2018 Ram 1500 transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 19V324000Apr 25, 201910,160 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.

  Risk: A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.

• Recall 18V556000Aug 23, 20184,171 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure.

  Risk: If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U88.

• Recall 18V280000May 1, 201871 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.

  Risk: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

• Recall 18V100000Feb 8, 2018180,462 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

  Risk: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.

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 27, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

   Took truck in for warrenty work, engine started nocking techs checked said rod could come through side of engine, Ram know this but refuse to do anything. truck has less than 70000 miles was told 17000 dollar for new motor and install, and there still other issues with this truck, why no recall, this seem to be a problem with 3.0 eco diesel and Ram reufes to recall, now I'm in a bad situation, i paid 25000 last July from a private sale, truck ran great till week ago im a…

   NHTSA complaint #11759980 · source
3. Filed Jul 17, 2026UTTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2018 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel failed during acceleration on a busy freeway at 70 mph. I was able to avoid traffic and coast to the right shoulder. After paying for a tow, my scan tool called out four permanent codes: P0336, P061C, P062B, and U1401, proving the unsafe stall was directly caused by a delaminated or broken tone wheel. This failure is the root cause behind my open safety recall 66A. However, recall 66A only calls for a software fix and does not address my hard…

   NHTSA complaint #11751029 · source
4. Filed Jun 2, 202652,000 miGATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and in park(P), the gear shifter could be moved out of the park(P) position without depressing the brake pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle would roll forward which caused a potential safety hazard. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA ID Number: 18V100000(Power Train); however, the contact's VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be serviced or…

   NHTSA complaint #11741527 · source
5. Filed Mar 5, 2026PATransmission & Drivetrain

   while driving down the highway at 50-70 mph, when attempting to pass I give it more gas and I hear a clunk with the loss off power!, I have to allow to slow down then slowly increase speed! I have my second factory installed transmission @ 40,000 miles!

   NHTSA complaint #11722268 · source
6. Filed Dec 16, 2025NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am attempting to have my vehicle repaired for a defect in the rear axle that Recall U88 addresses and that my VIN falls within the range of. I am being told by the my local dealership and the FCA that my Vin has not active recalls. Does my vehicle fall within the recall? The recall is from 2018 the year it was built. Is it possible the system just doesnt go back that far anymore? Can someone please clarify. Thank you

   NHTSA complaint #11705287 · source
7. Filed Dec 2, 2025MSEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Check Engine Light comes on and off on its own. OBD read that the engine is not getting up to normal temp. Had it diagnosed and was told that the 3.6 V6 has issues with the oil filter housing cracking/leaking. Somehow the housing cracking caused me to lose coolant. To have everything repaired would be $1400.

   NHTSA complaint #11702570 · source
8. Filed Nov 7, 2025NETransmission & Drivetrain

   Took excellent care of my truck, doing all recommended maintenance and replacing parts as they wear out. I had catastrophic engine failure at 86k miles. Was getting off a highway on an off ramp and got a low oil pressure warning and lose of power/no throttle response from the truck. Pulled over and oil was spewing out. Had it towed to a shop and they said the engine was seized up and there was metal in the oil, recommended full engine replacement.

   NHTSA complaint #11698230 · source
9. Filed Jul 15, 2025CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Subject: Formal Complaint – 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Engine Failure at 11,900 Miles To Whom It May Concern at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am filing a formal complaint regarding a major mechanical failure in my 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. Despite all scheduled maintenance being performed and documented, the engine failed at just 11,900 miles — a clear indication of a serious defect or flaw in manufacturing. Vehicle Information: - Year/Make/Model:…

   NHTSA complaint #11673555 · source
10. Filed Jun 28, 2025NYAirbagsSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    Steering Gear Rack - Steering control rapidly diminished over a short amount of time. Initially was okay but steering began to intermittently stick and wouldn’t self-center. Issue became nearly full-time within a month. Got to the point that it required a ‘tug’ to re-center. Took to a shop to additionally find that the boot clamps had broke themselves loose, causing the boots to separate and freely slide around. Driver seat airbag - service airbag system (?) warning on dash.…

    NHTSA complaint #11669917 · source
11. Filed Apr 26, 2025PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    Had the High flow fuel pump Changed and less than 400 miles had a catastrophic failure. Had to pay for a tow was told nothing is under warranty, even though it was caused all by a faulty fuel pump and caused other issues and was told by Stalantis that they do not cover calamity damage had to pay for PCM and injectors. My truck is still not fixed. My engine light is still on, brought it to three dealerships and nobody can figure it out. Also the deaf system is not functioning…

    NHTSA complaint #11656972 · source
12. Filed Feb 9, 2025OKTransmission & Drivetrain

    Got 11 inches of snow tried to go to town and my truck wouldn’t move. Snow melted took it to dodge and they said it’s sounds like the clutch plate in the borg Warner 44-44 was possibly going out. A quick search of problems with that transfer case has hundreds of people having the same problem and I don’t off road it or plow snow. Was quoted $7500 to have it replaced. This could cause an accident if driving down the road or down county roads in rain, snow or ice.

    NHTSA complaint #11641576 · source

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