VehicleVerdict

2013 Ram 1500 electrical system problems

The 2013 Ram 1500 has 243 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 15% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

243

Electrical System complaints

15%

Share of year

5

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

15V461000Electrical SystemJuly 23, 2015 · 1,416,903 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

13V287000Electrical SystemJuly 2, 2013 · 45,896 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY ENDED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 14, 2016 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2013 Ram 1500 have?

NHTSA has 243 complaints about the 2013 Ram 1500 electrical system — 15% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Ram 1500 electrical system?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the electrical system: 13V287000, 15V461000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.