Reliable Auto DB

2013 Ram 3500 reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2013 Ram 3500 holds 114 complaints after 14 years, a rate of 17 per year. 3500 years here cluster close together — the other years’ median is 18 complaints per year. NHTSA has 18 recalls on file, including Lug nuts, Latch, and Connection.

2012 Ram 3500
Photo by MercurySable99, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

114

Per year

17

Recalls

18

Years on the road

14

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Steering (37 of 114), then Engine (27) and Suspension (18). Those filings include 3 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, 2 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.

Next to 2012 and 2014

The 2012 3500 has 0 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2014 has 202 complaints, 31 per year. The 2013 has more complaints per year than the 2012. 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 3500. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (18)

Recall wheels, lug nuts 2021-05-27 · NHTSA campaign 21V398000
Summary 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 wheel separation.
Remedy Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
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, drag link, link, connection 2019-01-25 · NHTSA campaign 19V021000
Summary 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.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
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 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 Steering 2015-08-26 · NHTSA campaign 15V541000
Summary 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 components separating from the frame.
Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket over the front track bar bracket. This recall began on February 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R46.
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, 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 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 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 (114 total)

Steering
37
Engine
27
Suspension
18
Electrical system
17
Fuel and propulsion system
15
Speed control
15
Powertrain
11
Wheels
7
Diesel fuel system
5
Air bags
3
Service brakes
3
Structure
3
Electronic stability control (ESC)
2
Engine and engine cooling
2
Tires
2
Exterior lighting
1
Latches, locks, and linkages
1
Seat belts
1
Traction control
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Show 12 more Show less
Crash-flagged

3

Fire-flagged

7

Injury reports

2

Death reports

1

Complaints filed per year

26201424201592016152017920181020197202052021220225202322025
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "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…"
    Electrical system · filed 2025-08-22
  • "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…"
    Steering, Suspension · filed 2025-01-13
  • "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…"
    Steering, Suspension · filed 2023-11-20
  • "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…"
    Service brakes · filed 2023-11-16
  • "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…"
    Steering, Suspension, Speed control · filed 2023-04-17

Specs and fitment

Fourth-generation HD, 2012–2018
Body styles Pickup
Oil Diesel oil per Cummins CES / API CK-4 (see manual by climate) , 12 qt capacity
Tire size 275/70R18, 285/60R20 (SRW); 235/80R17 (DRW)

Known issues for this generation

Pre-2019 Ram 3500 diesels retain the older Bosch CP3 high-pressure fuel pump layout that later trucks briefly left behind. Shared HD campaigns still matter on these years, including power-locking tailgate latch failures covered under NHTSA 19V-347 (and related expansions) on many 2013–2018 Ram 1500/2500/3500 pickups where the actuator limiter tab could fracture and let the tailgate open while driving. Confirm open tailgate and other HD recalls on the VIN; diesel trucks also accumulate DEF/EGR and emissions-system complaints typical of post-2013 Cummins trucks.

Compare

Next year 2014 Ram 3500 See every Ram 3500 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Ram 3500 reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2013 Ram 3500 holds 114 complaints after 14 years, a rate of 17 per year. 3500 years here cluster close together — the other years’ median is 18 complaints per year. NHTSA has 18 recalls on file, including Lug nuts, Latch, and Connection.

What are common problems with a 2013 Ram 3500?

The complaints owners file most often name Steering (37 of 114), then Engine (27) and Suspension (18). Those filings include 3 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, 2 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.

Is the 2013 Ram 3500 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2012 3500 has 0 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2014 has 202 complaints, 31 per year. The 2013 has more complaints per year than the 2012. The 2013 has fewer complaints per year than the 2014.

Has the 2013 Ram 3500 been recalled?

The 2013 Ram 3500 has 18 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 3500?

Owners have filed 114 complaints about the 2013 Ram 3500 with NHTSA.

What oil does a Ram 3500 Cummins take?

Diesel oil per Cummins CES / API CK-4 (see manual by climate)

What does NHTSA recall 21V-880 cover on the Ram 3500?

2019–2020 Ram 3500 (and sibling 2500/4500/5500) trucks with the 6.7L Cummins are covered by NHTSA campaign 21V-880 (FCA Y78): the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump may fail prematurely, send metal debris through the fuel system, and cause fuel starvation or loss of motive…

What generation is the 2013 Ram 3500?

Fourth-generation HD (2012-2018).