general problems of the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500

25 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/26/2015

I was driving my 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 and as I was coming to a stop. When I began to cost out onto the road I hit the accelerator the was a huge engine rev but no power as I looked to the shifter on the dash the d was flashing orange had to put my foot on brake shit to n and then wait for a few seconds to shift back into d and pull away. Had another vehicle been coming I would have been in bad shape. This is at least the 4th or 5th time it has happened and have been to dealer and they say never had any other complaints.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2015

Driving on interstate and gauges radio everything electronic in the truck shuts off and restarts. Lasts for 5-7 seconds then back to normal. Nothing else gets affected so far. Just bought the truck owned it for 10 days and has happened twice so far. Makes me very nervous when it happens.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2015

While driving at 45 mph the dash shut down for about 30 seconds. It has done this three other times and when taken to the dealership for repair, they cannot duplicate the problem. So nothing gets done about it. I am afraid that there may be a loose connection somewhere that will cause heat and burn my truck, or I may get startled as the dash starts flashing on and off at night and jerk the steering wheel and wreck the truck. It seems to me a lot of other owners are having the same problem.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2013 Dodge ram1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle the speedometer went to zero, the vehicle stalled , and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was restarted and was able to be driven. The failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,000. Pp.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/10/2014

There have been several instances where my gauge cluster intermittently reboots itself while driving. I would say this occurence has happened over 20 times during the year I have owned my truck. I bought it back in of September 2013. In addtion, I have noticed that my map lights flicker. Not sure if it's an electrical issue. I've brought my truck in to the ram dealership for service and they cannot duplicate the issue and unfortunately there are no error logs in the truck's computer system. I have read countless forums with other 2013 ram truck owners experiencing the same phenomenon and who have grought it in for service with no luck.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2014

While driving my trucks dash will go blank, the vehicle shuts off and then resets. The last time this occured, when the vehicle reset the throttle came back on wide open and almost caused a loss of control. I reacted by manualy shutting down the vehicle and coming to a rest on the shoulder of the road. Once I restarted the vehile all was ok. I was only a mile form the Dodge dealer and returned it to them for a diagnosis. Again, nothing found. This has happened several times (dash resetting while driving approximately 10 times in the last 2 months) but only once has it came back on full throttle. I have been to the dealership three times for the dash resetting just to have them tell me they cannot duplicate the incident. This is a valid safety issue and needs to be addressed. After reviewing the Dodge ram forums, I notice several people with the same issue.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2014

Guages go blank and then turn back on within a few seconds.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2014

Dash light and radio went blank. When they came back on the dash did not work correctly and the radio reset. Took to dealer and they said it needed a new control module and that it was safe to drive. When the new one came in I went to start the truck and nothing worked could not even take it out of gear to be towed to dealer. Called dealer and was told how to unlock shift selector. Since being replaced I have had it back into the dealer at least 5 times for the same original complaint. I had the module replaced again by a different dealer about a month ago. Again the same problems have started up as before. While driving the dash will go completely blank and may or may not reset with out having to turn truck off.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/19/2014

The electronic instrument panel has rebooted (I. E. -shut down and restarted) on 7 separate occasions and counting. This occurs while driving and does not seem to be related to any specific driving circumstance such as speed, acceleration, etc. It appears arbitrary. My concern is that it will shut down something mechanical that it controls when I am driving which could lead to a catastrophic event. I reported it to the dealer already on my last service and they 'reset the computer'. It has happened 3 times in the last 2 weeks and these are the times that I am aware of. I am bringing the car in for service and have documented the date sand times the last 3 events have occurred hoping this will help in the diagnosis.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/17/2014

The vehicle will shutdown without notice, the engine will shut off and will not restart. The electronic dash will go black which shows what gear the vehicle is in. So shifting to neutral to restart the vehicle can be difficult since no indication is given of what gear. All power to the steering and brakes are no longer available. The vehicles computer does some sort of reset after several seconds but any attempts to restart the vehicle fail till the reset is complete. Taken to the dealer several times and also notified Chrysler which there attempted resolutions were only guess and does not resolve the shutdowns. Chrysler and service tech's have stated they have not heard of the issue yet another customer in for service same time as myself with a Jeep complained of the same issue that I had seen with my ram. It appears this is bigger issue than just a single vehicle. . Read more...

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2014

I had problems prior to April 2014 but I am just using a time frame when Chrysler got involved. In 2013 and 2014 my Dodge ram would have the cluster panel come on with air bag service needed first and then the remaining lights would come on to include engine light while simultaneously the windshield wipers would come on. When I took it in to the dealer they tried to repair the problem to include resetting the computer. Over time I would lose my power steering and power brakes. Fortunately I was going into a parking area when I lost the power brakes otherwise I'm sure I would have crashed since I did not expect the change. As of late the truck will not start or the radio won't go off. Chrysler has really done nothing to resolve this problem and maybe I will need to crash first before something is done or run over someone when I lose my brakes. This is a problem since I purchased the truck. The truck is dangerous to drive since I never know when the electronics will quit on me. Over the last 10 days the truck wouldn't start at all two (2) times and all the lights and windshield wipers have come on at least three (3) times. I have not lost my brakes lately, but that is just a matter of time. I want to make this public because I know I will be held responsible if something happens, and it will. I have never had a vehicle do this and I'm just afraid someone will be killed if I should lose my brakes and steering while on the highway. Chrysler can be proactive or reactive. I think that I have been paying for a truck that will ultimately kill someone. I've tried to contact NHTSA by phone but the only thing there is that you leave a message and hope they will call back. Since the problems iterated above seem to have increased it's probably time to park the truck.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2014

First off I love my truck. I am however highly frustrated that Dodge can not seem to resolve two issues that I am having. The first I believe is a safety issue. I have had this issue for about a year, and have had it at 3 different dealerships each time they say that they can not seem to duplicate the problem and there is no code stored in the computer there for nothing done. While I am driving around town at speeds of 40-50 mph all of my dash lights and my radio turn off, stay off for about 5 seconds as if rebooting and come back on. The instrument clusters with dials all fall to the left not reading anything. I am afraid that one time it does this it will not come back on and leave me stranded or worse maybe cause me to have an accident. The second issue I have been having is that the passenger side door locks front and back seem to have a mind of their own and do not lock when their supposed to. Same thing two different dealerships can not duplicate the problem and a re-flash of the computer was supposed to fix the problem. They still will not lock with the switch on the driver or passenger side, either key phoebe, or through u connect (remotely). 1 dealership did supposedly change-out an actuator and it is still having the same issues.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/18/2014

I was backing out of parking space at the bank. Wipers came on and all gauges started flashing. Shut truck off and would not restart. I videoed it. I had taken it in to dealer on 2/15/14 for service and told the manager that I had 2 occasions where my gauges had flashed and went completely dark and I restarted it and they came back on. First problems noted were around 5k miles, my wife was driving it and took it to vacuum it out at the carwash. After she was finished, she started it and went to put it into gear and it would not go. However this time it was hauled off on a roll back completely dead. Spent a lot on money on big red and it makes me sick to know there are issues no one informed me of.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2013

I was returning home from a short trip on the interstate and I had just made a turn on the street we live on when I heard a ding sound. My wife and I noticed that there was a message on the display that showed, "service electronic throttle control". It stayed on only a second and disappeared. I didn't really notice any effect to the driving capability, but this is the first time that message has appeared and I notice that there are two similar complaints posted here about the same message. I think I'll go to the dealership and at least let them know about it and see what they do. I had been using my cruise control on the way back from my trip which I normally do use and I note that in at least one of the other complaints the person was using theirs too. At the time of the message I wasn't using cruise but like I said, I had been.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/19/2013

Driving vehicle on paved roadway traveling appx 30 mph. Vehicle burst into flames. Witness said flames shot out both sides of the vehicle from under the body. Large amount of smoke was around the vehicle as I pulled off the road. A quick glance at the instrument panel showed everything appeared normal and no warning lights. Smoke in cab and flames came up through the dash as I exited the vehicle. Extensive damage to the interior including the windshield busting out from the heat. Took fire department 3 attempts to extinguish the flames. After flooding the interior and dash cavity (through the hole burned through the dash) of the vehicle 2 times, the fire continued. At that time the fire department disconnected the battery and flooded the interior and dash area a 3rd time which finally extinguished the fire. The only injury was smoke inhalation and resulting sore throat suffered by me, the only occupant of the vehicle. This vehicle was less than 6 months old and I had no prior problems with the vehicle. Vehicle was towed to the dealer (nyle maxwell Dodge, austin TX) on the morning of the fire (12/19/2013) and while Chrysler has acknowledged liability they have not settle with me on my loss as of this date (01/23/2014). The vehicle was deemed a complete loss by both my insurance company investigator (state farm) and the Chrysler investigator.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/06/2013

When attempting to start the vehicle, there was no electrical power. Fiddled with buttons for a few minutes the all of a sudden it was back to normal. This happened multiple times. Dealers told me they never heard of this problem.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2013

Fuzes continue to blow from various outlets/hubs/plugs in the vehicle. Random noise comes from under dash when car is turned off. Key(fob) also gets stuck in the ignition and will not come out unless truck is turned back on.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2013

I am providing a follow-up on my 2013 Dodge ram. Both Chrysler and the dealer have worked on my truck numerous times to keep the truck panel lights from coming on. I am still losing my brakes and power steering. All the lights on the cluster panel continue to keep going on which is just about every day now. I have finally parked the truck and plan to see if we can afford a third vehicle. The problems are almost a year old and I am convinced Chrysler is unable to repair the vehicle. I am convinced that it will only be a matter of time before I crash as I never get a warning when the brakes or the power steering will fail. The dealer and Chrysler are now very involved, which I appreciate but so far they have not been able to repair the vehicle. I has been close to a year and I am bringing the vehicle back to the dealer. I hope they someday repair the truck as it really is a great vehicle.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/26/2013

On August 26th I was traveling in my truck at about 58mph with the cruise control on. As I entered a 45mph speed zone I tapped the brake pedal to disengage the cruise. The truck maintained speed so I pressed the brake pedal many times with the truck not slowing down. I then had to hit the brakes quite hard to slow down. While doing this I noticed a message come up on the info screen which read service electronic throttle control. After stopping I checked to see if something like a floormat was pressing on the accelerator pedal, which there was not. This same situation happened again on August 30th. I contacted south lake motors, the local ram dealer to schedule an appointment for sept. 4. I took my truck in and they found a code in the computer, but could not find anything wrong. In the following 2 weeks the same thing happened two more times as I tried to slow down from a speed of between 55 and 60mph, except I did not have the cruise on. They looked it over again on sept 19 and decided to put a new accelerator pedal in it on sept. 20th. The next day it stuck again as I tried to slow for a truck turning in front of me, almost causing me to rear end that vehicle. Sept 27th I took it back in and they still could not find anything wrong. On oct 7 I once again dropped my truck off at the dealer and they kept it for 5 days trying to duplicate the issue. They could not find the problem. On oct 13 while traveling at 45mph I let off the accelerator pedal and the truck maintained speed, I had to slam on the brakes to slow it down to negotiate a corner without wrecking. This has happened two time since then. On oct 21st I took it back to the dealer and they installed a data recorder to record the events. The mechanic and other dealership employees have told me this truck is not safe to drive. I have called Chrysler daily telling them this vehicle is unsafe.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2013

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while making a left turn to exit highway traffic, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle resumed normally after being restarted. In addition, the headlights and panic alarm would activate independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed a diagnostic but was unable to locate a failure code. The vehicle was also test driven, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 3,000 and the approximate current mileage was 5,000.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/31/2013

30july2013 truck was towed to dealership due to not starting and leaving my wife stranded. Dealership replaced ignition. 14sept2013 back to dealership with same symptoms. Shows key in ignition which will not allow you to lock doors, radio stays on, dashboard lights stay on, do not need key with chip to start truck. Back to dealership and fixed ignition. 1oct2013 back to dealership for same ignition issue. Dealership opened case star case with Chrysler. Technician found that when key was not put in completely straight it locks a tumbler causing this issue. Duplicated same issue on 2 new Dodge ram trucks on their lot. Engineer from Chrysler advised acting as designed and resolution is to re-educate customer how to insert key. I (the consumer) opened a case with Chrysler myself ([xxx]at 800-992-1997 which is also tied to the dealership star case they filed) to escalate for a better resolution. Besides their customer service is horrible at call backs and unable to reach anyone in management (I have a detailed list of people, call times, dates, employee ids) I also rxd the same resolution, no issue found, acting as designed. This is unacceptable as other people have duplicated this same problem on other trucks and no clue when issue could occur causing vehicle to not start, unable to lock doors (if my wife is stranded she will be unable to lock the doors), and possible power drain as electrical issues. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2013

While driving, the front driver seat will automatically adjust, (move back and forth) sometimes. Also, it shows memory system not available while not in park. Sometimes, the radio volume will not turn down, nor channel change will not work. The radio channels would change on their own. This includes satellite, radio, or phone plugged in. Sometimes, when you try to turn the a/c fan speed up it won't go. You have to do it several times. Tire pressure sometimes shows low for one or more tires but when tires are tested they are all the same pressure. Seems something is wrong with the electrical system with the truck. I worry something may happen while driving. Truck would not raise and lower. Message on the console but when I took it in they said there was nothing wrong and it did not store the error. Once the error cleared up there was no record of it storing the error.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/07/2013

This is a new vehicle. Four times I encountered the display of the message vehicle not in park while driving on the road. This is a very confusing and dangerous message since it appears to be related to a door not being fully closed. I reported it to the dealer on March 11th. The manager appeared to be aware of a problem with this message and said he will report it to an engineer when he visits the dealership. The reason for reporting this is I am not sure this problem will be corrected for my vehicle.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/05/2013

Outside ambient temperature sensor inaccurately reads temperature (usual 8-12 degrees less than actual ambient temperature) this affects several functions of the vehicles features (auto heated seats and steering wheel also vented seats).

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/19/2012

Plastic key ---can not remove from switch----will turn of engine---but will not come out of key hole----have to leave in truck---does not happen all the time----next time driven may come out and then may not-----this seem like not reading truck shift handle is not in park-----you can leave in truck and lock but dash lights do not time off---have taken dealer and they can not fix-----this could lead to a lot of things---theft, ect. Ect. Ect. Need something done.


Other Electrical System related problems of the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500


Ram 1500 Service Bulletins
Ram 1500 Safety Recalls
Ram 1500 Defect Investigations