The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·13V177000·Announced 2013-05-07

Chrysler Recalls 2013 RAM 1500 Trucks for Defective Coolant Valve

Chrysler is recalling 2013 RAM 1500 trucks because a stuck coolant valve may prevent the windshield defrosting system from working, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (impaired visibility leading to crash risk) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

Chrysler Group LLC is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured between June 25, 2012, and December 12, 2012. The recall addresses a defect where the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that prevents coolant from flowing into the heater core. This issue causes the vehicles to fail to conform to Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103 regarding Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems.

Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, moisture or ice could build up on the windshield, limiting the driver's ability to see and increasing the risk of a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
RAM 1500
Brand
RAM
Manufacturer
Chrysler Group LLC
Category
Vehicle — Truck
Hazard
Affected units
498

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • 1500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · RAM

Same manufacturer · Chrysler Group LLC

See all →

Same hazard · visibility impairment

See all →