Total Complaints
182 filings
RAM 3500 · model year
182 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 18 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2013RAM3500 carries 182 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 12 fires, 6 injuries, and 3 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 3500 is steering with 37 filings, followed by engine (27) and suspension (17). 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 18 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 3 investigation files overlapping the 2013 3500, and 2 remain open. 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.
Total Complaints
182 filings
Crashes Reported
5 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 37 |
| ENGINE | 27 |
| SUSPENSION | 17 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 15 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 15 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8 |
| WHEELS | 7 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | 5 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 3 |
| AIR BAGS | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3 |
| TIRES | 2 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 2 |
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 whe
STEERING
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 2500 trucks and 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis manufactured October 9, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket compo
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle, the contact discovered there was a discrepancy in the mileage. The contact stated that the Carfax mileage was 47,029, and on March 10, 2015, the mileage was recorded at 49,873, and nine days later the mileage was recorded at 47,019.
Mileage: 49,873
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65-68 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact decelerated, exited the freeway, and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the upper ball joints and control arms needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the upper control arms. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the upper ball joints were replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact stated that the upper and lower ball joints, the control arms, the bushings, and other unknown parts were replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified
Mileage: 100,000
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65-68 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact decelerated, exited the freeway, and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the upper ball joints and control arms needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the upper control arms. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the upper ball joints were replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact stated that the upper and lower ball joints, the control arms, the bushings, and other unknown parts were replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified
Mileage: 100,000
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RECALL ISSUED BY NHTSA. THE RECALL WAS V06 DRAG LINK. WHEN THE RECALL WA PREFORMED, THE ALIGNMENT NUTS ON THE DRAG LINK WERE WELDED SO THE COULDN'T COME LOOSE. I'VE HAD TO HAVE MY TRUCK REALIGNED 2 TIMES SINCE THE DRAG LINK NUTS WERE WELDED. AS OF RIGHT NOW THE NUTS ARE NOT WELDED AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE DRAG LINK IS COMPROMISED. I'VE HAD IT INTO 3 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS AND EACH SAY THAT WELDING THE NUTS SHOULD ONLY BE A TEMPORARY FIX NOT A PERMANENT FIX. SINCE THE WELDING, I'VE HAD STEERING ISSUES WITH MY TRUCK WHICH IS WHY I'VE HAD IT IN THE REAPIR SHOPS. I FEEL THAT THE DRAG LINK NEEDS A TOTAL REPLACEMENT AND NOT A BANDAID FIX. I'VE CONTACTED FCA 2 TIMES AND HAVE A CASE NUMBER, #[XXX]. THE CALLS MADE WERE ON OCT. 10 & OCT 24. I'VE ALSO CONTACTED THE THE RAM DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA WHERE I GET SERVICE DONE AND HAVE "0" RESPONSE FROM THEM. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. THE WELDING OF A STEERING COMPONENT
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RECALL ISSUED BY NHTSA. THE RECALL WAS V06 DRAG LINK. WHEN THE RECALL WA PREFORMED, THE ALIGNMENT NUTS ON THE DRAG LINK WERE WELDED SO THE COULDN'T COME LOOSE. I'VE HAD TO HAVE MY TRUCK REALIGNED 2 TIMES SINCE THE DRAG LINK NUTS WERE WELDED. AS OF RIGHT NOW THE NUTS ARE NOT WELDED AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE DRAG LINK IS COMPROMISED. I'VE HAD IT INTO 3 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS AND EACH SAY THAT WELDING THE NUTS SHOULD ONLY BE A TEMPORARY FIX NOT A PERMANENT FIX. SINCE THE WELDING, I'VE HAD STEERING ISSUES WITH MY TRUCK WHICH IS WHY I'VE HAD IT IN THE REAPIR SHOPS. I FEEL THAT THE DRAG LINK NEEDS A TOTAL REPLACEMENT AND NOT A BANDAID FIX. I'VE CONTACTED FCA 2 TIMES AND HAVE A CASE NUMBER, #[XXX]. THE CALLS MADE WERE ON OCT. 10 & OCT 24. I'VE ALSO CONTACTED THE THE RAM DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA WHERE I GET SERVICE DONE AND HAVE "0" RESPONSE FROM THEM. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. THE WELDING OF A STEERING COMPONENT
When having to brake hard, the lining of the pressure line from the pump to the hydro booster comes apart and causes the brakes to not work and the power steering to act up. The plastic lining shoots into the booster causing it to fail. They donât make a replacement line so I was forced to fabricate one. Very expensive fix.
Truck was repaired June 2019. They welded the jam nut which made it impossible to get an alaignment.Been having a open claim with Chrysler Jeep and Dodge going on 2 years per claim #78469040 Front Suspension Track Bar Frame Bracket ( vehicle recently started to do the death wobble again)
Truck was repaired June 2019. They welded the jam nut which made it impossible to get an alaignment.Been having a open claim with Chrysler Jeep and Dodge going on 2 years per claim #78469040 Front Suspension Track Bar Frame Bracket ( vehicle recently started to do the death wobble again)
Truck was repaired June 2019. They welded the jam nut which made it impossible to get an alaignment.Been having a open claim with Chrysler Jeep and Dodge going on 2 years per claim #78469040 Front Suspension Track Bar Frame Bracket ( vehicle recently started to do the death wobble again)
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the tailgate would fall open unintendedly while driving and the tailgate would fail to close securely after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the tailgate was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V347000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the failure reoccurred while the contact was attempting to drive off the dealer's parking lot. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the following day, the dealer was able to close the tailgate securely; however, the failure persisted while driving. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Mileage: 4,000
Took truck to Mac Haik here in Houston to perform the recall.The jam nut on drag link was welded,which was not a fix.Went back after being told truck can't be aligned with the drag link being welded.Was told I'd have to pay out of pocket for the weld to be cut,which sense have led to other issues with the front suspension. Attached is docs concerning this matter .....I been having a open claim with Dodge Chrysler and Jeep for over 2 years.Is there any remedy for such a problem?
Took truck to Mac Haik here in Houston to perform the recall.The jam nut on drag link was welded,which was not a fix.Went back after being told truck can't be aligned with the drag link being welded.Was told I'd have to pay out of pocket for the weld to be cut,which sense have led to other issues with the front suspension. Attached is docs concerning this matter .....I been having a open claim with Dodge Chrysler and Jeep for over 2 years.Is there any remedy for such a problem?
Took truck to Mac Haik here in Houston to perform the recall.The jam nut on drag link was welded,which was not a fix.Went back after being told truck can't be aligned with the drag link being welded.Was told I'd have to pay out of pocket for the weld to be cut,which sense have led to other issues with the front suspension. Attached is docs concerning this matter .....I been having a open claim with Dodge Chrysler and Jeep for over 2 years.Is there any remedy for such a problem?
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V541000 (Steering); the contact stated that after the repair while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that the track bar was recently replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to maneuver the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware of holes in the steering bracket. The contact called the dealer and attempted to purchase the brackets however, the contact was unsuccessful in retrieving the repair parts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
Mileage: 149,000
Driving the Ram on the expressway, my son in law went from 70 miles per hour ( 30 lbs of boost) to 45 miles per hour (10 LBS of boost). So thankful it did not cause a rear end accident. Taking it in to the dealership to get fixed they said it was the turbocharger actuator then gave me the price.$11,314.32. I have a trucking company so I bought the part for $1409.71 and my diesel mechanic did the repairs for a fraction of the cost. Then I get a letter in the mail from FCA US LLC Customer Center Reimbursement, for this same problem BUT on my 2015 Ram 3C63R3EL4FG523122. My issue is this it's the same part, for the 2013 and 2015 Ram Pickup truck 3500. It should have been a recall not an extended warranty for all the vehicle years that this part is in their trucks . Someone is going to get hurt. The Customer Center declined the reimbursement and to even discuss the situation they hung up on me for the representative told me I was wasting his time and he had other calls to take.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was inspected and repaired. Years later, the contact stated that upon shifting the gear lever to DRIVE, the shifter moved to LOW and remained stuck in the LOW gear. After multiple attempts, the contact was able to shift the vehicle into PARK; however, the transmission remained in NEUTRAL. The contact was forced to keep his foot on the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from moving forward. The contact was eventually able to correct the failure; however, no warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was no longer under the recall. The vehicle had was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Mileage: 50,000
Vehicle Left rear wheel detached on Interstate 94 in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Resulted in death of another motorist. Michael James Brooks was operating the Black Dodge 4 Door, 2013 vehicle, traveling westbound on I-94. The vehicle tire detached and traveled into a vehicle operated by Janice Southall. The incident resulted in a rollover collision and death of Janice Southall.
Vehicle Left rear wheel detached on Interstate 94 in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Resulted in death of another motorist. Michael James Brooks was operating the Black Dodge 4 Door, 2013 vehicle, traveling westbound on I-94. The vehicle tire detached and traveled into a vehicle operated by Janice Southall. The incident resulted in a rollover collision and death of Janice Southall.
Vehicle Left rear wheel detached on Interstate 94 in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Resulted in death of another motorist. Michael James Brooks was operating the Black Dodge 4 Door, 2013 vehicle, traveling westbound on I-94. The vehicle tire detached and traveled into a vehicle operated by Janice Southall. The incident resulted in a rollover collision and death of Janice Southall.
THE VEHICLE WAS PROVIDED TO THE DEALER. ON DAY THREE THE DEALER INFORMED VEHICLE OWNER THAT THE DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP, UNDER NHTSA Recall Number17V-562 IS NOT REPAIRABLE AS FCA DOES NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PART AVAILABLE, DEALER STATES THAT FCA HAS 160 NEW WATER PUMPS ON HAND AND ALL OF THEM ARE DEFECTIVE. THIS SAFETY RECALL REMAINS OPEN.
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.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.