUST A PORTION OF A SECOND BEFORE THE ENGINE RESPON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
WHEELS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS WEARING OUT THE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED BOTH FRONT TIRES ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT END WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: PULLSTAR PUMP HOIST & UTILITY BODY > TOTAL WEIGHT 17,000LBS BOTH REARMOST SHACKLE BOLTS FOUND OVER ONE HALF THE WAY OUT OF PLACE WITH THREADED ENDS WITH NUT MISSING. NEAR DISASTER.
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)