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.

Deciding between model years? Compare the 7 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins) years we've written up →

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.

What we checked

Partly reconciled against public records, 2026-09-25

NHTSA holds 178 owner complaints for the 2013 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins), and 16 recall campaigns.

A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. The largest single group is the engine at 27%. That is notable without being overwhelming — worth checking, not worth panicking about.

16 recall campaigns cover this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.

Not written up yet: electrics and electronics (42 complaints), the fuel system (31 complaints). Those groups are in the public record and are not covered by the issues below. Treat them as something to ask about, not as absent.

Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.

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

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents. How we decide that.

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 (estimate): $2,000-$5,000

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (48).

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 (estimate): $3,500-$6,500

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (22).

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 (estimate): $600-$2,500

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under steering (31), the suspension (23), the transmission and drivetrain (22).

Turbo actuator and VGT stickingMedium

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

Repair cost (estimate): $1,200-$2,800

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (48).

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