Problems with 2013 RAM 1500 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Driver side high and low beams won't come on. replaced bulbs, have taken it to dealer twice to fix. fix lasts 1 day. very difficult to see when driving at night. worried that other side will go out. all signs point to defective tipm.

While driving at any speed anytime day, instrument panel turns off, engine is still running, guages inop, radio cuts out, fan, everything electrical. then a chime like when you first stick the key in and turn with out starting, then back to normal. startling to the least, occupants panicing.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. when attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving at 30, the instrument panel became inoperable. the failure was persistent. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed instrument cluster monitor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 47,500.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. while driving at any speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. the vehicle was restarted and operated normally. the contact stated that the failure recurred numerous times. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 32,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. the contact stated that strong exhaust fumes encompassed the interior and exterior of the vehicle. the dealer (peterson dodge chrysler jeep ram, 5801 e gate blvd, nampa, id 83687, (208) 475-3000) diagnosed that the exhaust manifold had an internal failure, which was leaking fluid into the engine compartment due to the bolts shearing off. the dealer replaced the exhaust manifold and the bolts on the front passenger side; however, the failure recurred. the dealer stated that the exhaust manifold needed to be replaced on the driver's side and the bolts. the manufacturer provided no remedy other than replacing the same parts. the failure mileage was not available. **tr the first failure was the passenger side exhaust manifold began ticking. tamera , the chrysler adjuster did not tell me this was under a customer help at the time of the repair of i sould have brought the above her attention then. i heard only a tick on the passenger side and they said the other side was fine. in less than 1000 miles and around 30 days the other side started ticking. in researching this problem it appears that chrysler has allowed this to allowed this to continue unchecked since 2009, but it is hard to tell as they have done some changes in the engine for fuel economy sake, but it appears to be an ongoing problem. i have had some exhaust odors, but it has not seemed to have caused health problems at this point. my son has a 2003 diesel that has the same problem, but is long out of warranty. updated 11/1/2018 *jb

The electrical instrument panel just goes out for no reason causing all gauges to be useless for a few seconds. this has happened more and more. dealer has no information or remedy. could cause accidents or even worse if not corrected. this happens driving on all roads. the last time was 1/26/16 early morning.

Truck shut off while driving on the interstate. there was a message on the dash stating "wrong key fob". i had an occasion when i first got the truck where the ignition key was no longer reconized and would not start the truck. at this time, the truck was still under the factory warranty and a new key was given to me so i had two working ignition keys. i was a little uneasy of only having one key on me and for the next several months, always had a spare ignition key on me. while driving last week, the truck shut off, flashed the wrong key fob message, and i pulled to the side of the interstate. i tried using my spare key, and the truck started right up and drove normally. the original key i was using no longer works, and i will have to go to the dealer to purchase a new one. the dealer tells me this is not uncommon and that they have to program new keys everyday. there is an obvious fault with the sentry system they are using and i hope they can issue a recall before someone is killed.

Head lights cut out do to connectors over heating. doors locks do not operate at times. in motion or not.

The steering wheel has a short in the wiring which caused the cruse control, horn, information center controls, voice recognition controls, to stop working dealer claims that this issue is not currently under any recall and that accidental air bag deployment should not be an issue. i believe this to be a safety issue. also found with this issue that there is in fact recall for this vehicle ( not vin specific) for a similar issue ( not that descriptive) which can cause inadvertent air bag deployment during vehicle operation.

Center instrument panel keep going out i had it had the dealership 5 times, headlights on driver side go out and after the new chip was put into uconnect that flickers

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. while repairing the vehicle according to nhtsa campaign number: 15v461000 (equipment) with the usb inserted, the message board went blank and failed to function. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the radio had burned and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 47,000.

2013 dodge ram 1500. consumer writes in regards to numerous faults with the on-board computer. *smd the dealer performed several upgrades with no success. the consumer stated the faults included the power assist braking system not working, the power steering did not engage, making steering impossible. several times the door would not lock from the inside while the vehicle was parked, on several occasions the vehicle would not start and on one occasion, the door would not unlock. also, numerous times the display console would not illuminate. the head lights failed to turn on in automatic mode, and the back up display did not illuminate. the consumer stated the failures were random. *jb

While driving the radio and all dash electrical components shut off for approx 10-20 seconds and then apparently reboot. the truck does not lose power. this happened since purchase and has been flash drive updated approx 4 times and 2 new radio/computers replaced. dealership has no idea as to why or what causes this.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. while driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was able to be restarted and the steering turned towards the right. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 71,000.

Attempted to start my ram 1500, after turning the key the message screen read wrong key fob. my truck does not utilize a fob. the truck was stuck in park and needed to be towed to a dealership. did some research online seems this is a common problem with 2013 ram 1500s and can be a recurring issue.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and various warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle had to be jumpstarted; however, the failure recurred. the contact mentioned that the vehicle operated abnormally. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 34,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the information center on the instrument panel flashed brightly. when driving over 50 mph, the light dimmed independently. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 88,000.

Bought the pickup in january 2016 one previous owner everything original the passenger side headlight connector pin needs tightened constantly because the low beam high beam loses connection and won't come on unless you pull headlight and tighten the connector pins. it happens at various times in various situations while driving it will also flicker on and off. parklight works fine. i don't know actual date because it is so frequently so the date is an estimate. the speed varies also first time i was at 65 on freeway. *tr

Center dash cluster reboots while driving. vehicle keeps running while cluster recycles. it has occurred dozens of times since i purchased the vehicle. it occurs at multiple speeds and sometimes when i am sitting at a stop light. i have been reporting this problem to the dealer service departments since it first occurred. no one seems to have a clue as to the root cause. multiple software updates have not fixed the problem. my dome lights always flicker even after having it looked at twice by a ram dealer technician. *tr

I started noticing my drivers side headlight flickering for a few days and now the low and high beam lights are both out. i attempted to replace the bulbs and realized they were fine. the day after, the windshield wipers turned on by themselves and now my driver side window wont roll down. i've been told that it is my (tipm) totally integrated power module and it will cost around $800 or more to replace. so i did some research and cannot believe how many people are having to pay this much money for a faulty part and from the sounds of it, im lucky to have the little problems i do. reports of peoples vehicles stalling, not starting, airbags not deploying, etc.. how is this not a recall? peoples lives could be at risk.

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 shift 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. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. the contact stated that the cruise control became inoperable. the failure was persistent. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the switch and wiring harness failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. while driving at an unknown speed, the headlights and the instrument panel failed. the contact stated that the failure was intermittent. the vehicle was taken to an unknown location where the failure was unable to be duplicated. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 21,000.

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. *tr

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. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. while driving 65 mph, 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 to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 7,000.

Electric door locks work intermittently on the four door of the cab. it is not a door actuator issue as the doors lock and unlock in an unusual pattern. it appears to be related to a control module. this door lock and unlock issue could interfere with child safety locks as i see it. there are multiple reports of this issue with other owners as evidenced with online searches.

On the evening of january 14th 2015, i drove to a local gas station and shut off the engine while i put fuel in my truck. when i put the key in the ignition, the truck would not start and the message center stated "wrong key fob". the truck had to be towed to a local chrysler dealer. it has now been at the dealer for 5 days. the dealer thinks that possibly the wireless ignition module malfunctioned and needs to be replaced. the vehicle has 37,100 miles. my concern is that if this had happened while i was driving, the engine would have shut off, the steering wheel would have locked, and i would have lost control of my vehicle and may have crashed. *tr

Has occurred 3 times within 30 days. at low speeds between 15mph and 35mph, engine stops, gauges go dead and aprox 6 seconds later the transmission slams into park. 1st time it happened i was lightly breaking & coasting for a stop light; 2nd time i was cruising about 35mph; and 3rd time i was accelerating from a dead stop across 4 lanes of traffic. the transmission going into park after the engine and electrical system went dead reminds me of when you turn the ignition off without first putting it into park - when this happens, a few seconds later, the transmission automatically shifts into the park position. i had at least 1/2 tank of gas each occurrence. i notified the dealership on 1/14/15, dealership says there are no recalls and that i would have to wait 2 weeks before they can check out the problem, which i consider serious. additional electrical info that may or may not be related: the infotainment system frequently malfunctions - the play list for songs duplicates in the listing, songs repeat two to three times, sd card selection stops working, sd card selection all of a sudden stops recognizing the sd card. the infotainment center has also completely restarted as if it was rebooting. *tr

While driving my 2013 dodge ram a electrical system failure came across the dash board and was able to get the truck back home . and turn the truck off now the truck wont start. *tr

There have been several instances where my gauge cluster intermittently reboots itself while driving. i would say this occurrence has happened over 20 times during the year i have owned my truck. i bought it back in of september 2013. in addition, 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 brought it in for service with no luck. *tr

First problem. after locking truck the instrument panel lights and gauges continue to flash and gauges flicker. this goes on for about 10 mins or so. dealer cant find problem. second problem is transmission. when coming to a stop and the truck has stopped moving you get a bump from transmission. once again dealer no help. been going on for 2 yrs.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. the contact observed that the vehicle lowered onto the tires independently during the winter months without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the control module failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Gauges go blank and then turn back on within a few seconds. *tr

While driving my trucks dash will go blank, the vehicle shuts off and then resets. the last time this occurred, when the vehicle reset the throttle came back on wide open and almost caused a loss of control. i reacted by manually shutting down the vehicle and coming to a rest on the shoulder of the road. once i restarted the vehicle 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. *tr

2013 dodge ram 1500. consumer writes in regards to transmission shifts hard, tire balance issues, clock, ignition malfunction and other mechanic problems. *smd the consumer stated the clock and ignition switch were repaired. the upper ball joints failed. the dealer offered to assist with repairs for the tires, but the consumer declined. the consumer requested to be reimbursed for repairs made,to be advised about warranties, and a replacement vehicle. updated 10/10/2017*js

When driving my truck at any speed even a stop the cluster will reset. radio, ac & truck all still work, only the cluster will restart. i have been taking my truck to dealership and they find nothing wrong with it. they have done a few updates but this will not fix the problem.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. while driving at 60 mph, the instrument panel and radio failed. the failure occurred intermittently. the vehicle also periodically would not start. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and repaired. the details of the repairs were unavailable. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 32,000.

Center dash cluster reboots while driving. vehicle keeps running while cluster recycles. it has occurred dozens of times since i purchased the vehicle. it occurs at multiple speeds and sometimes when i am sitting at a stop light. now the auto door locks are intermittently working on all of the doors. have to manually lock 3 of 4 doors.

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. *tr

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. *tr

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. this link shows what occurs when the vehicle shutdown occurs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyh9vqehyiq

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. *tr

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. *tr

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. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster failed intermittently. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the center stack control module needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 22,500.

Driving truck in town approx 35 - 40 mph. can give exact detail / location. vehicle transmission in "drive". vehicle has center consul. as vehicle was climbing gradual hill, transmission automatically downshifted. vehicle immediately went to full throttle uncontrollably. engine rpm jumped to 6k - 7k. vehicle speed still increasing. stepped on gas pedal several times thinking it was stuck with no effect - rpm remained constant. then put both feet on brake pedal - rpm remained constant. then shifted transmission into neutral position. check etc / red lightning bolt message now on in message center located between tach & speedometer. rpm's now at a constant 4k with vehicle in neutral and coasting. no place to turn off without blocking traffic. stopped at lighted intersection - vehicle still at 4k rpm. shifted back into "drive", tires chirped and truck lunged forward still at 4k rpm. parked vehicle in safe place adjacent to gas station and shut off - transmission still either in gear or neutral. engine off - shifted into "park". waited 3-4 minutes and attempted to restart vehicle. engine icon, ect icon and red steering wheel with explanation point icon where all on. vehicle cranked, but acted like no fuel / spark and would not start. vehicle towed to dealership on flatbed. no word back from dealer yet. mileage 5,443 - mostly highway. note: no floor mats just factory rug and cruise control was not "on" or in use in any way. only modifications to vehicle are the addition of a spray bed-liner and topper. i was born and raised around cars and have good mechanical ability including ground-up restorations of pre 1970 vehicles. this is a real and tangible example of a 2013 dodge ram 1500 4x4 bighorn with unintended acceleration. this is unacceptable for any vehicle, but especially for a new, $46,000 vehicle. i am lucky that i did not hurt anyone or end up dead. *tr

Vehicle didn't start, we were stranded miles from home it showed "wrong key fob" on the screen, steering & transmission locked up, towed to nearest dealer they reprogrammed the original key it didn't work, programmed a new key didn't work either ordered receiver module didn't work either, programmed a third key & somehow started. repair was covered under warranty. searched on the internet & found multiple cases, some say that they had same problem in more than one occasion. we were not in danger at any time, but if this incident occurs under cold weather conditions or in an unsafe location the story could be very different. *tr

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. *tr