2013 Ram 5500 problems

General information about Ram-5500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ram Heavy Duty (also known as the Ram HD) is the 4.5 generation of the Ram Pickup, a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ram Trucks division of Stellantis. Slotted above the Ram 1500, the Heavy Duty trucks range from the Ram 2500 to the Ram 5500. The Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are offered as pickup trucks, while the Ram 3500 through Ram 5500 are offered as chassis cabs.

Introduced in January 2019 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the current Ram Heavy Duty trucks are based on the Ram 1500 (DT). Ram Heavy-Duty models are produced at Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Mexico.

Cab configurations

The Ram Heavy Duty is available in three different configurations: a two-door regular cab with a long bed, a four-door crew cab with either a standard bed or a long bed, or a four-door Mega Cab (a crew cab extended by 11.1 in (280 mm) allowing the rear seats to recline or offering more in-cab storage) with a standard bed.

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Common 2013 Ram 5500 problems

The 2013 Ram 5500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. This article will discuss these issues in detail.

Transmission Problems:
The 2013 Ram 5500's transmission is another common problem area. Some of the most common signs of transmission problems include delayed shifts, strange smells, transmission fluid leaks, odd noises or grinding sounds when shifting gears, and a transmission warning light on the dashboard. These issues can be caused by low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, or a faulty torque converter.

Recalls:
The 2013 Ram 5500 has been subject to several recalls due to various issues. The largest recall of the model came in 2009 when cars were invited to dealerships for troubleshooting with three issues. The common problems for this model include Air Bags (4) and Steering (2).

TRW Crash Sensor Defect:
There is growing concern that some sort of electrical overstress is messing with airbag control units (ACU) in certain Dodge Ram trucks, including the 2013 Ram 5500. This issue could potentially cause the airbags to fail to deploy in the event of a crash.

Takata Airbag Recall:
The 2013 Ram 5500 is also included in the massive Takata airbag recall, which affects over 37 million vehicles. The recall is due to a defective airbag inflator that has been responsible for 23 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Death Wobble:
The 2013 Ram 5500 is also susceptible to a horrible front-end vibration known as the death wobble. This issue can be caused by various factors, including worn-out suspension components, misaligned wheels, or unbalanced tires.

In conclusion, the 2013 Ram 5500 has several common problems that owners should be aware of. These issues can range from minor inconveniences, such as a check engine light, to more severe problems, such as transmission issues or recalls. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

Is the Dodge Ram 5500 reliable?

Ram 5500 Reliability Problems. 5500 owners have made 5 complaints over 5 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 1st in overall reliability out of 9 Ram models , with real electrical and wheels concerns.

Is there a recall on Dodge Ram 5500?

The Details. Vehicles recalled: About 306,165 Ram 2500 and 3500 diesel pickup trucks and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 diesel cab chassis trucks from the 2021 through 2023 model years. The problem: A heater-grid relay could overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

How many miles per gallon does a 2013 Ram 5500 get?

Based on data from 3 vehicles, 112 fuel-ups and 41,496 miles of driving, the 2013 Ram 5500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 9.26 with a 0.66 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 1 outliers (0.88%) removed.

What is the problem with the transfer case on the 2016 Ram 5500?

The Problem: The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture. If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose power, increasing the risk of a crash.

2013 Ram 5500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 5500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Power train problems
Suspension problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Engine problems
Wheels problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Ram 5500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2013 Ram 5500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Ram 5500.

2016-01-12

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-11-17
VIN: 3C7WRNBL0DG
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: PULLSTAR PUMP HOIST & UTILITY BODY > TOTAL WEIGHT 17,000LBS BOTH REARMOST SHACKLE BOLTS FOUND OVER ONE HALF THE WAY OUT OF PLACE WITH THREADED ENDS WITH NUT MISSING. NEAR DISASTER.

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2015-03-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-02-26
VIN: 3C7WRNELXDG
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
Summary: 02/26/15 WHILE UNDER WARRANTY.... #1 - WATER PUMP & WATER PUMP BEARING DEFECTIVE - COOLANT LEAKED, LEAKS AROUND SHAFT, BELT DAMAGE DUE TO FAILED WATER PUMP. #2 - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AFTER REPAIR COMPLETE PCM CODES P2509 BCM POWER SIGNAL INT P20EE SCR NOX CAT EFFICIENCY P20EE HAS A FLASH P2560 COOLANT LOW - CAUSED BY REPAIR #1 SO THE WARRANTY COVERED THE WATER PUMP AND WATER PUMP BEARING THAT WERE DEFECTIVE, BUT NOT THE BELT THAT WAS DAMAGED DUE TO IT. ALSO DURING THIS REPAIR IT WAS NOTED THAT THERE WAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT NEVER WENT OFF AFTER REPAIR AND A P20EE THAT ONLY TEMPORARILY GOT RESET. 03/20/15 WARRANTY RUNNING OUT, BUT LUCKILY STILL COVERED... P20EE ERROR HAS BEEN PRESENT THE LAST 2 DAYS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON SINCE LAST REPAIR. BECAUSE OF P20EE, THE TRUCK WENT LIMP AND THE DRIVER IS ABOUT 45 MIN TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WITH A DIESEL TECH. TRUCK BOUGHT BRAND NEW JULY 2014. ALL MAINTENANCE UP TO DATE. TRUCK WELL TAKEN CARE OF. ALL WE WANT IS FOR THE TRUCK TO RUN WITHOUT ISSUES. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK? I CAN SEE IT GIVING UP IN A FEW YEARS, BUT LESS THAN A YEAR? ITS A COMMERCIAL TRUCK. *TR

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2014-09-27

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-09-23
VIN: 3C7WRNDL3DG
Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Summary: WHEN I PULLED OUT FROM A STOP INTO THE INTERSECTION I REALIZED THE CARS WERE CLOSER THAT I FIRST THOUGHT, AND WHEN I INSTINCTIVELY PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, NOTHING HAPPENED FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE ETERNITY BUT MAYBE JUST A PORTION OF A SECOND BEFORE THE ENGINE RESPONDS. THIS DELAY COULD BE A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION, SINCE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND AS YOU WOULD EXPECT IT TO, AND COULD THEREFORE ALLOW YOU TO BE IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE AS YOU WOULD EXPECT IT TO. THIS "DEAD PEDAL" SYNDROME HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS SINCE I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK ON THE ROAD IN THE LAST YEAR. *TR

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2014-08-12

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-11-05
VIN: 3C7WDNBL6CG
Components: WHEELS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS WEARING OUT THE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED BOTH FRONT TIRES ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT END WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

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2013 Ram 5500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 2013 Ram 5500.

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2013 Ram 5500 problems:

Problems with newer 5500? | Cummins Diesel Forum

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/problems-with-newer-5500.1497362/

Feb 1, 2015 ... ... common problems the new Cummins and ... 2013 Ram 3500 Limited SRW CTD Aisin 4x4 CC LB. ... We had a '96 2500 ram that fell apart around the engine ...

Q&A: 2013 Ram 6.7 Cummins Turbo Diesel DEF - Common ...

https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/byedw-2013-ram-6-7-cummins-turbo-diesel-def.html

Jan 17, 2019 ... Welcome to Just Answer, I'm Chris (aka-Moose). Sorry, you are having emissions issues. Let's get started, and see if you and I can resolve this.

What's Wrong with the Dodge Ram 5500?

http://www.dodgeproblems.com/models/ram-5500/

3 Common Dodge Ram 5500 Problems · TRW Crash Sensor Defect · Dodge Vehicles With Recalled Takata Airbags · Ram Death Wobble.

Service Electronic Stability Control | DODGE RAM FORUM

https://www.ramforumz.com/threads/service-electronic-stability-control.256839/

Oct 12, 2018 ... One of the most common problems that ... RAM 5500 CC. No bed and first 1/4 of diesel ... LD RAM - General Discussion 2014 Dodge Ram Forum 2013 ...