2013 RAM 1500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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4/5

★★★★

Safety Rating

1,516

Owner Complaints

102 Crashes 15 Fires

12

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

151

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2013 RAM 1500

The 2013 RAM 1500 has received a total of 1,516 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 14 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN. 151 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (569 complaints), Electrical System (208 complaints), and Engine (120 complaints).

Recalls for the 2013 RAM 1500

NHTSA has recorded 14 recalls for the 2013 RAM 1500, potentially affecting up to 8,514,788 vehicles.

Recall 19V347000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

| 1,103,209 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 17V821000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

| 1,482,874 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 17V302000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

| 1,021,279 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.

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Recall 17V302000 — AIR BAGS

| 1,021,279 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.

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Recall 16E041000 — EQUIPMENT

| 345 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

Consequence: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.

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Recall 15V459000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 1,059,444 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The...

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Recall 15V460000 — SEAT BELTS

| 667,441 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 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 seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may...

Consequence: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.

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Recall 15V460000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

| 667,441 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 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 seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may...

Consequence: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.

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Recall 15V461000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

| 1,416,903 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to...

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Recall 13V610000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

| 4,194 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.

Consequence: The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.

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Recall 13V287000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

| 45,896 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013. Due to a software issue with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module, the ESC system may be disabled when the vehicle is started.

Consequence: A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESC module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N37.

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Recall 13V237000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

| 17,411 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps. 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. Thus, these vehicles fail to...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N35.

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Recall 13V177000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 498 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety...

Consequence: Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.

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Recall 13V128000 — PARKING BRAKE

| 6,574 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on a 20% grade. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the parking brake performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No....

Consequence: If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N22.

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Owner Complaints for the 2013 RAM 1500

1,516 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 RAM 1500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steering
Complaints: 569 21 Crashes 3 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 208 3 Crashes 5 Fires 1 Injury
Engine
Complaints: 120 5 Crashes 2 Fires 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 92 21 Crashes 27 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 80 15 Crashes 2 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 63 6 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 48 4 Crashes 2 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 43 4 Crashes
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 35 5 Crashes 1 Fire
Structurebody
Complaints: 34 3 Crashes 2 Fires 5 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 33 1 Crash 1 Fire
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 28
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 17 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Seat Belts
Complaints: 15 4 Crashes 4 Injuries
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 14 2 Crashes
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 12 1 Crash
Wheels
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 8
Seats
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 5
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 5
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 5
Structure
Complaints: 5
Tires
Complaints: 5
Equipment
Complaints: 3
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 3
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Lane Departure Assist
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
Complaints: 2
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblymounting
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Steeringsteering Control Module
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringsair Suspension System
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11719458 | STEERING | | N/A miles
Electronic power steering (EPS) will fail when exposed to moisture. When EPS fails all power steering is lost resulting in extremely hard steering and possible loss of vehicle control.
#11718822 | STEERING | | N/A miles
I was driving down S. South Danville Rd. in Abilene, Texas, and it was raining and all of a sudden my steering wheel just jerks to the right and then my steering is now real hard to turn real hard to steer, and I almost crashed into another vehicle which would’ve not only hurt me but my daughter so I need to figure out what we need to do about this all of this happen without any type of warning
Dash light came on for ABS. Took my truck to a Dodge Dealership to be repaired plus other non urgent work to be done. On my way to taking it to the Dealership, I started experiencing issues with braking and right before I arrived, braking meant pushing the brake pedal all the way to the floor, it also felt delayed. While checking in my truck with the Service Department, they mentioned some Recalls that I needed done and they would take care of everything. Received a call later that everything was replaced except for ABS Control. They said they didn't have one and would search for it. Week went by, I called and they said it was back ordered with no ETA. It has been there since August 2025. My only vehicle. No warranty but I still owe 11k to the bank. I contacted Ram which sent me to contact Stellantis. Explained everything in hopes they would provide a loaner or rental. This is their response. I understand your frustration. The Stellantis rental reimbursement policy is a goodwill consideration. If the vehicle doesn't meet the guidelines the request is rejected. There is no exception, or appeal process. Let me know if you have any questions or further concerns. I replied, I am requesting exception review due to a manufacturer-controlled backorder of a safety-critical ABS component that has rendered the vehicle undrivable. This is the last communication I received which is from today 2/12. There is still no definite ETA for the part at this time, but our parts team is still working to get it expedited. I will receive another update in 5-6 business days and will follow up with you then.
#11717710 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
Dash light came on for ABS. Took my truck to a Dodge Dealership to be repaired plus other non urgent work to be done. On my way to taking it to the Dealership, I started experiencing issues with braking and right before I arrived, braking meant pushing the brake pedal all the way to the floor, it also felt delayed. While checking in my truck with the Service Department, they mentioned some Recalls that I needed done and they would take care of everything. Received a call later that everything was replaced except for ABS Control. They said they didn't have one and would search for it. Week went by, I called and they said it was back ordered with no ETA. It has been there since August 2025. My only vehicle. No warranty but I still owe 11k to the bank. I contacted Ram which sent me to contact Stellantis. Explained everything in hopes they would provide a loaner or rental. This is their response. I understand your frustration. The Stellantis rental reimbursement policy is a goodwill consideration. If the vehicle doesn't meet the guidelines the request is rejected. There is no exception, or appeal process. Let me know if you have any questions or further concerns. I replied, I am requesting exception review due to a manufacturer-controlled backorder of a safety-critical ABS component that has rendered the vehicle undrivable. This is the last communication I received which is from today 2/12. There is still no definite ETA for the part at this time, but our parts team is still working to get it expedited. I will receive another update in 5-6 business days and will follow up with you then.
#11716163 | STEERING | | 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking spot, the steering wheel inadvertently jerked to the center position on several occasions. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, the steering wheel became very stiff. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

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Safety Rating for the 2013 RAM 1500

The 2013 RAM 1500 received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★ (4/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★ (4/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 RAM 1500

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 151 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 RAM 1500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

S1623000028 Rev. — VISIBILITY

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Appears Loose Or Shakes

DOR-E8D6V-08 — TRAILER HITCHES

These SKUs are Trailer Brake Control Modules. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to an internal software issue. The internal software issue leads to a fault code for lack of communication with the Trailer Brake Controller. This will cause the part to be replaced because because module...

9003968 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CONDENSER, Air Conditioning CONDITION 1: If it is determined that the A/C compressor does not engage due to a refrigerant leak at the receiver/drier plug on the A/C condenser, order the receiver/drier plug kit P/N 68447796A$ and follow the repair instructions included on the instruction sheet. CONDITION 2: For stock...

S1723000007 — SUSPENSION

Air Suspension Inoperative And Or Compressor Freeze Up Or Sticking In Cold Weather.

OD55564 — EQUIPMENT

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION U07- AUTOPARK FUNCTIONALITY RAM ECO DIESEL TRUCKS ONLY ? VINS REMOVED (Replaced OD55507)

54966 — LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST

Module-Parking Assist

T61 — AIR BAGS

Customer Satisfaction Notification T61 Reprogram Occupant Restraint Controller The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) on about 10,000 of the above vehicles which was reprogrammed on T25 Safety Recall Campaign may have software that contains a parameter setting which disables the Event Data Recording (EDR). This can prevent the ORC from recording...

30731 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

04627694AA Purge Control - Valve You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Suspect stock of part number: 04627694AA must be returned. See attached for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 17 April,...

30948 — INTERIOR LIGHTING

Molding Assy ?Frt door day light opening Rt/Lt: Return You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all suspect stock of following part numbers: 57010364AI, 57010365AI, 57010504AJ, 57010505AJ, 68224368AB, 68224369AB. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using...

1810316 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Flash: Powertrain System Improvements/Enhancements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one of the following DTCs has been set: U0140 - Lost...

Showing 10 of 151 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 RAM 1500

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the RAM 1500

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