2013 RAM 1500 Electrical System Problems

208 NHTSA complaints on file

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Electrical System Issues in the 2013 RAM 1500

208 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 RAM 1500. Of these, 3 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 1 resulted in injury.

208
Complaints
3
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Electrical System Complaints

#11715430 |
Power steering went out when i try to turn on car I get a red steering wheel with “!” Signal next to it and I am unable to use steering wheel
#11714629 |
1. The component that fails is the EPS System and yes it is available for inspection. 2. My safety was put as risk because the wheel would not turn while driving home and I was almost involved in a crash. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced due to the wheel not turning efficiently and it happened for the first time today while driving. It has not been inspected 4. No it has not been inspected. The wheel will not turn efficiently. 5. The steering wheel warning lamp turned on suddenly when I went to turn into my neighborhood and could not turn the wheel. It was very scary and I could not make the turn.
#11712379 |
A lot of the Ram and Dodge Vehicles are having the same problems and Stellantis has failed over and over to recall the item!!!! And has not!! did so I have a 2013 Ram 4x4 with only 90k miles on my truck this is the same problem I'm having Stellantis has issued several major recalls for vehicles experiencing simultaneous illumination of the ABS, brake, and traction control (ESC) lights. These issues typically stem from defective software or hardware within the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) control module. Major Recalls (2024–2026) Ram 1500 (2019, 2021–2024): Nearly 1.5 million trucks were recalled worldwide due to a software malfunction in the ABS control module that can inadvertently disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Jeep Grand Cherokee & Dodge Durango (2018–2019): Approximately 207,000 SUVs were recalled because a brake control computer could falsely read brake pressure, disabling ABS/ESC and causing brake lights to stay on....
#11708719 |
Service Power steering warning message popped up while driving and lost all control of steering in vehicle. Very dangerous situation while moving
#11690765 |
Component or system that failed / malfunctioned The brake system (pads, calipers, hydraulic fluid) failed three times in less than 90 days. The right-side tie rod end also separated from the steering assembly. Both components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk The brakes repeatedly lost all stopping power while driving, with the pedal going to the floor and the reservoir emptying within minutes. On one occasion, the brake pads and caliper fell off the wheel assembly, confirmed by the dealer’s own shop manager. The tie rod failure caused uneven tire wear and a highway blowout, forcing an emergency tow. These issues placed me, my child, and other drivers at risk of a serious crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Premier Auto (the dealer’s affiliated garage) confirmed and attempted repairs three times. On the third visit,...
#11674882 |
Have not had any problems until this morning. Started the truck to move it and there was a warning flashing on the instrument cluster of a steering wheel and exclamation point. The power steering is not working at all. I have not been able to bring it to a dealer for diagnostics as it is unsafe to drive and can't afford to tow it at this moment.
#11668369 |
Electronic throttle body system
#11667692 |
I’ve owned the truck for about a month with 0 issues up to this point. I was driving home after work on June 17th 2025, when all of a sudden the service power steering light appeared on my dash and my power steering completely stopped working. It became almost impossible to turn the vehicles steering wheel and I almost ran into a building. After doing some research, this issue is apparently a common problem with this year model of ram pickups.
#11666718 |
We recently bought the dodge truck from a dealer in Puyallup Washington and noticed it was hard to steer and pulling to the left and right when Turning. It was a hard pull ! Now we can't even drive the truck at all its hard to steer and there's a red light at the bottom of the cluster with a red circle and a exclamation mark.! We don't want to drive it as my husband says it's the electric power steering.the electronic steering does not work at all. We shouldn't be having this problem . As we only had it 5 mos.i don't know the approximate day but started shortly after we bought the truck. Thank you for reviewing our complaint. We are retired and needed a truck for hauling .
#11665644 |
Subject: Power Steering Failure – Recall Concern on 2013 Ram 1500 Dear [Ram Customer Care / NHTSA / Dealership Representative], I am writing to formally express my concern regarding a serious safety issue I experienced with my 2013 Ram 1500, which has only 140,000 miles. While driving, I suddenly lost total power steering functionality. Fortunately, I was able to safely bring the vehicle to Piedmont Dodge in Anderson, SC. After paying a $185 diagnostic fee, I was informed that the steering rack and pinion had failed and would require full replacement. I was also told that the necessary part is currently on back order with no estimated time of arrival, which leaves me without a working vehicle and no clear resolution. What is especially troubling is that I’ve learned Ram issued recalls for steering issues on 2013–2016 Ram 1500 models—recall campaigns that clearly acknowledge this as a known and recurring...
#11663922 |
The ABS, parking brake, and traction light are illuminated constantly when driving the vehicle. The vehicle’s braking system and other functions seem to work fine; however, I have lost the use of my cruise control functions. Unfortunately, the ABS module, which, from research, has been the main culprit that malfunctions, is no longer manufactured. This results in me finding a used ABS module via the internet.
#11658463 |
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.
#11655771 |
Steering wheel jerks to center position when making turns and power steering has totally stopped working now
#11645917 |
Lost complete steering with no warning or lights on the dash At risk none was parked and steered perfectly prior to parking There is a recall open for other vin numbers associated with the same issue
#11642804 |
I have a dodge ram and the EPS (Electric power steering) had went out making it impossible to steer the while while I was driving I looked up to see if there is a recall for it and Google said there is a recall for the EPS on my make and model truck but when i look at my recalls it says there is no recalls for my truck
#11640201 |
My 2013 Ram 1500 has had issues with the horn not working when the middle of the steering wheel is pushed but sounds when the key fob is used to lock doors. The EVIC control on the steering wheel would also not work. This started in 2018 where the problem was intermittent. This was part of recall R36 where the rubbing of the steering wheel harness on the retainer springs could cause an electrical short and or inadvertent air bag deployment. I took my vehicle to Bill Volz WestchesterDodge, Cortland Manor, NY for the recall on 10-19-15 with 18,205 miles. I feel the work wasn’t done properly because the problem reoccurred in less than 3 years and about 6,000 miles later. The horn and EVIC has not worked in over 7 months. My concern is that I could be driving on a major interstate when my vehicle airbag deploys causing...
#11638759 |
The electric power steering stopped working. The service power steering message appeared on the dash. Unable to turn the steering wheel without great difficulty.
#11634235 |
EPS light came on 12-31-24 and has happen before I just don’t remember the date the EPS comes and goes making it hard to drive
#11632950 |
Brought this vehicle and drove it for 1 month before power steering went out. I was driving on the interstate at a high speed when the power steering light came on. I was unable to steer the vehicle off the road so I had to stop on the interstate and call a tow truck.
#11632182 | Crash
Was driving and steering just locked up. Power steering stopped working and it’s so hard to turn or parallel park. Drove right into this big hill. The dealership wants $4,500 for parts and labor to repair it.
#11623515 |
ABS light would come on when driving periodically on and off. for a few months it felt like brakes were locking up, Steering was very difficult and hard like the steering wheel was locked making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. dashboard components would periodically turn off and restart. when driving it would make a grinding noiselike the brakes were locked, this would occur with the abs light on and off. the major incident when driving on the freeway. the speedometer completely failed, the digital and needle both were not working. the abs light and warning came on, i pulled over because the speedometer was not working at all, but i was able to drive. the abs warning kept beeping. i was able to pull off of the highway into a parking lot, and the truck shut off and locked. unable to restart the truck at all.
#11622585 |
The door locking system does not work as intended. When locking the doors via the key fob, door mounted button, or putting the vehicle into drive, only the drivers door and tailgate lock. The passengers door, and both rear doors do not lock. This problem has been reproduced numerous times [XXX] ). There seems to be no detection or indicators showing that this issue is occurring. The only way to find out is by visually noticing that the door locks have not engaged, or by physically trying to open the doors. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11617109 |
EPS red light came on and lost power to control vehicle. Managed to get to side of road and turned vehicle off for a few minutes and started it up again turned around and it was fine. Turned truck around and drove back home to park it. Got almost home and EPS red light came on again lost power to control vehicle. Had to have it pulled home because trying to control it manually was too hard and too dangerous luckily when it first happened there was no oncoming traffic. I was told there was a recall on my year model truck for faulty EPS but when w called the Dodge house was told there were no recalls for EPS on any year models vehicles.
#11612406 |
Service Electronic Braking System, ABS, and traction control lights are all firing. Mechanic diagnosed failed ABS module but Ram dealers in my area (Birmingham, AL) have confirmed the part is not available and can not give me a estimated timeframe for repair. This renders my vehicle unsafe to use while I wait on a part Ram is unable or unwilling to provide. Another mechanic gave me the same story and my limited research shows this has been going on for at least 3 years. Dealerships are taking the few available parts for warranties I assume, leaving local mechanics and older vehicles unable to obtain the necessary parts for safe operation which is unacceptable and creates unnecessary danger.
#11612158 |
Was making a turn and my power steering cut out forcing the wheel forward causing me to run off the road, turned truck off and then back on and power steering was working perfectly fine after.. still cuts in an out whenever it wants to
#11609636 |
Started my truck this morning and warning light came on the dash showing a steering wheel with an exclamation point beside it with a message saying "Service Power Steering". Also, the steering wheel is VERY hard to turn. It seems that the power steering has failed.
#11605566 |
Electrical power steering went bad out of the sudden, and almost lost control of the vehicle. It was so hard to steer. I had to replace that whole EPS racking and pinion. New part was on back order, so my only option was to get a used part.
#11597031 |
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVIING WITH WARNING. FAILED SYSTEM IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION ON VEHICLE DUE TO LACK OF RECALL FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE. COMPONENT FAILED WHILE DRIVING SPEED LIMIT ON HIGHWAY CURVE ENDANGERING SELF AND OTHERS. PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED HOWEVER RECALLS ARE NOT APPROPRIATED TO VEHICLE IN QUESTION. IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY MECHANIC SHOP WHO STATED DEALERSHIP MUST CORRECT. DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED RECALL INFORMATION. THE WARNING WAS NOT PRESENT AT TIME OF INCIDENT. THE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH ONLY APPEARED AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, MULTIPLE TIMES ON THE DAY AFTER THE INCIDENT.
#11594621 |
Electric Power steering failed during turn. Parked on side of road, turned truck off waited about 5 minutes and started truck, power steering was working but went back out after about 1 mile. After getting to work, I tried it again and power steering was working. Checked electrical system, battery and alternator are working correctly.
#11594379 |
I lost power assist steering while pulling out of my doctor's parking lot yesterday. Fortunately I was able to get the pickup into an adjacent lot, but with much difficulty. I tried numerous times to turn truck off and back on but still no steering. I had a warning light flashing. I then disconnected the negative battery terminal and reconnected it. Warning light still flashed for a bit then went out and power steering worked. I called the dealer who I bought it from new in 2012. Red River Ram in Heber Springs, AR. I spoke with Shane, the service manager. He said they would not work on it because it is over 10 years old. I told him I was scared to drive it but he said he could not help. So I very cautiously drove home and parked. When I went to put the truck in to the...
#11593675 |
Failure of all steering wheel controls. with random cruise control suddenly activating ...transmission gear control self activation (will drop into lower gear causing driver to fly forward and vehicle behind to take evasive action). radio changes channels by itself. i found info that lead me to believe it was a clock spring issue. was taken to dealer. they diagnosed it as a steering wheel harness that had all the wires pulled out of the plug..800 to repair a 20 dollar wire harness... next drive after repair. buttons all worked again but radio still changing channels..cruise intermittent..gear dropping by itself still..almost rear ended again..back to dealer just to get told they could not do anything for a couple weeks..they are lucky this was not in inter on ice.... original symptoms could not change the display..stuck on tire pressure screen.. no phone control. no radio control. no cruise control , no gear...
#11592493 |
After parking my truck for the night, the steering locked up. When I went to start it in the morning, the electric power steering did not work. The code it gave was C2217-00
#11590402 |
Reduced braking efficiency, loss of speedometer, loss of cruise control, brake light stays on when not depressing the pedal, electric power steering assist not functioning. Check engine light on, abs light on, traction control light on.
#11576447 |
Driving fine with no problems then all of a sudden a bell starts chiming about 6 to 8 times then the steering light comes on and the ABS light comes on in the dash and starts blinking , then I lost power to the steering wheel ,was very hard to steer. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the engine off and waited a few minutes to crank it , every thing went normal and I drove home, but before I got home it did it again but this time it went haywire and the wipers came on and the dash lite up like a Christmas tree. I finally made it home and parked it . I sent off the TIPM unit to get repaired ,fixed but steering is still not wanting to work , will call my mechanic to put it in the shop. I have...
#11572857 |
Hello, I'm filing a complaint against the Dothan, AL Ram dealership due to recalls that were never performed. I bought the truck on 7/12/2021 from a third party. I noticed this particular Ram had 12 recalls so I took it in to the Dothan, AL Dodge dealership to have them repaired. They had the truck for 2 weeks and nothing was repaired. Nothing at all. I lost 2 back pack blowers because of the faulty tailgate latch. I had to take the tailgate from my 02 Ram off and put it on the 2013. That's just one incident, there are quite a few and I've spent countless amount of money and time fixing this truck because of the recalls that were never performed. I need an Inspector to see this, it's ridiculous. When I took the truck in for the recalls it had 101,000 miles, a cold air intake, and...
#11571435 |
ABS system has failed and damaged the traction control module. Speedometer does not work and brake lights stay on constantly. Power steering assist does not work. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and cannot get the parts to fix these issues.
#11551065 |
I purchased the truck used June 2023. Odometer currently 47,700 miles. The service power steering light flashes on the evic screen. The steering will be extremely difficult because it is electrical power steering. The problem started October 9th 2023 and has been intermittent. A mechanic did hook up the scan tool and there were no codes. So, it has gotten to where I will do 3 start cycles, idle foe a few minutes and after the 3rd cycle, no codes and the steering works as it should. Thankfully, it happens before I drive out onto the road. I will drive up and down my street before I venture out onto major highways and expressways. However, what's not to say it will have this issue while I'm driving, especially winter around the corner. I researched 2013 Ram 1500, and apparently other owners have had the same problem or worse. This is...
#11549400 | Crash
I bought it in 2018 & 1 month later no radio, gps, backup any of the stereo system worked. The only thing that worked was volume. I took it in & they charged me $125 diagnosis & was gonna be over $600 for new system. I never got it fixed. In 2022 with only 122000 miles it had to go in the shop for an engine overhaul because of the problem with missing on 5th cylinder. I have never owned a Dodge Ram before & never will again. I have had nothing but problems with it. I made phone calls & wrote emails & the closest I got to a recall is 2014 was the cutoff year & mine is 2013. I did back into a dumpster because the backup camera doesn’t work in January of 2020. I had insurance with White’s Insurance out of Purdy but I don’t have...
#11548189 |
Electronic power steering unit failure. EPS Unit. Loss of power assist. Warning light came on Friday Sept 29, 2023 at approximately 1:30pm est. when I entered the vehicle and started the engine. Vehicle had been driven and parked for approximately 10 min before I went back to vehicle and leave that location. Warning light was a large icon of a red steering wheel with a red exclamation mark ❗️ then the screen said, “service power steering “ with the red indicator still remaining on. No other warning lights or symptoms prior to the above information. Vehicle taken to Signature Automotive 2725 Northgate Court Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 889-5959 at 8:00 am 10/4/23 for diagnosis. Service advisor stated that there was internal circuit failure. Throwing all “sorts” of internal codes in the electronic unit. Was unable to have system Reestablish communication. Entire rack and pinion unit needs replacement. Called Dodge dealership...
#11546053 |
Issues with pcm, emc, tps. After 98,000 miles everything started not reading correct and giving false check engine light. I bought truck two years ago and it’s hard to believe dealership didn’t no. 2013 ram trucks need to be pulled off market. Nobody can tell you what’s wrong. The truck starts when it wants to. Hits the gas when it wants to. Them machines say no code no problem. If the code that originally popped up said computer not receiving info. Then of course you can’t read problems.
#11545392 |
ABS brake Module was diagnosed by the dealership as having a short. I have random brake failure (no accidents to date), speedometer gauge does not work, odometer does not work, cruise control does not work, parking sensors do not work. Dealership told me that a replacement is not available until March of 2024.
#11542294 |
Electronic power steering failed while driving. Power steering has remained inoperable and vehicle can not be safely driven.
#11541017 |
2103 Ram 1500 Electronic Power Steering failed or malfunctioned, my vehicle is available for inspection if needed The loss of power steering capabilities put my safety and the safety of my family at risk by the possibility of and accident and injury. The loss of power steering capabilities is still evident and has been electrically verified. The EPS failure has NOT been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or any other agency.
#11540939 |
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.
#11539647 |
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.
#11538301 |
Backing out of the driveway, the power steering light came on and the power steering completely stopped working. I checked the fuses and they were all functional. This morning, I read an article (published 6 days ago) that other 2013 RAM 1500s have experienced the same issue and that NHTSA is investigating. Please add my truck to the list of those experiencing this issue.
#11537582 |
The evic cluster that shows speed and other stuff blinks on and off constantly . I heard many people having this problem . It is very distracting to drive the truck with this blinking non stop it is a safety concern .
#11537402 |
Power steering would turn on and off while driving then after 1 day of this there was no power steering at all, no light on the dash until it fully went out, I can see recalls in the past over similar problems and when I called they said it was brought in for a software update and that's it, brought to my own shop and the repair will be a whole new rack, costly and dangerous. When the power steering would turn off and on while driving it would snap the steering wheel back to the center
#11535133 |
On 26 July 2023 I was driving on the feeder road on west 610 south in Houston Texas. While making a left turn onto MLK Blvd my power steering quit in the middle of the turn. The service power steering light illuminated and the steering was very difficult. I was able to manhandle it back to the house but upon arrival it was almost impossible to get the truck into the driveway due to the steering being so hard. After finally getting into the driveway I turned the truck off and then on again and the steering seemed normal. I haven’t driven the truck sense. My current mileage is 70368. Luckily I wasn’t on the freeway when this occurred as this was during rush hour traffic. It was already bad enough that the he issue occurred at a traffic light with a dual left turn into three lanes. This is...
#11533684 |
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...

Other 2013 RAM 1500 Problem Areas

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