NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ram 1500. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
No power steering, very hard to steer. Flashing steering wheel light on the dash.
Power steering intermittently lost while driving. Has not gone completely out but happens often while driving.
ABS system has failed and damaged the traction control module. Speedometer does not work and brake lights stay on constantly. Power steering assist does not work. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and cannot get the parts to fix these issues.
Driving fine with no problems then all of a sudden a bell starts chiming about 6 to 8 times then the steering light comes on and the ABS light comes on in the dash and starts blinking , then I lost power to the steering wheel ,was very hard to steer. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the engine off and waited a few minutes to crank it , every thing went normal and I drove home, but before I got home it did it again but this time it went haywire and the wipers came on and the dash lite up like a Christmas tree. I finally made it home and parked it . I sent off the TIPM unit to get repaired ,fixed but steering is still not wanting to work , will call my mechanic to put it in the shop. I have a truck that I have spent a lot of money fixing one thing after another , have already replaced the motor in 2020 . It seems like this truck is a lemon. Thank you01
Reduced braking efficiency, loss of speedometer, loss of cruise control, brake light stays on when not depressing the pedal, electric power steering assist not functioning. Check engine light on, abs light on, traction control light on.
Shifter service light flashed on, the the car turned off while driving greater than 50 miles per hours. This happened 3 times.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the "Service Power Steering" message displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified, and a service appointment was scheduled. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 209,260.
Was driving down the road and lost steering. Complete power steering stopped working. Hard to turn left or right.
defective rack an pinion
This truck has been diagnosed by a Dodge dealership with catastrophic engine failure and has metal shavings in the engine. The safety of myself and others has been put at risk because the truck shut itself off at a stoplight.
Power steering stopped working making it very hard to turn my truck. Luckily I was close to home and made it back without crashing into anything. No warnings came up before it happened. I have not taken it to a mechanic yet as I don't have the money to pay for it to be fixed right now. From the research I have done it sounds like the the electric power steering assist has failed.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering assist, causing the steering wheel to become extremely difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the power steering message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 145,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had been driven and 35 MPH, however, while parked at a store, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The Service Power Steering warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence without the aid of the power steering feature. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
Vehicle lost all power steering. Mechanic stated that the whole Gear-Rack And Pinion would need to be replace which is a cost at around 5000.00
The MDS is wearing down the 6 lobe on the cam shaft due to changing from 6 to 8 cylinder this has to be a serious issue
POWER STEERING FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. STEERING WAS TOO HEAVY TO CONTINUE TO TURN. ALMOST CRASHED INTO CAR COMING OPPOSITE DIRECTION, CAR ALONGSIDE, AND REAR ENDED BY TRUCK BEHIND. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE RAM DOES NOT MAKE THE PART ANYMORE AND IT IS SOLD OUT NATIONWIDE AS SO MANY HAVE FAILED. PART # R8573449aa WHY HASN"T THERE BEEN A RECALL IF SO MANY HAVE FAILED? THE TRUCK IS UNMANEUVARABLE WHEN IT FAILS. THANK YOU.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. The contact pulled into a parking lot, turned off the vehicle, and the steering wheel was released. After restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The steering symbol was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion had malfunctioned. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Received a low voltage warning light on vehicle and a day later as I was driving the vehicle, the steering wheel seemed to be moving around on its on at times kind of locking up. As I was leaving a car wash exit, the power steering completely locked out and then eventually I was able to move steer the vehicle but the power assist was no longer in there. This was on 12/14/2023 - As I was driving home 12/14/2023, the vehicle eventually locked up on the steering wheel and and all the lights in the vehicle started to dim down and shutting down; radio, parking assist sensor, heat and a/c ,acceleration and then it came to a stop as I could keep driving the vehicle as there was no more power and the brakes seemed to not be working. Had to call a tow truck company to get home. Tow truck driver stated my vehicle could not be placed in neutral and the rear brakes were locked up. This was on the highway and could have been terrible to crash to a vehicle or medium and in rush hour. - The vehicle currently sits in my driveway, have not taken to dealership yet. The alternator was replaced, a battery sensor (negative) was replaced and now the vehicle turns on but the steering wheel column service light is on and it is semi locked - low voltage a day before, then steering column service light and then when driving home on 12/14/23 all the lights came on it.
Driving at 40MPH and 2013 Ram 1500 experienced total and complete loss of power steering with no warning. I was narrowly able to avoid getting into an accident and cannot drive the truck given the strength needed to turn the wheel. Cost from dealer is estimated to be around $4,500 after parts and labor / taxes and could take months since the part is on backorder. The dealer said there have been multiple issues like this and unfortunately there is not yet a recall other than one from a few years ago that looks very similar to what I experienced. I don't have any other transportation and will likely have to pay to get it fixed. Going to sell it and never buy Ram again.
My ABS module is defective. My power steering goes, my ABS system lights come on and off. My braking comes and goes. I brought it to the dodge dealership and they said that dodge is remanufactifing the parts as it’s a huge issue they are having and said just to drive it or don’t but with no other help.
When the weather got sub 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the power steering went out completely, and then after warming up the truck came back on, but would rapidly jerk my wheel when steering for a while until it fully warmed up. Now its completely out with no signs of life. Ram will not service this part, only out right replace it, and you cant get the part anywhere. which is rediculous being that this power steering rack is in more then just the 2013 ram 1500.
The power steering completely went out. I could not turn my truck safely. Manual steering was wat too hard to turn. Had my truck towed. Now the dealer tells me I can't get a new electric steering rack for 3 months or more. The vehicle is unsafe to drive!
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed. The vehicle then taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the ABS module failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and due to parts being on backorder. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed on a separate occasion, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering wheel had failed due to the ABS module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Sudden and complete loss of power steering Was able to get safely off the road using extreme force on the steering wheel. Had vehicle towed to dodge dealership where they now are informing me that the electric power steering unit has failed. This is the same issue they had a recall for on newer models! Luckily nobody was hurt this time!
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. No further information was available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering control module (PSCM) and the electric power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Traveling at highway speed and power steering completely went out making it difficult to steer. Putting my family at risk of an accident. Incident was inspected but a dealership and was found that the power steering module had an internal fault. Power steering light came on in the truck.
Power steering malfunctioned. Wouldn't work when first started vehicle. Now doesn't work at all. Hard to change lanes or when turning off freeway and when tried to turn around a corner vehicle behind me didn't know what I was doing as too hard to turn the wheel. He almost slammed into me. Brought to dealer who said part is discontinued. Warning light comes on that says, ! Service power steering!
I went out and started my 2013 Ram 1500 on Monday morning, Nov 6 to take my son to school. While preparing to leave, I noticed that my steering wheel was extremely hard to turn (more difficult than a car with manual steering) and the "Service Power Steering" warning came on the dash. I am glad this failure did not occur the day before with my entire family in the truck driving a highway speeds. Steering when this failure occurs is so difficult, this situation could be deadly to someone on the road. The truck is currently at the dealer being looked at. There are many others with this issue yet there is no recall from Ram despite the severity of this issue.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact heard a chime and the “Steering Maintenance" warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving and exited the highway and stopped at an auto parts store where the contact was advised that the power steering was electrically assisted and was referred to a dealer. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering assist system needed to be replaced; however, the parts to repair the vehicle were on a national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The loss of power steering functionality was constant, and the vehicle was no longer drivable. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power Steering. Yes it is available for inspection. Yes my safety along with passengers and other drivers were / are at risk. The power steering will sometimes work and suddenly stop working while making a maneuver. Rendering the steering wheel useless. This makes it difficult / impossible to avoid obstacles. And makes it hard to make a common maneuver such as making a turn. It has been diagnosed by the Dodge dealer of a failed steering rack. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, just dealer. Warning message appears after steering wheel locks up. No advanced warning.
Was backing up in reverse, steering wheel locked up and I cannot turn it at all. I was able to stop and saw the steering wheel notification light come on flashing with an exclamation. I was able to put in drive but still can't turn the steering wheel. Boniface Heirs Dodge was contacted, they advised they don't have any recalls on my truck, but they had some on other years, but it is the same issue. I have had several people look at it and they advised it is the electric power steering system. Also, I am unable to obtain a new one seeing the part is discounted or a nationwide shortage. Very disturbed about this. I could have been on the highway with my grandkids in my truck. Also, I see that I am not the only person wth a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 who has the same problem!
Leaving for work this morning and the power steering went completely out. Was unable to steer without great effort. No warning lights or messages prior to failure.
DEFECTIVE headlamps. Excessive moisture builds up in housing effecting performance of lights in evening. Was stopped by DPS for having bad headlamps. Dealership says it normal, no its not. It's very unsafe to drive at night with moisture in lamps. Had it looked at or inspected by independent shop and DPS. My safety is at risk for you can't see at night with all the moisture in lamps. This is a common problem with Ram 1500 all over the internet.
The electric power steering went out in oct 2023 and I have been driving this using manual steering since. The truck only had 35000 miles on it when the eps failed. This needs to be recalled since other ram trucks have reported the same failure.
Electronic steering locked up while driving. Now says to service steering and is un-driveable
Hello I have the problem with steering wheel control I drive 35 miles on the steering wheel stock really hard to control the truck
Electronic Power Steering failure, and has been confirmed by the dealer. It always fails during the first start up, but will SOMETIMES activate on 3 or more start ups. Dealer has noted the internal power steering fault during diagnostics.
In October of 2023, our vehicle was brought into Matt Bowers Dodge, in Baton Rouge, LA, with a MIL and trouble code that indicated an issue with the brakes. The dealer diagnosed the need for a new ABS Control Module (P/N 68210719AB) and ordered it at that time. We were told the vehicle is unsafe to drive in its current condition. The part has been on order for over nine months. When we inquire as to the delay, we are told that the delay is "due to the part undergoing engineering review".
Electronic Power Steering system unexpectedly failed on my 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 with 40k miles on it. Mechanic quoted cost to repair $3600.00. I have noticed several other owners to report thidls same problem yet no recall.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while coasting to an idle stop at a red light, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS module had failed. The dealer still had not received the part due to the part being on back order. After having the vehicle diagnosed while driving approximately 75 mph, and coming to slowed traffic, the contact attempted to decelerate. Suddenly, another vehicle cut in front of them, and the contact slammed the brake pedal down. The left front tire seized, causing the vehicle to spin counterclockwise. The left front side of the truck hit a nearby guardrail. The vehicle continued to spin, causing damage to the front-end and rear-end. The air bag did not deploy. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle to safety. The contact was able to continue driving after restarting the vehicle at their home. There were no injuries. No medical attention was needed. No police report was filed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer after the incident occurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power steering warning light came on on dash and the vehicle lost power steering. This happened while driving and nearly caused an accident. I can sometimes play with the keys and get it to function again.
Total power steering failure, no steering at all. Happened while turning into driveway without prior warning. Vehicle now un-operational. I have read this is a ongoing problem with these vehicle's and there is no recall as of now. Extremely dangerous as you loose all steering. Vehicle has less than 40,000 miles on it. Thankfully I was at a low speed and there was no damage involved, have not yet sent vehicle in for repair as it is a $3500 min. repair
Driving down a city street going 30mph. The service power steering warning light came and and I lost the ability to steer the pickup. Was barely able to get the vehicle off the road to a safe location.
While driving home from work one day last week (10/12/23) I unexpectedly heard a tone and the message “Check Power Steering System “ appeared on my dash along with a light that is a steering wheel and an exclamation mark. My steering was VERY stiff. So stiff that I almost couldn’t turn the wheel enough to pull over into a parking lot. I had absolutely no warning or previous problems with my steering before this. The steering is still this way and I am unable to drive the truck. This is very dangerous! If for some reason you had to turn the wheel suddenly you would not be able to. As I previously stated I could barely turn the wheel enough to get off the road.
Loss of Power Steering. I had my vehicle towed to "Conway Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 2385 Church Street, Conway, SC 29526. (843) 365-7331. It has been there for approximately two (2) months. I was told that they are waiting on parts. I found out that there are hundreds other, same type complaints, reported to this agency. Please advise what steps should I take to resolve this issue. Thanks.
I purchased the truck used June 2023. Odometer currently 47,700 miles. The service power steering light flashes on the evic screen. The steering will be extremely difficult because it is electrical power steering. The problem started October 9th 2023 and has been intermittent. A mechanic did hook up the scan tool and there were no codes. So, it has gotten to where I will do 3 start cycles, idle foe a few minutes and after the 3rd cycle, no codes and the steering works as it should. Thankfully, it happens before I drive out onto the road. I will drive up and down my street before I venture out onto major highways and expressways. However, what's not to say it will have this issue while I'm driving, especially winter around the corner. I researched 2013 Ram 1500, and apparently other owners have had the same problem or worse. This is my daily driver and only vehicle I have. Quite frankly, I get scared driving my truck now. I stay in the lane closest to the shoulder just in case. Ram/Stellantis need to do a recall on these 2013 Ram 1500. I have owned early model rams and a 2016 challenger, not one problem.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired. The contact stated that her husband depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that her husband was able to safely drive the vehicle to his destination. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed camshaft and misfire in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Power steering stopped working.
See attached document for complaint.
Noticed a tick from engine. The noise kept getting worse and worse. I was driving on beltway when engine lost power out of nowhere