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2013 Ram 1500 Brakes Problems

36 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data

36
Complaints
1
Recalls
3
Crashes
Jan 2026Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Brakes Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #13V128000

PARKING BRAKE

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles manufactured December 17, 2012, through January 22, 2013. The parking brake cable equalizer was set incorrectly and may not hold the vehicle on a 20% grade. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the parking brake performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer if required, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N22.

Owner Complaints (36)

criticalSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your dashboard ABS warning light came on, and you took your truck to the dealership for repair. Before arriving, you experienced severe braking problems—the brake pedal had to be pushed all the way to the floor and the braking felt delayed. The dealership replaced several components under recall but couldn't get the ABS control module, which is on backorder with no estimated arrival date. Your truck has been at the dealership since August 2025 and is currently undrivable due to the missing safety-critical part. Fixing this will require waiting for the ABS control module to arrive and then having the dealership install it.

NHTSA #: 11717710
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2026

According to Ferman Dodge of New Port Richey, Florida an electronic brake sensor is apparently an issue and my local dealer says they do not have a fix. Therefore, my cruise control, sway stability and my ABS brake lights are lit up all the time. Limiting the safety features of the vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11708506
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the brake, ABS, and traction control warning lights illuminated and the message to "Service ABS" was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the cruise control system failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS control module had internal electronic failures and produced DTC: C2200-49. The contact was informed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA #: 11705943
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The “Service Now” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the ABS control module, Part Number: 68210719AB; needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the contact to get on a waiting list for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA #: 11704459
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2025

The ABS light, traction control light, parking brake light are on and the info center says “ Service Electronic Brake/Service ABS” I hooked up my OBDII reader and get code “C2200-49 Anti-lock Brake Module Internal - Internal Electronic Failure“ I have researched exhaustingly and this is a common problem and the part is no longer made. The safety of my truck is impacted AND I cannot fix it. I have checked 3 fuses and verified they are good. Seeing as how this is a common problem with the 2013-2018 Rams I feel this is something Ram needs to address.

NHTSA #: 11697048
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2025

My truck has an open N37 recall which affects the electronic stability control and causes the esc light, service abs system light and brake light symbols to illuminate, my local dealership has attempted to perform this safety recall however they have indicated they attempted to flash the software to the module but were unable to do so due to the defective/non communicating abs module. This is a crucial issue as the n37 recall rectifies issues with the Electonic Stability Control on my truck which may inadvertently illuminate the esc warning light and disable the ESC system as a result, loss of the ESC function could adversely affect the vehicles handling characteristics and cause a crash without warning. I have reached out to Ram customer care, but they are refusing to replace the defective module in order to cover the n37 recall indicating it's an out-of-pocket expense which is unreasonable. The n37 recall explicitly states the recall will cover parts and labor, the module isn't able to be flashed as the dealer's diagnostic machine isn't communicating with it, which is a hardware issue. Ram is refusing to comply and replace the abs module in order to rectify the safety recall.

NHTSA #: 11691383
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2025

Front brakes: on July 30 2025 the right front brakes caused the truck to pull and shimmy to the right at speed. Touch the brake and it pulled hard to the right so bad you had to turn the steering wheel to about the ten o’clock position to go straight then when letting off the brakes you had to be quick to turn the other way. Seems the brakes are not releasing after use and over heating, I had a laser temp over *450 in the wheel and hub area. This happened last year to the driver’s side and I had to replace the brake assembly on that side. Maybe the tolerances in each piston is to close so when hot they stick and over heat. This is on a truck with 17K miles. On forum’s people suggest that the brake lines are collapsing which might be the issue. This model truck has the air ride suspension so the overheating could cause a air bladder to blow or a bearing to degrease with a wheel lock up at speed. Thanks,,

NHTSA #: 11677736
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2025

I was driving the beltway when out of nowhere my abs, brake, and traction control lights came on. Of course I immediately panicked and then had to slam my brakes on which no longer worked and caused me to slide. Luckily I was able to pull to the side. This is my only vehicle and the wait list for a new abs module is insane. How am I supposed to drive specifically with my kid in the car.

NHTSA #: 11677367
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2025

Driving down the road and abs, srs and traction control light came on at the stop sign after that brake pedal pulsating during a normal stop on dry pavement was told it was the abs control module

NHTSA #: 11673567
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while coasting to an idle stop at a red light, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS module had failed. The dealer still had not received the part due to the part being on back order. After having the vehicle diagnosed while driving approximately 75 mph, and coming to slowed traffic, the contact attempted to decelerate. Suddenly, another vehicle cut in front of them, and the contact slammed the brake pedal down. The left front tire seized, causing the vehicle to spin counterclockwise. The left front side of the truck hit a nearby guardrail. The vehicle continued to spin, causing damage to the front-end and rear-end. The air bag did not deploy. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle to safety. The contact was able to continue driving after restarting the vehicle at their home. There were no injuries. No medical attention was needed. No police report was filed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer after the incident occurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA #: 11673679
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the ABS, the brakes, and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle was driving sluggishly. The contact stated that the failure caused the transmission and the engine to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module and sensor needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,393.

NHTSA #: 11671575
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2025

Faulty abs control modules. Widespread problem after doing some research. Abs control module fails and sets off abs and traction control lights on the dash. Hasn't caused any incidents yet. But losing anti lock brakes could potentially cause a lock up and cause an incident in the future. Could be very problematic during winter conditions.

NHTSA #: 11649979
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Filed: Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2013 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated, after which the speedometer and odometer ceased to function. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.

NHTSA #: 11625081
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, AIR,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2024

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA #: 11620610
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the ABS and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a faulty ABS module with code C2200-49 retrieved. The ABS showed an internal failure. The contact tested all wires, ground data, and became aware that the ABS module had internally shorted, and the ABS warning light was flashing on and off. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,280.

NHTSA #: 11619252
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light remained illuminated. During the failure, the traction control and cruise control features were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS Control Module was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder and not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was 86,000.

NHTSA #: 11607319
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2024

In October of 2023, our vehicle was brought into Matt Bowers Dodge, in Baton Rouge, LA, with a MIL and trouble code that indicated an issue with the brakes. The dealer diagnosed the need for a new ABS Control Module (P/N 68210719AB) and ordered it at that time. We were told the vehicle is unsafe to drive in its current condition. The part has been on order for over nine months. When we inquire as to the delay, we are told that the delay is "due to the part undergoing engineering review".

NHTSA #: 11604660
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2024

ABS MODULE has gone bad. Only the dealer can replace it. This has been an issue for years with this part. My truck has only 80,000 miles on it. Talked with a fellow the other day and the same thing with his truck with only 40,000 miles.

NHTSA #: 11594137
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2024

Driving during rainstorm, car in front slowed down so I pressed brakes they locked up and I spun around. Abs light and traction light were on.

NHTSA #: 11591424
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Feb 2024

Defective ABS moudule. been on waiting list for parts approx 2 years.

NHTSA #: 11574263
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the traction control warning light and the brake warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that he continued driving until it was safe to pull over. The contact stated that he veered to the side of the road and read the Owner’s Manual. The contact then continued driving. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed upon depressing the brake pedal; however, he was concerned that the traction control failure could cause the vehicle to skid while slamming on the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the Adaptive Cruise Control mode was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and then to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown module needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that parts were not available. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

NHTSA #: 11536948
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2023

Brake pedal will randomly have NO resistance and no brake activation, a quick second stroke usually gives full normal brakes with no fade or problems. Occasionally second and third stroke may not have brakes, but eventually come firm. I believe it's a power assist issue, several posts online referr to same issue.

NHTSA #: 11534236
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Sep 2022

My newly purchased vehicle was in the parked position, I took the key out of the car, the Gearshift was hit and the vehicle rolled down my hill in my backyard, hit a tree and was totaled. The Antilock brakes failed on me.

NHTSA #: 11486377
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RELEASE AND THE CYLINDER WAS NOT RELEASING THE BRAKE FLUID. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE OVERHEATING AND PRODUCED A VERY STRONG BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN RELEASED A LITTLE BIT OF THE FLUID. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT CALLED HUNTINGTON BEACH CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (16701 BEACH BLVD, HUNTINGTON, CA 92647, (714) 841-3999) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,026.

NHTSA #: 11288004
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2019

ERROR SHOWED UP IN THE TRUCK. "SERVICE ABS SYSTEM" AND "SERVICE TOWING BRAKE". LOOKED INTO THIS AND IT SEEMS TO BE A REALLY COMMON ISSUE. THE ERROR OCCURED BY SIMPLY DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND NOT TOWING OR HAULING ANYTHING. ALSO, ONE ERROR FOR "4X4 TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE".

NHTSA #: 11252096
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2019

PURCHASE MY RAM 1500 WITH THE 5.7 IN LATE 2014. I HAVE PUT APPROX 78K MILES ON MY TRUCK AND NOTICES A CLICKING /KNOCKING NOISE AND LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER HAVE MY MECHANIC LOOK IT OVER, THE MOTOR IS HAVING CAM AND LIFTER PROBLEMS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE ONLINE . IN FACT, I NOW NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER RAM TRUCKS DRIVING BY ME IN PARKING LOTS, OR AT STOP LIGHTS THAT HAVE A FAINT VERSION OF WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING. I STARTED NOTICING THIS I LITTLE UPON STARTUP ONLY AND THEN IT BECAME SO BAD OUT OF THE BLUE THAT MY TRUCK STARTED RUNNING BAD AS IT GOT LOUD ENOUGH TO HEAR FROM IN THE CAB. NOW ITS SEES I WILL BE OUT A BUNCH OF MONEY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE

NHTSA #: 11222690
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2018

WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY TRUCK SLOWS IT'S SELF DOWN AND THEN MY BREAKS LOCK UP. IF THE BREAKS ARE BLED IT CAN MOVE BUT WILL DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. THE ABS LIGHT,TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ARE ON. A DECODER ONLY BRING UP A CODE SAYING ABS. IF THE TRUCK SITS FOR A FEW DAYS THE BREAKS HAVE TO BE BLED OFF BEFORE IT CAN BE STARTED AS IT'S A PUSH BUTTON START.

NHTSA #: 11144425
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2018

BASED UPON THE RECALL DODGE HAS NOT HAD THE PART TO REPAIR IT. I HAVE CALLED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO GET THE PART ORDERED PRIOR TO MAKING AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY REFUSE TO DO SO.THEY HAVE STATED THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PART ON HAND. THE BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK (BTSI) LOCKING PIN MAY BECOME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. A BTSI LOCKING PIN STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION MAY ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND TO OR FROM ANY GEAR POSITION WITHOUT DEPRESSION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND/OR WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, IF A KEY IS APPLICABLE.

NHTSA #: 11131027
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2018

I CHECKED ONLINE AND IT STATES THERE IS A REMEDY TO GET MY TRUCK FIXED, HOWEVER I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE AND HAVE TO WAIT TO GET ANOTHER RECALL LETTER. IF IT STATES ONLINE THERE IS A REMEDY WHY DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET ANOTHER LETTER ? I GUESS IF MY VEHICLE ROLLS AWAY, IT IS OKAY WITH MOPAR.

NHTSA #: 11093940
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2017

FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS I'VE NOTICED EITHER DRIVE TRAIN SURGING OR BRAKE FAILURE AT LOW SPEEDS WHILE PARKING - THE TRUCK SEEMS TO LURCH FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL OVER A FEW SECONDS OR POSSIBLE SHIFT ISSUES WHILE PARKING BUT I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO PURPOSELY DUPLICATE IT. TONIGHT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH I SLOWED BEHIND A VEHICLE MAKING A TURN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKING. I BACKED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND REAPPLIED PRESSURE (MAYBE RAPIDLY A FEW TIMES - NOT SURE) RESULTING IN SOME BRAKING AND SOME SQUEALING THAT SOUNDED LIKE TIRES SKIDDING ALTHOUGH THE SLOWING WAS GRADUAL AND NOT ABRUPT. I MADE THE TURN BEHIND THE OTHER VEHICLE AND DROVE ABOUT ANOTHER 1/4 MILE HOME WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS AND NORMAL BRAKE ACTION. I'VE NOTICED THAT OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS THERE'S A VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING WHICH MAY BE RELATED. THE TRUCK HAS ABOUT 85,000 MILES ON IT, OEM BRAKES AND NO PROBLEMS NOTED DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION AT 80K SERVICE. THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR IS FULL. MOST OF MY DRIVING IS HIGHWAY COMMUTING WITH RELATIVELY LITTLE BRAKING.

NHTSA #: 10986275
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2015

THE SAFETY BRAKE ISN'T ALWAYS HOLDING. ALSO THE LIGHT WHICH SAYS THE BRAKE IS ON WON'T GO OFF UNTIL YOU KEEP PLAYING WITH PARKING RELEASE OVER AND OVER. THERE IS A RECALL, BUT THEY SAID MY VIN IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL.

NHTSA #: 10781785
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND AN UNUSUAL NOISE SOUNDED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN WHICH ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA #: 10730878
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
CrashFiled: Jul 2014

ENGINE DIED AT FREEWAY SPEEDS , ,TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES, FINALLY GOT IT BACK , WHILE DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME IT DIED AGAIN , COULD NOT STOP UNTIL I HIT CEMENT CULVERT FOR WATER RUN OFF, DAMAGING FRONT BUMPER, HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE IT SITS NOW. THE ENGINE KEEPS SHUTTING DOWN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON CALIFORNIA FREEWAYS, BIG SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10616513
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2014

FRONT CALIPERS RANDOMLY STARTED LEAKING FLUID. *TR

NHTSA #: 10569102
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2014

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGED THE BRAKES BUT THE CALIPERS LOCKED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CALIPERS, ROTORS, BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,260 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,790. PM

NHTSA #: 10563758
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SERVICE ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34.

NHTSA #: 10535708

Other 2013 Ram 1500 Issues