Recall 13V240 affects 1,069 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with improper high-beam headlamp shutters. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 1,069 2013 2500 and 3500 trucks with optional premium headlamps because the headlamp shutters can work improperly in high-beam mode. That failure can reduce driver visibility or blind oncoming traffic and increase crash risk, and Ram dealers will complete the free repair once it is available.
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What's wrong?
The optional premium headlamp on the 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 uses a shutter inside the lamp assembly to shape the beam. In low-beam and high-beam operation, that shutter changes how light leaves the headlamp so the road ahead is lit in the intended pattern.
On affected trucks, the shutter does not function properly when high beams are selected. Instead of opening or positioning correctly, it leaves the headlamp pattern outside the required lighting performance. That means the truck has less effective high-beam lighting than designed, which reduces how far the driver can see at night.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem appears when the driver switches to high beams and the lamps do not project the expected high-beam pattern.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2500 and 3500 truck classes from the same model year, both tied to the headlight system.
| 2013 Ram 3500 | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2013 Ram 2500 | Headlights |
| Units affected | 1,069 |
A matching 2013 Ram 2500 or 3500 does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced driver's visibility during high beam use and glare for oncoming traffic. Both raise crash risk. Use low beams around traffic and schedule the recall service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Ram dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Ram 3500 or 2500 is included in this recall.
- Check your mail records for Ram's owner notice, then reference recall number 13V240 when you call the dealer.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to ask whether the free Central Body Controller reconfiguration for the high-beam headlamp shutter is open for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and mention Ram recall N33 when scheduling.
- Use extra care with high beams until the dealer completes the repair, because the headlamp shutter problem affects driver visibility and oncoming traffic.
What happens at the repair
Ram's remedy calls for the dealer to reconfigure the Central Body Controller that controls the premium headlamp shutter behavior in high-beam mode. When the repair is open for your VIN, a Ram technician updates the controller configuration so the headlamp shutters operate as intended. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 13V240.
Timeline
| June 4, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 30, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V240?
Recall 13V240 covers 1,069 2013 Ram 3500 and 2500 trucks with optional premium headlamps. The headlamp shutters can function improperly in high-beam mode, creating a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard lighting issue. Ram dealers reconfigure the Central Body Controller for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Ram 3500 or 2500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V240. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer and ask for the Central Body Controller reconfiguration under recall 13V240. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ram dealers perform the Central Body Controller reconfiguration free of charge. Reference recall 13V240 or Ram campaign N33 when you call the service desk.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility during high-beam use or glare that blinds oncoming traffic. Either condition increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Ram dealer repair so the headlamp shutter control is corrected.
What if I bought this Ram truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2013 Ram 3500 or 2500 is included, then give recall 13V240 or Ram campaign N33 to the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V240000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-247-9753 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V240 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V240000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation 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 →