Recall 13V177 affects 498 2013 Ram 1500 trucks for a coolant valve defect that can block windshield defrosting. Free repair at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram recall 13V177 covers 498 2013 Ram 1500 trucks with a coolant bypass valve that can stick and block coolant flow to the heater core. Without proper defrosting or defogging, moisture or ice can limit the driver's view and increase crash risk; the Ram dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The coolant bypass valve on the 2013 Ram 1500 is part of the engine cooling system. It directs hot coolant toward the heater core, the small heat exchanger that warms cabin air. That warm air is also what the windshield defroster uses to clear fog and frost from the glass.
On affected trucks, the valve sticks in a position that blocks coolant from reaching the heater core. The engine still has coolant in the system, but the heater core does not get the hot flow it needs. Without that heat source, the defrost and defog system does not perform as required for windshield clearing.
There is no warning sign before failure. Once the valve is stuck, an owner will notice weak cabin heat, no warm air from the defroster, or a windshield that stays fogged when the defrost setting is selected.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Ram 1500 | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 498 |
Not every 2013 Ram 1500 pickup truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed windshield defrosting system lets moisture or ice build on the glass, limits driver visibility, and increases the risk of a crash. Clear the windshield fully before driving, and schedule the repair soon if the defroster does not work as expected. Repair will be free at any franchised Ram dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Ram 1500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to ask about the free coolant-bypass-valve replacement and updated calibration for your truck.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V177 and Ram recall N25 when you call.
- Keep the windshield clear before driving, and stop if the defroster fails to clear moisture or ice from the glass.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician will replace the suspect coolant bypass valves and install updated calibration software for the cooling and defrosting system. The known remedy is parts replacement plus calibration, with no charge for parts or labor once the repair is available for your VIN. Confirm repair availability with the dealer before you go, since the recall information provided here does not state a current remedy status.
Timeline
| May 7, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 25, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V177?
Recall 13V177 covers 498 2013 Ram 1500 trucks with a coolant bypass valve that can stick and stop coolant from reaching the heater core. That defect can prevent proper windshield defrosting and defogging, limiting driver visibility and increasing crash risk. Ram dealers replace the coolant valve and update calibration for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Ram 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V177. If it is, call a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall 13V177 or Ram campaign N25. Ask for the coolant bypass valve replacement and calibration update. The recall repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy states that dealers replace the suspect coolant valves and install an updated calibration free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility through the windshield. If the coolant bypass valve sticks, coolant does not flow into the heater core, so the defrosting and defogging system fails to work properly. Moisture or ice buildup can limit the driver's view and increase crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V177000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-247-9753 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V177 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V177000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →