2013 RAM 2500 power train problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
Related recalls
- 17V821000 · 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…
Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“Over time the transmission cooling line to the radiator was rubbing against another part in the engine compartment resulting in a hole in the line and eventually catastrophic failure of the line. This caused transmission fluid to be sprayed around the engine compartment and the roadway creating an environmental issue. This could cause loss of power, fire and damage to the environment. Online other users of same make model and year have reported the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 11/27/2025
“The contact owns a 2013 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was turned off and in park(P), the vehicle shifted into reverse after the contact’s son bumped into the column shifter. As a result, the vehicle rolled down hill coming to a complete stop after striking a fence post. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact rela…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/27/2024
“WHEN PULLING MY KEY OUT AFTER PARKING MY VEHICLE AND TURNING OFF THE ENGINE I AM STILL ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKES”
NHTSA complaint · filed 02/19/2021
“TRUCK GOES INTO LIMP MODE, CHANGED TRANSMISSION SOLENOID AND IT FIXED IT FOR ABOUT 11 MONTHS BUT NOW BACK IN LIMP MODE, ( STUCK IN 4 TH) CHANGED TRANSMISSION SOLENOID APPROXIMATELY 11 MONTHS AGO FOR SAME ISSUE, NOW BACK IN LIMP MODE. ( WON'T SHIFT PAST 4 TH)”
NHTSA complaint · filed 01/14/2020
“DRIVER PERFORMED A PRE-USE WALK AROUND INSPECTION ON VEHICLE AND OBSERVED NO DAMAGE. DRIVER PROCEEDED ON TO DESTINATION. DRIVER MERGED ON TO HWY 70 EAST AND ACCELERATED TO THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 75MPH AND SET THE CRUISE CONTROL. WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND THE DRIVER, ON OR AROUND MILE MARKER 184, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD GRINDING SOUND AND VIOLENTLY VIBRATED. THE DRIVER PRESSED THE BREAK TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND LOOKED AT THE CENTER FLOORBOARD TO INVESTIGATE THE PR…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 12/23/2019 · fire
“MY 2013 RAM 2500 TURBO DIESEL HAS EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE TURBO UNIT. UPON RESEARCHING THIS, I FOUND THAT THIS HAS BEEN A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH THE CUMMINS HOLSET TURBO. FROM 2007 - CURRENT THIS PART HAS BEEN FAILING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LIMP HOME AT 15MPH WITHOUT WARNING. FORTUNATELY I WAS JUST LEAVING A PARKING LOT AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AT 40MPH WHEN MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL, AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN REPORTED AS A SAFETY ISSUE. …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/09/2019
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TRUCK JERKED, LOOK AND SEE IT WENT INTO TOWING MODE 4. PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO PUT IT BACK INTO DRIVE. I WOULD NOT STAY. I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND LET IT CYCLE THEN PUT IT INTO DRIVE. STAYED FOR 2 SECONDS AND WENT RIGHT BACK INTO TOWING. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF ANYTHING HAPPENED WHEN THEY DID 2 RECALLS THE DAY BEFORE. THEY SAID IT WOULD NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT HAPPENED. I WAS OUT OF THE AREA AND ASKED IF IT WOULD DAMAGE AS I DROVE. I WAS …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 07/15/2019
“I WAS DRIVING IN THE FAST LANE WITH NO UNUSUAL NOISES OR VIBRATIONS. ALL OF MY GAUGES WERE NORMAL. ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY PICKUP TRUCK STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY, AND THERE WAS A CLANGING BANGING NOISE OR SENSATION. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY BLINKER ON AND HEADED FOR THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. AS I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN, IT FELT LIKE I WAS LOSING POWER, , THE TRUCK WAS STILL SHAKING SO I TIGHTLY GRASPED THE WHEEL AND CRANKED IT OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, OFF OF THE PAVEMENT ALTO…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 04/09/2019 · fire
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
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- How common are 2013 RAM 2500 power train problems?
- 22 owners reported power train issues to NHTSA for the 2013 RAM 2500, 2 involving a crash and 2 a fire. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2013 RAM 2500 power train problems?
- Yes — campaign 17V821000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.