What is the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play?

The RAM 2500/3500 steering gear box (power steering box) develops fluid leaks from the input shaft seal and sector shaft seal, and excessive play in the steering. The leak starts as a slow drip and worsens over time, eventually causing low power steering fluid and potential pump… Repairs typically run $100-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 2500 Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure?

The rear driveshaft U-joints in the RAM 2500 fail prematurely, particularly on trucks used for towing. The factory U-joints are undersized for sustained heavy load use, and the grease fittings (where present) are often overlooked during maintenance. Symptoms start with a clicking… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2024 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking?

The EGR cooler routes hot exhaust through a coolant-jacketed heat exchanger before recirculating it into the intake. Heavy soot loading progressively plugs the cooler and EGR valve, first showing as slight off-idle hesitation and rising EGTs, then triggering EGR flow/performance… Repairs typically run $500-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2024 RAM 2500 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure?

The 68RFE 6-speed automatic behind the Cummins is prone to torque converter shudder and lockup failure. The factory converter's clutch material and heat control are marginal for the Cummins' torque, so the torque converter clutch (TCC) chatters, slips, or refuses to hold lockup,… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2024 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure?

The Holset HE351VE variable-geometry turbocharger uses an electronically controlled actuator (the geartrain and control board that moves the vane sliding ring) that is a well-documented failure point, often before 100k miles. Soot and carbon buildup, rust/corrosion binding the va… Repairs typically run $450-$1,900. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2018 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins Water Pump Coolant Leak (Fire Hazard Recall 17V562000)?

The concentric (belt-driven) water pump on 6.7L Cummins trucks can leak coolant and suffer bearing failure. NHTSA recall 17V562000 covered 2013-2017 Ram 2500/3500 and cab-chassis trucks whose water pump lacked a vent hole, allowing coolant to leak onto hot engine components and c… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2024 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6)?

The intake grid (air) heater warms incoming air for cold starts and carries up to ~200 amps through a small threaded stud/bolt secured by a 10mm nut on the intake plenum. Over years of high-current heat cycling the bolt/nut connection deteriorates, arcs, and can break loose. Beca… Repairs typically run $300-$18,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2018 RAM 2500 TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure?

The TIPM is the central under-hood fuse/relay and power-distribution computer that controls the fuel pump, lighting, wipers, door locks, horn, and trailer-tow circuits. It is a widespread failure point on 2007-2016 Ram trucks. The most common complaint is the internal fuel pump r… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 2500 Transfer Case Fluid Leak (BW4470/BW4494)?

The BorgWarner BW4470 (part-time 4WD) and BW4494 (full-time 4WD) transfer cases develop fluid leaks at the front and rear output shaft seals and at the case halves. The leaks are often slow and go unnoticed until the fluid level drops enough to cause whine, grinding, or failure t… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2015 RAM 2500 Radio Software Security Flaw Permits Remote Access to Vehicle Systems (Recall 15V461000)?

2013-2015 RAM 2500 pickups were included in FCA US LLC's recall of vehicles fitted with radios containing software vulnerabilities. The defect allows third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems, and NHTSA's consequence statement is blunt: exploitation can resu… Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 2500 Exhaust Manifold Cracking (6.7L Cummins)?

The cast iron exhaust manifold on the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel cracks due to thermal cycling stress, particularly near the center cylinders (#3 and #4). Cracks allow exhaust gases to escape, creating a ticking noise on cold start that diminishes as the manifold expands when warm… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2018 RAM 2500 Front Axle Pinion Seal Leak (AAM Front Differential)?

The American Axle (AAM) front differential on Ram 2500/3500 4x4 trucks is well known for recurring front pinion seal leaks. The pinion seal rides on a sleeve/wear surface on the pinion flange; over time the seal wears a groove into the sleeve, so simply installing a new seal on a… Repairs typically run $200-$550. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2013 RAM 2500 Front Ball Joint Premature Wear (AAM 9.25 Front Axle)?

Ram 2500/3500 4x4 trucks with the American Axle (AAM) 9.25 front axle are known for premature front ball joint wear, sometimes as early as 25,000 miles. The OE upper 'slider'/telescoping ball joint is non-greaseable and its housing deforms to compensate for upper/lower misalignme… Repairs typically run $400-$950. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2018 RAM 2500 Uconnect 8.4 Infotainment Freezing, Ghost-Touch and Reboot Loops?

RAM 2500s fitted with the Uconnect 8.4-inch (RA3/RA4) head unit commonly suffer software and hardware faults: the touchscreen freezes or lags, the radio spontaneously reboots (audio cuts out and the Ram logo reappears), and some units fall into a continuous boot loop restarting e… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: low.

What is the 2010-2018 RAM 2500 HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure (Clicking Dash, Uneven Cabin Temperature)?

The HVAC blend-door actuators behind the RAM 2500 dash use small plastic gears that strip over time. When the gear teeth fail, the actuator motor repeatedly tries and fails to move the blend door, producing a persistent clicking/knocking noise from behind the dash and loss of tem… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: low.

RAM · Known Issues

2013 RAM 2500 Problems: 17 Known Issues

2013 model year · 13,400+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 13,400+ owner reports, the 2013 RAM 2500 has 17 documented known issues, with 10 rated critical. The most serious are Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation ($500-$3,000 repair), Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures ($300-$3,500 repair), Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play ($100-$1,500 repair), Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure ($200-$600 repair), 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking ($500-$1,800 repair), 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure ($1,500-$4,800 repair), 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure ($450-$1,900 repair), 6.7L Cummins Water Pump Coolant Leak (Fire Hazard Recall 17V562000) ($250-$700 repair), 6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6) ($300-$18,000 repair) and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure ($300-$1,200 repair).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common RAM 2500 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 13,400+ owner reports, the 2013 RAM 2500 has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures, Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play. Of these, 10 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the RAM 2500 reliable?

The 2013 RAM 2500 has 17 known issues documented across 13,400+ owner reports. 10 issues are rated critical: Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures and Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play and Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure and 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking and 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure and 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure and 6.7L Cummins Water Pump Coolant Leak (Fire Hazard Recall 17V562000) and 6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6) and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure. 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 2500 problems?

Repair costs for known RAM 2500 issues range from $0 to $18,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation, typically costs $500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation?

The RAM 2500 (and 3500) with solid front axle experiences a violent front-end oscillation known as "death wobble" that occurs at highway speeds (45-65 mph), typically triggered by hitting a bump or pothole. The steering wheel shakes uncontrollably and the entire front end vibrate… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: high.

All 17 Known Issues

Other RAM Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common RAM 2500 problems?

Is the RAM 2500 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common RAM 2500 problems?

What is the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation?

What is the 2013-2025 RAM 2500 Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures?

2013-2025 RAM 2500: Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures#

2007-2024 RAM 2500: 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure#

2007-2024 RAM 2500: 6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6)#

2003-2025 RAM 2500: Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation#

2003-2025 RAM 2500: Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play#

2003-2013 RAM 2500: Front Ball Joint Premature Wear (AAM 9.25 Front Axle)#

2010-2025 RAM 2500: Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure#

2010-2025 RAM 2500: Transfer Case Fluid Leak (BW4470/BW4494)#

2003-2018 RAM 2500: Front Axle Pinion Seal Leak (AAM Front Differential)#

2006-2018 RAM 2500: TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure#

2013-2015 RAM 2500: Radio Software Security Flaw Permits Remote Access to Vehicle Systems (Recall 15V461000)#

2013-2018 RAM 2500: Uconnect 8.4 Infotainment Freezing, Ghost-Touch and Reboot Loops#

2007-2024 RAM 2500: 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking#

2007-2024 RAM 2500: 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure#

2013-2018 RAM 2500: 6.7L Cummins Water Pump Coolant Leak (Fire Hazard Recall 17V562000)#

2010-2025 RAM 2500: Exhaust Manifold Cracking (6.7L Cummins)#

2010-2018 RAM 2500: HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure (Clicking Dash, Uneven Cabin Temperature)#