RamRAM 1500 Pickup20135.7L/ram/ram-1500-pickup/2013/5-7l/
DS platform

2013 Ram RAM 1500 Pickup — 5.7L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 RAM 1500 Pickup 5.7L.

Body TRUCKEngine 5.7LTransmission Automatic 6-spd

The 2013 Ram 1500 Pickup is a DS-platform truck that pairs its 5.7L engine with a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver EPA fuel economy of 14 city, 20 highway, and 16 combined mpg. Maintaining this powertrain requires a notable 7.0 quarts of 5W-20 API engine oil, reflecting the substantial fluid demands of the configuration. However, this model year occupies a troubled position in the truck's reliability history, having amassed 1,251 owner complaints and 12 recalls predominantly centered on steering issues, which means researchers must weigh its mechanical specifications against significant, well-documented operational risks.

Model year201320122011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity7.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque130 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy14/20/16 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04884899AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP265-70R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04884899AC alt 68079744AD
Engine air filter68441763AA
Spark plugSPLZFR5C11 alt SPFR8TI332
BatteryBBH8A001AA alt BBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades55277446AB
Thermostat52028898AJ alt 68174083AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 6-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length226 in
Overall width79.1 in
Overall height74 in
Wheelbase140.2 in
Curb weight4978 lb
Track (front / rear)69.3 / 68.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined14 / 20 / 16 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelMidgrade Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 7.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 · SAE J1703 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.5
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.5-9.0
Brake FluidDOT 3 · SAE J1703
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2 Pints,
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 80W-90 · GL-5

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel BoltsAT: 70 ft-lbs, MT: 55 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts130 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug15.0-22.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug15.0-22.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug TypeLZFR5C-11G
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque20.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.38 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test15, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Engine Compression100
Engine Oil Pressure25-110 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket24 ft-lbs / 22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle130 ft-lbs / 142 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0005 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.102 in / 0.866 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.102 in / 0.866 in
Rotor Discard at or Under1.039 in / 0.803 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
1M12 bolts 1-1025 ft. lbs
2M12 bolts 1-1040 ft. lbs
3M12 bolts 1-1090 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi; coolant every 10,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 10,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 20,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 30,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 100,000 miPCV Valve (inspect)
At 120,000 miTransmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 150,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Owner complaints about the 2013 Ram RAM 1500 Pickup dominate in one area — the steering, 533 of 1,251 reports (43%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 12 recall campaigns target the steering, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 72 of the reports describe a crash and 10 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the steering pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.

12
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
526
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
4
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,251
Owner complaints
72 involved a crash · 10 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,251 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering533
Electrical System97
Engine85
Air Bags49
Power Train48
Steering,Electrical System38
Unknown Or Other30
Suspension28

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 12 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V347000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:LatchReported 09/05/2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded…

17V821000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column ShiftReported 20/12/2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 526 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S1623000028 Rev. K2026-06-12Electrical SystemOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…
S1623000028 REV.J2026-06-05StructureOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…
S1623000028 REV.I2026-05-29Electrical SystemOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…
S26230000322026-04-30StructureSqueak Or Squawk Noise Coming From Either Side Door Of The Vehicle, It Could Be Just One…
S1623000028 REV.H2026-04-01StructureOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific RAM 1500 Pickup. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 RAM 1500 Pickup 5.7L take?

7.0 qt of 5W-20 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2013 RAM 1500 Pickup have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 5.7L get?

EPA figures are 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined mpg.