Recall 13V287 affects 45,896 2013 Ram 1500 trucks because ESC software can disable stability control. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 45,896 2013 1500 4x4 trucks under recall 13V287 because a software issue can disable the Electronic Stability Control system when the truck starts. Without ESC, the truck has less directional control and a higher crash risk; the Ram dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electronic stability control system on the 2013 Ram 1500 watches wheel speed, steering input, and vehicle motion to help the truck stay on the path the driver is asking for. When the truck begins to slide or rotate farther than intended, the system can reduce engine power and apply braking at individual wheels. That assistance depends on the ESC module, the computer that turns sensor information into stability-control commands.
In affected Ram 1500 4x4 trucks, the problem is software inside that ESC module. Because of the software issue, the stability control system can be disabled when the vehicle is started. The truck still starts and drives, but the stability-control help is not active for that drive cycle if the module disables it at startup.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue happens as the truck starts, so an owner should treat any stability-control warning light or message as a reason to schedule the free recall repair with a Ram dealer.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Ram 1500 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 45,896 |
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 disabled ESC system can reduce the truck's ability to help maintain directional control, increasing the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the software update promptly. 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 schedule the free ESC module software update that restores Electronic Stability Control at startup.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V287 and Ram recall N37 when you call.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid abrupt steering inputs.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician updates the Electronic Stability Control module software. The update addresses the startup software issue that can leave the ESC system disabled on affected 2013 1500 4x4 trucks. The recall repair is free once available, with parts and labor covered under the campaign. No repair time is listed for this software update, so ask the service desk how long the appointment takes when you book it.
Timeline
| July 2, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 11, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V287?
Recall 13V287 covers 45,896 2013 Ram 1500 4x4 trucks with an Electronic Stability Control module software issue. The ESC system can be disabled when the truck starts, which can lead to loss of directional control. Ram dealers update the ESC module software 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 13V287. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the ESC module software update. Reference recall 13V287 or Ram campaign N37 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ram dealers perform the ESC module software update free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk for recall 13V287?
The safety risk is loss of directional control. If the ESC system is disabled when the truck starts, the system is not available to help stabilize the vehicle, which raises crash risk. The dealer repair fixes the ESC module software for free.
What if I bought my Ram 1500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013 Ram 1500 is included, then call a franchised Ram dealer and reference recall 13V287.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V287000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-247-9753 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V287 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V287000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →