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2013 Ram 3500 transmission problems

12 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 13,500. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
12
of this car's complaints
10%
typical mileage
13,500
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    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 3500 transmission problems in other years

2009201520202026

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported December 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 17V821000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) FailureOpened July 3, 2025, still 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 failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V‑821 or 18V‑100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V‑821 and 18V‑100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

RQ25003

What 2013 Ram 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · 155,000 miles · PA · crash

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle became uncontrollable and was difficult to maneuver while driving on the road. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the part was to repair the vehicle was on back order. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a ditch caused by a failure with the drag link. The contact stated that the shift interlock was fractured, causing the gear shifter to detach while the vehicle was driven. The vehicle became stuck in park(P). The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and was repaired with an aftermarket part. The contact stated that the dealer had not repaired the vehicle causing the failure. The customer care department was contacted but was unable to assist with the dealer. The contact was concerned that the aftermarket part might not meet the OE standards. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2021 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was inspected and repaired. Years later, the contact stated that upon shifting the gear lever to DRIVE, the shifter moved to LOW and remained stuck in the LOW gear. After multiple attempts, the contact was able to shift the vehicle into PARK; however, the transmission remained in NEUTRAL. The contact was forced to keep his foot on the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from moving forward. The contact was eventually able to correct the failure; however, no warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was no longer under the recall. The vehicle had was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · TX

My shift lever on the steering column will often not shift all the way back in to park when trying to place the vehicle in park. Often the lever gets hung up between reverse and park. When this happens, the vehicle's prnd indicator on the control panel will turn a yellow color instead of the normal white color. Also, the shift lever will become stuck and must be forcibly taken back into gear to try to shift again back into park. The lever acts as if it has found a 'new' slot between park and reverse. Also, when this yellow color shows on my prnd indicator, if I am negligent in not getting the vehicle fully back into park, the vehicle will not start. I have had to have this vehicle towed back to the dealer repair shop because I could not get the shift lever out of the spot it was stuck in between park and reverse. This represents a problem in that I believe the truck is recognizing that it is neither in park or reverse so that it may become a safety issue when the truck is parked. Without the use of the emergency brake it may roll off. This incident has so far only happened when I stop to shift the vehicle into park and attempt to shut the vehicle off. The vehicle will shut off but when I return to start the vehicle, the control panel emits the same yellow coloring for prnd indicator and will refuse to start until the shift lever is forced out of the space it has found between park and reverse. I haven't yet taken any photos, video or been able to get the dealership repair persons to acknowledge the issue. The only thing the dealership did to address the problem is talk me into purchasing a new key fob. *dt *dt *dt *dt *tr*jb *dt *dt the consumer stated btsi and shifter cable was replaced on september 13. *tr*dt*dt

Filed Aug 1, 2017 · Acceleration, Engine · 100,000 miles · ID

My ram truck went into a malfunction and limited the speed to 5 miles per hour causing a major highway safety issue. The truck put all passengers and operators in danger. The def system in this vehicle can only be reset by a ram dealer which causes other issues besides extreme dangers driving conditions.

Filed Oct 16, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 40,000 miles · CO

July 17, 2015 - while stationary, I started truck only to have all warning lights on the dash illuminate, wipers activate on their own, and radio unit power off. Eventually, all power was lost to the dash. Truck was towed to dealer for repair. Truck received new PCM and was returned to me. July 17, 2015 - later that evening, the truck was towed back to dealer for the same problem. Truck was in the service center for two months receiving a new wiring harness and new computers. September 16, 2015 - truck returned to me. October 13, 2015 - while driving on a city street the truck exhibited the same problem. Momentarily lost engine power and transmission functionality. Lost all power to dash including trailer brakes. The truck sat idling for approximately one hour while waiting for a tow truck. I have recorded video of the dash continuing to flicker and power up and down erratically. October 16, 2015 - truck still at service center awaiting diagnosis and parts.

Filed Dec 31, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 8,000 miles · MI

I was on pa turnpike attemping to merge from a service plaza, when an opening in traffic was available I applied power to merge into line . As I did this my truck did not respond !! I was pulling a 36' fifth wheel trailer at the time and my merge into traffic became very perilious! After what seemed like a very long delay ( and some braking by other motorists ) my vehicle finally started to accelerate. Once the motor responded I had plenty of power to achive speed with traffic . I have told dealer about dead pedal and was told " never heard of it " this has happened to me more that once!

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Steering, Transmission · 13,500 miles · TX

I experienced a severe case of the dodge "death wobble." this is the fifth time in two months and this was the worst yet. I was driving on a state highway going about 60. The left from tire hit a small bump - maybe an inch deep. The truck began shaking violently and was not controllable. I slammed on the brakes to stop the shaking but it keep shaking violently as long as it was moving. I finally slid off the road sideways and ended up on the shoulder. Fortunately it was a gentle shoulder. If it had been steep I could easily have been killed. I took the truck to a dealer after the last time it did this and he said nothing can be done. That is not an acceptable answer as this is a death trap.

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 750 miles · GA

Randomly, while attempting to avoid hazards and/or collisions and while merging onto motorway, gas pedal becomes unresponsive for up to 5 seconds. This usually happens from a dead stop; however, has occurred while traveling at highway speeds also.

Filed Sep 21, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 1,500 miles · PA

"dead pedal" started out from a stop light and was starting to make a left turn with a 8000 pound trailer got to about 5 MPH someone pulled out and wanted to come straight threw the light from the opposite direction I was going ! I let off the throttle then decided I had enough room to make it and when I got back on the throttle it was like I didn't push the throttle. The truck just sat there for 1 or 2 seconds till it started to move ! This has happened quite a few times since ! Does not matter if the truck is loaded or empty all you have to do is start on the throttle let off of it and get back on the throttle and it dies for a few seconds !!

Filed Jul 31, 2014 · Fuel system, Transmission · 3,000 miles · ND

The truck has what I describe as a "dead pedal". I was merging into traffic and let off the throttle in an evasive maneuver, but realized I need to accelerate quickly to avoid being hit. I pushed to accelerator to the floor, and there was a 2-3 second delay before the engine began accelerating. I avoided being hit only due to evasive steering. This situation is very dangerous. I have verified this condition in a controlled situation, and can replicate the problem each and every time.

Questions about the 2013 Ram 3500 transmission

Does the 2013 Ram 3500 have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the transmission of the 2013 Ram 3500, 10% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2013 Ram 3500 transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 13,500 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Ram 3500 transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 17V821000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ram 3500 have bad transmission?

The Ram 3500 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2022 (115 complaints), 2014 (39 complaints) and 2015 (32 complaints).

Other 2013 Ram 3500 problems

Steering 38Engine 29Fuel system 20Suspension 18Electrical 17Acceleration 15Wheels 7Airbags 3Body 3Brakes 3Driver assistance 3Tires 2Lights 1Locks 1Seat belts 1Visibility 1

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