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2013 Ram 1500: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ram 1500: three for air bags (filed 2015 and 2017), two for the powertrain (filed 2013 and 2017), one for latches (filed 2019) and five more for other parts. Owners have filed 1,277 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering and the electrical system. For comparison, owners filed 1,768 for the 2014 Ram 1500. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 4 stars overall, with a 19.8% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 11campaigns 3 air bag · 2 power train · 1 latch Source: NHTSA Complaints 1,277filed Owner reports, 2009–2021 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 4★overall ★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 21mpg combined $3,110/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 3.6 L 6-cyl· 8-speed automatic 10 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (11)

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ram 1500. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V347000 Filed May 9, 2019

Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly

Latches/locks/linkages · tailgate · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
58.8% repairedof 1,103,209 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V347000
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V821000 Filed Dec 20, 2017

Vehicle May Rollaway

Power train · automatic transmission · lever and linkage · column shift
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
59.5% repairedof 1,482,874 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V821000
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V302000 Filed May 9, 2017

Side Curtain Air Bags may not Deploy in a Rollover

Air bags
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Consequence
If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
67.7% repairedof 1,021,279 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V302000
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V461000 Filed Jul 23, 2015

Radio Software Security Vulnerabilities

Equipment · electrical · radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Consequence
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
98.8% repairedof 1,416,903 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V461000
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V459000 Filed Jul 22, 2015

Inadvertent Driver Air Bag Deployment

Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.
Consequence
This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.
74.6% repairedof 1,059,444 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V459000
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V460000 Filed Jul 22, 2015

Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment

Air bags · side/window
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Consequence
Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
80.1% repairedof 667,441 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V460000
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V610000 Filed Dec 6, 2013

Transmission Output Shaft may Fracture

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
Consequence
The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.
84.4% repairedof 4,194 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V610000
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V287000 Filed Jul 2, 2013

Electronic Stability Control may be Disabled

Electronic stability control (esc)
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013. Due to a software issue with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module, the ESC system may be disabled when the vehicle is started.
Consequence
A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESC module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N37.
Repair progress not yet reported45,896 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V287000
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V237000 Filed Jun 4, 2013

No Warning of Turn Signal Malfunction/FMVSS 108

Exterior lighting · turn signal
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps. In the affected vehicles, the turn signal indicator may not flash at a double rate to give a notification to the driver of a turn signal malfunction. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence
Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N35.
Repair progress not yet reported17,411 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V237000
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V177000 Filed May 7, 2013

Restricted Coolant Flow/FMVSS 103

Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Consequence
Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.
Repair progress not yet reported498 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V177000
Listed for 2013 Ram 1500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V128000 Filed Apr 3, 2013

Parking Brake Cable may allow Truck to Roll

Parking brake
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on a 20% grade. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the parking brake performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence
If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N22.
Repair progress not yet reported6,574 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V128000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which 1500 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ram 1500All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (1,277)

1,277 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The steering is mentioned most often.

72involved a crash
10involved a fire
37injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ram 1500, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 1,277.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2013 compares with other 1500 years

Best and worst 1500 years →
37 1,277 1,768 1,452 1,545 880 662 1,482 634 680
2009201320142015201620172018201920202021
This year (2013)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 4 stars overall

Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 19.8%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2013 Ram 1500 pu/rc 2wd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 21 mpg combined

21
mpg combined
18
city
25
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,200
CO₂ tailpipe
426 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks

What it costs you to run

$3,110per year
$259per month
714gallons a year

Miles ÷ 21 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2013 Ram 1500 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21$3,200426
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20$3,350450
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20$3,350451
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19$3,550474
5.7 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$4,450525
5.7 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$4,450514
4.7 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16$4,200549
5.7 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16$4,750558
4.7 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$4,200562
5.7 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15$5,050578

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2013 1500 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All 1500 years

Where to next

Which 1500 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2014 Ram 1500 report1,768 complaints · 16 campaigns →2009 Ram 1500 report37 complaints · 2 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2013 Ram 1500 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2013 Ram 1500 have?

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns: 19V347000 (latch), 17V821000 (power train), 17V302000 (air bag), 15V461000 (electrical), 15V459000 (air bag), 15V460000 (air bag), 13V610000 (power train), 13V287000 (electronic stability control (esc)), 13V237000 (lighting), 13V177000 (engine), 13V128000 (brake). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2013 Ram 1500 problems?

Owners filed 1,277 complaints with NHTSA. Steering (638), Electrical system (227), Engine (123) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2013 Ram 1500 get?

EPA rates the 3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 18 city, 25 highway and 21 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2013 Ram 1500 get?

NHTSA rated the 2013 Ram 1500 pu/rc 2wd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (19.8% rollover risk).

How does the 2013 1500 compare with other years?

Among the 2009–2021 Ram 1500 model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (37) and the 2014 the most (1,768). The 2013 drew 1,277. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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