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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2013 Ram 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
10%of 115 total for the year
Median mileage
13,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Ram 3500, 10% of the 115 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Dead pedal started out from a stop light and was starting to make a left turn with a 8000 pound trailer got to about 5 MPH someone pulled out and wanted to come straight threw the light from the opposite direction I was going ! I let off the throttle then decided I had enough room to make it and when I got back on the throttle it was like I didn't push the throttle. The truck just sat there for 1 or 2 seconds till it started to move ! This has happened quite a few times since ! …”

NHTSA complaint #10637874, filed 2014-09, 1,500 miles

“The truck has what I describe as a dead pedal . I was merging into traffic and let off the throttle in an evasive maneuver, but realized I need to accelerate quickly to avoid being hit. I pushed to accelerator to the floor, and there was a 2-3 second delay before the engine began accelerating. I avoided being hit only due to evasive steering. This situation is very dangerous. I have verified this condition in a controlled situation, and can replicate the problem each and every time.”

NHTSA complaint #10618055, filed 2014-07, 3,000 miles

“July 17, 2015 - while stationary, I started truck only to have all warning lights on the dash illuminate, wipers activate on their own, and radio unit power off. Eventually, all power was lost to the dash. Truck was towed to dealer for repair. Truck received new PCM and was returned to me. July 17, 2015 - later that evening, the truck was towed back to dealer for the same problem. Truck was in the service center for two months receiving a new wiring harness and new computers. September 16, 2015 - truck returned to me. …”

NHTSA complaint #10782890, filed 2015-10, 40,000 miles

“I experienced a severe case of the dodge death wobble. This is the fifth time in two months and this was the worst yet. I was driving on a state highway going about 60. The left from tire hit a small bump - maybe an inch deep. The truck began shaking violently and was not controllable. I slammed on the brakes to stop the shaking but it keep shaking violently as long as it was moving. I finally slid off the road sideways and ended up on the shoulder. Fortunately it was a gentle shoulder. If it had been steep I could easily have been killed. …”

NHTSA complaint #10640671, filed 2014-10, 13,500 miles

“I was on pa turnpike attemping to merge from a service plaza, when an opening in traffic was available I applied power to merge into line . As I did this my truck did not respond !! I was pulling a 36' fifth wheel trailer at the time and my merge into traffic became very perilious! After what seemed like a very long delay ( and some braking by other motorists ) my vehicle finally started to accelerate. Once the motor responded I had plenty of power to achive speed with traffic . I have told dealer about dead pedal and was told never heard of it this has happened to me more that once!”

NHTSA complaint #10669265, filed 2014-12, 8,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026518%
2025819%
2024613%
202316%
202211460%
20211118%
20201210%
20191813%
2018233%
2017279%
20161914%
20153223%
20143919%
20131210%

Other parts of the 2013 Ram 3500

Steering
38 complaints
Engine
27 complaints
Fuel system
20 complaints
Suspension
18 complaints
Electrical system
17 complaints
Vehicle speed control
15 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Wheels
7 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Brakes
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Electronic stability control
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Ram 3500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology