2013 Ram 1500
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Steering
Steering leads by volume: 634 of 1,273 complaints (50%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (27) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,950–4,800 | 2,950–4,800 | 2,950–4,800 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–21 | 15–23 | 15–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–18 / 19–25 | 13–20 / 19–27 | 13–21 / 19–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 426–578 | 426–578 | 426–580 | |
| Complaints filed | 1,273 | 1,760 | 1,443 | |
| Recalls issued | 12 | 17 | 18 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 72 | 98 | 79 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 10 | 24 | 58 | |
| Injuries reported | 37 | 88 | 52 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 6 | 7 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Ram 1500 have?
12 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Ram 1500?
Steering: 634 of 1,273 NHTSA complaints (50%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Ram 1500 get?
EPA rates it 15–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Ram 1500?
EPA estimates $2,950–$4,800 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (10)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 549 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 5.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Midgrade | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $4,500 | 558 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 8-spd | 6 | 3.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (high) | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 450 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 14 mpg | 19 mpg (low) | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 562 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 5.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Midgrade | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,800 (high) | 578 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 8-spd | 6 | 3.6L | 4-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 474 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 8-spd | 6 | 3.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (high) | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 451 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 8-spd | 6 | 3.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 426 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 5.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Midgrade | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,200 | 525 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 5.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Midgrade | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,200 | 514 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 130 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 86 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 50 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 227 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 93 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 634 | 21 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 58 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 95 | 21 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 46 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 52 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 46 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 56 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (12)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH · Campaign 19V347000 · May 9, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT · Campaign 17V821000 · Dec 22, 2017
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
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.
AIR BAGS; AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN · Campaign 17V302000 · May 10, 2017
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
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.
EQUIPMENT · Campaign 16E041000 · May 16, 2016
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. · Campaign 15V461000 · Jul 23, 2015
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 15V459000 · Jul 22, 2015
Defect: 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.
Consequence: This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW; SEAT BELTS · Campaign 15V460000 · Jul 22, 2015
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · Campaign 13V610000 · Dec 6, 2013
Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
Consequence: The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · Campaign 13V287000 · Jul 8, 2013
Defect: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013. Due to a software issue with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module, the ESC system may be disabled when the vehicle is started.
Consequence: A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESC module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N37.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL · Campaign 13V237000 · Jun 5, 2013
Defect: 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."
Consequence: Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Show 2 earlier campaigns
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · Campaign 13V177000 · May 7, 2013
Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Consequence: Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.
PARKING BRAKE · Campaign 13V128000 · Apr 9, 2013
Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on a 20% grade. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the parking brake performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N22.