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2013 RAM 5500

9 recalls Risk Grade: A Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #17V821000 Plain English
Component

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

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The column shift lever in your vehicle is the part that lets you switch between gears using the shift lever in the column. In certain models, pushing the brake pedal for a long time while driving could cause a small pin to get stuck, allowing you to shift gears without pressing the brake or the ignition key.
Risk if Unfixed
If the pin gets stuck, you might be able to shift your transmission out of PARK without using the brake or key. This could cause your vehicle to roll away, which could lead to a serious accident or injury.
Free Fix
Your dealer will update the vehicle software, check the small pin, and replace it if needed – all for free. You'll get a notification when the repair is ready, and you should contact your dealer to schedule the update.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #17V562000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The water pump in your RAM truck's diesel engine is a critical part that keeps your engine cool. In some 2013-2017 models with Cummins engines, this pump might not have a small hole that allows excess pressure to escape, which can cause it to leak.
Risk if Unfixed
If the water pump leaks coolant onto your engine, it could catch fire in the engine compartment. This is a serious risk that could cause significant damage or even injury.
Free Fix
Your Chrysler dealer will replace the water pump with a redesigned one that has the necessary vent hole, at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Original — 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #14V635000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Manufacturer
Chrysler Group LLC
What Happened
The diesel fuel heater in your Ram truck warms the diesel fuel in cold temperatures. In some 2010-2014 models, the electrical connectors that control this heater can overheat.
Risk if Unfixed
If the connectors overheat, they could leak fuel, which could cause a fire.
Free Fix
Your Chrysler dealer will replace the faulty electrical connectors with new ones and check the fuel heater for any leaks, all at no cost to you. They'll do this as soon as you schedule the repair after getting the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
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 notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V398000 Plain English
Component

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
What Happened
The lug nuts on your RAM 3500, 4500, or 5500 truck are held in place by wheel studs. In some cases, the owner's manual and service guides might not have the correct tightening instructions, which could lead to over-tightening the lug nuts.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wheel stud breaks because of over-tightening, a wheel could come loose and separate from the vehicle while driving. This could cause a serious crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will update the owner's manual and other service guides with the correct torque specification and inspect the wheel studs on your truck. If any studs are damaged, they'll be replaced for free. You should schedule this service as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15V459000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The airbag in your Ram truck is designed to protect you in a crash. But in certain models, a wiring harness near the airbag can rub against a metal piece, causing a short circuit.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, the airbag could deploy unexpectedly while you're driving, which could cause injury and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Ram dealer will inspect the wiring harness, fix any damage, and add protective caps to the airbag retainer spring – all at no cost to you. You'll get a notice when it's time to bring your truck in for the free repairs.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #16V739000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The alternator in your vehicle is a crucial part that helps recharge your battery and power your electrical systems. In certain 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police and 2007-2013 RAM 3500, 4500, and 5500 vehicles, the 220 amp alternator can fail without warning.
Risk if Unfixed
If the alternator fails while you're driving, your vehicle could stall without warning, making it hard to control. There's also a small chance that the alternator could catch fire, which could spread to other parts of your vehicle.
Free Fix
Your authorized dealer will replace the faulty alternator with a new one, at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #15V461000 Plain English
Component

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

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
Your vehicle has a radio system that can be connected to the internet, which is convenient for things like streaming music, but it also creates a risk. Hackers could potentially access your vehicle's systems through the radio, which could let them control certain functions.
Risk if Unfixed
If hackers gain access to your vehicle's systems, they could take control of critical functions, like your brakes, accelerator, or lights, which could make it harder to stay safe on the road and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Chrysler will send you a USB drive with a software update that fixes this vulnerability, and it's free. You can also download the update from their website or take your vehicle to a Chrysler dealer to get it installed right away.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #17V824000 Plain English
Component

EQUIPMENT

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
Your vehicle may be equipped with a fire extinguisher that has a faulty nozzle or could get clogged, making it harder to use or even break off and cause injury.
Risk if Unfixed
If your fire extinguisher doesn't work right, you could get hurt in a fire, and it could also render the extinguisher useless.
Free Fix
Your Chrysler dealer will contact you to arrange for a free replacement fire extinguisher from Kidde. You'll need to contact Kidde directly for the replacement, but it won't cost you a dime.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #13V288000 Plain English
Component

STRUCTURE

Manufacturer
Chrysler Group LLC
What Happened
The track bar on your RAM 4500 or 5500 truck is a metal rod that helps keep your wheels aligned. The bolt that attaches it to the frame might have been installed incorrectly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the bolt breaks or falls out, your truck could suddenly pull to one side while driving, making it harder to steer and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect and replace the track bar fasteners if needed, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2013, through March 8, 2013. An incorrect bolt may have been used to attach the track bar to the frame.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
The incorrect attaching bolt may break or fall out, resulting in the vehicle suddenly pulling to one side, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the track bar fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 3, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N41.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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