2013 RAM 3500 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 RAM 3500.

20102014
Complaints
182
Crashes
5
Fires
12
Injuries
6
Fatalities
3
Recalls
16

Worst 2013 RAM 3500 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#137 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:56,895 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:1
#227 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:48,843 mi
Fires:3
#317 complaints

Suspension Failures

Avg mileage:54,157 mi
Considering a 2013 RAM 3500?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 RAM 3500.

Steering Defects
37
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
56,895
Engine Problems
27
complaints
Crashes
Fires
3
Avg Miles
48,843
Suspension Failures
17
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
54,157
Electrical Faults
15
complaints
Crashes
Fires
3
Avg Miles
30,131
Fuel System
15
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
30,784
Unintended Acceleration
15
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
23,497
Transmission / Drivetrain
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
24,775
Wheel Issues
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
61,494
Diesel Fuel System
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
7,543
Airbags
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches / Locks
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Traction Control System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheels:Hub
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 RAM 3500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2013 RAM 3500

16 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~8,044,700 vehicles.

21V398000Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
~447,985 affected

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.

19V347000Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
~1,103,209 affected

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.

19V021000Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection
~795,575 affected

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.

17V824000Other Equipment
~61,791 affected

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

17V821000Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
~1,482,874 affected

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.

17V562000Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel
~443,874 affected

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.

17V499000Wheels
~1,765 affected

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.

16V739000Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator
~74,811 affected

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.

15V541000Steering
~149,080 affected

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.

15V461000Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.
~1,416,903 affected

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.

+ 6 more recalls

Other RAM 3500 Years

2013 RAM 3500 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2013 RAM 3500 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2013 RAM 3500 has 182 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash-related, and 16 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Steering Defects with 37 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2013 RAM 3500?
Top reported problems: Steering Defects (37 complaints, avg 56,895 mi); Engine Problems (27 complaints, avg 48,843 mi); Suspension Failures (17 complaints, avg 54,157 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 RAM 3500?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 42,748 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2013 RAM 3500?
NHTSA complaints for the 2013 RAM 3500 include 5 crash-related reports, 12 fire reports, 6 injuries, and 3 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2013 RAM 3500 have any recalls?
Yes — 16 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 8,044,700 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2013 RAM 3500?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full RAM 3500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2013 RAM 3500

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99