Model year guide

2013 RAM 4500

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 RAM 4500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2013 RAM 4500 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2013 RAM 4500 at a glance

Safety recalls9
Owner complaints3

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2013 RAM 4500 recalls 9

Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs NHTSA Campaign #21V398000 · manufacturer #Y26, Y36 · 27/05/2021

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.

Fix: 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 le…

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #17V824000 · manufacturer #T82 · 21/12/2017

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 e…

Fix: 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…

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift NHTSA Campaign #17V821000 · manufacturer #T79 · 20/12/2017

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 S…

Fix: 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:engine:diesel NHTSA Campaign #17V562000 · manufacturer #T51 · 12/09/2017

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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator NHTSA Campaign #16V739000 · manufacturer #S68 · 13/10/2016

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.

Fix: 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.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc. NHTSA Campaign #15V461000 · manufacturer #R40 · 23/07/2015

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 contro…

Fix: 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…

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #15V459000 · manufacturer #R36 · 22/07/2015

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.

Fix: 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 co…

Fuel System, Diesel NHTSA Campaign #14V635000 · manufacturer #P65 · 08/10/2014

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.

Fix: 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 reca…

Structure NHTSA Campaign #13V288000 · manufacturer #N41 · 02/07/2013

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2013 RAM 4500 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure Open

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 include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever. The failure…

NHTSA #RQ25003 · Power Train · opened Jul 2025

Software security vulnerability Closed

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, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU securi…

NHTSA #RQ15004 · Electrical System · opened Jul 2015 · closed Jan 2016

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 417

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 417.

Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning

Bulletin S1203000003 REV.A · Service Brakes · Jun 2026

BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT

Bulletin 112906 · Engine · Jun 2026

BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT

Bulletin 112906 · Engine · Jun 2026

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.

Bulletin S1623000028 Rev. K · Electrical System, Structure · Jun 2026

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.

Bulletin S1623000028 REV.J · Structure · Jun 2026

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.

Bulletin S1623000028 REV.I · Electrical System, Structure · May 2026

Squeak Or Squawk Noise Coming From Either Side Door Of The Vehicle, It Could Be Just One Door Or More. The Noise Can Be Present In Either The Upper Or The Lower Hinge.

Bulletin S2623000032 · Structure · Apr 2026

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.

Bulletin S1623000028 REV.H · Structure · Apr 2026

SPEAKER - NONE

Bulletin 110604 · Electrical System · Mar 2026

SPEAKER - NONE

Bulletin 110603 · Electrical System · Mar 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 4500. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 9

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2013 RAM 4500. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: Thi…

Transport Canada #2024548 · Aug 2024

Wheels

Issue: On certain pickup and chassis-cab trucks, the owner's manual and service manual list the wrong torque specification for the wheel nuts. As a result, some trucks may have had the lug nuts over-tightened during servicing. This can damage the wheel studs and, over time, they could break. If this happens, a wheel could separate from the truck. Note: This recall only affects…

Transport Canada #2021336 · May 2021

Accessories

On certain vehicles equipped with the Roadside Emergency Kit containing a Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate. Also, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury, and fail to discharge. In case of fire, failure of the extingu…

Transport Canada #2017663 · Dec 2017

Powertrain

On certain vehicles equipped with a steering column gear shifter, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) may become inoperative. This could allow the steering column gear shifter lever to be shifted out of the PARK (P) position without depressing the service brake pedal or having the key in the ignition, which could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the r…

Transport Canada #2017659 · Dec 2017

Engine

On certain vehicles equipped with 6.7 litre diesel engines, the water pump could fail. This could result in an underhood fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the water pump with a new one.

Transport Canada #2017441 · Sep 2017

Electrical

On certain vehicles equipped with a 220 amp alternator, frequent load cycling at the rated amperage capacity and particularly in hot ambient conditions could cause the alternator to develop a short, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire. If a short develops in the alternator while the vehicle is being driven, it could also result in the engine stalling, causing a lo…

Transport Canada #2016500 · Oct 2016

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

2013 RAM 4500 trims & engines on record

Engines
6.7L 8-cyl

2013 RAM 4500 vehicles on record

Other RAM 4500 model years

2013 RAM 4500 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 RAM 4500 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2013 RAM 4500. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 RAM 4500?

Across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, visibility/wiper, suspension.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.