VehicleVerdict

2013 Ram 1500 transmission problems

The 2013 Ram 1500 has 85 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 5% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

85

Transmission complaints

5%

Share of year

17

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

17V821000TransmissionDecember 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

13V610000TransmissionDecember 6, 2013 · 4,194 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED OVER AN INCLINE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 23, 2016 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2013 Ram 1500 have?

NHTSA has 85 complaints about the 2013 Ram 1500 transmission — 5% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Ram 1500 transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 13V610000, 17V821000.

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.