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2013 Ram 2500 engine problems

47 complaints (26% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 28,000.

owner complaints
47
of this car's complaints
26%
typical mileage
28,000
crashes
0
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Engine: diesel
    4

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 2500 engine problems in other years

2009201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Ram 2500 engine

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

Check engine light 8

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported September 12, 2017 · 443,874 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 17V562000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported April 3, 2013 · 6,143 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover.
Risk
The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
Remedy
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 contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N19.

Recall number 13V122000 · Recall details

What 2013 Ram 2500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Engine · MN

Jan 8 th had Ram 67A recall performed. Feb1 the EL on dash comes on and def system engine shutdown countdown. Feb 4 brought truck to dealer for service fix. Feb 5 dealer states that truck needs new DEF injector, Wiring harness , and SCR .and covered under the 67A recall warranty. Dealer states truck will be ready Feb 11. Feb 11 dealer states parts part out for devilery status but delayed with no eta on delivery date. Called dealer for status with same parts not available reply from dealer on Feb 11,17,18,23,24 March 2, 4 . Truck had been immobile at dealership for over 30 days and no delivery date available after 67A recall issues.

Filed Nov 27, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Over time the transmission cooling line to the radiator was rubbing against another part in the engine compartment resulting in a hole in the line and eventually catastrophic failure of the line. This caused transmission fluid to be sprayed around the engine compartment and the roadway creating an environmental issue. This could cause loss of power, fire and damage to the environment. Online other users of same make model and year have reported the same issue.

Filed Feb 4, 2021 · Airbags, Engine · TX

1) airbag warning light keeps coming on 2) engine light keeps coming on. Dodge service department says just ignore it. 3) 4x4 4wd has no resistance on interior gear shift

Filed Nov 11, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 24,000 miles · CO

The last time my truck was in for recall was in 2016. They did not fix it then and have not fixed any recall since, but they clam that there is only one recall open as of date. None of the recalls have been repaired. This is being pencel whiped.

Filed Aug 29, 2020 · Engine · MI

While on an interstate highway. My ram 2500 experienced a immediate loss of power. Causing a near collision from following vehicles. Upon taking it in for service .it was found that the diesel particulate filter had exploded and pluged up the catalytic filter. I feel this is a safety hazard. I contacted chrysler, because my truck was still under warranty. They said it was a wear item so would not be covered. How is a catastrophic failure, a wear item ?

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · Engine · 102,188 miles · MT

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 2500. While driving at 80 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to lithia chrysler jeep dodge of great falls located at 4025 10th ave s, great falls, mt 59405 (406) 791-8600, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the intake manifold heater needed to be replaced. The piston, intake manifold and exhaust valve were replaced. An independent mechanic was contacted and the contact was informed that the failure was a common in similar vehicles. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure where case number: 71625455 was provided. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 102,188.

Filed Aug 9, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 91,000 miles · CO

My 2013 ram 2500 turbo diesel has experienced a failure of the turbo unit. Upon researching this, I found that this has been a documented problem with the cummins holset turbo. From 2007 - current this part has been failing causing the vehicle to limp home at 15mph without warning. Fortunately I was just leaving a parking lot and merging into traffic at 40mph when my vehicle began to stall, and I was able to pull of the road without incident. Why hasn't this been reported as a safety issue. I live in colorado where the speed is 75mph. What if this happened while I was on my way home via the interstate? I regularly take my vehicle in for oil & fluid changes along with the dealers 20 point inspection. No problem was ever presented to me. Apparently, the turbo gets a soot build up and the dealers don't address this known failure. I contacted chrysler about this problem and they know it's an issue. The fix for consumers is $5000.00. This is an unacceptable safety risk for ram truck owners.

Filed May 14, 2019 · Engine · 148,000 miles · TX

The engine has 148000 miles and has started to knock. I have taken it to 3 different mechanics and all three say it was an engine problem. I was told by all three to replace or rebuild the engine. Two of the three mechanics said they have already rebuilt a couple of 2013 or 2014 already because of a engine knock. I bought this ram with the cummings because of their durability. Is it possible the cummings engine has a defect in the 4th generation. I have also read in cummins forums and ram forums about the same knocking problem. My truck started knocking while driving on the highway at 65 MPH and not pulling anything. My truck is in the shop now and I dont think I should have to paybfor a engine rebuild because of a defect.

Filed Jan 27, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 93,161 miles · CA

Had to replace the turbo actuator for $3549.18. This is a 2013 with ongoing recalls. I should not have to pay for a large ticket item with a truck this age.

Filed Sep 22, 2018 · Engine · 61,000 miles · ME

Got most recent recalls done. The reflashed my truck and have had nothing but problems since. Alarm was going off randomly. Back up camera was all messed up, and other electrical issues it seemed. They worked them selves out after driving a while. But the truck wouldn't regen on its own. Believe it is because if the t05 scr recall that was performed on some truck this same year and model as well as many others but not on this truck.

Questions about the 2013 Ram 2500 engine

Does the 2013 Ram 2500 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 47 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Ram 2500, 26% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2013 Ram 2500 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 28,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Ram 2500 engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 17V562000, 13V122000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2013 Ram 2500 problems

Electrical 41Steering 31Fuel system 30Suspension 23Transmission 22Acceleration 14Brakes 9Airbags 8Body 5Lights 5Visibility 5Wheels 3Driver assistance 2Seat belts 2

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