Complaints about the 2013 Ram 3500 peaked in 2014, with 26 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Pickup, diesel, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in Mexico. Owner complaints on file from Jan 22, 2014 to Aug 22, 2025.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21V-398 | May 27, 2021 | 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… | Wheels | 447,985 | Part replacement |
| 19V-347 | May 9, 2019 | 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… | Latches and locks | 1,103,209 | Repair or modification |
| 19V-021 | Jan 25, 2019 | Outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate | Steering | 795,575 | Part replacement |
| 18E-096 | Oct 16, 2018 | Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle | Steering | 847 | Repair or modification |
| 17V-824 | Dec 21, 2017 | List of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf | Equipment | 61,791 | Part replacement |
| 17V-821 | Dec 20, 2017 | Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin… | Powertrain | 1,482,874 | Software update |
| 17V-562 | Sep 12, 2017 | These water pumps may leak coolant | Engine and cooling | 443,874 | Part replacement |
| 17V-499 | Aug 10, 2017 | Outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss | Wheels | 1,765 | Part replacement |
| 16V-739 | Oct 13, 2016 | Affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail | Electrical system | 74,811 | Part replacement |
| 16E-041 | May 16, 2016 | These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015 | Equipment | 345 | Refund or buyback |
| 15V-541 | Aug 26, 2015 | Affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket components separating… | Steering | 149,080 | Repair or modification |
| 15V-461 | Jul 23, 2015 | Affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle… | Equipment | 1,416,903 | Software update |
| 15V-460 | Jul 22, 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… | Airbags | 667,441 | Software update |
| 15V-459 | Jul 22, 2015 | Affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring | Airbags | 1,059,444 | Repair or modification |
| 14V-635 | Oct 8, 2014 | In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat | Engine and cooling | 315,325 | Part replacement |
| 13V-240 | Jun 4, 2013 | Headlamp shutters may function improperly when in high-beam mode | Lighting | 1,069 | Not stated |
| 13V-237 | Jun 4, 2013 | 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 | Lighting | 17,411 | Software update |
| 13V-122 | Apr 3, 2013 | Engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover | Engine and cooling | 6,143 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
114 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.
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.
NHTSA complaint 11682449The 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 of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint 11635590I 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 (DRAG LINK) IS NOT A FIX. I HAVE HAD STEERING ISSUES AND DEATH WOBBLE OCCUR SINCE THIS RECALL WAS COMPLETED. I'VE HAD IT IN FOR 2 ALIGNMENTS. I'M WORRIED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY NOT HAVING THIS ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF. PLEASE ADVISE ON MY NEXT STEPS THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION. RECALL - V06 NHTSA 19V-021 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11556006When 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 don’t make a replacement line so I was forced to fabricate one. Very expensive fix.
NHTSA complaint 11555541Truck 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)
NHTSA complaint 11517380The 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.
NHTSA complaint 11510970Took 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?
NHTSA complaint 11504071The 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.
NHTSA complaint 11499320Driving 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.
NHTSA complaint 11463664The 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.
NHTSA complaint 11433197Vehicle 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.
NHTSA complaint 11427856THE 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.
NHTSA complaint 11423719THE TIE ROD END, WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED, BROKEN IN TO TWO PIECE AT THE ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint 11398657BATTERY DRAIN. BOUGHT SEVERAL BATTERIES OVER THE PAST 4 YEARS AND EACH BATTERY WILL LAST 2 MONTHS AFTER THAT I WOULD HAVE TO START THE TRUCK UP EVERY OTHER DAY, SO THE BATTERY WOULDN' T GO DEAD. .
NHTSA complaint 11394482TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 9V021000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V541000 (STEERING) COMPLETED AT LOCAL DEALER STAR DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM LOCATED AT 5101 S 1ST ST, ABILENE, TX 79605, (325) 698-2222. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING SHE EXPERIENCED THE DEATH WOBBLE AND SKIMMED THE CEMENT WALL OF A BRIDGE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED NO ONE WAS INJURED OR SEEKED ANY MEDICAL ATTENTION. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD ALSO EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD ALL 4 TIRES CHANGED BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK TO ANYONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,175.
NHTSA complaint 11353748WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AN ENGINE SPRING VALVE BROKE, CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE. THE ENGINE IS A TOTAL LOSS AND MUST BE REPLACED. WE ARE HOPING THERE ARE OTHERS OUT THERE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THAT SAME FAILURE SO THAT A RECALL CAN BE ISSUED. WE ARE CURRENTLY STUCK WITH THE $15K BILL.
NHTSA complaint 11352705DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, A 3 YEAR OLD MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE SEPARATED AND THEN EXPLODED. BODY DAMAGE WAS $9,000 PLUS THE COST OF REPLACING ALL THE TIRES. MICHELIN AFTER 7 WEEKS RESPONDED SAYS IS WAS A CLASSIC TRAUMA TO THE TIRE FROM A POTHOLE OR ROCK SOMETIME DURING ITS LIFE. IN THE 3 YEARS I HAVE DRIVEN ON THESE TIRE THERE WAS NEVER ANY TRAUMA. THE SAME DAY I WAS AT THE TIRE SHOP, 3 OTHER VEHICLES WERE THERE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. AN INDEPENDENT TIRE SHOP AND THE BODY SHOP THAT HANDLED THE REPAIRS CONFIRMS MICHELIN TIRES DO NOT HOLD UP TO ARIZONA'S HEAT. THEY SEE MORE BLOWOUTS AND SEPARATIONS THAN WITH OTHER TIRES. HAS THE NHTSB LOOKED INTO MICHELIN TRUCK TIRES TO SEE IF THEY ARE COVERING SOMETHING UP WITH THEIR LIGHT TRUCK TIRES? IT SEEMS IF A TIRE CANNOT HOLD TOGETHER AFTER 30,000 MILES THEY NEED TO BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint 11351818MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A PHENOMENON COMMONLY KNOWN AS 'DEATH WOBBLE'. (GOOGLE '2013 DODGE RAM 3500 DEATH WOBBLE' TO VIEW VIDEOS OF THIS ISSUE). WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND ENCOUNTERING A CERTAIN CURVE RADIUS COMBINED WITH A BUMP OR DEFECT IN THE ROADWAY SURFACE, THE FRONT SUSPENSION BEGINS VIOLENTLY VIBRATING. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND THIS VIBRATION CANNOT BE STOPPED BY HOLDING THE WHEEL. APPLYING THE BRAKES TRANSMITS THE VIBRATION TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ONLY REMEDY IS TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN BY REMOVING ANY INPUT TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN THE VEHICLE SPEED DROPS TO BELOW APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VIBRATION CEASES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME NUMEROUS TIMES AND MAKES ME FEEL AS IF I COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR ON A WET OR SNOW COVERED ROADWAY, I THINK THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD MOST LIKELY SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. I HAVE BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO TWO DIFFERENT DODGE DEALERS TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE 'UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE'. THIS IS NOT SURPRISING SINCE IT REQUIRES A VERY SPECIFIC COMBINATION OF VEHICLE SPEED, STEERING ANGLE, AND BUMP OR OTHER INPUT TO THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY COVERAGE WHEN I COMPLAINED OF THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALERS. MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY COVERAGE BUT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERS TELL ME I HAVE TO TAKE IT UP WITH DODGE TO TRY AND GET THEM TO COVER THIS. NOT SURPRISINGLY, DODGE TELLS ME I HAVE TO TAKE IT UP WITH THE DEALERS.
NHTSA complaint 11350134TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING A VIOLENT SHAKING OCCURRED WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL, VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON WHICH THEN RESUMED BACK TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT END WAS INSPECTED AND DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER, PLANET FORD-DODGE LOCATED AT 19000 EASTEX FWY, HUMBLE, TX 77338 WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NO WARRANTY WAS AVAILABLE ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 162,000.
NHTSA complaint 11343870THE DEF GAUGE DOES NOT SHOW THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF DEF FLUID THAT IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK, IT IS ALWAYS SHOWING FULL.
NHTSA complaint 11322293Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.