2018 Ram 2500 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

42 owners have reported engine problems with the 2018 Ram 2500, 2% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 65,000 mi.

Engine complaints
42
Crashes
2
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
65,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine37
Engine and engine cooling4
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly1

Engine complaints across Ram 2500 years

12009620132020141320152020163820174220183320193420202820213520221220239202410202542026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k310k–30k30k–60k460k–100k1100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 24, 2026150,000 miALBrakesEngine
    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH and depressing the brake, the vehicle slid in the rain. The ABS, traction control, and engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
    NHTSA complaint #11759127 · source
  2. 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
  3. Filed Jul 23, 202615,337 miMOBrakesEngine
    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control feature was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS…
    NHTSA complaint #11752410 · source
  4. Filed Apr 16, 2026NCBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Component or system that failed or malfunctioned The issue involves a safety recall‑related system on my Ram truck that remains open with no available remedy for over one year. The vehicle is now experiencing traction loss while pulling and during normal driving, along with multiple failure/warning lights activating on the dashboard. How my safety or the safety of others was put at risk While driving and when pulling/accelerating, the vehicle unexpectedly loses traction,…
    NHTSA complaint #11731489 · source
  5. Filed Apr 10, 2026NVEngine
    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact was notified of NHSTA campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the recall remedy was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded the reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.
    NHTSA complaint #11730417 · source
  6. Filed Dec 11, 2025MEElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my 2018 RAM 2500 (6.7L Cummins) related to repeated emissions/aftertreatment failures and the lack of timely repair options. These failures directly affect drivability and can create hazardous situations if the vehicle enters derate mode while towing or driving at highway speeds. Over the past year, my truck has suffered multiple emissions-related component failures, including DEF dosing issues, SCR/DPF system faults, repeated…
    NHTSA complaint #11704542 · source
  7. Filed Dec 3, 202563,000 miPABrakesEngine
    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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service ABS" was displayed. The check engine and ABS warning lights…
    NHTSA complaint #11702651 · source
  8. Filed Nov 3, 2025TXEngine
    Turbo actuator is a defective item. Per the Facebook forums I'm in, this item is often talked about as a common point of failure. There are also several videos on YouTube describing the defect. It limits the VGT vanes in the turbo from building/retarding boost in the engine creating an unsafe driving condition by not being able to accelerate properly and limit the effectiveness of the exhaust brake function when towing leading to longer stopping times which could lead to a…
    NHTSA complaint #11697093 · source
  9. Filed Sep 10, 202595,000 miCAFireTowedEngine
    The contact owned a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving and pulling a fifth wheel RV, the check engine warning light and another unknown red warning light were illuminated. The contact's husband stopped in the middle of the road and immediately exited the vehicle with the contact's nephews and dog, who were also occupying the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver then noticed that there was a fire underneath the hood. The contact stated…
    NHTSA complaint #11686408 · source
  10. Filed Aug 29, 2025FLBrakesEngine
    The contact's son owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her son was driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle started to shake abnormally. The check engine light turned on and then went off. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact called an unknown local dealer and was informed that parts for the recall repair…
    NHTSA complaint #11683853 · source
  11. Filed Mar 27, 2025MNEngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    While towing a heavy load of approx. 16,000 Lbs. uphill steep grade during 100 degree temperature at low travel speed but high engine RPM a load boom came from the engine compartment. Upon inspection the fan shroud had made contact to the fan and caused severe damaged to the cooling system rendering the vehicle disabled until repairs could be made. This occurred about 30,000 miles ago however the current fan shroud has also failed under normal use. If the failed shroud…
    NHTSA complaint #11651075 · source
  12. Filed Feb 14, 2025KYEngine
    Truck only has 66,000 miles and developed a bad oil leak from the timing cover/crank front of engine. Repair is going to cost around $4000 and dealer says there have been several cases of the same thing.
    NHTSA complaint #11642699 · source

Other 2018 Ram 2500 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