2013 Ram 3500: Reliability Data
Source: NHTSA — 182 complaints
182
Total Complaints
32,300mi
Median Mileage
Steering
Top Issue
5
Crash Reports
When Do Complaints Happen?
Distribution of NHTSA complaints by vehicle mileage at time of report.
8,000
25th Percentile
32,300
Median Mileage
74,075
75th Percentile
What Fails?
Most reported component issues from NHTSA complaints.
Steering
37
Engine
27
Suspension
17
Fuel/Propulsion System
15
Electrical System
15
Vehicle Speed Control
15
Power Train
10
Unknown Or Other
8
Wheels
7
Fuel System, Diesel
5
Severity Assessment
5
Crashes
12
Fires
6
Injuries
3
Deaths
Sample Complaint Reports
"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, SHE SMELLED AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF DIESEL FUEL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONLY WHEN THE FRESH AIR CONTROL SETTING WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AU..."
"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 34 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE THROTTLE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INDICATED THAT THE THROTTLE MODULES WERE OUT OF SYNC. THE VEHICLE WAS N..."
"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXHAUST FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT A HOSE CLAMP BECAME LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRE..."
Source: NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Names and identifying details omitted.
When Were Complaints Filed?
Number of complaints by the year the issue occurred.
When Does Each Component Fail?
Median mileage at complaint for top components.
Steering
37 complaints
25th: 24,700 mi
Median: 50,000 mi
75th: 86,500 mi
Engine
27 complaints
25th: 8,000 mi
Median: 37,650 mi
75th: 86,000 mi
Suspension
17 complaints
25th: 12,575 mi
Median: 44,000 mi
75th: 85,250 mi
Fuel/Propulsion System
15 complaints
25th: 6,125 mi
Median: 10,500 mi
75th: 51,000 mi
Electrical System
15 complaints
25th: 2,667 mi
Median: 24,000 mi
75th: 45,000 mi
Where Are Complaints Coming From?
Top states by complaint count.
TX: 36
OR: 18
CO: 14
CA: 12
LA: 8
WY: 8
VA: 7
GA: 6
IN: 6
MO: 5
Who Files Complaints?
2.7%
Original Owners
97.3%
Second+ Owners
Ram 3500 — Other Years
See how this model compares across different model years.
Active Recalls (18)
Federal safety recalls issued for this vehicle.
Connection
Campaign 19V021000 | 25/01/2019
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
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 numbe
Linkages
Campaign 18E096000 | 16/10/2018
The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
Latch
Campaign 19V347000 | 09/05/2019
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.
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 rec
Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Campaign 21V398000 | 27/05/2021
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
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
Frontal
Campaign 15V459000 | 22/07/2015
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.
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
Equipment
Campaign 17V824000 | 21/12/2017
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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.kidd
Column Shift
Campaign 17V821000 | 20/12/2017
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.
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.
Wheels
Campaign 17V499000 | 10/08/2017
If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Diesel
Campaign 17V562000 | 12/09/2017
The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
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.
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Campaign 16V739000 | 13/10/2016
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.
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.
Seat Belts
Campaign 15V460000 | 22/07/2015
Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
Campaign 15V461000 | 23/07/2015
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 deale
Equipment
Campaign 16E041000 | 16/05/2016
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.
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.
Steering
Campaign 15V541000 | 26/08/2015
If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Diesel
Campaign 14V635000 | 08/10/2014
If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 rec
Turn Signal
Campaign 13V237000 | 04/06/2013
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.
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.
Headlights
Campaign 13V240000 | 04/06/2013
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.
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
Campaign 13V122000 | 03/04/2013
The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
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
Protect Your Steering System
Based on the most common issues reported for this vehicle.
- Get a wheel alignment annually or after hitting a significant pothole
- Don't hold the steering wheel at full lock for more than a few seconds
- Check power steering fluid monthly on hydraulic systems
- Address wandering, vibration, or play in the wheel promptly
- Replace worn tie rod ends before they cause tire wear
Vehicle Rankings
Looking for a replacement?
Based on the data above, here are relevant options.
Affiliate link
Data source: View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov | NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Public domain.
Methodology: Complaint counts and mileage distributions are computed directly from consumer-reported NHTSA complaints. This data represents reported issues, not failure rates — vehicles without complaints are not represented. Full methodology.
Data through: 2026-03-28