2013 RAM 1500 engine problems

ENGINE

In December 2025, my check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes read P0128 (coolant thermostat) and U1467 (module communication). I took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed and repaired the issue. Shortly after, the check engine light returned, so the same mechanic replaced the ECM (plug and play). This repair did not resolve the check engine light. The mechanic recommended I take the vehicle to a dealership and identified a related service bulletin tied to Safety Recall N25 / NHTSA Campaign 13V-177 (three-way coolant valve). To confirm this diagnosis, I sought a second opinion from another independent mechanic. That shop purchased the coolant valve part directly from a dealership, installed it on my truck, and the same issue persisted. They also were unable to resolve it and advised me to take the vehicle to a dealership. I researched NHTSA Campaign 13V-177 (Chrysler Manufacturer Campaign N25) and confirmed that Chrysler recalled certain 2013 RAM 1500 trucks built between June 25, 2012 and December 12, 2012, because the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that prevents coolant flow to the heater core. The official remedy for this recall is replacement of the coolant valve along with an updated module calibration, performed by a dealer. I was told by dealership staff that there is no active recall on my vehicle. However, my truck matches the affected description, and I have not had the calibration portion of the recall remedy performed, only the physical part replacement, which two independent mechanics have already completed without resolving the underlying issue. My vehicle is currently at Landmark Dodge in Morrow, GA. Despite this being an open federal safety recall (13V-177/N25) with a remedy that includes a required software calibration update, the dealership is attempting to charge me for this repair, even though I have already paid to have the physical part replaced twice by independent mechanics.

NHTSA complaint #11753492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I have my vehicle at the dealership to check a ticking noise from the 5.7L engine in my truck. I was told that there are broken exhaust bolts causing the noise. I see online that this is a common issue and that there is a recall for this issue, but my vehicle is not included in the recall list. I feel that the recall should cover my vehicle as well. Since it is the same issue of the current recall.

NHTSA complaint #11725458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The MDS is wearing down the 6 lobe on the cam shaft due to changing from 6 to 8 cylinder this has to be a serious issue

NHTSA complaint #11723027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

SAFETY DEFECT: Database Classification Failure - 2013 Ram Vehicles Vehicle: 2013 Ram 1500, VIN: [ENTER VIN ABOVE] Owner: [ENTER NAME ABOVE] Email: [ENTER EMAIL ABOVE] Phone: [ENTER PHONE ABOVE] Defect Description: The 2013 model year Ram vehicles suffer from a systematic database classification failure that prevents normal ownership operations and creates safety hazards. Due to the Dodge-to-Ram brand transition in 2013, these vehicles are not properly recognized in automotive databases used by: • Auto parts retailers (O'Reilly's, AutoZone, etc.) • Insurance companies and quote systems • Tire retailers and service centers • Emergency roadside assistance systems • Government vehicle registration systems Safety Implications: • Inability to quickly procure critical replacement parts during emergencies • Delays in obtaining proper insurance coverage • Emergency service complications due to vehicle misidentification • Forced manual workarounds that increase human error risk Consumer Impact: Vehicle owners are forced to spend excessive time and resources (phone calls, manual lookups, repeated explanations) to perform basic vehicle ownership functions. This constitutes an operational defect that prevents normal commercial transactions. Requested Action: NHTSA should require Stellantis to issue a recall to correct the database classification error across all automotive systems, or provide alternative identification mechanisms that ensure proper vehicle recognition. Root Cause: Stellantis' failure to properly coordinate database updates during the 2013 Dodge Ram to Ram transition, leaving vehicles in a "database orphan" state.

NHTSA complaint #11681238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Noticed a tick from engine. The noise kept getting worse and worse. I was driving on beltway when engine lost power out of nowhere

NHTSA complaint #11620820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Exhaust bolts at rear of exhaust manifolds spontaneously broke. This appears to be a well known issue with the 5.7L Hemi engines. Apparently the exhaust manifolds warp and the force is enough to break the bolts holding the manifold to the cylinder head. This manifests as a ticking sound when the vehicle is started, exhaust gas containing carbon monoxide is leaking near the firewall and could allow toxic gas into the cab of the vehicle. This represents a safety hazard due to sub-standard engineering.

NHTSA complaint #11615258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine started to tick. Took it to Dodge after the check engine light came on, it started running rough, and truck started to throw random codes. Dodge tells me its the cam and lifters, which is a known problem for the 5.7 Hemi V8 motors of this era. Chrysler knows of the issue, and there's even a service bulletin regarding it, however Chrysler refuses to repair any of them that are out of warranty. This truck was purchased new by me in 2013, and has a little over 114,000 miles on it, with oil changes done regularly. There is no reason a $44,000, truck should be sold with manufacturer defects, let alone allow the manufacturer to reduse to repair their flawed design.

NHTSA complaint #11581313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle has been serviced 7 times by Lithia Nissan with continuing issues last service date was May 22nd 2023 in which the following services were performed; Oil filter housing, 2 gaskets, installed OEM oil cooler and cleared codes, Pin fit issues with master switch, repaired pin issue. Vehicle has been serviced 2 times by Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Eugene address 2121 Martin Luther King Jr. BLVD. Eugene OR 97401 (541)686-2255 Last service date Oct. 2nd 2023 in which the following services were performed; Engine system repair, injector-fuel, cleared codes, Pin fit issues with master switch repaired pin issues. Vehicle serviced 1 time by Goodyear location 164 W 7th AVE Eugene OR 97401 (541)343-2501 service date Oct. 5th 2023 following service was performed; Replace Resistor Spark Plug, Spark plug- Iridium OE Exact plug, R&R Spark plugs, R&R spark plugs Ignition Coil set, Intake manifold set, cleared codes. Ongoing issues; unresolved by services performed 1.Check engine light 2.Airbag light 3.Hot temp light 4.Power train light 5.Parking brake does not work properly and will roll if not parked on a level surface 6.Master switch driver control will stop working unless I pop it out of the control panel disconnect it and reconnect it. 7.Defrost does not work properly in which makes it hard to see when driving and there is moisture building inside the cabin creating mold which is a health concern. 8.Vehicle will switch into different gears while driving when brake pedal has not been applied or used. 9.Vehicle sometimes shakes and stalls in drive and reverse.

NHTSA complaint #11570524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This truck has been diagnosed by a Dodge dealership with catastrophic engine failure and has metal shavings in the engine. The safety of myself and others has been put at risk because the truck shut itself off at a stoplight.

NHTSA complaint #11567628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired. The contact stated that her husband depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that her husband was able to safely drive the vehicle to his destination. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed camshaft and misfire in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

NHTSA complaint #11552237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, and at other speeds, the vehicle started making an abnormal ticking sound and decelerated independently. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine failed to rev and the vehicle slowly accelerated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal ticking sound had become louder and more frequent, causing her to stop driving the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but declined to set up an appointment for diagnostic testing. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11549428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On April 5 2022 I took my 2013 dodge ram 1500 5.7 2wd truck to get repaired it cost me $5000 to fix the lifters, cam ,oil pump , rocker arms ,push rods hoses, manifold bolts too cause they were stuck this is at 154,000 mile and like 40,000 mile later 9/25/23 it gives me a code p1416 misfire cylinder 6 / come again. Now the cam could be damaged too just to get the truck opened up again is $2600 Mechanic says the lifter could be deactivated or worse could of been damaging the cam ??? Now what Can you guys help me please

NHTSA complaint #11546436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Truck will stall out pulling out in traffic with no signs of a problem. It happened to me today with my kid in the truck. This is unacceptable. This trucks are to expensive to have this. It also will surge and try to go without foot on gas. This is totally unsafe. Dodge needs to fix this.

NHTSA complaint #11546049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and ascending a hill, the engine misfired with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally the front end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating while the vehicle lost motive power. The contact arrived at his destination and used an ODB scanner to retrieve DTC codes: P0303 (Cylinder #3 misfire), P0300 (Random misfire), and P219A (Engine Unbalanced). The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft needed to be replaced on the right side of the engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA complaint #11545719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Service power steering fault , power steering is intermittent and will throw a code and you will loss power steering until you reset ignition! Also exhaust manifold bolts seem to break alot

NHTSA complaint #11540708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I believe the exhaust manifold is leaking as I can smell gas in the cabin and also truck makes a ticking sound that goes away after 30 seconds when it's warmed up. This seems to be a common issue with this type of truck and should be recalled.

NHTSA complaint #11539991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to make an abnormal sound. The contact was able to park the vehicle at an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the camshaft, rocker arm, the valves and both manifolds to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic and had the camshaft rocker arm, the valves, and both manifolds replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA complaint #11529591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle engine shuts off while driving especially on the freeway. There is some kind of problem with the lifters on this type of motor. Several people are having this problem.

NHTSA complaint #11526067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to shift to park and restart the vehicle and the vehicle operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,748. The contact stated that this failure has occurred several times but has only taken the vehicle to the dealership 5 times. No cause of the failure has been found due to the fact that the vehicle is not showing any codes. The manufacturer is requiring a second opinion from a different mechanic, but the contact has not received one yet.

NHTSA complaint #11520085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for an oil change and the mechanic was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, he began to hear an abnormal sound. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11519288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

5.7L Engine failed due to lifter roller bearing disintegrating and filling the engine with debris. This seems to have been a known issue anf has been going on for a long time. This is a danger to passengers when engine fails. Also, cost me $8000 dollars to have a remanufactured engine installed. I don't know how manufactures can get away with this without any kind of compensation to the injured parties.

NHTSA complaint #11519017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the defroster was engaged but failed to respond or perform as designed. The contact rolled down the windows due to the loss of visibility of the roadway. Additionally, the vehicle lost heating system functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that he recalibrated the defroster actuator; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle would only blow cold air. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V177000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 206,500.

NHTSA complaint #11499331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Check engine light, replaced plugs & coil pack & had to have engine overhauled. $5000 later & now check engine light again valve cover leaks, needs evaporate solenoid & o2 sensor. Service air bag system light comes on. Only 120000 miles when started all this. 79000 miles when I bought in 2018 & the uconnect system, backup, radio & everything went out. It’s a lemon.

NHTSA complaint #11488492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 big horn 2wd 5.7 v8 160000 rebuild valves , rocker arms,push rods ,cam,gaskets, and lifters all damaged bad lifters ate the cam destroyed everything. About 5thousand dollars for the job . Please help seen this happening to other trucks and cars

NHTSA complaint #11485375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Dodge ram engine under <100,000 miles has broke down. Dodge does not want to repair the engine.

NHTSA complaint #11478221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The exhaust manifold bolts failed a second time, causing and exhaust smell and leak into the cab of the truck. Took it to a dealership who repaired the passenger side only, and now driver side needs repaired. Spoke with RAM only to be told that it is a Known issue but there is no recall, or plan to issue a recall to remedy the issue. There were no warnings by the truck.

NHTSA complaint #11470077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Cam and lifters are a common problem on the 13-20 (maybe 21-present too) ram 1500s with 5.7L Hemi. I see this happen all the time with these trucks under 100k miles and even under 50k miles. I don’t think it’s the cam and lifters. I think the problem is more oil starvation type situation. And when they go out it’s costly.

NHTSA complaint #11466313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle developed a ticking noise that was diagnosed by a certified mechanic as being a defective cam and lifter assembly. The engine was at risk of locking up and if not corrected, could have happened on any roadway. The only corrective action for this problem was to replace the engine. I consulted several mechanics in my area and all of them refused to simply rebuild the head. Instead, they all insisted that the engine be replaced. I did so at the cost of $9000. This needs to become a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11466468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

exhaust manifold bolts broken on both sides which is allowing exhaust gases to leak out.

NHTSA complaint #11462931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.