2013 RAM 4500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
5
Owner Complaints
9
Recalls
49
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2013 RAM 4500
The 2013 RAM 4500 has received a total of 5 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 12 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS. 49 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (2 complaints), Service Brakes (1 complaint), and Suspension (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2013 RAM 4500
NHTSA has recorded 12 recalls for the 2013 RAM 4500, potentially affecting up to 6,515,049 vehicles.
Recall 21V398000 — WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
| 447,985 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 21V398000 — WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
| 447,985 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 21V398000 — WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
| 447,985 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →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...
View full details →Recall 17V562000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
| 443,874 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.
View full details →Recall 17V824000 — EQUIPMENT
| 61,791 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V739000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
| 74,811 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
View full details →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...
View full details →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...
View full details →Recall 14V635000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
| 315,325 vehicles affected
Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to...
View full details →Recall 14V635000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
| 315,325 vehicles affected
Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.
Consequence: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to...
View full details →Recall 13V288000 — STRUCTURE
| 747 vehicles affected
Defect: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2013, through March 8, 2013. An incorrect bolt may have been used to attach the track bar to the frame.
Consequence: The incorrect attaching bolt may break or fall out, resulting in the vehicle suddenly pulling to one side, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the track bar fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 3, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N41.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2013 RAM 4500
5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 RAM 4500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 4500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
WINDSHIELD WIPER HOSES COME UNDONE ALMOST DAILY MAKING THE WASHER FLUID NOT FUNCTION. HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE ONCE ALREADY BUT THEN FIX DOESN'T LAST LONG. DEF SYSTEM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS AT 52000 MILES CAUSING TRUCK TO GO INTO LIMP MODE MAKING IT UNABLE TO GO OVER 5 MPH EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL OF DEF FLUID. HAS BEEN ONGOING ISSUE WHERE THE DEF SENSOR READS FULL THEN GOES TO EMPTY OUT OF NOWHERE CAUSING THIS WARNING LIGHT AND 5 MPH MAX AND EVEN AFTER ADDING SEVERAL GALLONS OF DEF SENSOR DOESN'T READ FULL. OIL PAN IS ALMOST ROTTED OUT AND WILL NEED REPLACEMENT ON A 5 YEAR OLD TRUCK
WINDSHIELD WIPER HOSES COME UNDONE ALMOST DAILY MAKING THE WASHER FLUID NOT FUNCTION. HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE ONCE ALREADY BUT THEN FIX DOESN'T LAST LONG. DEF SYSTEM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS AT 52000 MILES CAUSING TRUCK TO GO INTO LIMP MODE MAKING IT UNABLE TO GO OVER 5 MPH EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL OF DEF FLUID. HAS BEEN ONGOING ISSUE WHERE THE DEF SENSOR READS FULL THEN GOES TO EMPTY OUT OF NOWHERE CAUSING THIS WARNING LIGHT AND 5 MPH MAX AND EVEN AFTER ADDING SEVERAL GALLONS OF DEF SENSOR DOESN'T READ FULL. OIL PAN IS ALMOST ROTTED OUT AND WILL NEED REPLACEMENT ON A 5 YEAR OLD TRUCK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 4500.THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE CALIBERS WERE STUCK TO THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 4500.THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE CALIBERS WERE STUCK TO THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Safety Rating for the 2013 RAM 4500
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2013 RAM 4500 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 RAM 4500
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 49 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 RAM 4500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
0900122 REVA — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Cummins 6.7L Turbocharger Actuator - X93 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves replacing the turbocharger actuator with an updated actuator. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technicianmay find that one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: U010C -...
0900122REVA — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Cummins 6.7L Turbocharger Actuator - X93 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves replacing the turbocharger actuator with an updated actuator. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technicianmay find that one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: U010C -...
0900122 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Cummins 6.7L Turbocharger Actuator - X93 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves replacing the turbocharger actuator with an updated actuator. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: U010C...
S2008000177 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some Features Of Newly Installed 68509716AB Radio Not Available
S2008000177 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Some Features Of Newly Installed 68509716AB Radio Not Available
2101719 — AIR BAGS
Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the TCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the followingDTC has been set:U1111-00 - Lost Odometer Message(DD, DF, and DP with Diesel Engine Only)....
2101719 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the TCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the followingDTC has been set:U1111-00 - Lost Odometer Message(DD, DF, and DP with Diesel Engine Only)....
30948 — EQUIPMENT
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...
18-022-16 REV. A — ENGINE
Flash: 6.7L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Engine Control Module (ECM) with new software. Several software improvements are available for vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel. These improvements are separated into the following categories: NOTE: There will be a choice between...
18-022-16 REV. A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Flash: 6.7L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Engine Control Module (ECM) with new software. Several software improvements are available for vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel. These improvements are separated into the following categories: NOTE: There will be a choice between...
Showing 10 of 49 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 RAM 4500
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the RAM 4500
- 2008 RAM 4500 — 0 complaints
- 2009 RAM 4500 — 1 complaint
- 2010 RAM 4500 — 1 complaint
- 2013 RAM 4500 (current)
- 2014 RAM 4500 — 10 complaints
- 2015 RAM 4500 — 11 complaints
- 2016 RAM 4500 — 1 complaint
- 2017 RAM 4500 — 5 complaints
- 2018 RAM 4500 — 13 complaints
Other RAM Models
- RAM 1500 — 15,786 total complaints
- RAM 2500 — 7,223 total complaints
- RAM 3500 — 3,311 total complaints
- RAM PROMASTER — 739 total complaints
- RAM 5500 — 194 total complaints
- RAM PROMASTER CITY — 139 total complaints
- RAM PROMASTER 2500 — 52 total complaints
- RAM PROMASTER 3500 — 30 total complaints