Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the reliability record is poor enough to outweigh everything else here.
Owners have filed 1,273 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ram 1500, and it carries 12 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 549 | 43% |
| Electrical system | 97 | 8% |
| Engine | 85 | 7% |
| Air bags | 49 | 4% |
| Power train | 48 | 4% |
| Steering | 39 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 30 | 2% |
| Suspension | 28 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 26 | 2% |
| Structure | 24 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
No warnings for power steering going out it just completely went out.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
While making a left turn the steering wheel jerked slightly and vehicle suddenly became difficult to steer. Noted a red flashing steering wheel icon with a red flashing exclamation mark icon on the instrument panel. An a
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Started vehicle, drove about 400 meters and the power steering went out while making a left turn. More than went out, as it felt like it actively fought me. I've driven vehicles without P/S before, and this was significa
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The vehicles power steering randomly stopped working. I checked the fuse box 10amp and 125amp battery connection and no power issues with it. There is power to the rest of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
On 08/29/2026 while traveling on the interstate the electronic power steering light activated on the cluster of the 2013 ram 1500 truck. After hearing the warning and seeing the warning, there was no power steering on th
NHTSA complaint: Steering
I had gone into my local Walmart after work and turned the truck off. After I came back out and turned the truck on, my power steering had gone out completely.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
A ton of 2013 ram 1500’s are having ABS module problems or needing repairs. Very unsafe to travel without it working properly. Unable to get a new part because Mopar discontinued making them. For what reason? I think thi
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the contact stopped the vehicle and act
NHTSA complaint: Steering
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ram 1500. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power
Risk: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18
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.
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
Fix: 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 Chry
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).
Risk: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of th
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's num
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub
Risk: This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibi
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring en
| Reliability raw | 37 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 57 | average |
| Maintenance | 71 | good |
| Depreciation | 68 | good |
| Performance | 79 | good |
| Efficiency | 31 | below average |
| Safety | 73 | good |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 1,273 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 549 of them (43%). There are 12 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 37/100 (below average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 57/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2013 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip, because the reliability record is poor enough to outweigh everything else here. Its overall ownership score is 58/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.