Ram 3500, representative photo
Representative 2012 model. Photo: order_242 from Chile, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2013 Ram 3500 recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2013 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
18
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
115
Latest campaign
May 27, 2021

Recall summary by component18

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Steering3Jan 25, 2019
Equipment3Dec 21, 2017
Engine and engine cooling3Sep 12, 2017
Wheels2May 27, 2021
Exterior lighting2Jun 4, 2013
Latches/locks/linkages1May 9, 2019
Power train1Dec 20, 2017
Electrical system1Oct 13, 2016
Air bags1Jul 22, 2015
Seat belts1Jul 22, 2015

Safety recalls18

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
May 27, 2021Latest campaign
May 27, 202121V398000

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 21V398000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 21V398000 · May 27, 2021
May 9, 201919V347000

Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate latch

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.

DetailsHide details for campaign 19V347000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 19V347000 · May 9, 2019
Jan 25, 201919V021000

Steering: linkages drag

A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 19V021000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 19V021000 · Jan 25, 2019
Oct 16, 201818E096000

Steering: linkages

The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 18E096000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 18E096000 · Oct 16, 2018
Dec 21, 201717V824000

Equipment

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

DetailsHide details for campaign 17V824000
What's wrong
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
Risk
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 17V824000 · Dec 21, 2017
Dec 20, 201717V821000

Power train: automatic transmission lever and linkage

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…

DetailsHide details for campaign 17V821000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 17V821000 · Dec 20, 2017
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Mopar recall lookup (Ram). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Owner complaints by component115

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
115Complaints filed
4Involving a crash
7Involving a fire
2Injuries reported · 1 death
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Steering3833310
Engine2723031
Suspension1816000
Electrical system1715031
Vehicle speed control1513000
Fuel/propulsion system1513011
Power train1210100
Unknown or other87010
Wheels76111
Fuel system54010
Diesel54010
Service brakes33000
Structure33010
Air bags33000
Tires22000

7 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Steering

    “The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle became uncontrollable and was difficult to maneuver while driving on the road.”

    Filed 10/08/2026 · ODI 11769844
  • Electrical system

    “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.”

    Filed 08/22/2025 · ODI 11682449
  • Steering

    “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.”

    Filed 01/13/2025 · ODI 11635590

Other Ram 3500 model years

Other Ram models

2013 Ram 3500 recall questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Ram 3500 have?

NHTSA lists 18 safety recall campaigns for the 2013 Ram 3500. The most recent, 21V398000 (reported May 27, 2021), concerns wheels. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What are the 2013 Ram 3500 recalls for?

The largest group is steering, with 3 campaigns. Others: equipment (3), engine and engine cooling (3), wheels (2). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.

What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Ram 3500?

Steering is the most-reported component, named in 38 complaints out of 115 filed with NHTSA (33%). Across all complaints, owners reported 4 crashs and 7 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2013 Ram 3500?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Mopar recall lookup (Ram). That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Ram dealer.

Check a specific Ram by VIN

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