Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Jan 8 th had Ram 67A recall performed. Feb1 the EL on dash comes on and def system engine shutdown countdown. Feb 4 brought truck to dealer for service fix. Feb 5 dealer states that truck needs new DEF injector, Wiring harness , and SCR .and covered under the 67A recall warranty. Dealer states truck will be ready Feb 11. Feb 11 dealer states parts part out for devilery status but delayed with no eta on delivery date. Called dealer for status with same parts not available reply from dealer on Feb 11,17,18,23,24 March 2, 4 . Truck had been immobile at dealership for over 30 days and no delivery date available after 67A recall issues.
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.
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Ram 2500. The contact started the vehicle remotely to warm up the vehicle. After ten minutes, the contact noticed flames coming from the engine compartment. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone] and stated that someone would call the contact. Case number: 33248806 was provided. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V562000 (engine and engine cooling). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced overheating and anti-freeze leaked from the engine compartment. The coolant low warning indicator illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V562000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was towed to fairfield Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (3360 pa-405, muncy, pa 17756) where it was diagnosed that the water pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The vehicle was repaired with another defective water pump and the contact was informed that it would be at his expense. …
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. I live in colorado where the speed is 75mph. What if this happened while I was on my way home via the interstate? I regularly take my vehicle in for oil & fluid changes along with the dealers 20 point inspection. No problem was ever presented to me. Apparently, the turbo gets a soot build up and the dealers don't address this known failure. …
2 months after recall was performed for the scr catalyst failure in the Ram 2500 2013 truck, the def system has undergone a complete failure and no longer functions. The truck in currently in a mileage count down that can not be stopped until repaired by the dealer. The vehicle will be undrivable once the countdown reaches zero. The system underwent complete failure while driving at highway speeds in the rain. The fuse for the scr feed has been replaced twice since the issue first appeared and each time it has happened during wet conditions. No standing bodies of water were crossed and no rivers were forded. The vehicle did not have any of these problems prior to the recall and could be driven in wet weather without worry. The vehicle is now a major safety hazard and continues to have recalls made to it that have no solution. …
On 01/14/2015 I went to fuel up at gas station the gas gauge was showing empty. I started to put fuel in my truck and it spilled out all over the truck and ground. I tried to put fuel in it again and the same thing happened. The truck took only $1.72 in fuel. I then took it to the dealer ship where I bought the truck. I explained what happened they ran test on it. Repair the check ball in tank was sticking. They ordered a hole new tank and replaced tank transfer fuel pump also installed a new filler neck, flapper was sticking also and replaced tube assembly ## VIN passed ## Dodge Ram 2500 2013 ## the consumer stated when he opened the passenger side front door, the molding from the top of the door fell off. The molding then fell off the driver side, too. The consumer referenced recall # 14V635000. He believed his make, model and year should have been included.
From a stop, the vehicle will not accelerate properly. When depressing the gas pedal it takes a few seconds for the vehicle to respond. When letting off the gas, the throttle does not respond for about two seconds. There is a severe response in the throttle from when depressing the gas pedal to when the vehicle actually starts to move. This has almost caused several accidents because I am trying to switch lanes or accelerate and it just sits there for a few seconds. This is going to kill people especially ones unfamiliar with driving the vehicle. This needs to be addressed immediately. This same problem exists in all Ram 2500 and 3500 with the turbo diesel motor from years 2011-2016. As I have driven the vehicle for the past three years it has become increasingly worse. The delay in throttle response has gotten longer.
Starting at about 15,000 miles, rear main seal developed a leak. The seal was replaced, leaked again and replaced by a seal and sleeve. Seal and sleeve leaked upon installation but were coated with rtv to stop leak at about 16,800 miles. At about 17,600 miles vehicle exhibited leak again. Have been informed now by Ram service dealerships that the vehicle is supposed to have seepage of fluids from engine seals and are not an issue unless the fluid is pouring out on the ground and covering the vehicle. I currently use the vehicle to travel to public and private campground involving sensitive environmental areas. As explained, the vehicle is now banned from being operated in those areas due to designed leaking of fluids from the vehicle. Ram customer department has been advised and am awaiting a response.
The engine has 148000 miles and has started to knock. I have taken it to 3 different mechanics and all three say it was an engine problem. I was told by all three to replace or rebuild the engine. Two of the three mechanics said they have already rebuilt a couple of 2013 or 2014 already because of a engine knock. I bought this Ram with the cummings because of their durability. Is it possible the cummings engine has a defect in the 4th generation. I have also read in cummins forums and Ram forums about the same knocking problem. My truck started knocking while driving on the highway at 65 MPH and not pulling anything. My truck is in the shop now and I dont think I should have to paybfor a engine rebuild because of a defect.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine complaints in other 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Ram 2500, 26% of the model year's 178 complaints. The component named most often is engine › diesel (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Ram 2500 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-562 (diesel, Sep 12, 2017); NHTSA recall 13V-122 (engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Ram 2500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.