Buyer Research

2013 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins) — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $24,000–$38,000. There are 3 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.

Kestrel Take

The Cummins inline-six is the most durable engine in the class and the emissions equipment bolted to it is the least durable part of the truck. Buy the engine, budget for the exhaust system, and check whether the transmission behind it is the 68RFE — because that one is not as tough as the motor.

Known Issues for the 2013 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins)

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

DPF and EGR system cloggingHigh — wallet impact

Soot accumulation from short-trip use clogs the diesel particulate filter and EGR cooler, causing derates and expensive replacements. This is the single largest ownership cost on a modern Cummins.

Repair cost range: $2,000-$5,000

68RFE transmission failureHigh — wallet impact

The automatic behind the Cummins is the weak link, particularly when towing heavy or tuned. Slipping, harsh shifts, and burned clutches.

Repair cost range: $3,500-$6,500

Front end steering components and death wobbleHigh — wallet impact

Worn track bar, ball joints, and steering damper produce a violent front-end oscillation after hitting a bump at speed. Common on solid-front-axle Rams.

Repair cost range: $600-$2,500

Turbo actuator and VGT stickingMedium

Soot binds the variable geometry vanes, throwing underboost or overboost codes.

Repair cost range: $1,200-$2,800

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Steering wheel shimmy or wobble after a bump
✗Emissions deleted with no paperwork
✗Transmission that slips or shifts hard when towing
✗City-only history on a DPF diesel

Good Signs

✓G56 manual transmission or an Aisin automatic instead of the 68RFE
✓Front end components already replaced
✓Highway and towing use with complete records

Found a specific Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins)?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2013 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins) in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.

Other Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins) years

2008 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins)

$16,000–$30,000