2013 Ram 1500 Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the seat needed to be removed to inspect the air bag sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the electric power steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle in cold weather, the power steering was inoperable. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinon and power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Electronic power steering. My steering will go out while driving and I have to pull over, turn the truck off and turn it back on. The power steering will stop working without any notice and has almost cause FATAL accidents if I were not able to recover in time. Last time I brought the truck in to get looked at i was told nothing was wrong drive safe.... which is impossible now cause my power steering randomly fails on this truck. There is no warning or anything that pops up until it is too late. This happens at any time between 0-85 MPH and if im in a turn or going straight.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and approaching an exit, the contact became aware that the steering had seized, and the vehicle became extremely difficult to control. The power steering fault warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic steering module inside the steering gearbox. The vehicle unrepaired at the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

In May/June 2023 my Ram lost power steering while exiting the freeway. It startled me as I was merging into traffic. I pulled over to a parking lot and turned the vehicle off. Restarted the truck and the power steering was back. Drive the truck a few days with no problem but then it happened again. I contacted Ram Customer Service because I found an article online about bad EPS modules, they were very unhelpful. Pretty much saying I was on my own. I brought the truck in, drove to dealership with intermittent loss of power steering. Diagnostic found electronic power steering module failure and replaced steering gear assembly. $3300 later which i feel was way too much. Also as a side note, before taking the truck in, I purchased a bottle of power steering fluid to try, after looking in my manual. Nowhere in my manual does it say that this vehicle has an electric power steering module. Shows a pic of the reservoir of where the fluid would normally go.

Was coming home from work and totally lost all power steering! By the grace of god I managed to pull off the road and stop but I am told that the power steering is electrical and that the whole steering assembly has to be replaced! I was also told that the 2014 and the 2015 ram models have a recall investigation! If the same steering module is faulty in these other year models, so should the one we own! I am fortunate to have been on a side road instead of the interstate which is my normal daily commute! The cost related to this is $2000.00 for parts and appx $1500.00 installation! This is totally wrong! We need help with this!

While driving at approximately 40mph, the power steering system failed without warning causing the vehicle to cross a double line into the oncoming lane. The vehicle was very difficult to steer. The message "Service Power Steering" appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle has not yet been independently inspected, but an online search revealed hundreds of similar cases of the electronic rack and pinion system failing.

1.Electronic stability control: A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash. 2.Exterior lighting: 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. 3.Equipment: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash. 4.Air bags: 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. 5.Power train: 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. 6.Latches/locks/linkages: 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. 7.Engine and engine cooling: Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of moisture or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash. 8.Air bags: frontal: 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. 9.Parking brake: If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash. Red temp dash light on, Yellow Engine dash light on, Powertrain dash light on and Red airbag dash light on since May 2023. Has been serviced by dealership 9 times with the same on going issues with no resolution. Worried about overall safety.

The power steering failed

My 2013 Ram pick-up truck has the same problem as everyone else's the electric rack and pinion which it went out last year. I think I might have a blown head gasket. My truck is broke down infront of my home. I'm disabled I can't afford to get it fixed at the moment

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, and at other speeds, the vehicle started making an abnormal ticking sound and decelerated independently. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine failed to rev and the vehicle slowly accelerated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal ticking sound had become louder and more frequent, causing her to stop driving the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but declined to set up an appointment for diagnostic testing. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Truck says service electric brake system.

All instruments and control of window wipers stopped responding to their switches. Wipers will not turn off, no horn, no working switches on steering wheel, communication to abs system, trailer brakes, data from abs not being received. Dash cluster flashes out for about 10 seconds while driving not knowing if the vehicle is still running while on the highway or freeway. Everything is pointing to the steering wheel clock spring. All replaced but still no controls or horn or ability to run vehicle safely on the roads. Will not pass inspection from this issue.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a loss of electric power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start or unlock. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown electric power steering recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My abs control computer has failed. No abs/esc or cruise control. Dodge says the controller is on engineering hold and will not be available until March of 2024 at the earliest. This has been out since May. It is a safety issue that I need repaired. I cannot believe it has taken so long to get the part.

Electronic power steering stopped working making the vehicle impossible to steer. This appears to be a problem with a lot of these vehicles.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering, which caused her husband to almost crash into another vehicle. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who also confirmed the previous mechanic's diagnosis and that the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

I parked at a house where I was doing a service call for a plumbing issue. The house has a 45 degree driveway. I killed the truck and I exited the vehicle and started my work inside. I needed my headlamp from the visor of the truck. I came out to the truck to get my headlamp. I put my right knee onto the driver seat and grabbed my headlamp. My elbow hit my shifter and my truck took off rolling backwards. I was able to get away from the truck, the truck jumped the curb across the street and came to a stop in an open grassy spot. I walked to the truck to see if I could tell what happened. The truck was not cranked at the time and I had the keys in my pocket. I tried to put the truck into park and couldn’t do so. I put the key into the ignition and turned the key so that I could put the truck into park and crank it. Couldn’t shift it up. I called my friend who is s master mechanic and he removed the steering wheel cover and pushed a yellow button down in which then he was able to shift it back into park. I drove the truck home which was very tough bc there was no longer any power steering. Very hard to do. I got the truck home and i haven’t used it because it no longer has assisted steering which was working fine before this happened.

Was driving and noticed a rattling noise, arrived at work, myself and a co-worker, who also owns a Ram, looked under the truck and noticed that my bracket that holds my gas tank in place had broken loose from the frame, which it is supposed to be attached to(the actual bracket that is supposed to hold the support for the tank had rusted out, this has got to be a safety issue???

Dealer confirmed faulty ABS unit module part #68210719AB on my 2013 Ram 1500 Big Horn. No antilock brake capability, no trailer brakes, no traction control and 4 dashboard warning lights on. Dealer went to order parts in April and FCA says it's on engineering hold until march 2024 at the earliest. I told FCA Ram Customer Care on multiple occasions that the truck in not useable and is a safety hazard. I contacted FCA in June and they wouldn't give me a case number and basically said it is what it is. Dealer can't do anything and has tried everything to find the part. I saw there was a class action lawsuit filed and multiple complaints about this very same issue, most notably with 2017-18 Ram 1500's but mine is a 2013 with same issues and same part #. I can't be expected to not have a vehicle for 11 months at best. Ram Customer care has not been helpful at all.

Power steering (EPS failure) powersteering keeps going out randomly

Power steering intermittently stops working when driving. Shut vehicle off and restart to get it working again.

Vehicle has been serviced 7 times by Lithia Nissan with continuing issues last service date was May 22nd 2023 in which the following services were performed; Oil filter housing, 2 gaskets, installed OEM oil cooler and cleared codes, Pin fit issues with master switch, repaired pin issue. Vehicle has been serviced 2 times by Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Eugene address 2121 Martin Luther King Jr. BLVD. Eugene OR 97401 (541)686-2255 Last service date Oct. 2nd 2023 in which the following services were performed; Engine system repair, injector-fuel, cleared codes, Pin fit issues with master switch repaired pin issues. Vehicle serviced 1 time by Goodyear location 164 W 7th AVE Eugene OR 97401 (541)343-2501 service date Oct. 5th 2023 following service was performed; Replace Resistor Spark Plug, Spark plug- Iridium OE Exact plug, R&R Spark plugs, R&R spark plugs Ignition Coil set, Intake manifold set, cleared codes. Ongoing issues; unresolved by services performed 1.Check engine light 2.Airbag light 3.Hot temp light 4.Power train light 5.Parking brake does not work properly and will roll if not parked on a level surface 6.Master switch driver control will stop working unless I pop it out of the control panel disconnect it and reconnect it. 7.Defrost does not work properly in which makes it hard to see when driving and there is moisture building inside the cabin creating mold which is a health concern. 8.Vehicle will switch into different gears while driving when brake pedal has not been applied or used. 9.Vehicle sometimes shakes and stalls in drive and reverse.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact then stated that the vehicle failed to deactivate from exit mode and the air suspension system compressor had frozen. Additionally, the contact stated that he waited for several minutes to start the vehicle. The contact also stated that after the vehicle was started, he was driving at an undisclosed speed however, the vehicle failed to switch from the exit mode causing the vehicle to drive lower to the ground than normal. The contact was concerned that the temperature below freezing would cause a failure with the air bag compressor. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the air suspension system needed to be replaced or replaced with springs as another option. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

We were driving and lost power steering. Was hard to turn wheel.

The power steering system failed and malfunctioned resulting in the loss of all steering control. The safety of myself and drivers around me are put at risk as the vehicle is nearly impossible to control or turn without the power assistance. Thus is making any slight turns or changes will result in continuing forward without the ability to move out of the way or pull over to the curb. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or dealer. It was inspected and reproduced at my local service station. There was no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. And it first appeared on March 16th, 2023. My truck has never had any major issues. While the truck is 10 years old, it has low mileage at just under 55k miles driven. Dodge RAM has an outstanding recall for this issue on several of their 1500 model, however I was informed today that this truck is not part of the recall. Researching online, I have found that this is a major problem for my model and that owners have to fork out an average of $2,500 for the repair. This is a major safety issue and should be included in the recall.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while parked, the radio and instrument panel failed to illuminate as designed. The contact stated that after inserting the ignition key into the ignition switch, the vehicle failed to start; however, the windshield wipers inadvertently activated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V461000 (Equipment) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the traction control warning light and the brake warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that he continued driving until it was safe to pull over. The contact stated that he veered to the side of the road and read the Owner’s Manual. The contact then continued driving. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed upon depressing the brake pedal; however, he was concerned that the traction control failure could cause the vehicle to skid while slamming on the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the Adaptive Cruise Control mode was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and then to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown module needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that parts were not available. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

While driving the power steering made a loud clanking noise and the service power steering light came on. Rack and pinion failed. We were driving and no way to turn our vehicle.

Complete loss of power steering, service centers have stated the Electric Power Steering unit went bad, but there are currently no parts available for the repair with the exception of a rare after-market part that cost double the standard cost. trcu has been sitting for months waiting for parts.

I lost power steering while driving twice. Now, the power steering no longer works. When cranking the truck, you get service power steering message. Ram issued a recall for defective eps rack and pinion units. The serial number on my unit is TIC0583B5480, it is not one of the serial numbers included in the recall, but it has failed at 75,100 miles. I have not taken to the dealer because I am not going to pay them to tell me it's not in the recall and to tell me it has to be replaced at my expense.

My power steering has become intermittent and sluggish then works great for some periods of time. I would like my vehicle added to the Safety Recall VB8 / NHTSA 19V-812 Electric Power Steering Gear.

Driving during rainstorm, car in front slowed down so I pressed brakes they locked up and I spun around. Abs light and traction light were on.

Electronic Power Steering has intermittent failures without warning while driving. The truck is unsafe to drive. An independent service center has confirm confirmed the problem.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, the steering suddenly became firm and would not turn as needed. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle to his destination and later drove the vehicle to a tire dealer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he purchased four new tires and had the wheels aligned and the loss of power steering reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had become constant and no longer drove the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

LIGHTING ON INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WORKS INTERMITENTLY. WHEN IT CUTS OUT, I CAN NOT SEE THE SPEED NOR ANY WARNING SIGNALS. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED.NO WARNING SIGNS BEFORE IT GOES BLANK.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the rack and pinion may need to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

My power steering stopped working making the truck very difficult to steer. Luckily it happened upon cranking the engine after filling up at a gasoline station. There was no warning of any kind before the failure happened. Mileage on my 2013 Ram is 62,000 miles. If I would have been driving at a highway speed traveling into a curve it would have been very difficult to maintain control. My dealership has had my truck over 2 weeks waiting on a whole new power steering unit to come for them to install. No guarantee the part will be in by next week either. Cost will be approximately $2500.

January 22, 2023, When I cranked my 2013 Ram 1500 truck the Power Steering warning light came on and my steering wheel was locked. It would not turn left or right. I am so glad I was not on the road when this malfunction occurred. I checked all fuses associated with the power steering and all were good. After speaking with a mechanic the parts I need is not available until mid-February and cost expected above $2,000. This is not good. If the steering locked while I was driving no telling how many people could have been hurt or killed.

This is an issue I had with my electric power steering on my 2013 Ram 1500. I stopped at a gas station to fill up and when finished and cranked up my truck I had no power steering. The truck was very very difficult to steer on my way back home. If this would have happened while driving especially on a sharp curve I could have had an accident. The whole unit had to be replaced at the dealership for a cost of over $2000. There should have been a recall on this part with the manufacturer responsible for the repair cost.

Power steering went out

FOUND THAT WHILE DRIVING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL GO BLANK. ALL GUAGES DROP OUT. AS THIS HAPPENS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL RUN. SOMETIMES LAST ONLY A FEW SECONDS. OTHER TIMES I HAVE TO RESTART THE TRUCK TO GET THE CLUSTER BACK.

Front fuel tank strap mount rusted through allowing strap to pull out and front of fuel tank to drop down. This is the same problem that happened on the same model pickups in year model 2008 - 2012. In my research up to this current point the situation on my vehicle is the same problem on the previous year models. I will be reaching out to a Dodge dealer to see what can be done about issue. I feel that your department should be researching this issue further because upon reading some forums, that this issue does appear on even newer year models.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the service power steering warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle for approximately 10-15 minutes, stopped, and then restart the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that there was a lack of parts to repair the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

I was driving on [XXX] back to Willcox Arizona and my steering locked up. I was able to drive it to the nearest exit but had really hard steering. Went back for my truck brought it home in my trailer and had a mechanic look at it and advised it was my rack and pinon. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to make an abnormal sound. The contact was able to park the vehicle at an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the camshaft, rocker arm, the valves and both manifolds to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic and had the camshaft rocker arm, the valves, and both manifolds replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

The E.P.S (electric power steering) failed and cause the steering wheel to lock. This caused a safety issue as I was unable to steer. The vehicle had to be towed, taken to a local repair shop where ALL the electric components were tested (Battery, computer and wires) This seems to be a problem with Ram trucks as a replacement part is unavailable anywhere and over $1500. There was no warning of a problem and suddenly it failed which made it impossible to steer and dangerous. This failed component put my life and my family's life in jeopardy

Several times I came back to my truck and the locking tailgate was in the down position even though I had left it up and checked it. I was several miles back a dirt road on a secure base were nobody came near it. If this happens with a load or my trailer attached it could damage the gate or cause the load to fall out. I have inspected it but found no misalignment and this just started in 11-12/2022. The vehicle has only 15k miles on it and I’m the original owner. The truck is also a model with the Rambox sides so the tailgate is different to others. I heard that 2014 and up Rams had a recall and was wondering if the 13 should have been affected? Thanks,,

Electronic Power Steering randomly goes in and out of power while in operation. A laughably minute amount of research revealed multiple others with identical issues with the same make/model vehicle.