Reliable Auto DB

2013 Ram 2500 reliability

Is it reliable?

Owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ram 2500 over 14 years — 21 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most 2500 years here — under the median of the other years, which is 25. NHTSA has 16 recalls on file, including Latch, Linkages, and Equipment.

2013 Ram 2500
Photo by RL GNZLZ from Chile, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 2.0
Complaints

178

Per year

21

Recalls

16

Years on the road

14

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Engine (43 of 178), then Electrical system (41) and Steering (31). Those filings include 7 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.

Next to 2014

The 2014 2500 has 341 complaints, 53 per year. The 2013 has fewer complaints per year than the 2014.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2013 Ram 2500. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (16)

Recall latches, locks, and linkages, tailgate, latch 2019-05-09 · NHTSA campaign 19V347000
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.
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.
Recall steering, linkages 2018-10-16 · NHTSA campaign 18E096000
Summary 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.
Remedy Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
Recall Equipment 2017-12-21 · NHTSA campaign 17V824000
Summary 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. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Recall powertrain, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shifter 2017-12-20 · NHTSA campaign 17V821000
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.
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.
Recall engine and cooling, engine, diesel 2017-09-12 · NHTSA campaign 17V562000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.
Recall Wheels 2017-08-10 · NHTSA campaign 17V499000
Summary 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.
Remedy AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
Recall Air bags 2017-05-09 · NHTSA campaign 17V302000
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.
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.
Recall electrical system, alternator 2016-10-13 · NHTSA campaign 16V739000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
Recall Equipment 2016-05-16 · NHTSA campaign 16E041000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
Recall equipment, electrical, radio 2015-07-23 · NHTSA campaign 15V461000
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.
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.
Recall air bags, frontal 2015-07-22 · NHTSA campaign 15V459000
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.
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.
Recall Seat belts 2015-07-22 · NHTSA campaign 15V460000
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.
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.
Recall engine and cooling, engine, diesel 2014-10-08 · NHTSA campaign 14V635000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
Recall exterior lighting, turn signal 2013-06-04 · NHTSA campaign 13V237000
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."
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.
Recall exterior lighting, headlights 2013-06-04 · NHTSA campaign 13V240000
Summary 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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reconfigure the Central Body Controller, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N33.
Recall Engine and engine cooling 2013-04-03 · NHTSA campaign 13V122000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on May 31, 2013. A second letter was mailed to owners with instructions on how to obtain the free remedy on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N19.

Complaints by component (178 total)

Engine
43
Electrical system
41
Steering
31
Suspension
23
Fuel and propulsion system
22
Powertrain
22
Speed control
14
Air bags
8
Diesel fuel system
8
Service brakes
8
Engine and engine cooling
5
Structure
5
Visibility and wipers
5
Exterior lighting
4
Wheels
3
Electronic stability control (ESC)
2
Seat belts
2
Fuel system, other
1
Hydraulic brakes
1
Interior lighting
1
Show 12 more Show less
Crash-flagged

7

Fire-flagged

7

Injury reports

4

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

22013192014412015202016202017292018192019112020820212202232023120241202522026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "The ABS module is not working. Part # 68052421AF is part of a recall # C4B but not for my truck. The VIN states it's been reprogrammed. What can I do?"
    Unknown or other · filed 2026-06-04
  • "Jan 8 th had Ram 67A recall performed. Feb1 the EL on dash comes on and def system engine shutdown countdown. Feb 4 brought truck to dealer for service fix. Feb 5 dealer states that truck needs new DEF injector, Wiring…"
    Engine · filed 2026-03-06
  • "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…"
    Powertrain, Engine · filed 2025-11-27
  • "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…"
    Powertrain · filed 2024-09-27
  • "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…"
    Electrical system, Service brakes · filed 2023-11-09

Specs and fitment

HD (fourth gen), 2013–2018
Body styles Pickup
Oil FCA MS-6395 5W-40 (Cummins diesel) or 5W-20 (gas per manual) , 12 qt capacity
Tire size 275/70R18, 285/60R20, 285/70R17 (trim dependent)
Towing capacity 17,940 lbs

Known issues for this generation

NHTSA safety recall 19V347000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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. 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.

Compare

Next year 2014 Ram 2500 See every Ram 2500 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Ram 2500 reliable?

Owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ram 2500 over 14 years — 21 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most 2500 years here — under the median of the other years, which is 25. NHTSA has 16 recalls on file, including Latch, Linkages, and Equipment.

What are common problems with a 2013 Ram 2500?

The complaints owners file most often name Engine (43 of 178), then Electrical system (41) and Steering (31). Those filings include 7 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.

Is the 2013 Ram 2500 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2014 2500 has 341 complaints, 53 per year. The 2013 has fewer complaints per year than the 2014.

Has the 2013 Ram 2500 been recalled?

The 2013 Ram 2500 has 16 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2013 Ram 2500?

Owners have filed 178 complaints about the 2013 Ram 2500 with NHTSA.

What engine oil does a Ram 2500 use?

US Ram 2500 manuals specify diesel or gasoline oil grades in the maintenance section for your engine.

What does NHTSA recall 19V-347 cover on the Ram 2500?

NHTSA safety recall 19V347000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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.

What generation is the 2014 Ram 2500?

HD (fourth gen) (2013-2018).