2018 RAM 1500 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 649 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 15 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2018 RAM 1500 receives a 5.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 649 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 15 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 45,000 miles (IQR: 27,500 – 50,500 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .
15.8 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
15 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“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...”
“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. P...”
“The electronic power steering failed. And its $1300-3600 for the new rack and pinion cause the whole rack needs to be replaced when it fails. First my alternator went out then all of sudden my electronic assisted power steering went out”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“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 viola...”
“Prior to paying cash for this vehicle, I had the dealership connect it to an obd-11 scanner to ensure that there weren't any codes. (I wasn't aware at the time that if the codes were cleared prior to the test drive and before the vehicle was drove a certain amount of miles not...”
“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. P...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“My 2018 Ram 1500 suddenly lost power steering assistance while I was driving, making the steering extremely difficult to turn and creating a significant safety hazard. The power steering stopped working without adequate warning, and I am concerned about the known issues involv...”
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while stopped and attempting to turn left, the steering wheel became firm, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was pulled...”
“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 viola...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“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 viola...”
“>What Failed: There is a known issue with the fuel tank safety roll over value not functioning properly in many of the RAM vehicles. The valve stops functioning properly causing the fuel not to enter the gas tank when trying to fuel up. As you try to fuel, the gas comes sprayi...”
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact owns a fleet of vehicles and after routine inspection of the current vehicle, the contact discovered that the front strap holding up the fuel tank had fractured. Due to the failure, the fuel tank was hanging off the vehicle and was...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“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 di...”
“Prior to paying cash for this vehicle, I had the dealership connect it to an obd-11 scanner to ensure that there weren't any codes. (I wasn't aware at the time that if the codes were cleared prior to the test drive and before the vehicle was drove a certain amount of miles not...”
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and in park(P), the gear shifter could be moved out of the park(P) position without depressing the brake pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle would roll forward which caused a potentia...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“My ABS Control Module on my 2018 Ram 1500 Express has been out for over a year and the part is still on backorder. I need this fixed as it is a safety issue. My ABS, traction control, and emergency brake light is on.”
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and in park(P), the gear shifter could be moved out of the park(P) position without depressing the brake pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle would roll forward which caused a potentia...”
“I have a 2018 RAM 1500 Tradesman 2WD truck that the the ABS warning ligh as well as check engine, brakes warning light keeps staying on. I am very concerned about this as it may cause me to NOT be able to brake in time to. Also the cruise control does not work. I've taken it t...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Air Bag” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag warning light remained illuminated while driving. Additionally, the horn was inoperable while depressed, and th...”
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, his granddaughter smelled an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact looked out of the rearview mirror and saw heavy white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The conta...”
“Steering Gear Rack - Steering control rapidly diminished over a short amount of time. Initially was okay but steering began to intermittently stick and wouldn’t self-center. Issue became nearly full-time within a month. Got to the point that it required a ‘tug’ to re-center. T...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (15)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
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.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
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:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2018 RAM 1500
Before purchasing a used 2018 RAM 1500, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 15 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2018 RAM 1500
Is the 2018 RAM 1500 a reliable used car?
The 2018 RAM 1500 earns a 5.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 649 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2018 RAM 1500?
The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 45,000 miles (IQR: 27,500 – 50,500 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2018 RAM 1500?
Yes, the NHTSA records 15 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.