2013 Ram 1500 transmission & drivetrain problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

23 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2013 Ram 1500, 3% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 50,000 mi.

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
23
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
50,000 mi

Specific components reported

Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.

ComponentComplaints
Power train22
Power train:axle assembly1

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across Ram 1500 years

6200923201351201483201568201659201748201817920196220209820211012022282023142024482025102026
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year. The 2013 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k210k–30k230k–60k260k–100k100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 17V821000Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

    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 13V610000Dec 6, 20134,194 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.

    Risk: The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jun 10, 2026MDCrashBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain
    Will driving in the rain my abs brakes, traction control, and 4wheel drive went out all the sudden causing me to lose control crash into the back of the vehicle in front of me. There was no warning no sound just light everywhere and all the safety items that make me truck worth buying gone. I even spent extra money to have 4 wheel drive. After the accident I found out that this is happening so often that the part to fix my brakes, traction control, and 4 wheel drive is 2…
    NHTSA complaint #11743114 · source
  2. Filed Jan 21, 2026GABrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    A lot of the Ram and Dodge Vehicles are having the same problems and Stellantis has failed over and over to recall the item!!!! And has not!! did so I have a 2013 Ram 4x4 with only 90k miles on my truck this is the same problem I'm having Stellantis has issued several major recalls for vehicles experiencing simultaneous illumination of the ABS, brake, and traction control (ESC) lights. These issues typically stem from defective software or hardware within the Anti-lock…
    NHTSA complaint #11712379 · source
  3. Filed Oct 31, 202513,000 miARBody & StructureSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V347000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) and 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while moving the gear shifter out of park(P), the gear was stuck in park(P). The contact opened the door and rocked the vehicle back and forth, then closed the door and moved the gear shifter out of park(P). The contact moved the gear shift lever. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was…
    NHTSA complaint #11696862 · source
  4. Filed Jul 31, 202588,000 miNYBody & StructureBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated they received notification of NHTSA 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11677428 · source
  5. Filed Mar 3, 2025WVElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    Lost complete steering with no warning or lights on the dash At risk none was parked and steered perfectly prior to parking There is a recall open for other vin numbers associated with the same issue
    NHTSA complaint #11645917 · source
  6. Filed Jun 11, 2024MNElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    Failure of all steering wheel controls. with random cruise control suddenly activating ...transmission gear control self activation (will drop into lower gear causing driver to fly forward and vehicle behind to take evasive action). radio changes channels by itself. i found info that lead me to believe it was a clock spring issue. was taken to dealer. they diagnosed it as a steering wheel harness that had all the wires pulled out of the plug..800 to repair a 20 dollar wire…
    NHTSA complaint #11593675 · source
  7. Filed Mar 18, 2024252,486 miGATransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after the recall repair of NHTSA 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11577979 · source
  8. Filed Feb 20, 2024ALBody & StructureElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    Hello, I'm filing a complaint against the Dothan, AL Ram dealership due to recalls that were never performed. I bought the truck on 7/12/2021 from a third party. I noticed this particular Ram had 12 recalls so I took it in to the Dothan, AL Dodge dealership to have them repaired. They had the truck for 2 weeks and nothing was repaired. Nothing at all. I lost 2 back pack blowers because of the faulty tailgate latch. I had to take the tailgate from my 02 Ram off and put it on…
    NHTSA complaint #11572857 · source
  9. Filed Feb 7, 2024ORAirbagsEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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 [phone removed] Last service date Oct. 2nd 2023 in…
    NHTSA complaint #11570524 · source
  10. Filed Oct 19, 202348,000 miDETransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 8 MPH and making a right turn, the contact heard a loud snapping sound coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact steered the vehicle into a parking lot and became aware that the passenger’s side tire was flat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11550786 · source
  11. Filed Sep 22, 2023MDElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    Issues with pcm, emc, tps. After 98,000 miles everything started not reading correct and giving false check engine light. I bought truck two years ago and it’s hard to believe dealership didn’t no. 2013 ram trucks need to be pulled off market. Nobody can tell you what’s wrong. The truck starts when it wants to. Hits the gas when it wants to. Them machines say no code no problem. If the code that originally popped up said computer not receiving info. Then of course you can’t…
    NHTSA complaint #11546053 · source
  12. Filed Sep 22, 2023MDEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Truck will stall out pulling out in traffic with no signs of a problem. It happened to me today with my kid in the truck. This is unacceptable. This trucks are to expensive to have this. It also will surge and try to go without foot on gas. This is totally unsafe. Dodge needs to fix this.
    NHTSA complaint #11546049 · source

Other 2013 Ram 1500 problem areas

Back to all 2013 Ram 1500 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology