RAM 2500 · model year

2013 RAM 2500

271 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 16 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013RAM2500 carries 271 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 7 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 2500 is engine with 42 filings, followed by electrical system (41) and steering (31). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 16 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2013 2500. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

271
Complaints
10
Crashes
7
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

271 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE42
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM41
STEERING31
SUSPENSION23
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
POWER TRAIN21
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL8
SERVICE BRAKES8
AIR BAGS8
VISIBILITY/WIPER5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL4
WHEELS3

Recalls (16)

15V46100023/07/2015

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

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 equip

15V45900022/07/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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

15V46000022/07/2015

SEAT BELTS

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

17V82400021/12/2017

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 ma

17V82100020/12/2017

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.

18E09600016/10/2018

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 k

16E04100016/05/2016

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.

16V73900013/10/2016

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.

17V56200012/09/2017

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.

17V49900010/08/2017

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.

19V34700009/05/2019

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

17V30200009/05/2017

AIR BAGS

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).

14V63500008/10/2014

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

13V23700004/06/2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

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

13V24000004/06/2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with optional premium headlamps. The headlamp shutters may function improperly when in high-beam mode. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirement

13V12200003/04/2013

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover.

Recent Complaints

20251127POWER TRAIN

Over time the transmission cooling line to the radiator was rubbing against another part in the engine compartment resulting in a hole in the line and eventually catastrophic failure of the line. This caused transmission fluid to be sprayed around the engine compartment and the roadway creating an environmental issue. This could cause loss of power, fire and damage to the environment. Online other users of same make model and year have reported the same issue.

20251127ENGINE

Over time the transmission cooling line to the radiator was rubbing against another part in the engine compartment resulting in a hole in the line and eventually catastrophic failure of the line. This caused transmission fluid to be sprayed around the engine compartment and the roadway creating an environmental issue. This could cause loss of power, fire and damage to the environment. Online other users of same make model and year have reported the same issue.

20240927POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was turned off and in park(P), the vehicle shifted into reverse after the contact’s son bumped into the column shifter. As a result, the vehicle rolled down hill coming to a complete stop after striking a fence post. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. A Police report was not filed. No injury was reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance but informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under recall in 2019. The failure mileage was 116,000.

Mileage: 116,000

20231109SERVICE BRAKES

DTC C0020-01 appeared after hitting a speed bump along with service TCS and ABS system. This message is displayed sometimes at random but mostly during common bumps in the road. Any wheel spin during wet weather also creates the message. Contacted the local Chrysler deal and was informed this was common and to report it. I have yet to spend money to fix the issue since finding that the wrong part is often replaced and I am no longer under warranty.

20231109ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DTC C0020-01 appeared after hitting a speed bump along with service TCS and ABS system. This message is displayed sometimes at random but mostly during common bumps in the road. Any wheel spin during wet weather also creates the message. Contacted the local Chrysler deal and was informed this was common and to report it. I have yet to spend money to fix the issue since finding that the wrong part is often replaced and I am no longer under warranty.

20231031ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hi, I own a 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and the door locks do not lock all the time. The concern here is that when I have children in the truck the child safety locks do not lock and to me this is a concern. I had the door lock actuators replaced and that still didnt fix the problem. After doing research, there is a body control module that controls all electrical functions to the interior of the truck. If you use a scan tool and clear any codes in the module the door locks work perfectly for about 5-6 start cycles. The part #68200252AG is not available through mopar and has no replacement part number that supersedes the old one. Other item to note is this part number is the 6th updated revision. There is something wrong here and Mopar doesnt seem to care.

20230926EXTERIOR LIGHTING

hi beam, low beam, both sides flicker, go off, then come on. Driver's side (low and hi beam) is now permanently off even after having a repair shop fix them.

20221004ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Front passenger door and both rear door locks operate intermittently. . Doors will unlock with key fob or either front door buttons or front door handles; but they will intermittently lock with key fob or front door buttons or while in drive. Doors not locking keep child safety locks from engaging and children being able to exit vehicle without being in park. Also, prevents vehicle from being securely locked and protecting from theft of items. Truck been to dealership and told of problem they checked but could only get it to replicate issue 2 times and found nothing causing the problem. I have also found multiple Ram forums with a lot of people with same issue. There haven't been any warning lamps or messages before or during issues. The problem is intermittently and has last anywhere from a couple of days to several months at a time.

20221004UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Front passenger door and both rear door locks operate intermittently. . Doors will unlock with key fob or either front door buttons or front door handles; but they will intermittently lock with key fob or front door buttons or while in drive. Doors not locking keep child safety locks from engaging and children being able to exit vehicle without being in park. Also, prevents vehicle from being securely locked and protecting from theft of items. Truck been to dealership and told of problem they checked but could only get it to replicate issue 2 times and found nothing causing the problem. I have also found multiple Ram forums with a lot of people with same issue. There haven't been any warning lamps or messages before or during issues. The problem is intermittently and has last anywhere from a couple of days to several months at a time.

20220408FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

recall p65 preformed in 2015 the fuel filter housing is still a safety issue fuel leaks from connector causing fuel to leak on to the starter the fuel filter housing is defective

20210517ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My alternator randomly for the past couple of years randomly surges voltage and the dealership has tried contacting for the recall but told me I have to make a report for s68 campaign for alternator fix

20210504AIR BAGS

AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING. MAKES A ALARM SOUND WHEN THE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF. WHEN YOU TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE TRUCK SAYS "AIRBAGS NEED TO BE SERVICED"

Mileage: 89,000

20210504UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN YOU START THE TRUCK. HAD THE ENGINE LIGHT CHECKED SAID IT'S COMING ON BECAUSE THE DEF. THE DEF HAD A RECALL A COUPLE YEARS AGO AND HAD IT FIXED BUT NOW THE LIGHT IS COMING BACK ON FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.

Mileage: 89,000

20210314UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS HAVE LOCKED AND UNLOCKED BY THEM SELF AND SOMETIMES WON'T LOCK AT ALL YOU HAVE TO KEEP HITTING THE FOB BUTTON OFF AND ON TILL THEY ACTUALLY LOCK OR THE LOCK BUTTON ON INSIDE DOOR . THIS HAPPENED ONCE WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT ROAD, THE OTHER TIME'S JUST WHEN TRYING TO UNLOCK TO GET IN AND WHEN GETTING OUT TO LOCK IT UP

Mileage: 42,000

20210311UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SHIFT SOLENOID

20210223SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS AN INNER PLASTIC LINER TUBE IN HOSE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL PUMP THAT JAMMED THE POWER SCREW VALVE. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE FAILURE HIMSELF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE LEFT MESSAGES FOR A LOCAL RAM DEALER HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,584.

Mileage: 71,584

20210219POWER TRAIN

WHEN PULLING MY KEY OUT AFTER PARKING MY VEHICLE AND TURNING OFF THE ENGINE I AM STILL ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKES

Mileage: 80,600

20210204AIR BAGS

1) AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON 2) ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. DODGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS JUST IGNORE IT. 3) 4X4 4WD HAS NO RESISTANCE ON INTERIOR GEAR SHIFT

20210204ENGINE

1) AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON 2) ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. DODGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS JUST IGNORE IT. 3) 4X4 4WD HAS NO RESISTANCE ON INTERIOR GEAR SHIFT

20210204UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1) AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON 2) ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. DODGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS JUST IGNORE IT. 3) 4X4 4WD HAS NO RESISTANCE ON INTERIOR GEAR SHIFT

Compare 2013RAM2500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 RAM 2500 have?
The 2013 RAM 2500 has 271 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 7 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 RAM 2500?
The 2013 RAM 2500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 RAM 2500?
Yes, the 2013 RAM 2500 has 16 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 RAM 2500?
The most-complained component for the 2013 RAM 2500 is ENGINE with 42 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING.
Is the 2013 RAM 2500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 RAM 2500 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.