2018 Ram 2500 electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

469 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2018 Ram 2500, 18% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 50,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
469
Crashes
7
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
50,000 mi

Specific components reported

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

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system463
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control2
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer1
Electrical system:body control module:software1
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery1

Electrical System complaints across Ram 2500 years

6201312201416201520201611320174692018252019202020352021612022102023122024372025102026
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k510k–30k630k–60k860k–100k1100k–150k1150k+
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 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
  2. Filed Sep 22, 2026200,220 miCOElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact intended to purchase a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The advertised mileage was 130,200; however, a Carfax report displayed a mileage rollback, and the ECU listed the mileage at 200,220.
    NHTSA complaint #11766047 · source
  3. Filed Sep 21, 202670,000 miVABrakesElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after his daughter started the vehicle, there were dings and bells sounding for approximately 4 to 5 miles. The “Service Electronic Braking System” message was displayed and the cruise control was inoperable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer informed the contact that parts were available, but the dealer declined to repair the vehicle. The contact called…
    NHTSA complaint #11765905 · source
  4. Filed Sep 15, 2026CACrashBrakesElectrical System
    My 2018 Ram 2500 is subject to safety recall C4B/24V-896 involving failure of the brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and possible loss of ABS, electronic stability control and traction control. I previously contacted a Ram dealer in [XXX] regarding completion of this recall but was informed that the parts/remedy were not available. The recall therefore remained unrepaired. On XXX, my vehicle was sideswiped by another vehicle. The other vehicle caused the initial collision.…
    NHTSA complaint #11764472 · source
  5. Filed Sep 13, 2026TXBrakesElectrical System
    My 2018 Ram 2500 has a continuous ABS/ESC/Traction Control failure related to recall C4B (NHTSA 24V‑896). The hydraulic control unit (HCU) is failing exactly as described in the recall. The ABS light, traction control light, and stability control warnings come on constantly, and the cruise control shuts off while driving. This is a safety‑critical defect that increases the risk of a crash, as NHTSA states in campaign 24V‑896. My dealer confirmed the recall but says the…
    NHTSA complaint #11763921 · source
  6. Filed Aug 22, 2026WABrakesElectrical SystemSuspension
    I haven’t experienced an issue yet. A safety recall was finally issued to my 2018 Ram 2500 pickup truck in 2024. I had taken it to the local Ram dealership (Rairdon’s Ram, Bellingham, WA). On two separate occasions for my truck throwing the following warning light, “Check Electronic Braking System”. At the same time, traction control is deactivated, and cruiser control turns off, so if you have cruise control set, the warning light causes the cruise control to deactivate,…
    NHTSA complaint #11758743 · source
  7. Filed Aug 21, 2026KYElectrical System
    My vehicle has had an open recall for almost 2 years. The ABS light and alarm keeps going off and when I was pulling my camper, the camper was pushing the truck while trying to stop the truck.
    NHTSA complaint #11758659 · source
  8. Filed Aug 20, 2026FLBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    My family and I tow a 45 foot RV Toy Howler Fifth Wheel with the truck and the ABS and Traction control lights keep coming on. The RAM Dealer (Aventura) has been telling me for over a year that the parts are on back-order. I've tried to trade it in but the trade in offers have been very low since they know there's no repair parts. I'm very concerned about our safety since we take long trips into the mountains and this is constantly going on.
    NHTSA complaint #11758292 · source
  9. Filed Aug 18, 2026NCBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    This truck has been built with a brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU") that is susceptible to failure or malfunction which may result in a reduction or change of Anti-Lock Brake System ("ABS")/Electronic Stability Control ("ESC") /Traction Control performance. A failing HCU will initially result in the intermittent loss of ABS/Traction control progressing to permanent loss. Safety Risk The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
    NHTSA complaint #11757642 · source
  10. Filed Aug 9, 2026ARBrakesElectrical System
    I own a 2018 Ram 2500 4x4 diesel, VIN [XXX], affected by FCA/Stellantis Safety Recall C4B / NHTSA 24V-896 involving the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). My truck is now experiencing the problem. The ABS warning light comes on and the cruise control becomes unavailable. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request. I am concerned about safety because this malfunction affects the ABS system and could affect braking performance, particularly during…
    NHTSA complaint #11755749 · source
  11. Filed Aug 4, 2026KYBrakesElectrical System
    I received the ABS recall letter in 2024 and periodically since. I have contacted RAM after 2 years with no remedy and because I complained they have since blocked me. This is an unacceptable safety issue they should be addressing but are not. Please help. My truck only has a little over 100k miles on it. I deserve help with this EXPENSIVE purchase as I bought it new!
    NHTSA complaint #11754826 · source
  12. Filed Jul 28, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    The electronic throttle control light and check engine light are on. I took it to a mechanic and had the accelerator pedal replaced. The lights remained on and the truck remains in "limp mode" and will not go over 59mph. The mechanic stated that this is due to the unresolved recall problems with the traction control and anti lock braking system, and the HCU needing replaced. These components and labor are over 2-3 thousand dollars! I have called NHTSA and the manufacturer…
    NHTSA complaint #11753324 · source

Other 2018 Ram 2500 problem areas

Back to all 2018 Ram 2500 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