2018 Ram 2500

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2018 Ram 2500
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
2,574
Recalls
10

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

91% of complaints

Complaints per year

2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 178 complaints 2014: 341 complaints 2015: 215 complaints 2015 2016: 258 complaints 2017: 690 complaints 2018: 2,574 complaints 2018 2,574 2019: 193 complaints 2020: 162 complaints 2021: 108 complaints 2021 2022: 178 complaints 2023: 49 complaints 2024: 58 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 26 complaints
2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2013: 178 complaints 2013 2014: 341 complaints 2015: 215 complaints 2015 2016: 258 complaints 2017: 690 complaints 2018: 2,574 complaints 2018 2,574 2019: 193 complaints 2020: 162 complaints 2021: 108 complaints 2021 2022: 178 complaints 2023: 49 complaints 2023 2024: 58 complaints 2025: 62 complaints 2025 2026: 26 complaints
2009: 5 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 178 complaints 2013 2014: 341 complaints 2014 2015: 215 complaints 2015 2016: 258 complaints 2016 2017: 690 complaints 2017 2018: 2,574 complaints 2018 2,574 2019: 193 complaints 2019 2020: 162 complaints 2020 2021: 108 complaints 2021 2022: 178 complaints 2022 2023: 49 complaints 2023 2024: 58 complaints 2024 2025: 62 complaints 2025 2026: 26 complaints 2026

2018: 2,574 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20095
20100
20110
20120
2013178
2014341
2015215
2016258
2017690
20182,574
2019193
2020162
2021108
2022178
202349
202458
202562
202626

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

91% · 2,341 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-15

Also filed under Electrical system

ABS system failure, recirculation pump failure, code C0020, Ran off road while ABS and traction control was off during wet conditions. Unsafe to drive due to safety failure on ABS.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-13

Also filed under Electrical system and forward collision avoidance

Tl* the contact owned a 2018 Dodge pro-master Ram 2500. The contact stated he started the vehicle and released the emergency brake, upon exiting and returning to the vehicle noticed that the vehicle ahd rolled away down a hill and made a right turn.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-02-19

Electrical system

18% · 474 reports

Most commonly citing integrated trailer brake control and software.

CRASH

Vehicle speed control

13% · 341 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASH

Forward collision avoidance

10% · 245 reports

Most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

CRASH

Steering

3% · 85 reports

Most commonly citing connection and critical fasteners.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Safety timeline

10 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2018Complaint volume 2,574 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2018-02-14Equipment17V824000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.

  3. R
    2018-02-26Power train18V100000 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.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018.

  4. R
    2018-06-04Electrical system, vehicle speed control18V332000 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...

    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.

  5. R
    2018-08-02Back over prevention18V398000 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.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U56.

  6. R
    2018-12-03Steering18E096000 Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks.

    Remedy: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.

  7. I
    2018-12-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2019-12-12 Steering loss due to linkage separation
  8. R
    2019-03-22Steering19V021000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019.

  9. R
    2019-05-23Latches/locks/linkages19V347000 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.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019.

  10. I
    2019-12-01Engineering analysisClosed 2025-11-20 Steering loss due to linkage separation
  11. I
    2022-11-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2025-03-03 Loss of Brake Performance
  12. R
    2025-01-09Service brakes, hydraulic24V896000 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025.

  13. R
    2025-02-13Air bags25V010000 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.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

  14. I
    2025-07-03Recall queryOpen Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
  15. R
    2025-09-25Air bags25V592000 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.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Ram 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 2,341 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 474 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 341 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 17V824000 · Equipment
  • Recall 18V100000 · Power train
  • Recall 18V332000 · Electrical system, vehicle speed control
  • Recall 18V398000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 18E096000 · Steering
  • Recall 19V021000 · Steering
  • Recall 19V347000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 24V896000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 25V010000 · Air bags
  • Recall 25V592000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Ram 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Ram 2500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ram 2500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 91% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 2500 have?
10 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.