Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light was illuminated, and the cruise control feature disengaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the part was not available and was under engineering review until April 2024. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: S200500000. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the failure occurred on two occasions. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle on each occasion, and the warning light was no longer illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel became inoperable. …
Component or system that failed / malfunctioned The brake system (pads, calipers, hydraulic fluid) failed three times in less than 90 days. The right-side tie rod end also separated from the steering assembly. Both components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk The brakes repeatedly lost all stopping power while driving, with the pedal going to the floor and the reservoir emptying within minutes. On one occasion, the brake pads and caliper fell off the wheel assembly, confirmed by the dealer's own shop manager. The tie rod failure caused uneven tire wear and a highway blowout, forcing an emergency tow. These issues placed me, my child, and other drivers at risk of a serious crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Premier Auto (the dealer's affiliated garage) confirmed and attempted repairs three times. …
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while coasting to an idle stop at a red light, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS module had failed. The dealer still had not received the part due to the part being on back order. After having the vehicle diagnosed while driving approximately 75 mph, and coming to slowed traffic, the contact attempted to decelerate. Suddenly, another vehicle cut in front of them, and the contact slammed the brake pedal down. The left front tire seized, causing the vehicle to spin counterclockwise. The left front side of the truck hit a nearby guardrail. The vehicle continued to spin, causing damage to the front-end and rear-end. The air bag did not deploy. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle to safety. …
Will driving in the rain my abs brakes, traction control, and 4wheel drive went out all the sudden causing me to lose control crash into the back of the vehicle in front of me. There was no warning no sound just light everywhere and all the safety items that make me truck worth buying gone. I even spent extra money to have 4 wheel drive. After the accident I found out that this is happening so often that the part to fix my brakes, traction control, and 4 wheel drive is 2 years out and now is no longer made. So now I'm supposed to drive a once 4 wheel drive truck that is now 2 wheel drive. It also no longer has abs brakes just reqular brakes and no traction control so now everytime it rains no matter how fast I'm going I'm sliding all over the place. …
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the traction control warning light and the brake warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that he continued driving until it was safe to pull over. The contact stated that he veered to the side of the road and read the Owner's Manual. The contact then continued driving. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed upon depressing the brake pedal; however, he was concerned that the traction control failure could cause the vehicle to skid while slamming on the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the Adaptive Cruise Control mode was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and then to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown module needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed. The vehicle then taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the ABS module failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and due to parts being on backorder. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed on a separate occasion, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering wheel had failed due to the ABS module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. …
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the brake, ABS, and traction control warning lights illuminated and the message to "Service ABS" was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the cruise control system failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS control module had internal electronic failures and produced DTC: C2200-49. The contact was informed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated they received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V347000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 17V821000 (Power Train); also the contact stated that the ABS warning light was blinking, and the engine light was illuminated However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to another local dealer and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the ABS and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a faulty ABS module with code C2200-49 retrieved. The ABS showed an internal failure. The contact tested all wires, ground data, and became aware that the ABS module had internally shorted, and the ABS warning light was flashing on and off. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,280.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the ABS, the brakes, and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle was driving sluggishly. The contact stated that the failure caused the transmission and the engine to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module and sensor needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,393.
Related recalls
Parking brake
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.
Remedy: 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.
Brake complaints in other 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2013 Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Ram 1500, 6% of the model year's 1,279 complaints. The component named most often is antilock › abs warning light (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Ram 1500 brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-128 (parking brake, Apr 3, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Ram 1500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.