2018 Ram 2500 problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 2,561 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 2500, most often about brakes. There are 9 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 2,561
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 39
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 12
- Median mileage
- 58,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 2,336 of 2,561 complaints (91%).
- Electrical System (469) and acceleration & cruise control (341) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 58,000 mi.
- Owners reported 39 crashes, 4 fires and 12 injuries.
- The 2018 Ram 2500 has 9 recalls on file.
- NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
- It has the most serious complaint record of all 15 Ram 2500 model years we track.
- That is 312% more complaints than the 2017 model year (622).
2018 Ram 2500 problems by category
- Brakes · 26 crashes2,336 complaints
- Electrical System · 7 crashes469 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control · 2 crashes341 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 2 crashes251 complaints
- Other / Unknown · 2 crashes100 complaints
- Steering · 6 crashes72 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain · 2 crashes68 complaints
- Engine · 2 crashes42 complaints
- Suspension · 2 crashes19 complaints
- Wheels & Tires17 complaints
- Airbags · 4 crashes11 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion8 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers7 complaints
- Lighting5 complaints
- Body & Structure3 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Service brakes | 1,835 |
| Electrical system | 463 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 414 |
| Vehicle speed control | 325 |
| Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking | 153 |
| Unknown or other | 97 |
| Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control | 90 |
| Steering | 69 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2018 Ram 2500 recalls (9)
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Risk: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
- STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U56.
- 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.
- 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.
- EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
NHTSA defect investigations
- RQ25003Opened Jul 3, 2025Open
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can ca…
- PE22012Opened Nov 28, 2022Closed Mar 3, 2025
Loss of Brake Performance
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on November 28, 2022, after receiving 134 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance in certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The alleged failures continued to occur at a steady rate across both models, at all speeds, with limited detectability. Consumers complained that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated on their vehicles. The ABS module works in conjunction with the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), …
- EA19004Opened Dec 1, 2019Closed Nov 20, 2025
Steering loss due to linkage separation
On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen. The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, …
Steering loss due to linkage separation
On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Onc…
NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ram 2500 Crew PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Ram 2500 Crew PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| 2018 Ram 2500 Mega PU/EC 2WD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Ram 2500 Mega PU/EC 4WD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| 2018 Ram 2500 Regular PU/RC 2WD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Ram 2500 Regular PU/RC 4WD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | ★★★☆☆ |
Recent 2018 Ram 2500 complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Oct 7, 2026INBrakesElectrical System
The truck is under recall C4b for the ABS / Traction control system, which also disables the cruise control. I have called several times and had the vehicle into local dealerships and was told there is still no fix. I asked about trading in the truck and the dealers offered me way below KBB value stating they don't want the truck because of the recall. I ask Ram to help me out and they said there is nothing they can do. 3 times now in over the almost 2 years this truck has…
NHTSA complaint #11769551 · source - Filed Oct 6, 2026160,000 miOHBrakes
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated and the cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with the recall. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The…
NHTSA complaint #11769351 · source - Filed Oct 6, 202640,000 miCASteering
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (STEERING); however, after taking the vehicle to a dealer for a tire replacement, the contact was informed by the dealer that the wheels could not be aligned because the drag link assembly failed to meet manufacturer specifications, and that the entire assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…
NHTSA complaint #11769283 · source - Filed Oct 1, 2026SCBrakes
I have 2018 Ram 2500 Diesel that has the ABS Recall and my abs system is not working, No cruise control and No traction control. I have contacted multible dealers multible times and I'm told there is no fix for this problem. I don't understand how they can continue to engineer and build trucks that apparently don't have this problem but can't engineer a fix for this Safety Issue. My problem was first reported to the dealer (1/15/2021) 5 years ago. I bought this truck New to…
NHTSA complaint #11768244 · source - Filed Sep 30, 202650,000 miTNCrashTowedBrakes
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to properly respond and the braking distance became extended, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of the vehicle ahead. Additionally, the brake pedal was fully depressed and went to the floorboard, but the brakes failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. A Police report was filed. The contact received…
NHTSA complaint #11768002 · source - Filed Sep 30, 202645,000 miWVBrakes
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while operating the…
NHTSA complaint #11767986 · source - Filed Sep 29, 2026WABrakes
My truck is subject to FCA Recall C4B, NHTSA Recall 24V-896, involving the brake hydraulic control unit (HCU). The recall concerns possible loss of ABS, electronic stability control and traction control. My concern is that the recall has been open since November 2024 and I still have not been able to obtain the repair for my truck. I have also been dealing directly with Stellantis and have case number 94100990. More importantly, my truck has actually experienced the problem.…
NHTSA complaint #11767803 · source - Filed Sep 29, 2026MIBrakes
Warning lights come on. No anti lock brakes or cruise control. Warning lights and signal appear on the dash board. There has been a recall on this problem for over two years. Dealership keeps saying NO PARTS AVAILABLE. Use my truck for a family vehicle, and pull our travel trailer. I hope you can help resolve this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11767645 · source
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Other 2018 Ram models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. 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