2013 Ram 4500 problems

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The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.

Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.

Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

2013 Ram 4500

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Common 2013 Ram 4500 problems

The 2013 Ram 4500 has been associated with several common problems, primarily related to electrical systems, airbags, and the death wobble.

  • Electrical system failures: Electrical system failures have been a significant issue in the 2013 Ram 4500. Defective crash sensors have caused electrical problems, leading to seatbelt and airbag failures.
  • Ram death wobble: The Ram death wobble is a violent vibration that affects a number of Ram models, including the 4500. This issue has prompted a class-action lawsuit against Ram, with accusations of uncontrollable wobbling at highway speeds. The defective crash sensors in the 4500 have caused similar problems in the 5500, with as many as eight deaths reported as a result of the issue.

These problems have led to recalls and investigations, highlighting the need for vehicle owners to be aware of potential issues and report them to the NHTSA.

2013 Ram 4500 engine

What is the recall on 2013 Ram 4500?

Summary: 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.

How long will a 2013 Dodge Ram last?

around 250,000 to 300,000 miles

Gasoline-powered Ram trucks can expect around 250,000 to 300,000 miles on average. This range makes them an incredibly long-lasting choice.

What is the problem with the 2013 Dodge Ram Sport?

The 2013 Ram 1500 problems include vehicle rollaway, airbag recalls, parking brake failure, and radio software vulnerabilities. Issues with the Uconnect infotainment system are the most common complaints owners have. There are software updates which improve reliability, but in some cases a replacement is required.

Is there a recall on 2014 Ram 4500?

Summary: 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.

2013 Ram 4500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 4500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine problems
  • Visibility/wiper problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Ram 4500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2013 Ram 4500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Ram 4500.

2019-09-20

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-07-20
  • VIN: 3C7WRKBL9DG
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: 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.
2019-02-15

ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-02-13
  • Components: ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: 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
2015-10-16

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-09-29
  • VIN: 3C7WDLBLXCG
  • Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 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.

2013 Ram 4500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 2013 Ram 4500.

2021-05-27
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
  • Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
  • Summary: 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 Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
2017-12-21
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: 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 detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
  • 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 online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
2017-12-20
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
  • Summary: 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.
2017-09-12
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
  • Summary: 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.
2016-10-13
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
  • Summary: 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.
2015-07-23
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
  • Summary: 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.
2015-07-22
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
  • Summary: 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.
2014-10-08
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
  • Summary: 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 owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
2013-07-02
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2013 Ram 4500 problems:

2015 RAM chassis cab 4500/Cummins initial impressions with ...
2015 RAM chassis cab 4500/Cummins initial impressions with ...
https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/2015-ram-chassis-cab-4500-cummins-initial-impressions-with-problems.2446666/

May 7, 2018 ... I agree, you have problems. 1 problem is either your story telling ability or your recollection of your dealership encounters. Not sure how you ...

What's Wrong with the Ram 4500?
What's Wrong with the Ram 4500?
http://www.ramproblems.com/models/4500/

5 Common Ram 4500 Problems · TRW Crash Sensor Defect. There's growing concern that some sort of electrical overstress is messing with airbag control units (ACU) ...

What's Wrong with the Dodge Ram 4500?
What's Wrong with the Dodge Ram 4500?
http://www.dodgeproblems.com/models/ram-4500/

3 Common Dodge Ram 4500 Problems · TRW Crash Sensor Defect · Dodge Vehicles With Recalled Takata Airbags · Ram Death Wobble.

Warnings About Service Electronic Brake System | DODGE RAM ...
Warnings About Service Electronic Brake System | DODGE RAM ...
https://www.ramforumz.com/threads/warnings-about-service-electronic-brake-system.269449/

Aug 21, 2019 ... I finally got an appointment with my dealer to let them try and solve this intermittent problem. The EVIC display showed Service Antilock ...

Q&A: 2013 Ram 4500 Truck Randomly Jerks While Driving
Q&A: 2013 Ram 4500 Truck Randomly Jerks While Driving
https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/mt240-2013-ram-4500-truck-randomly-jerks-driving.html

Aug 22, 2023 ... There are a few possible causes and solutions for your problem. One common cause of the electronic stability control light flashing and the ...

Other years of Ram 4500

ram 4500 2014 photo
4500 2014
Ram

8

9

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ram 4500 2015 photo
4500 2015
Ram

7

8

0

  • 5
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  • 2
  • 1
ram 4500 2016 photo
4500 2016
Ram

1

7

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ram 4500 2017 photo
4500 2017
Ram

2

6

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ram 4500 2018 photo
4500 2018
Ram

2

6

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ram 4500 2019 photo
4500 2019
Ram

6

10

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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