The 2013 Ram 1500 is a first-year DS platform truck with solid bones but some teething issues. Hemi engine tick/cam issues dominate the serious failures, while transmission cooler leaks and mount failures are nearly universal by 100k miles.
Hemi 5.7L Camshaft/Lifter Failure (MDS System)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking or knocking on cold start that doesn't go away, MDS (cylinder deactivation) system codes P3401/P3425, Metal shavings in oil filter, Loss of power, rough idle, check engine light
Fix: Requires camshaft replacement, all 16 lifters, and often rockers. If caught late, metal debris circulates and damages bearings requiring full engine rebuild. Book time 18-24 hours for cam/lifter job, 40+ for rebuild. Use quality oil and change every 5k to delay this.
Symptoms: Pink fluid puddle under front of truck, Transmission overheating warnings, Milky transmission fluid (coolant mixing), Low coolant level with no external leaks
Fix: The quick-connect fittings at the radiator corrode and leak. Replacement requires new lines and sometimes radiator if coolant contaminated the trans. Flush transmission mandatory if coolant intrusion occurred. 3-5 hours labor depending on damage extent.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200 lines only, $1,800-3,000 with trans flush/radiator
Transmission Mount Collapse (Rear Mount)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or bang when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Visible sag of transmission tailhousing, Exhaust rattle against crossmember
Fix: The rubber isolator in the rear trans mount deteriorates. Simple replacement job but requires supporting transmission. 1.5-2 hours labor. OEM mount recommended over aftermarket—they fail faster.
Estimated cost: $250-400
3.6L Pentastar Left Cylinder Head Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leak, White smoke from exhaust on cold start, P0300 multiple misfire codes, Cylinder 1/3/5 misfire specifically, Overheating with no obvious cause
Fix: Left head develops cracks between valve seats or intake ports. Requires head replacement—not rebuildable once cracked. Some get both heads done preventively. 12-16 hours labor. Extended warranty often covers this through 150k if original owner.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,000 one head, $5,500-7,000 both
EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Failure (3.0L)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke on startup, Coolant consumption, P0401 EGR flow code, Loss of power in regen mode, Sweet smell from exhaust
Fix: EGR cooler develops internal leaks allowing coolant into exhaust. Requires EGR cooler, often EGR valve, and intake manifold cleaning. Delete kits exist but void warranty and are illegal. 8-12 hours labor. FCA extended warranty to 100k on some VINs.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Differential Rear Pinion Seal Leak
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil drip at front of rear differential, Oil coating on driveshaft, Whining noise from rear end when low on fluid
Fix: Pinion seal dries out and leaks. Replacement requires removing driveshaft and setting pinion preload correctly. 2-3 hours labor. Check fluid level regularly—running low destroys gears fast.
Estimated cost: $350-600
TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Random electrical gremlins—wipers, gauges, windows, No-start condition intermittently, Fuel pump not priming, Trailer lights malfunctioning, Multiple modules losing communication
Fix: The TIPM (fuse/relay box under hood) develops internal corrosion or failing relays. Replacement requires programming to VIN. Aftermarket rebuilds available but quality varies. 2-3 hours labor. Some failures covered under extended warranty campaign.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400 new, $400-700 rebuilt
Exhaust Manifold Bolts Breaking (5.7L Hemi)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Exhaust tick that increases with RPM, Louder on passenger side typically, Visible gap at manifold flange, Exhaust smell in cabin
Fix: Manifold bolts stretch and break from heat cycling. Requires drilling out broken studs and installing oversized or helicoil inserts. 4-6 hours per side. Aftermarket studs recommended over factory bolts.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000 per side
Owner tips
Hemi engines: Use quality full synthetic 5W-20, change every 5,000 miles maximum, and avoid extended idle time to prevent lifter/cam failure
Check transmission cooler lines at every oil change—early catch prevents $3k+ trans contamination job
EcoDiesel owners: Use Mopar-approved oil only and don't interrupt regen cycles—let the truck finish
Inspect differential fluid level every 30k—rear pinion seals leak commonly and low fluid kills gears fast
Solid truck if you avoid the Hemi or buy one with documented cam/lifter replacement; budget $2k/year for the inevitable cooler lines, mounts, and electrical gremlins on any 100k+ mile example.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
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 service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT · 17V821000
2017-12-20
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
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 recall is T79.
AIR BAGS · 17V302000
2017-05-09
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 belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
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.
EQUIPMENT · 16E041000
2016-05-16
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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. · 15V461000
2015-07-23
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 control systems.
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 a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 15V459000
2015-07-22
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 recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.
SEAT BELTS · 15V460000
2015-07-22
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 activate.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 13V610000
2013-12-06
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.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · 13V287000
2013-07-02
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL · 13V237000
2013-06-04
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 conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 13V177000
2013-05-07
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 Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
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.
PARKING BRAKE · 13V128000
2013-04-03
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. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
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.
Vehicle Info — 2013 Ram 1500
Performance
Horsepower
305hp
Torque
269lb-ft
0–60 mph
8.1sec
Quarter mile
16.2sec
Top speed
112mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
25mpg
Combined
20mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
6,500lb
Payload
1,650lb
Curb weight
5,350lb
Seating
6seats
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Wiper blades
Pickup truck, no rear wiper. DS4 generation begins
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Ram 1500 3.6L V6 Pentastar and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.