2018 Ram 1500 electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

144 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2018 Ram 1500, 24% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 33,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
144
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
33,000 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system138
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery2
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator1
Electrical system:horn1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer1

Electrical System complaints across Ram 1500 years

32009104201312820148820151262016842017144201834420191632020197202119420226920232820241862025472026
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

4Under 10k710k–30k1130k–60k360k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 18V524000Aug 9, 201812,779 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

    Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

  • Recall 18V332000May 17, 20184,815,661 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

    Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 11, 2026DEElectrical SystemSteering
    After driving through a heavy downpour, power steering cut out intermittently. The next day, it became full inoperable. Repair shop initially suggested letting the controls "dry out". When that was unsuccessful, the shop suggested taking it to a dealer, stating that the entire rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. I took it to a dealer, and they claimed the assembly failed, need to be replaced, and was on a 45-day minimum back order.
    NHTSA complaint #11763564 · source
  2. Filed Aug 26, 202640,000 miWIDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment screen delaminated, and the HVAC system, radio, rear-view camera, or navigation system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11759743 · source
  3. Filed Jul 16, 202658,000 miNYElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster independently enabled the seat adjustments, made phone calls to 9-1-1, and adjusted the side-view mirrors. Additionally, the instrument cluster independently activated and deactivated the heat and air conditioning control switches. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by…
    NHTSA complaint #11750754 · source
  4. Filed Apr 10, 2026GADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemSuspension
    Car dealership (CarMax) has been not repairing vehicles that are still under warranty and not having loaner vehicles available and having secondary repair shops that are not getting paid to repair warranty issues. My vehicle has been having cv boot issues that have not been repaired as of this date (4/9/2026 .
    NHTSA complaint #11730483 · source
  5. Filed Apr 3, 2026FLBrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    I have a 2018 RAM 1500 Tradesman 2WD truck that the the ABS warning ligh as well as check engine, brakes warning light keeps staying on. I am very concerned about this as it may cause me to NOT be able to brake in time to. Also the cruise control does not work. I've taken it to several different mechanics as well as Autozone and I'm told the error code is C2200-49 which is the Anti-lock Brake Module Internal- Internal Electronic Failure. My mechanic has told me there is NO…
    NHTSA complaint #11729102 · source
  6. Filed Mar 20, 2026105,521 miGAElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 63,676; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 105,521.
    NHTSA complaint #11725824 · source
  7. Filed Mar 10, 2026OHBrakesElectrical System
    Failure of the ABS control module. Scanning of the trouble code shows internal electronic failure code C2200-49. Loss of ABS on vehicle, decreased stability on wet surfaces. Appears to be a known issue with Rams, my vehicle is not on the recall list for this issue but should be there should be a wider recall forced on Ram for this issue. Loss of ABS and traction control, Loss of cruise control, and increased risk of transmission damage that may result in loss of drive at…
    NHTSA complaint #11723395 · source
  8. Filed Mar 3, 2026120,000 miMIAirbagsElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Air Bag” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag warning light remained illuminated while driving. Additionally, the horn was inoperable while depressed, and the controls on the left side of the steering wheel failed to operate as intended; however, the right side of the steering wheel operated as intended. The dealer was contacted for recall information and…
    NHTSA complaint #11721810 · source
  9. Filed Feb 24, 2026GATowedBody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera malfunctioned and the screen was blank, creating a rear visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the local mechanic. The alternator and battery were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed…
    NHTSA complaint #11720115 · source
  10. Filed Jan 27, 2026NMElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    System involved: The vehicle experienced a sudden electronic/network failure consistent with loss of ECU/BCM/CAN bus communication. The instrument cluster, throttle control, and HVAC system became inoperative simultaneously. • Safety risk: While driving, the vehicle abruptly lost throttle response and critical driver information with no warning, followed by an uncommanded engine shutdown after coming to a stop. This created a serious risk of collision due to loss of…
    NHTSA complaint #11713675 · source
  11. Filed Dec 28, 2025WIBrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    ABS light and traction control lights on, on dash. With these lights on, the cruise control and 4x4 do not work. One garage replaced front right axle, wheel bearing, brake rotor, brake pads, and ABS sensor. Lights were then out for a day but then came back. Took to a second garage and they replaced right rear ABS sensor. Lights went out for another day and then came back. They are still on. Because of Christmas it's been hard to get anyone to look at it. Also they say this…
    NHTSA complaint #11707400 · source
  12. Filed Dec 15, 2025UTElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    Uconnect/ram backup camera does not work sometimes. Started when radio started jumping itself due to delamanated touch radio screen. Almost hit kid behind while backing up. Camera cut off while backing.
    NHTSA complaint #11705103 · source

Other 2018 Ram 1500 problem areas

Back to all 2018 Ram 1500 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology