2018 Ram 1500 acceleration & cruise control problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

26 owners have reported acceleration & cruise control problems with the 2018 Ram 1500, 4% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 26,000 mi.

Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints
26
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
26,000 mi

Specific components reported

Acceleration & Cruise Control covers: unintended acceleration, throttle, cruise control.

ComponentComplaints
Vehicle speed control25
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal1
Vehicle speed control:cruise control1

Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints across Ram 1500 years

102013432014392015722016322017262018372019122020302021182022620234202415202512026
Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k410k–30k330k–60k60k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • 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 4, 2026FLEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    XXX, [XXX] East Bound ~ 9:30 PM, , pulling a tandem-axle boat and trailer ~ 6000# GVW , the truck slowed suddenly, in traffic ~ 62 MPH. I contacted CJDR dealers in [XXX], and [XXX], and both stated there was no recall, warranty, or goodwill repair, available for my truck. [XXX] told me the same, when I called. I took the truck to an independent diesel shop, in [XXX] to just go ahead and have a CPS (crankshaft position sensor, and tone wheel) put in. He said both the CJDR…
    NHTSA complaint #11762265 · source
  2. Filed Aug 28, 2026UTEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering
    As we were driving along the freeway at highway speeds, the dash lights completely cut out on my ram 1500 2019. At first, this seemed to simply affect the visibility of the central console, speed controls, light indicators, etc. But then as we continued on and proceeded to exit the freeway, the entire vehicle shut down and lost total power steering speed control and power braking. I had to rapidly exit and take at safety on side of the road before completely losing control.…
    NHTSA complaint #11760471 · source
  3. Filed Jun 13, 2026NCFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control
    Prior to paying cash for this vehicle, I had the dealership connect it to an obd-11 scanner to ensure that there weren't any codes. (I wasn't aware at the time that if the codes were cleared prior to the test drive and before the vehicle was drove a certain amount of miles nothing would show up ) The truck seemed to be in ok condition. Before even making it 10 miles off the lot to my home the salesman who was to follow me in my new vehicle had issues and upon return to the…
    NHTSA complaint #11743868 · source
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Filed Apr 4, 2025OHBrakesAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering
    The abs keeps randomly disabling and then coming back on. When this happens, the cruise control is canceled which causes a sudden change in speed unexpectedly. Also, the 4x4 gets disabled. I believe the issue is this: hydraulic control unit can malfunction, impacting ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control performance software issue in the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control module that can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, potentially…
    NHTSA complaint #11652850 · source
  8. Filed Feb 25, 2025TXBrakesAcceleration & Cruise Control
    The electronic trailer brake system, anti-lock braking system, and electronics traction control system lights activate upon driving the vehicle. The cruise control is disabled when these warning lights come on as well. I've been informed by an ASE certified mechanic that the abs control module needs replacement. I've learned this is a known issue for my and similar Ram trucks and that Stellantis has the part on back order while it is in "engineering review". If my traction…
    NHTSA complaint #11644776 · source
  9. Filed Aug 12, 2024TXBrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    Intermittently loses ABS, traction control, and cruise control. Now throwing multiple error codes but does not "store" any codes. Lights/warnings/chimes are intermittent and random. Windshield wipers will intermittently come on as well. This is a known problem with these vehicles. Most recently randomly throws service shifter codes and vehicle shifts into neutral with no warning. The shifter has been replaced with no remedy to the problem.
    NHTSA complaint #11608077 · source
  10. Filed Apr 15, 2024COElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering
    In June of 2023, I was driving home and the vehicle became unresponsive, but still powered on. I was able to steer it partially to the side of the road. The gas pedal was unresponsive, all electrical was unresponsive and it also would not turn off. I called my husband, when he arrived about 20 minutes later we were finally able to turn off the truck, but electrical was still unresponsive so the windows would not roll up. I had just gotten off the freeway, about a mile, and…
    NHTSA complaint #11583063 · source
  11. Filed Jan 2, 2024PAElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering
    Cam Shaft (RECALL) sensor failure / tone wheel per the dealership. Truck lost all power descending off a mountain / steep grade. Lost steering, brakes, engine power. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership. Truck will not start, even have installing new parts. It was towed in to the dealer on 12/2/23. I am not able to get a solid answer on what needs to be done. Communication has been very poor on the entire situation.
    NHTSA complaint #11562986 · source
  12. Filed Dec 31, 2023MIEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    I purchased a new 2018 Ram Truck with an ECO Diesel engine. The engine has undergone multiple recall repairs including one for the EGR that could cause a potential fire hazard. The truck has been in service for multiple engine related issues since I purchased the vehicle. It has continuously had a rampant smell of antifreeze inside the cab of the vehicle which has made me feel sick on occasions and I must open the windows even in the winter months. After only 66,000 miles my…
    NHTSA complaint #11562811 · source

Other 2018 Ram 1500 problem areas

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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