2013 Ram 1500
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV, Midgrade Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 11 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2013 standard pickup truck (17.3 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,187 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 195 for similar models — most often about the steering.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Ram 1500 is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 4.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 21% better than the 2013 standard pickup truck average of 17.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1187 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 HFE 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +21% | $3,200 | 426 |
| 1500 2WD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +16% | $3,350 | 450 |
| 1500 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +16% | $3,350 | 451 |
| 1500 4WD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +18% | $3,550 | 474 |
| 1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +6% | $4,450 | 525 |
| 1500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -2% | $4,450 | 514 |
| 1500 2WD FFV | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -8% | $4,200 | 549 |
| 1500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -8% | $4,750 | 558 |
| 1500 4WD FFV | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -1% | $4,200 | 562 |
| 1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -7% | $5,050 | 578 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Ram 1500.
Similar 2013 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Ram 1500 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2013 Ford F-150 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Chevrolet Silverado | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 Toyota Tundra | 17 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda Ridgeline | 17 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 Nissan Titan | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 GMC Sierra | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
Recalls (11)
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch · May 9, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · 1,103,209 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
- 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, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift · Dec 20, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · May 9, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V302000 · 1,021,279 vehicles
- Problem
- 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). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
- 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 these safety systems.
- 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 number for this recall is T25.
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. · Jul 23, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V461000 · 1,416,903 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
- Risk
- Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 22, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V459000 · 1,059,444 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 against the driver air bag module retainer spring.
- 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 possibility of a vehicle crash.
- 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 ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Jul 22, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V460000 · 667,441 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
- Risk
- Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Dec 6, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V610000 · 4,194 vehicles
- Problem
- 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'.
- Fix
- 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.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jul 2, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V287000 · 45,896 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 trucks manufactured June 26, 2012, through February 5, 2013. Due to a software issue with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module, the ESC system may be disabled when the vehicle is started.
- Risk
- A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESC module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N37.
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal · Jun 4, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V237000 · 17,411 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps. In the affected vehicles, the turn signal indicator may not flash at a double rate to give a notification to the driver of a turn signal malfunction. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- Risk
- Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N35.
Engine And Engine Cooling · May 7, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V177000 · 498 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
- Risk
- Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.
Parking Brake · Apr 3, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V128000 · 6,574 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on a 20% grade. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the parking brake performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N22.
Not every 2013 Ram 1500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Ram 1500 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 635 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 186 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 113 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,484 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Ram 1500. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 1500 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 1500 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 1500 | 22 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 9 | 103 |
| 2025 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 8 | 365 |
| 2024 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 77 |
| 2023 1500 | 24 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 11 | 203 |
| 2022 1500 | 26 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 16 | 631 |
| 2021 1500 | 26 | 233.1 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 683 |
| 2020 1500 | 26 | 233.1 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 640 |
| 2019 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | ★★★★★ | 29 | 1,494 |
| 2018 1500 | 23 | – | ★★★★★ | 15 | 667 |
| 2017 1500 | 23 | – | Not rated | 13 | 884 |
| 2016 1500 | 24 | – | Not rated | 16 | 1,554 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ram. How we calculate this →