2013 Ram 3500 Review

Recalls

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Recall Number: 

21V398000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

Y26, Y36

Number of vehicles affected: 

447985

Defect Description: 

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.

Defect Consequence: 

Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

Recall Number: 

19V347000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

V44

Manufactured from: 

2013-02-05 to 2018-03-31

Number of vehicles affected: 

1103209

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

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.

Corrective Action: 

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.

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

Recall Number: 

19V021000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

V06

Manufactured from: 

2013-02-07 to 2018-12-29

Number of vehicles affected: 

795575

Defect Description: 

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.

Defect Consequence: 

A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Corrective Action: 

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

STEERING:LINKAGES

Recall Number: 

18E096000

Number of vehicles affected: 

847

Defect Description: 

Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.

Defect Consequence: 

The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.

EQUIPMENT

Recall Number: 

17V824000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

T82

Manufactured from: 

2014-06-11 to 2016-02-01

Number of vehicles affected: 

61791

Defect Description: 

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Defect Consequence: 

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Corrective Action: 

Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Recall Number: 

17V821000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

T79

Manufactured from: 

2009-05-28 to 2016-12-31

Number of vehicles affected: 

1482874

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect 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.

Corrective Action: 

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Recall Number: 

17V562000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

T51

Manufactured from: 

2012-10-24 to 2017-02-28

Number of vehicles affected: 

443874

Defect Description: 

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.

Defect Consequence: 

The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Corrective Action: 

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.

WHEELS

Recall Number: 

17V499000

Manufactured from: 

2015-04-14 to 2017-05-02

Number of vehicles affected: 

1765

Defect Description: 

Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.

Defect Consequence: 

If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Recall Number: 

16V739000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

S68

Manufactured from: 

2010-02-24 to 2013-06-09

Number of vehicles affected: 

74823

Defect Description: 

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.

Defect Consequence: 

If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Corrective Action: 

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall on December 1, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Parts are expected to be available by late December 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.

EQUIPMENT

Recall Number: 

16E041000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

S30

Manufactured from: 

2011-05-16 to 2016-04-26

Number of vehicles affected: 

487

Defect Description: 

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

Defect Consequence: 

If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.

Corrective Action: 

Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.

STEERING

Recall Number: 

15V541000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

R46

Manufactured from: 

2012-10-09 to 2014-07-29

Number of vehicles affected: 

149512

Defect Description: 

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 2500 trucks and 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis manufactured October 9, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket components separating from the frame.

Defect Consequence: 

If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket over the front track bar bracket. This recall began on February 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R46.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Recall Number: 

15V461000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

R40

Manufactured from: 

2012-06-20 to 2015-07-23

Number of vehicles affected: 

1416709

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

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

Corrective Action: 

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:SIDE/WINDOW

Recall Number: 

15V460000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

R23

Manufactured from: 

2012-06-20 to 2015-01-26

Number of vehicles affected: 

667406

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Corrective Action: 

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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Recall Number: 

15V459000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

R36

Manufactured from: 

2011-01-18 to 2014-10-07

Number of vehicles affected: 

1060531

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

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.

Corrective Action: 

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Recall Number: 

14V635000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

P65

Manufactured from: 

2009-03-27 to 2013-09-05

Number of vehicles affected: 

314704

Defect Description: 

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

Defect Consequence: 

If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Corrective Action: 

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notific

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Recall Number: 

13V240000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

N33

Manufactured from: 

2013-01-07 to 2013-02-28

Number of vehicles affected: 

1069

Defect Description: 

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with optional premium headlamps. The headlamp shutters may function improperly when in high-beam mode. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Defect Consequence: 

Improper headlight shutter function during high beam use may reduce the drivers visibility and possibly blind oncoming traffic. Either condition may increase the risk of crash.

Corrective Action: 

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reconfigure the Central Body Controller, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N33.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Recall Number: 

13V237000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

N35

Manufactured from: 

2012-09-09 to 2013-02-05

Number of vehicles affected: 

17411

Defect Description: 

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."

Defect Consequence: 

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.

Corrective Action: 

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

Recall Number: 

13V122000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

N19

Manufactured from: 

2013-01-07 to 2013-03-06

Number of vehicles affected: 

6143

Defect Description: 

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover.

Defect Consequence: 

The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.

Corrective Action: 

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on May 31, 2013. A second letter was mailed to owners with instructions on how to obtain th