2018 Ram 3500 electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

131 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2018 Ram 3500, 17% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 66,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
131
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
66,000 mi

Specific components reported

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

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system128
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer3

Electrical System complaints across Ram 3500 years

320072201342014720153201627201713120182020199202017202123202232023122024282025172026
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k330k–60k260k–100k2100k–150k2150k+
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 Aug 6, 2026CABrakesElectrical System
    The recall for the brake hydraulic contol unit (C4B/NHTSA 24V-896) has not been addressed in years.....I have no brakes on my trailer from this failure. This needs fixed asap.
    NHTSA complaint #11755340 · source
  2. Filed Aug 3, 2026699,573 miTXElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ram 3500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 78,546 and at the time of a Carfax report check, it was discovered that the mileage was 699,573.
    NHTSA complaint #11754529 · source
  3. Filed Jul 7, 202623,000 miORFireTowedElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2018 RAM 3500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal cracking sound and smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact inspected and used a fire extinguisher to slow the smoke and electrical sparks down. The contact did not notice any fire. The fire department arrived and disconnected the electrical cables to prevent further damage. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. In addition,…
    NHTSA complaint #11748890 · source
  4. Filed Jun 12, 2026CABrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    I am the owner of a 2018 Ram 3500 subject to Recall C4B (NHTSA Recall No. 24V-896) involving the Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). The recall was announced on November 27, 2024. As of June 2026, NHTSA’s website still states that the recall is incomplete and that a remedy is not yet available for my vehicle. The defect causes active symptoms during operation. The vehicle continuously chimes while driving, similar to a seatbelt warning, and cruise control is disabled. These…
    NHTSA complaint #11743637 · source
  5. Filed Apr 7, 2026SCBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    [XXX] - I have called the Dealer numerous times and even Stelatis for 2 years and I keep getting the SORRY there are no parts to fix your vehicle. PLEASE help me with this non stop run around. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11729825 · source
  6. Filed Feb 17, 2026TXBrakesElectrical System
    While towing 10,000 lb trailer vehicle displayed indicators that traction control and ABS were failing. I've taken vehicle to dealer 5 times since recall and it's now over 1 year and Chrysler failed to remedy recalled defective part 68143491AA. Chrysler complaint case no. 95672952 filed on 2/16/26. Chrysler HAS in fact produced the replacement part No. 68143491AB - supersedes failed part no. above. Local dealers have qty 9 of part locally in stock and sell to public for…
    NHTSA complaint #11718468 · source
  7. Filed Feb 4, 2026117,489 miLABrakesElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel failed to provide the speed. The GPS was used a temporary indicator of the speed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, with a warning light that the front bumper parking sensor was inoperable…
    NHTSA complaint #11715471 · source
  8. Filed Jan 20, 2026121,407 miGABrakesElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while servicing the vehicle, it was discovered that the VIN was included in 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 not made…
    NHTSA complaint #11712030 · source
  9. Filed Jan 6, 2026VABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    My vehicle is included in safety recall 24V-896 for a defective HCU (Hydraulic Control Unit). I have contacted the dealership multiple times, but the replacement part is never available. This recall affects critical safety systems including ABS and Electronic Stability Control. Despite being a safety recall, there is no estimated timeline for repair due to part unavailability. I am concerned about driving a vehicle with an unresolved safety defect. The manufacturer has been…
    NHTSA complaint #11709229 · source
  10. Filed Dec 29, 2025CABrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    Recall C4B with known issue and known remedy but “no parts available.” Contacted RAM and with no parts they have no solution. You can rent an auto out of pocket and possibly be reimbursed. No option for buyback or solution. Recall came out 12/5/2024.
    NHTSA complaint #11707555 · source
  11. Filed Oct 9, 2025GABrakesElectrical System
    After stopping at the local dealer monthly concerning this safety recall I am told every time that the part is not available. I am left driving this truck in an unsafe state and am concerned for public safety as well as my own. No assistance is ever offered and there is no eta on when to expect the needed parts. This is a known issue that a safety recall has been issued for but RAM is taking no action to correct.
    NHTSA complaint #11692245 · source
  12. Filed Oct 6, 2025MOBrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    The Hydraulic brake control has been a recall with no replacement part available for over 2 years and this causes many safety functions to not work properly including trailer braking. They have made parts for a 2500 model but neglected to fix the 3500, 4500 and 5500 models. They will fix it with another faulty sensor and still expect owner to pay a 1700 repair bill even though it’s a recall. It’s ridiculous on the time this is taking.
    NHTSA complaint #11691585 · source

Other 2018 Ram 3500 problem areas

Back to all 2018 Ram 3500 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