2013 RAM C/V Tradesman recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. In the affected vehicles, road hazards such as potholes may cause the front passenger side curtain and/or seat air bags to deploy unexpectedly.
What could happen: Inadvertent air bag deployment can increase the risk of crash or injury to the seat occupant.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the software in the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P51.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 C/V TRADESMAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V528000 (manufacturer code P51).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS
Summary: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram C/V Tradesman cargo vans, equipped with two front bucket seats and no rear seating, manufactured July 25, 2012, to August 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, road hazards such as potholes may cause the front passenger side curtain and/or seat air bags to deploy unexpectedly.
Consequence: Inadvertent air bag deployment can increase the risk of crash or injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the software in the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P51.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. A software error may result in the opposite side airbags deploying from the collision point (a left side impact would deploy the right side airbags and vice versa).
What could happen: In the event of a crash, the wrong side airbags could deploy leaving the occupant with no airbag protection at the point of impact, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the occupant restraint control module, free of charge. The recall began during September 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N44.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 C/V TRADESMAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized RAM dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 13V283000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-247-9753.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and RAM C/V Tradesman vehicles manufactured May 10, 2012, through June 7, 2013. A software error may result in the opposite side airbags deploying from the collision point (a left side impact would deploy the right side airbags and vice versa).
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the wrong side airbags could deploy leaving the occupant with no airbag protection at the point of impact, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the occupant restraint control module, free of charge. The recall began during September 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N44.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 2013 RAM C/V Tradesman owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (1), Electrical system (1), Unknown Or Other (1), Engine (1), Brakes (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
05/19/2019 · Transmission / drivetrain
WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE THE TRANSMISSION AREA DOES A HARD JERK FORWARD FROM 1-2 GEAR. WHEN DOING A HARD STOP ALSO DOES A HARD LUNGE FORWARD WHICH HAS ALMOST CAUSE A COUPLE ACCIDENTS. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME I EXPERIENCE THE TRUCK DOING THIS.
10/08/2018 · Electrical system
KEY FOB NOT WORKING THIS IS THE 3RD TIME.
04/03/2018 · Unknown Or Other
I HAVE A 2013 DODGE RAM TRADESMAN THAT WAS BUILT DEC 12, 2012. LAST 8 OF THE VIN ARE DG509430, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CODE SAYS AC BYPASS VALVE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL: RAM RECALL # N25, NHTSA COMPLAINT# 13V177000. NOW THE SERVICE DEPT AT DODGE AND THE CUSTOMER CARE CENTER SAYS MY TRUCK IS NOT ON THE RECALL. I…
09/10/2013 · Brakes
2013 RAM C/V COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AT 800 MILES DEALER DETERMINED MASTER CYLINDER FAILURE. *TR