What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2013 RAM 3500

Typical pattern

5.5% of complaints about the 2013 RAM 3500 came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2013 vehicle — around the middle of the 210 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 3.1 yr in service. The most-reported system is steering (37 complaints), typically at 3.8 yr or about 50,000 miles.

Complaints
182
Median age at failure
3.1 yr
Median mileage
32,600 n=150
Crash / fire / tow
9.3% of reports
Safety recalls
10

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Steering
37 reports · 50,000 mi
3.8 yr
8.1%
Engine
27 reports · 37,650 mi
2.7 yr
11.1%
Suspension
18 reports · 53,000 mi
4.7 yr
0%
Electrical system
17 reports · 31,421 mi
2.8 yr
17.6%
Fuel / propulsion
15 reports · 13,000 mi
2.1 yr
6.7%
Speed control
15 reports · 21,000 mi
2.5 yr
0%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

21V398000 2021-05-27
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

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.

Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

19V347000 2019-05-09
Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

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.

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.

19V021000 2019-01-25
Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection

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.

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

18E096000 2018-10-16
Steering:linkages

Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.

The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

17V824000 2017-12-21
Equipment

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable.

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

17V821000 2017-12-20
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake ped

Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

17V562000 2017-09-12
Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.

The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

17V499000 2017-08-10
Wheels

Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.

If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

16V739000 2016-10-13
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.

If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

16E041000 2016-05-16
Equipment

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.

In owners’ own words

Fuel / propulsion 6,000 mi 1.1 yr in service
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 AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DETECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Fuel / propulsion 6,500 mi 1.8 yr in service
WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN PRESSING AGAIN, (LIKE MERGING OR A ROLLING STOP) THERE IS A LAG OF 1-2 SECONDS. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. RAM SAYS THAT IS NORMAL. THIS NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED. THANKS *TR
Fuel / propulsion 25 mi 1.1 yr in service
MY TRUCK HAS BEEN PLAGUED WITH A TERRIBLE DELAY IN THROTTLE RESPONSE. WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC THERE IS A SEVERE DELAY BETWEEN IMPUTING THROTTLE AND THE TRUCK ACTUALLY ACCELERATING. IT'S ALMOST LIKE THE TRUCK TAKES 3-6 SECONDS TO REALIZE THROTTLE INPUT. THIS HAS BECOME VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGE OR TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC. I HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK INTO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THERE IS NOTHING AVAILABLE TO RECTIFY THIS. I AM CLEARLY NOT ALONE ON THIS, MANY OF US HAVING BEEN HAVING LENGTHY DISCUSSIONS ON THE FORUMS IN HOPES OF A FIX. *TR
Speed control 9,000 mi 1.5 yr in service
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 34 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE THROTTLE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INDICATED THAT THE THROTTLE MODULES WERE OUT OF SYNC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

Other 3500 model years

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