2018 Ram 4500
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2018: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
9 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle has an active recall open on it (confirmed by local dealership, NHTSA webform, and directly with Ram/Stellantis) that was opened in 2024 and currently has no remedy available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-27
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, 2024-09-09
Wheels
1 of 9 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, 2020-10-08
Also filed under Power train
Steering
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering.
Power train
1 of 9 total reports mentions: power train.
Forward collision avoidance
1 of 9 total reports mentions: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking.
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2018-06-19Service brakes, hydraulic18V277000 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.
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2019-03-21Exterior lighting19V236000 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.
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2021-08-26Wheels21V398000 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.
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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.
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2025-07-03Recall queryOpen Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Ram 4500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report 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 18V277000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 19V236000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 21V398000 · Wheels
- Recall 24V896000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
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, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 4500 have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.