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Vehicle safety record

2013 Ram 1500 Crew Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 1,283 complaints about the 2013 Ram 1500 Crew with NHTSA, most often about the steering (643) and the electrical system (228). Those complaints describe 72 crashes, 10 fires and 37 injuries. There are no recalls for it. For comparison, the 2012 has 698.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical 1500 Crew year, for its age

#9 most complained-about 2013 vehicle

Complaints
1,283
Recalls
0
Crashes
72
Fires
10
Injuries
37
Deaths
0

Most common 2013 Ram 1500 Crew problems

Share of all 1,283 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

No recalls for the 2013 Ram 1500 Crew

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2013 Ram 1500 Crew. Recalls can be announced at any time - this page updates daily.

What owners say

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1,283 complaints about the 2013 Ram 1500 Crew

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 52.

Electrical system

i was driving and the headlights dimmed and went out, almost causing accident. I brought it to my mechanic and at [[redacted]] it says the alternator on your vehicle may experience a rapid alternator failure due to diode thermal fatigue. Variability in the failure mode ranges from no output, reduced output, and/or a fully shorted to ground condition. Depending on the alternator failure mode and timing, the vehicle electrical system voltage may drop to critical level, disabling systems such as ABS, ESC, and ECM...

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and/ or the Central Body COntroller. the driver will have limited or no detection of the alternator failing, which can result in vehicle shutdown while driving, increasin the risk of a crash and/or an underhood electrical fire. I can't reach anyone to help me with this problem with the FCA Recall Assistance Center. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11775272
Steering

While driving my truck, on a public roadway, I had a sudden, and complete lose of steering. A service power steering light and warning showed up on the dash. The vehicle cannot steer at all. Prior to this incident, there was no sign of failure or any warning lights.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11774968
Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with electronic rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the electronic rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11772708
Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an unknown steering message displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the steering module was inoperable and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering); and associated the failure with the investigation. The contact had the vehicle repaired by the dealer; however, the contact stated that the steering wheel became firm while accelerating. The failure mileage was 73,661.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11772677
Steering

Power steering is intermittently working. My truck barely made it to the side of the road because it was so hard to steer. If there was more traffic at the time I don't think I would have made it.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11770041
Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Additionally, the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with electronic power steering failure and an ESC software failure. The contact was informed that the ESC software needed to be updated, and the electronic power steering unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11769727
Steering

Power steering. While driving lost all control of the power steering. Mechanic said it's a fault in the internal of the electronic power steering.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11767177
Steering

1. Electric Power steering Rack and Pinion assermbly quit working. Turning into my drive way to park and the power steering completely quit working causing me to almost run into the side of our new ( 1 month 2026 KIA ) before I could get my 2013 1500 stopped. 2.Yes it is avaible for inspection. 3. I have not taken it to anyone, I have been a mechanic in the military and work for serveral auto dealerships ( 76 years old now ). 4. Service Electric Power Steering warnng light came on same time the power steering quit working only for a second then went off, now warning light comes on with key in run position briefly but goes out and when the engine is running I get no warning light.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11765119
Steering

We were going to the beach a couple of days ago. While I was driving down the highway the power steering went out. All of a sudden I had no control over the steering. I was fortunate enough that the person on the right side of me was alert enough to recognize that something wrong was happening as I quickly veered into his lane. I was able to slow down enough and fight the wheel for control and get it parked on the medium. If he wouldn't have been alert this could have had some bad results. He pulled over and...

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checked on us. Ensured we had a phone. The truck is available for a inspection. The truck is a 2013 but it has been pampered taken care of. Milage is only 47,510 miles. If the miles of the truck truly represented the age. 13 years old but it's well under 50,000 miles.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11765079
Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that one of the brake calipers was locking up, causing the vehicle to veer from side to side while accelerating. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where a technician diagnosed the vehicle with a seized brake caliper. The service center confirmed the failure. Due to the constant dragging, the brake pads became excessively worn and failed to perform as needed. The brake parts were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact was able to control the vehicle; however, the steering wheel was firmer than normal.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11764976
Steering

Intermittent loss of power stering

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11763193
Steering

While making a left turn the steering wheel jerked slightly and vehicle suddenly became difficult to steer. Noted a red flashing steering wheel icon with a red flashing exclamation mark icon on the instrument panel. An accident was narrowly avoided only due to the strength of the driver to manually turn the vehicle sufficiently to avoid collision. Mechanic diagnosis is that the Electronic Steering Assist Motor or Module in the EPS Rack and Pinion assembly had failed. Vehicle has not been repaired as of yet.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11763141
Steering

No warnings for power steering going out it just completely went out.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11762999
Steering

Started vehicle, drove about 400 meters and the power steering went out while making a left turn. More than went out, as it felt like it actively fought me. I've driven vehicles without P/S before, and this was significantly worse. It almost caused me to overrun the turn and collide with an embankment. I restarted the vehicle after a bit, and the power steering worked fine again for about 400 meters, whereupon it failed once more with similar symptoms. I can feel the steering wheel actively trying to work back...

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the other direction when turning. It seems to be actively trying to return to straight status. I received a warning on the cluster about servicing power steering during both incidents. This warning cleared on startup.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11762712
Steering

Lost all power steering

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11762266
Steering

The vehicles power steering randomly stopped working. I checked the fuse box 10amp and 125amp battery connection and no power issues with it. There is power to the rest of the vehicle.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11762205
Steering

On 08/29/2026 while traveling on the interstate the electronic power steering light activated on the cluster of the 2013 ram 1500 truck. After hearing the warning and seeing the warning, there was no power steering on the vehicle as I was traveling at 70 mph down the interstate. The wheel was difficult to turn and the vehicle was hard to maintain control while driving. This presented a safety issue for myself and other motorist traveling on the same interstate as myself. The only warning I received was the warning...

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when the power steering completely failed and was inoperable. no other symptom or warning was triggered. I have a scheduled appointment for the dealer to check the vehicle on Friday Sept 4, 2026 at 0800. I am a sworn sheriff's deputy and the vehicle displays a red steering wheel with a red exclamation mark beside it on the dash with a warning that reads "service power steering" power steering will begin to work again after shutdown of the truck and fail after a few minutes of driving and stays out.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11761345
Steering

I had gone into my local Walmart after work and turned the truck off. After I came back out and turned the truck on, my power steering had gone out completely.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11760665
Brakes

A ton of 2013 ram 1500's are having ABS module problems or needing repairs. Very unsafe to travel without it working properly. Unable to get a new part because Mopar discontinued making them. For what reason? I think this is the exact reason. Something needs to be done about it. To many reports of ABS modules being broken or not working/ functioning properly. Mine is broke and can not find a replacement.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11760158
Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the contact stopped the vehicle and activated the hazard lights. Another driver assisted the contact in moving the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electric power steering rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired...

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due to the cost. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11758464
Brakes

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability/traction control system on my 2013 Ram 1500 have malfunctioned. The Serious incident occurred when another vehicle pulled out in front of me and I had to brake hard. Dash immediately displayed the ABS and brake warning lights, The normal hydraulic brakes operated, but ABS did not activate. The wheels locked and the vehicle skidded sideways during the emergency stop, significantly reducing directional control and creating a significant risk of collision and...

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rollover. Diagnostic scanning identified DTC C2200-49, indicating an internal electronic failure of the ABS control module. The problem has progressively worsened. The warnings now occur at normal temperatures and may appear immediately after ignition. The vehicle also displays "Service Integrated Electronic Brake System," and traction control becomes unavailable. On another occasion, while accelerating on a dry road at approximately 70°F ambient temperature, I heard a click and felt a slight jerk immediately before the ABS/brake warning lights illuminated. The ABS control module is available for inspection upon request. The identified ABS control module is Mopar part number 68196035AA. I have found that obtaining a new replacement module may be difficult because the original part appears to be discontinued/unavailable through normal OEM sources. The failure has progressed from intermittent to persistent and has resulted in the actual loss of ABS, traction control, and electronic stability functions. The vehicle retains conventional braking, but the emergency braking incident demonstrated that wheel lock and loss of directional stability can occur when ABS is unavailable. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The diagnostic code and warning behavior have been reproduced repeatily.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11757467
Steering

Electronic power steering suddenly went out while driving

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11757252
BrakesDriver assistance

I am receiving code C2200, and the ABS, brake, lights on confirmed by my local Jeep, Dodge, Ram dealership. The dealership wants to sell me aftermarket ABS module telling me it's a 50/50 chance of it working with electronic flush. All other ABS modules are on backorder with the current safety recall for 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500's.

Filed Incident Service brakes · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11757044
SteeringElectrical system

see it's a known things with rams that the electronic power steering goes out randomly because of how dodge made it and the dealerships don't do recalls for it and it's absolutely absurd to spend 2-4k$ for a fix

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 11756639
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

In December 2025, my check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes read P0128 (coolant thermostat) and U1467 (module communication). I took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed and repaired the issue. Shortly after, the check engine light returned, so the same mechanic replaced the ECM (plug and play). This repair did not resolve the check engine light. The mechanic recommended I take the vehicle to a dealership and identified a related service bulletin tied to Safety Recall N25 / NHTSA Campaign 13V-177...

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(three-way coolant valve). To confirm this diagnosis, I sought a second opinion from another independent mechanic. That shop purchased the coolant valve part directly from a dealership, installed it on my truck, and the same issue persisted. They also were unable to resolve it and advised me to take the vehicle to a dealership. I researched NHTSA Campaign 13V-177 (Chrysler Manufacturer Campaign N25) and confirmed that Chrysler recalled certain 2013 RAM 1500 trucks built between June 25, 2012 and December 12, 2012, because the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that prevents coolant flow to the heater core. The official remedy for this recall is replacement of the coolant valve along with an updated module calibration, performed by a dealer. I was told by dealership staff that there is no active recall on my vehicle. However, my truck matches the affected description, and I have not had the calibration portion of the recall remedy performed, only the physical part replacement, which two independent mechanics have already completed without resolving the underlying issue. My vehicle is currently at Landmark Dodge in Morrow, GA. Despite this being an open federal safety recall (13V-177/N25) with a remedy that includes a required software calibration update, the dealership is attempting to charge me for this repair, even though I have already paid to have the physical part replaced twice by independent mechanics.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11753492

Ram 1500 Crew: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20131,28307210SteeringD
201269803210Electrical systemC
20116890287Electrical systemC
All 1500 Crew years

2013 Ram 1500 Crew vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2013 Ram 1500 Crew1,283072D
2013 Ram 15001,2831272DCompare
2013 Ram 1500 Quad1,283072DCompare
2013 Ram 2500178167CCompare
2013 Ram 3500115184CCompare
2013 Ram 5500490BCompare
2013 Ram C/V Tradesman420CCompare
2013 Ram 4500390CCompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2013 Ram 1500 Crew

Does the 2013 Ram 1500 Crew have any recalls?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2013 Ram 1500 Crew right now. Recalls can be announced at any time, and this page checks NHTSA every day. You can also check your exact vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ram 1500 Crew?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (643), electrical system (228), engine & cooling (130).

How many complaints has the 2013 Ram 1500 Crew had?

1,283 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 2, 2013 and the latest on November 2, 2026. Of these, 72 describe a crash and 10 a fire, and together they report 37 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2013 Ram 1500 Crew a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 29 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Ram 1500 Crew year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Ram 1500 Crew years have the most complaints?

2013 (1,283), 2012 (698), 2011 (689). See every Ram 1500 Crew year compared.

What should I do if my 2013 Ram 1500 Crew has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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