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2013 Ram 1500 engine problems

130 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 70,000. 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints
130
of this car's complaints
10%
typical mileage
70,000
crashes
5
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    2
  • Exhaust system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ram 1500 engine problems in other years

2009201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Ram 1500 engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Loss of power 119Check engine light 46Engine failure 42Stalling 30Knocking 28Won't start 19Misfire 11Overheating 10

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported May 7, 2013 · 498 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Risk
Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.

Recall number 13V177000 · Recall details

What 2013 Ram 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

In December 2025, my check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes read P0128 (coolant thermostat) and U1467 (module communication). I took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed and repaired the issue. Shortly after, the check engine light returned, so the same mechanic replaced the ECM (plug and play). This repair did not resolve the check engine light. The mechanic recommended I take the vehicle to a dealership and identified a related service bulletin tied to Safety Recall N25 / the federal safety agency Campaign 13V‑177 (three-way coolant valve). To confirm this diagnosis, I sought a second opinion from another independent mechanic. That shop purchased the coolant valve part directly from a dealership, installed it on my truck, and the same issue persisted. They also were unable to resolve it and advised me to take the vehicle to a dealership. I researched the federal safety agency Campaign 13V‑177 (Chrysler Manufacturer Campaign N25) and confirmed that Chrysler recalled certain 2013 RAM 1500 trucks built between June 25, 2012 and December 12, 2012, because the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that prevents coolant flow to the heater core. The official remedy for this recall is replacement of the coolant valve along with an updated module calibration, performed by a dealer. I was told by dealership staff that there is no active recall on my vehicle. However, my truck matches the affected description, and I have not had the calibration portion of the recall remedy performed, only the physical part replacement, which two independent mechanics have already completed without resolving the underlying issue. My vehicle is currently at Landmark Dodge in Morrow, GA. Despite this being an open federal safety recall (13V‑177/N25) with a remedy that includes a required software calibration update, the dealership is attempting to charge me for this repair, even though I have already paid to have the physical part replaced twice by independent mechanics.

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Engine · IA

I have my vehicle at the dealership to check a ticking noise from the 5.7L engine in my truck. I was told that there are broken exhaust bolts causing the noise. I see online that this is a common issue and that there is a recall for this issue, but my vehicle is not included in the recall list. I feel that the recall should cover my vehicle as well. Since it is the same issue of the current recall.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Engine · NJ

The MDS is wearing down the 6 lobe on the cam shaft due to changing from 6 to 8 cylinder this has to be a serious issue

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Body, Engine · NE

SAFETY DEFECT: Database Classification Failure - 2013 Ram Vehicles Vehicle: 2013 Ram 1500, VIN: [ENTER VIN ABOVE] Owner: [ENTER NAME ABOVE] Email: [ENTER EMAIL ABOVE] Phone: [ENTER PHONE ABOVE] Defect Description: The 2013 model year Ram vehicles suffer from a systematic database classification failure that prevents normal ownership operations and creates safety hazards. Due to the Dodge-to-Ram brand transition in 2013, these vehicles are not properly recognized in automotive databases used by: • Auto parts retailers (O'Reilly's, AutoZone, etc.) • Insurance companies and quote systems • Tire retailers and service centers • Emergency roadside assistance systems • Government vehicle registration systems Safety Implications: • Inability to quickly procure critical replacement parts during emergencies • Delays in obtaining proper insurance coverage • Emergency service complications due to vehicle misidentification • Forced manual workarounds that increase human error risk Consumer Impact: Vehicle owners are forced to spend excessive time and resources (phone calls, manual lookups, repeated explanations) to perform basic vehicle ownership functions. This constitutes an operational defect that prevents normal commercial transactions. Requested Action: the federal safety agency should require Stellantis to issue a recall to correct the database classification error across all automotive systems, or provide alternative identification mechanisms that ensure proper vehicle recognition. Root Cause: Stellantis' failure to properly coordinate database updates during the 2013 Dodge Ram to Ram transition, leaving vehicles in a "database orphan" state.

Filed Oct 19, 2024 · Engine · MD

Noticed a tick from engine. The noise kept getting worse and worse. I was driving on beltway when engine lost power out of nowhere

Filed Sep 18, 2024 · Engine · NC

Exhaust bolts at rear of exhaust manifolds spontaneously broke. This appears to be a well known issue with the 5.7L Hemi engines. Apparently the exhaust manifolds warp and the force is enough to break the bolts holding the manifold to the cylinder head. This manifests as a ticking sound when the vehicle is started, exhaust gas containing carbon monoxide is leaking near the firewall and could allow toxic gas into the cab of the vehicle. This represents a safety hazard due to sub-standard engineering.

Filed Apr 5, 2024 · Engine · PA

Engine started to tick. Took it to Dodge after the check engine light came on, it started running rough, and truck started to throw random codes. Dodge tells me its the cam and lifters, which is a known problem for the 5.7 Hemi V8 motors of this era. Chrysler knows of the issue, and there's even a service bulletin regarding it, however Chrysler refuses to repair any of them that are out of warranty. This truck was purchased new by me in 2013, and has a little over 114,000 miles on it, with oil changes done regularly. There is no reason a $44,000, truck should be sold with manufacturer defects, let alone allow the manufacturer to reduse to repair their flawed design.

Filed Feb 7, 2024 · Airbags, Engine · OR

Vehicle has been serviced 7 times by Lithia Nissan with continuing issues last service date was May 22nd 2023 in which the following services were performed; Oil filter housing, 2 gaskets, installed OEM oil cooler and cleared codes, Pin fit issues with master switch, repaired pin issue. Vehicle has been serviced 2 times by Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Eugene address 2121 Martin Luther King Jr. BLVD. Eugene OR 97401 (541)686-2255 Last service date Oct. 2nd 2023 in which the following services were performed; Engine system repair, injector-fuel, cleared codes, Pin fit issues with master switch repaired pin issues. Vehicle serviced 1 time by Goodyear location 164 W 7th AVE Eugene OR 97401 (541)343-2501 service date Oct. 5th 2023 following service was performed; Replace Resistor Spark Plug, Spark plug- Iridium OE Exact plug, R&R Spark plugs, R&R spark plugs Ignition Coil set, Intake manifold set, cleared codes. Ongoing issues; unresolved by services performed 1.Check engine light 2.Airbag light 3.Hot temp light 4.Power train light 5.Parking brake does not work properly and will roll if not parked on a level surface 6.Master switch driver control will stop working unless I pop it out of the control panel disconnect it and reconnect it. 7.Defrost does not work properly in which makes it hard to see when driving and there is moisture building inside the cabin creating mold which is a health concern. 8.Vehicle will switch into different gears while driving when brake pedal has not been applied or used. 9.Vehicle sometimes shakes and stalls in drive and reverse.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Engine · TX

This truck has been diagnosed by a Dodge dealership with catastrophic engine failure and has metal shavings in the engine. The safety of myself and others has been put at risk because the truck shut itself off at a stoplight.

Filed Oct 27, 2023 · Engine · 177,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired. The contact stated that her husband depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that her husband was able to safely drive the vehicle to his destination. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed camshaft and misfire in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

Questions about the 2013 Ram 1500 engine

Does the 2013 Ram 1500 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 130 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Ram 1500, 10% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2013 Ram 1500 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 70,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Ram 1500 engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 13V177000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2013 Ram 1500 problems

Steering 643Electrical 228Airbags 94Transmission 86Brakes 79Fuel system 50Suspension 44Body 40Acceleration 37Lights 31Driver assistance 27Visibility 18Seat belts 15Wheels 12Locks 8Seats 6Tires 6

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