Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Ram 1500 problems

Owners filed 1,282 complaints about the 2013 Ram 1500 with NHTSA between Feb 2013 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is steering (643).

Complaints
1,282
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
72
Reported by owners
Fires
10
Reported by owners
Injuries
37
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering643
  2. Electrical system227
  3. Engine123
  4. Air bags94
  5. Power train86
  6. Service brakes69
  7. Suspension44
  8. Structure40
  9. Vehicle speed control37
  10. Fuel/propulsion system35
  11. Exterior lighting31
  12. Electronic stability control (esc)17
  13. Fuel system, gasoline15
  14. Seat belts15

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201336
201458
201581
201668
201751
201870
2019107
202071
202142
202255
2023176
2024224
2025146
202697

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

643 reports21 crashes
“While driving my truck, on a public roadway, I had a sudden, and complete lose of steering. A service power steering light and warning showed up on the dash. The vehicle cannot steer at all. Prior to this incident, there was no sign of failure or any warning lights.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2026SteeringODI 11774968

Electrical system

227 reports3 crashes6 fires
“see it’s a known things with rams that the electronic power steering goes out randomly because of how dodge made it and the dealerships don’t do recalls for it and it’s absolutely absurd to spend 2-4k$ for a fix”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11756639

Engine

123 reports5 crashes2 fires
“In December 2025, my check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes read P0128 (coolant thermostat) and U1467 (module communication). I took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed and repaired the issue. Shortly after, the check engine light returned, so the same mechanic replaced the ECM (plug and play). This repair did not resolve the check engine light. The mechanic recommended I take the vehicle to a dealership and identified a related service bulletin tied to Safety Recall N25 / NHTSA Campaign 13V-177 (three-way coolant valve). To confirm this diagnosis, I sought a second opinion from another independent mechanic. That shop purchased the coolant valve part directly from a dealership, installed it on my truck, and the same issue persisted. They also were unable to resolve it and advised me to take the vehicle to a dealership. I researched NHTSA Campaign 13V-177 (Chrysler Manufacturer Campaign N25) and confirmed that Chrysler recalled certain 2013 RAM 1500 trucks built between June 25, 2012 and December 12, 2012, because the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that prevents coolant flow to the heater core. The official remedy for this recall is…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 29, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11753492

Air bags

94 reports21 crashes2 related recalls
“Recently purchased the truck an warning light of low beam headlight out keeps coming on, but light is working fine, also horn and left controls on steering wheel dont work. Found There was a recall 15V459000 dealer said was completed in 2015 so is no longer warranty but the issue is happening now and it says it can cause a wire short that can cause airbag deployment”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 30, 2026Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11728150

Power train

86 reports18 crashes2 related recalls
“Will driving in the rain my abs brakes, traction control, and 4wheel drive went out all the sudden causing me to lose control crash into the back of the vehicle in front of me. There was no warning no sound just light everywhere and all the safety items that make me truck worth buying gone. I even spent extra money to have 4 wheel drive. After the accident I found out that this is happening so often that the part to fix my brakes, traction control, and 4 wheel drive is 2 years out and now is no longer made. So now I’m supposed to drive a once 4 wheel drive truck that is now 2 wheel drive. It also no longer has abs brakes just reqular brakes and no traction control so now everytime it rains no matter how fast I’m going I’m sliding all over the place. I bought this truck to have the vehicle that was able to pick daughter up and rain sleet or snow and now I have to use my fiance suv to pick her up even on sunny days. I whole reason to buy my truck is now gone. It’s literally a car that looks like a truck and it’s a car from the 80s before abs was a thing”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2026Power train, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11743114

Service brakes

69 reports8 crashes1 fire
“A ton of 2013 ram 1500’s are having ABS module problems or needing repairs. Very unsafe to travel without it working properly. Unable to get a new part because Mopar discontinued making them. For what reason? I think this is the exact reason. Something needs to be done about it. To many reports of ABS modules being broken or not working/ functioning properly. Mine is broke and can not find a replacement.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Service brakesODI 11760158
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.