2013 Ram 3500 Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2013 Ram 3500 has 16 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 8,044,700 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 182 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

WHEELS 21V398000 2021-05-27 447,985 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 Y36 owner notification letters were…

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 19V347000 2019-05-09 1,103,209 affected
Defect

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. …

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:…

STEERING 19V021000 2019-01-25 795,575 affected
Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.

Consequence

A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall…

EQUIPMENT 17V824000 2017-12-21 61,791 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,…

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…

POWER TRAIN 17V821000 2017-12-20 1,482,874 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…

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 17V562000 2017-09-12 443,874 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.

WHEELS 17V499000 2017-08-10 1,765 affected
Defect

Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.

Consequence

If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16V739000 2016-10-13 74,811 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.

STEERING 15V541000 2015-08-26 149,080 affected
Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 2500 trucks and 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis manufactured October 9, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket components separating…

Consequence

If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket over the front track bar bracket. This recall began on February 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R46.

EQUIPMENT 15V461000 2015-07-23 1,416,903 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…

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…

AIR BAGS 15V459000 2015-07-22 1,059,444 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…

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…

SEAT BELTS 15V460000 2015-07-22 667,441 affected
Defect

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…

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 14V635000 2014-10-08 315,325 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 owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April…

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 13V237000 2013-06-04 17,411 affected
Defect

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…

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 13V240000 2013-06-04 1,069 affected
Defect

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with optional premium headlamps. The headlamp shutters may function improperly when in high-beam mode. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor…

Consequence

Improper headlight shutter function during high beam use may reduce the drivers visibility and possibly blind oncoming traffic. Either condition may increase the risk of crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reconfigure the Central Body Controller, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N33.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13V122000 2013-04-03 6,143 affected
Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover.

Consequence

The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on May 31, 2013. A second letter was mailed to owners with instructions on how to obtain the free remedy on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler…

Complaints by component

STEERING
37
2crashes1fires
ENGINE
27
3fires1injuries
SUSPENSION
17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
15
3fires1injuries
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
15
1fires1injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
15
POWER TRAIN
10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8
1fires
WHEELS
7
1crashes1fires1injuries1deaths
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
5
1fires
Total complaints182

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“When having to brake hard, the lining of the pressure line from the pump to the hydro booster comes apart and causes the brakes to not work and the power steering to act up. The plastic lining shoots into the booster causing it to fail. They don’t make a replacement line so I was forced to…”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2023-11-12

“Truck was repaired june 2019. They welded the jam nut which made it impossible to get an alaignment.been having a open claim with chrysler jeep and dodge going on 2 years per claim #78469040 front suspension track bar frame bracket ( vehicle recently started to do the death wobble again)”

STEERING · reported 2023-03-30

“Truck was repaired june 2019. They welded the jam nut which made it impossible to get an alaignment.been having a open claim with chrysler jeep and dodge going on 2 years per claim #78469040 front suspension track bar frame bracket ( vehicle recently started to do the death wobble again)”

SUSPENSION · reported 2023-03-30

“Truck was repaired june 2019. They welded the jam nut which made it impossible to get an alaignment.been having a open claim with chrysler jeep and dodge going on 2 years per claim #78469040 front suspension track bar frame bracket ( vehicle recently started to do the death wobble again)”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · reported 2023-03-30

“The contact owns a 2013 ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 15v541000 (steering); the contact stated that after the repair while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact…”

STEERING · reported 2022-05-08

“Driving the ram on the expressway, my son in law went from 70 miles per hour ( 30 lbs of boost) to 45 miles per hour (10 lbs of boost). So thankful it did not cause a rear end accident. Taking it in to the dealership to get fixed they said it was the turbocharger actuator then gave me the…”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2021-12-15

“The contact owns a 2013 ram 3500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v821000 (power train). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was inspected and repaired. Years later, the contact stated that upon shifting the gear lever to…”

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · reported 2021-09-13

“The vehicle was provided to the dealer. On day three the dealer informed vehicle owner that the defective water pump, under nhtsa recall number17v-562 is not repairable as fca does not have the replacement part available, dealer states that fca has 160 new water pumps on hand and all of them are…”

ENGINE · reported 2021-06-15

Defect investigations

Investigation PE18016 Opened 2018-12-17 · closed 2019-12-12

Steering loss due to linkage separation

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that…

Investigation RQ15004 Opened 2015-07-24 · closed 2016-01-05

Software security vulnerability

On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman International.On July 24,…

Investigation RQ25003 Opened 2025-07-03 · open

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models…

Investigation RQ25003 Opened 2025-07-03 · open

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models…

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2013 Ram 3500 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.