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2013 Ram 1500: check engine light

46 of the 1,283 complaints about the 2013 Ram 1500 describe check engine light.

owner complaints
46
of this car's complaints
4%
typical repair cost reported
$4,000
typical mileage
63,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 51 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

What owners say

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 Jul 22, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · PA

My vehicle gave my a check engine light after acceleration.I had it towed to a shop they checked everything in said they didn't see anything.So I drove it with no issues for about 5 months.I was driving to work in the truck lost power.I had it towed home.I has a crank no start.That's where I am with.

Filed Jul 31, 2025 · Brakes, Locks · 88,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated they received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 19V347000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 17V821000 (Power Train); also the contact stated that the ABS warning light was blinking, and the engine light was illuminated However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to another local dealer and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Filed Apr 12, 2025 · Steering · TX

The electronic power steering abruptly failed while driving, because of this failure my safety as well as others safety was put in grave danger. I completely lost the ability to turn the steering wheel which led me to forcefully pull as far over on the freeway that I could to avoid having an accident. Truck was then towed to my home. I had no prior messages or alarms or check engine lights on and the truck had been running in top condition. Suddenly I heard a chime then the steering wheel got stiff and the the “service power steering” message showed on my cluster. The vehicle is available for any inspections needed and has not been repaired due to the cost. The power steering went out on April 9, 2025.

Filed Mar 14, 2025 · Steering · NC

Upon starting the RAM 1500 on or about May 1, 2024, the electric power steering rack and pinion failed to operate. There was no steering assistance at all and it was extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel. The truck was not safely drivable. I observed a check engine light illuminated so I drove it carefully to a shop very close to my residence. The code indicated a failed power steering system but I do not recall the specific code. I contacted my local dealer for assistance. They indicated that since the vehicle was older than 10 yrs old, they did not offer any replacement steering racks or offer any service to the rack. They offered no alternative solution. I did some research, shopped around, and purchased a reconditioned rack and pinion for nearly $2,000. I installed the reconditioned electric rack and pinion assembly myself and power steering control returned as before. Since May 2024, the reconditioned power steering system has been functioning normally. The original rack and pinion is not covered under the limited previous recall. It's barcode reads - P68079506AG and TIC1393C5057 if this is helpful. I have carefully inspected the boots and seals of the unit and all appear very good ruling out any likelihood of water intrusion. Given my electrical engineering background and curiosity, I removed the cover from the circuit board and it does not show any visual damage. It's clean and dry inside. I purchased the truck brand new and it has been garage kept since purchase. It only had approximately 50,000 miles on it when it failed, therefore I am confident that there's a manufacturer defect or long term reliability issue with the electronic circuit design or components used in it that needs to be addressed.

Filed Dec 10, 2024 · Steering · SD

2013 RAM 1500. The power steering has failed on the RAM. The check engine light came on and produced a code for the ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE. Have had to leave it sit until the entire rack & pinion with module can be replaced. This occurred around 104,000 miles on truck. Fortunately, was not driving at a high rate of speed or turning when it failed. Because this seems to be a fairly common issue with 2013-2019 Dodge RAMs, I fail to understand why a recall has not been issued.

Filed Sep 28, 2024 · Steering · LA

My husband was driving home from work around 2 am when the steering wheel jerked then tighten up thankfully no one was on the road. There was no issues before it happened . The check engine light is showing EPS failure code and a few others also a blinking steering wheel and the abs and traction control and the brake light is on the dash

Filed Jul 8, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · UT

Power steering stopped working with no warning as the truck was being driven up a busy Highway at 65 MPH. Lost momentary control of the truck but was able to pull over and turn it off without incident. When it was restarted the engine light came on with an error message popping up. It was on a very busy highway but we were able to limp it home, going miles under the speed limit with emergency flashers on for safety. It is very hard to steer and the brakes do not seem to be working correctly now. After starting it again today to see if its still giving an error, another light is on regarding the ABS system and the power steering is not working at all. The truck is not safe to drive as and the problem has been confirmed by a local dealership and the truck is on a waiting list to see about further diagnostics & repairs. It is available for inspection at any time.

Filed May 23, 2024 · Acceleration, Brakes · NV

Reduced braking efficiency, loss of speedometer, loss of cruise control, brake light stays on when not depressing the pedal, electric power steering assist not functioning. Check engine light on, abs light on, traction control light on.

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 Mar 18, 2024 · Transmission · 252,486 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after the recall repair of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train) was performed on the vehicle, the vehicle started experiencing transmission failure. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal loud clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact then noticed that the gear shifter had moved from drive(D) to manual(M), and the gear reader indicated that the transmission was in 4th gear. The contact stated that he pulled to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to shift into drive(D) and drove to the residence. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the transmission solenoid had failed. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 252,486.

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.

Service bulletins that may apply

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

Questions about the 2013 Ram 1500 check engine light

Is check engine light a common problem on the 2013 Ram 1500?

46 of 1,283 owner complaints about the 2013 Ram 1500 (4%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the 2013 Ram 1500?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,000 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 Ram 1500?

There is 1 recall and 51 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2013 Ram 1500

Power steering loss 272Loss of power 119Steering lock-up 63ABS 53Engine failure 42Stalling 30Knocking 28Jerking 28Adaptive cruise 27Airbag light 27Headlights 26Key fob 24Won't start 19Door locks 18No deployment 16Ball joint 13Wipers 13Misfire 11Overheating 10Brake failure 9Fire or smoke 8Grinding brakes 7Won't shift 7Backup camera 6Fuel smell 5Rollaway 5Tire blowout 5Warning lights 5

All model years of the Ram 1500

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