Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ram 2500, and it carries 16 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 20 | 11% |
| Steering | 16 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 14 | 8% |
| Engine | 14 | 8% |
| Power train | 11 | 6% |
| Suspension | 9 | 5% |
| Steering | 9 | 5% |
| Engine | 9 | 5% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The ABS module is not working. Part # 68052421AF is part of a recall # C4B but not for my truck. The VIN states it's been reprogrammed. What can I do?
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was turned off and in park(P), the vehicle shifted into reverse after the contact’s son bumped into the column shifter. As a result, the vehicle roll
NHTSA complaint: Power train
DTC C0020-01 appeared after hitting a speed bump along with service TCS and ABS system. This message is displayed sometimes at random but mostly during common bumps in the road. Any wheel spin during wet weather also cre
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Hi, I own a 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and the door locks do not lock all the time. The concern here is that when I have children in the truck the child safety locks do not lock and to me this is a concern. I had the door lock
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
hi beam, low beam, both sides flicker, go off, then come on. Driver's side (low and hi beam) is now permanently off even after having a repair shop fix them.
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
Front passenger door and both rear door locks operate intermittently. . Doors will unlock with key fob or either front door buttons or front door handles; but they will intermittently lock with key fob or front door butt
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ram 2500. 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.
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering k
Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-025
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 various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers ma
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at
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
| Reliability | 46 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 59 | average |
| Maintenance | 49 | below average |
| Depreciation | 87 | excellent |
| Performance | 81 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 20 of them (11%). There are 16 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 46/100 (below average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 59/100, 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 unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 60/100. 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.