2018 Ram 1500 Problems

What owners reported to NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 1500, its recalls, and what to check before you buy one.

Ram 1500, 2012 to 2018 model years
Photo: Oggy81, CC0
How the 2018 compares

One of the better 1500 years

Owners filed about 38% fewer complaints than a typical 1500 year. The area owners reported most is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 21,000 miles.

Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

Owners have filed 667 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 1500. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (159, 24% of complaints), followed by the engine and cooling and the fuel system. That ranks 9th of 13 1500 years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 15 recalls.

Complaints667filed with NHTSA
Recalls15for this model year
Crashes2525 injuries reported
Fires8reported in complaints

4 of these complaints came from Utah owners.

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Most reported problems

Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2018 Ram 1500 before you buy.

Electrical system

159 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 21,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
  • Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
  • Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster independently enabled the seat adjustments, made phone calls to 9-1-1, and adjusted the side-view mirrors. Additionally, the instrument cluster independently activated and deactivated the heat and air conditioning…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 58,000 miles
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 63,676; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 105,521 miles

Engine and cooling

153 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 49,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
  • Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
  • Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
  • Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.

Tools that help

What owners said

EGR cooler failed while driving on May 29, 2026. Towed truck to Greenville Chrysler that day. EGR cooler, melted intake manifold and melted wiring harness are being replaced. Service Advisor says "Safety Recall VB1 / NHTSA 19V-757 Diesel EGR Cooler" was accomplished in 2021. Per the Recall, the EGR cooler is replaced with a new part…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I have a 2018 Ram 1500 ecodiesel with the 2nd gen 3.0L V6 diesel engine. This engine has a well known defect causing the tone wheel to delaminate and stall the engine. This is what happened to me and the dealership is telling me I need my tone wheel and position sensor replaced. Per what you have put out [XXX] My truck should be covered…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 139,005 miles

Fuel system

140 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 62,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
  • On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
  • Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

I am filing a formal complaint regarding a FAILED RECALL REMEDY and subsequent CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE creating a severe fire hazard on my 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.In April, the official Z46 High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) recall repair was completed on my vehicle. Within one month of the repair, the Check Engine Light illuminated. I returned…Owner complaint, filed 2026
This a Petition being filed and related to NHTSA Compl# 1827216. Petitioner respectfully submits this Petition to the NHTSA and requests a hearing to determine if Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) by and/or through its authorized dealer Hanania CDJR of Palm Coast (Hanania CDJR) has violated the 49 U.S.C 30120, or other applicable law, and where…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Steering

90 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 75,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
  • On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
  • A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

1. The electronic power steering system on my 2018 Dodge Ram began malfunctioning intermittently, with the power steering going in and out, before eventually failing completely. I was informed that due to the design of the system, the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the design. 2. The intermittent steering…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I have a 2018 ram 1500 express my electricinic power steering is binding and causing my truck to jerk when I correct it while driving. I have noticed that there are recalls for the same issue on previous years(2015-2017) and on years after (2019-2021) models. Please investigate why 2018 isnt showing an open or active recall.Owner complaint, filed 2026

Transmission and drivetrain

60 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 24,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
  • Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
  • Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
  • If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Brakes and stability control

52 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
  • The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
  • Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact retrieved information about a recall with a similar failure; however, the recall information was unknown. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 76,000 miles
UNKNOWN. 2018 RAM 1500 5.7 ABS CONTROL MODULE internal malfunction code C2200-49. A known malfunction in many ram 1500. Already recalled in RAM 2500 to 5500. Part is on Back order with no known eta. Why is the 1500 excluded from the recall...Owner complaint, filed 2026

Cruise control and acceleration

31 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 23,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
  • Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 20,000 miles
Cruise control on 65mph going down hill. Transmission dropped into a lower gear. Vehicle immediately slowed down immediately by probably 20-30 mph. Everything in vehicle was thrown forward. I struggled to keep control and thought I was going to roll and crash off of roadway, or hit another vehicle. This was not a problem for two years…Owner complaint, filed 2021

Lights, wipers and visibility

26 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
  • Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that water was leaking into the cabin from the rear center 3rd brake light. In addition, the contact stated that the moisture from the leaking from the 3rd brake light caused the front windshield to fog up and obstruct the view while driving. The contact stated that the screws used to…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 12,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon inspection it was discovered that the plastic components inside the headlight housing had melted in the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlight assemblies. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine what caused the components to melt. The…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 50,300 miles

Driver assist systems

25 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 40,000 miles. Parts named most: Warnings (5), Automatic emergency braking (5).

What to check before you buy

  • Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
  • Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
  • Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-up camera intermittently malfunctioned and displayed a black screen, causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified but no assistance was offered. The contact was…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while shifted in reverse, the rearview camera displayed a blue or distorted screen. The contact stated that an un-named dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to not take the vehicle in to be diagnosed since the VIN was not included in a…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 95,000 miles

Suspension

22 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 12,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
  • Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
  • Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.

Tools that help

What owners said

I bought my vehicle 10 months ago the Ram 1500 rebel 2018 without knowing its suspensions issues when the cold weather started my air suspension issues started I wen to the dealer they couldn’t do anything about the price to fix is to much to pay at once out pocket for something much rams rebels go through in this case mine the worst…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Automatic Air Suspension defective. Truck back 2 wheels remains in "off road" mode while the front 2 tires remain in" plant" mode. Brought to carmax after owning for a month. they brought to dealer where is was serviced and fixed at the time. same issue is ongoing after now 2nd attempt to fix. replaced relay part and broke a week later.…Owner complaint, filed 2022

Air bags

19 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 28,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
  • Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.

Tools that help

What owners said

With in only a month and a half of buying the vehicle the suspension system goes to exit/entry height and will not increase in height even though the compressor is onOwner complaint, filed 2024
Air Bag light on in vehicle Dealership recommended replacing airbag sensor and wiring cost $1400.00 Truck never involved in accident airbag never deployed truck has 61000 ? Why is stellantis not responsible for fixing issue It’s a SAFETY issue ! Are Airbags like tires need to replace after 61000Owner complaint, filed 2023

Body, doors and structure

19 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 15,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (15).

What to check before you buy

  • Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
  • Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
  • Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.

Tools that help

What owners said

The strap that holds the gas tank has come loose from the frame causing the gas tank to drop. I took it to a mechanic for repairs and he told me that he was unable to repair it because the the frame was rotted out and there was no where to hook it back to the frame. He told me that there was a recall on my truck I should reach out to you…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Tailgate on truck will randomly open, including while driving. This can cause debris in the bed to become unsecure and fall out of the back. I have had this happen several times in the past. Most recently it fell while I had my trailer on cause damage to the tailgate which will now need replacing.Owner complaint, filed 2023

Seats and seat belts

15 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 31,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
  • Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact referenced an…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 60,000 miles
The driver-side seatbelt material ripped in half so there is no longer a seat belt on the driver's side of the vehicle. One week later the passenger side ripped in half in the same spot on the belt. Neither have been repaired or replaced due to lack of money and because there was no accident insurance will not cover them.Owner complaint, filed 2024

Wheels and tires

9 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 8,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
  • Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
  • The tire pressure light should go out after startup.

Tools that help

What owners said

275/60/R20 115T I noticed my vehicle was shaky or wobbly when I was driving it and I thought it was because my tires were under inflated or over inflated even though they were reading normal when I went to check the tire, I noticed the left half of the tire was larger than the other half of the tire all the way aroundOwner complaint, filed 2023
All 4 tires have cracks at or near the bead and getting worse. 22655 miles on the tires that were factory installed at truck purchase. P27560R20. Rotated every 8000 miles and pressure is checked weekly to maintain inflation.Owner complaint, filed 2021

Ram 1500 complaints by year

Compare the 2018 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.

Compare with similar 2018 full-size trucks

Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.

CarVs. its other yearsRecallsMost reported
2018 Ram 1500One of the better years15Electrical system
2018 Ford F-150Worse than most years19Transmission and drivetrain
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500One of the better years7Transmission and drivetrain
2018 GMC Sierra 1500One of the better years7Transmission and drivetrain
Compare side by side

2018 Ram 1500 recalls

This is every recall issued for the 2018 Ram 1500, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.

Air bags Inflator

Sep 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V592000
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Air bags Inflator

Jan 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V010000
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Engine and cooling

Jun 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V411000
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Fuel system Fuel pump

Jun 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V406000
Risk
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.

Air bags Inflator

Aug 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V632000
Risk
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Engine and cooling Diesel

Aug 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V475000
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost…
Full recall summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Engine and cooling Gas recirculation valve

Oct 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V757000
Risk
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.

Doors, hood and latches

May 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V347000
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.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Transmission and drivetrain Driveshaft

Apr 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V324000
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.
Fix
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Transmission and drivetrain Axle assembly

Aug 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V556000
Risk
If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level.
Full recall summary

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.

Electrical system Front underhood

Aug 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V524000
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Backup camera

Jun 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V398000
Risk
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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."

Electrical system Wiring

May 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V332000
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.
Fix
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.
Full recall summary

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.

Transmission and drivetrain

May 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V280000
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.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Transmission and drivetrain

Feb 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V100000
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.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software.
Full recall summary

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.

2018 Ram 1500 questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ram 1500?

The most reported problem areas on the 2018 Ram 1500 are the electrical system (159 complaints), the engine and cooling (153 complaints) and the fuel system (140 complaints).

Is the 2018 Ram 1500 a good year to buy?

One of the better 1500 years. Owners filed about 38% fewer complaints than a typical 1500 year. The area owners reported most is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 21,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 1500 have?

NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2018 Ram 1500. The most recent, from Sep 2025, covers the inflator. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.

At what mileage do 2018 Ram 1500 problems start?

Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 21,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 49,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.

Which Ram 1500 years should I avoid?

The 1500 years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2014. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.

Looking at a 2018 Ram 1500?

We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.

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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.