2018 Ram 4500
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 8 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle lost motive power.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250627
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250516
3 of 8 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
The Anti-Lock Brake(ABS) & Electronic Stability Control(ESC) warning lights will come on and off during normally driving conditions. When The ESC light comes on the cruise control is non functioning.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240909
1 of 8 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
4X4 DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BROKE AT THE U-JOINT. I'VE ONLY USED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE OPTION 2-3 TIMES AND THE TRANSFER WAS IN 2H AT TIME OF FAILURE. FRONT ALUMINUM WHEELS FRACTURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201008
1 of 8 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
4X4 DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BROKE AT THE U-JOINT. I'VE ONLY USED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE OPTION 2-3 TIMES AND THE TRANSFER WAS IN 2H AT TIME OF FAILURE. FRONT ALUMINUM WHEELS FRACTURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201008
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 17V824000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V100000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V332000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 18V277000 — check if this car was fixed
Excellance, Inc.
Remedy: Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.
Campaign 19V236000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge.
Campaign 21V398000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V896000 — check if this car was fixed
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Ram 4500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V824000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V100000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V277000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V236000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V398000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V896000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2018 Ram 4500 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ram 4500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic, accounting for 63% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 4500 have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.