What is the 2013-2022 RAM 1500 Power Tailgate Unlatches and Opens While Driving (Recall)?

Two separate, widely-publicized recalls cover Ram 1500 tailgates that can pop open while driving. On power-locking-tailgate trucks (NHTSA 19V-347, expanding the earlier 18V-486), the tailgate actuator limiter tab can fracture and let the tailgate unlatch and drop while moving. A… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2023 RAM 1500 ZF 8-Speed Transmission Problems?

The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission can experience harsh shifting, hesitation, and jerky behavior. Some units have failed prematurely. Early model years (2013-2016) seem most affected. Multiple TSBs have been issued for software updates. Repairs typically run $150-$6,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2019 RAM 1500 Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage?

The exhaust manifold bolts on HEMI engines are prone to breaking due to heat cycling. Broken bolts cause exhaust leaks, ticking noise on cold start, and potential exhaust smell in cabin. The rear bolts on both sides are most commonly affected. Repairs typically run $100-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2023 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI Water Pump Leak From Weep Hole and Shaft Seal?

The mechanical, belt-driven water pump on the Ram 1500 is a long-standing weak point across Chrysler products. The shaft seal and bearing wear, and coolant begins seeping from the weep hole at the bottom of the pump. Failures are reported across a wide mileage range, from as low… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2023 RAM 1500 Transfer Case Shift Motor / Actuator Failure ('Service 4WD', Won't Engage 4-High or 4-Low)?

4WD-equipped Ram 1500 trucks use an electric shift motor (encoder/gear motor) bolted to the BorgWarner transfer case to move between 2WD, 4WD-Auto, 4-High and 4-Low. The motor's internal plastic gears wear or strip, and water/road-salt intrusion corrodes the connector and motor w… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2022 RAM 1500 A/C Condenser Leak / Loss of Cold Air (Warranty-Extension Defect on Some Trucks)?

The front-mounted A/C condenser on 4th- and 5th-gen Ram 1500 trucks develops refrigerant leaks from corrosion and tiny pinholes, sometimes because units were not built to specification. Once refrigerant escapes, the system blows warm and the compressor can stop cooling or shut do… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2023 RAM 1500 Rear Axle Pinion Seal Leak and Differential Whine on Accel/Decel?

Ram 1500 rear (and sometimes front) differential pinion seals weep gear oil at the pinion flange, leaving residue on the driveshaft yoke and a wet spot at the front of the diff. The leak itself is minor, but improper repair is the bigger problem: if the pinion nut is not torqued… Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2021 RAM 1500 P0420/P0430 Catalytic Converter Inefficiency on 5.7L HEMI?

Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI trucks commonly throw P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1) and P0430 (Bank 2). On these engines the most frequent true cause is not a worn catalyst but an exhaust leak — a cracked exhaust manifold or broken manifold bolts (the same source… Repairs typically run $250-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2024 RAM 1500 ZF 8HP70 8-Speed Torque-Converter Shudder / Harsh Shift / Limp Mode?

The 8-speed (ZF 8HP70 / TorqueFlite) develops a torque-converter clutch shudder felt as a vibration/judder around 30-50 mph light throttle, along with harsh downshifts, drive-engagement slam, and occasional limp mode (stuck in one gear with CEL). Root causes are degraded/aged tra… Repairs typically run $300-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2018 RAM 1500 Front Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Failure (Humming/Growling Noise, ABS Light)?

4th-gen Ram 1500 front wheel bearing/hub assemblies wear out relatively early (some as low as ~50k miles), producing a humming or growling noise that rises with speed and changes with steering load. Because the wheel-speed sensor is integrated into the hub, a failing bearing freq… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2024 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts / Manifold Leak (Sharp Cold-Start Tick That Fades)?

The 5.7L HEMI's factory exhaust manifold bolts/studs snap from repeated heat cycling, and the cast manifolds can warp or crack. The classic tell is a sharp tapping/ticking on cold start that quiets as the engine warms and the manifold expands to partially reseal the leak. Nearly… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2023 RAM 1500 Optional air suspension: compressor failure, ride-height errors, and cold-weather collapse?

RAM 1500s equipped with the optional 4-corner air suspension (common on Laramie, Longhorn, Limited, Rebel) suffer recurring failures. The most common is air-bag micro-leaks (usually a rear bag) that make the compressor run continuously to keep up; the overworked compressor draws… Repairs typically run $800-$3,300. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2022 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI broken exhaust manifold bolts (cylinders 7 & 8) causing a cold-start tick?

The 5.7L HEMI uses cast-iron exhaust manifolds bolted to aluminum cylinder heads. The dissimilar thermal expansion rates repeatedly stress the manifold-to-head fasteners, and the rearmost bolts (commonly cylinders 7 and 8) shear off. This produces a sharp 'tick' or exhaust tickin… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2024 RAM 1500 P0011 — Intake Cam Timing Over-Advanced from Clogged VVT Solenoid / Cam Phaser (5.7 Hemi)?

On the RAM 1500, P0011 is overwhelmingly a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) fault on the 5.7L Hemi, and secondarily on the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The Hemi uses a single central cam phaser fed oil pressure through one oil control valve (the VVT solenoid, mounted at the front of the engine… Repairs typically run $150-$3,200. Severity: medium.

RAM · Known Issues

2013 RAM 1500 Problems: 23 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2013 model year · 8,287+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 8,287+ owner reports, the 2013 RAM 1500 has 23 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure ($50-$1,200 repair), HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure ($200-$5,500 repair), 3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm Roller Bearing Failure Wiping Camshaft ('Pentastar Tick', Misfire) ($1,800-$4,000 repair), Power Tailgate Unlatches and Opens While Driving (Recall) ($0-$0 repair), Internal Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Mixing Coolant and ATF ('Strawberry Milkshake') ($400-$5,000 repair), TIPM Internal Fuel Pump Relay Failure (Crank-No-Start, Stalling, Fuel Pump Runs With Key Off) ($100-$1,200 repair) and 4-Corner Air Suspension Compressor Failure / Won't Raise or Lower (Ride Height Faults, Winter Collapse) ($600-$2,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is ZF 8-Speed Transmission Problems with 2,876 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $30 to $6,500. at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common RAM 1500 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 8,287+ owner reports, the 2013 RAM 1500 has 23 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure, HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure, 3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm Roller Bearing Failure Wiping Camshaft ('Pentastar Tick', Misfire). Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the RAM 1500 reliable?

The 2013 RAM 1500 has 23 known issues documented across 8,287+ owner reports. 7 issues are rated critical: TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure and HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure and 3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm Roller Bearing Failure Wiping Camshaft ('Pentastar Tick', Misfire) and Power Tailgate Unlatches and Opens While Driving (Recall) and Internal Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Mixing Coolant and ATF ('Strawberry Milkshake') and TIPM Internal Fuel Pump Relay Failure (Crank-No-Start, Stalling, Fuel Pump Runs With Key Off) and 4-Corner Air Suspension Compressor Failure / Won't Raise or Lower (Ride Height Faults, Winter Collapse). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common RAM 1500 problems?

Repair costs for known RAM 1500 issues range from $0 to $6,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure, typically costs $50-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2009-2016 RAM 1500 TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure?

The TIPM controls most electrical functions and commonly fails, causing erratic behavior. The fuel pump relay inside the TIPM is particularly prone to failure, resulting in no-start conditions. Horn honking randomly, headlights flickering, and wipers activating on their own are c… Repairs typically run $50-$1,200. Severity: high.

All 23 Known Issues

Other RAM Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common RAM 1500 problems?

Is the RAM 1500 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common RAM 1500 problems?

What is the 2009-2016 RAM 1500 TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure?

What is the 2009-2019 RAM 1500 HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure?

2009-2019 RAM 1500: HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure#

2013-2024 RAM 1500: 3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm Roller Bearing Failure Wiping Camshaft ('Pentastar Tick', Misfire)#

2009-2019 RAM 1500: Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage#

2009-2024 RAM 1500: P0011 — Intake Cam Timing Over-Advanced from Clogged VVT Solenoid / Cam Phaser (5.7 Hemi)#

2009-2016 RAM 1500: TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure#

2011-2018 RAM 1500: TIPM Internal Fuel Pump Relay Failure (Crank-No-Start, Stalling, Fuel Pump Runs With Key Off)#

2013-2023 RAM 1500: Internal Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Mixing Coolant and ATF ('Strawberry Milkshake')#

2013-2023 RAM 1500: ZF 8-Speed Transmission Problems#

2013-2024 RAM 1500: ZF 8HP70 8-Speed Torque-Converter Shudder / Harsh Shift / Limp Mode#

2013-2023 RAM 1500: ZF 8-speed (8HP70/845RE/850RE) torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting#

2013-2024 RAM 1500: 4-Corner Air Suspension Compressor Failure / Won't Raise or Lower (Ride Height Faults, Winter Collapse)#

2009-2018 RAM 1500: Front Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Failure (Humming/Growling Noise, ABS Light)#

2013-2023 RAM 1500: Optional air suspension: compressor failure, ride-height errors, and cold-weather collapse#

2013-2022 RAM 1500: Power Tailgate Unlatches and Opens While Driving (Recall)#

2011-2023 RAM 1500: Transfer Case Shift Motor / Actuator Failure ('Service 4WD', Won't Engage 4-High or 4-Low)#

2009-2023 RAM 1500: Rear Axle Pinion Seal Leak and Differential Whine on Accel/Decel#

2013-2022 RAM 1500: A/C Condenser Leak / Loss of Cold Air (Warranty-Extension Defect on Some Trucks)#

2009-2022 RAM 1500: HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure (Clicking, One Side Hot/One Cold)#

2011-2021 RAM 1500: P0420/P0430 Catalytic Converter Inefficiency on 5.7L HEMI#

2013-2024 RAM 1500: P0456 / P0442 EVAP Small Leak — ESIM Pump and Purge Valve / Capless Filler Seal#

2009-2024 RAM 1500: 5.7L HEMI Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts / Manifold Leak (Sharp Cold-Start Tick That Fades)#

2013-2022 RAM 1500: 5.7L HEMI broken exhaust manifold bolts (cylinders 7 & 8) causing a cold-start tick#

2011-2023 RAM 1500: 5.7L HEMI Water Pump Leak From Weep Hole and Shaft Seal#

What is the 2013-2024 RAM 1500 3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm Roller Bearing Failure Wiping Camshaft ('Pentastar Tick', Misfire)?