2013 RAM 1500 Complaints

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, while driving the truck in Gulfport, MS, the power steering locked up several times. I was able to get the vehicle home. On Monday, November 3, I took the truck to Mandal, Dodge Chrysler, in D'Iberville, MS. Upon doing a diagnostic test, Mandal informed me I would need to have new rack and pinion system with the cost being $4500. I refused the repair work. My research pursuant to this issue shows that there is an ongoing investigation into this matter for many similar complaints. There was a partial recall on Dodge Ram 1500's that did not include my vehicle. Dodge Chrysler should be responsible for this repair.

The ABS light, traction control light, parking brake light are on and the info center says “ Service Electronic Brake/Service ABS” I hooked up my OBDII reader and get code “C2200-49 Anti-lock Brake Module Internal - Internal Electronic Failure“ I have researched exhaustingly and this is a common problem and the part is no longer made. The safety of my truck is impacted AND I cannot fix it. I have checked 3 fuses and verified they are good. Seeing as how this is a common problem with the 2013-2018 Rams I feel this is something Ram needs to address.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V347000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) and 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while moving the gear shifter out of park(P), the gear was stuck in park(P). The contact opened the door and rocked the vehicle back and forth, then closed the door and moved the gear shifter out of park(P). The contact moved the gear shift lever. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was part of the inheritance his father left. The contact's father had experienced the same failure. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after the vehicle was started, the power steering failed to function as intended and locked up, and the contact was unable to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact used force to move the steering wheel. The message "check the steering" was displayed on the dashboard. Most recently, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact used force to maneuver the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the electrical system inside the rack and pinion had failed. The contact was informed that the entire steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

Tough steering. Very difficult to correct steering after a turn. Consistently happening.

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel locked, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over to the side of the road while waiting for his son to arrive. The “Service Steering Soon” message was displayed. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was 186,468.

I am the original owner of a 2013 RAM 1500 SLT (VIN [XXX] ). I recently discovered, through official Mopar and Mopar México recall databases, that my truck has several open safety recalls — specifically T79 (17V-821), V44 (19V-347), X75 (Fuel Tank Strap Bracket), and U53 (Occupant Restraint Control Module). I was never notified by FCA/Stellantis or my dealership, even though my contact information and address have remained the same since purchase in January 2014. This failure to notify is serious: years ago, a similar malfunction in a 2005 RAM caused an unintended reverse movement that almost pinned me between the vehicle and a gate — exactly the defect described in the T79 recall. These recalls have been open for many years with replacement parts available, yet no contact was made. I am requesting NHTSA to review whether FCA/Stellantis failed to notify owners in Mexico and the U.S. of record about the safety recalls still open on this VIN. Attached documents from Mopar and Mopar México confirm the current open recalls. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power steering went out while driving steering became very hard to move the wheel

While driving my truck lost all power steering. The truck was controllable but with a LOT of force. My wife would not have been able to steer had she been driving. I understand that this is not an uncommon failure. My trunk is a 2013 model but only has 10,770 mile, and was always garaged. I am a retired auto mechanic and a friend that is still active inspected the truck and said it was the steering module. that is not replaceable separately the entire steering assembly must be replaced. I noticed the steering warning after the failure. I am not sure if it was on before the failure. * note * at low speed it was all I could do to turn the wheel, and I am 6'1" and 205 lbs.

My truck has an open N37 recall which affects the electronic stability control and causes the esc light, service abs system light and brake light symbols to illuminate, my local dealership has attempted to perform this safety recall however they have indicated they attempted to flash the software to the module but were unable to do so due to the defective/non communicating abs module. This is a crucial issue as the n37 recall rectifies issues with the Electonic Stability Control on my truck which may inadvertently illuminate the esc warning light and disable the ESC system as a result, loss of the ESC function could adversely affect the vehicles handling characteristics and cause a crash without warning. I have reached out to Ram customer care, but they are refusing to replace the defective module in order to cover the n37 recall indicating it's an out-of-pocket expense which is unreasonable. The n37 recall explicitly states the recall will cover parts and labor, the module isn't able to be flashed as the dealer's diagnostic machine isn't communicating with it, which is a hardware issue. Ram is refusing to comply and replace the abs module in order to rectify the safety recall.

Component or system that failed / malfunctioned The brake system (pads, calipers, hydraulic fluid) failed three times in less than 90 days. The right-side tie rod end also separated from the steering assembly. Both components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk The brakes repeatedly lost all stopping power while driving, with the pedal going to the floor and the reservoir emptying within minutes. On one occasion, the brake pads and caliper fell off the wheel assembly, confirmed by the dealer’s own shop manager. The tie rod failure caused uneven tire wear and a highway blowout, forcing an emergency tow. These issues placed me, my child, and other drivers at risk of a serious crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Premier Auto (the dealer’s affiliated garage) confirmed and attempted repairs three times. On the third visit, the shop manager (Mike) stated that the brake pads were so low they had fallen off, causing the calipers to overextend and leak. Has the vehicle/component been inspected by others? Yes. Premier Auto inspected and repaired the brakes multiple times. Dobbs Tire & Auto later inspected after the blowout and diagnosed additional electrical issues. Documentation, invoices, and photos are available. Were there warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms? The brake warning light illuminated and the pedal sank to the floor during failures. No prior warning lamps appeared before the tie rod separation or blowout. The failures occurred suddenly while driving.