2018 Ram 5500
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 19 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
31% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Twice in the past year I have experienced a loss of the ABS braking system. Warning messages appear to service the ABS braking system as well as a general braking system malfunction. This loss of ABS is intermittent.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231111
Abs/Hcs module failed causing intermittent braking issues along with intermittent warning light. Had to replace both the pump and module to resolve the issue. Over $1500 in repair.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231009
29% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 10 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: wheels — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230928
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
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
Blanchat Mfg., Inc. (Blanchat) is recalling one 2018 B-27 Minuteman vehicle built on a RAM 5500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063.
Remedy: Blanchat has notified the owner, and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.
Campaign 19V255000 — check if this car was fixed
Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling one 2018 Dodge 5500-based fire truck equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Remedy: Unruh Fire has notified the owner and will provide replacement brake lights, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
Campaign 19V359000 — 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 5500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (4 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 19V255000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V359000 (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 5500 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 5500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 5500 have?
8 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.