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 68% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 5500 have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

2018 Ram 5500

○ Not enough data

2018 Ram 5500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:07.833Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 37
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2018: 37 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2008	0
2009	0
2011	0
2012	0
2013	4
2014	11
2015	13
2016	17
2017	21
2018	37
2019	12
2020	8
2021	3
2022	26
2023	0
2024	0
2025	2
2026	0

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

68% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

Subject: Complaint Regarding Delayed Safety Recall Repair â 2018 Ram 5500 (Recall C4B / NHTSA Recall 24V-896) I own a 2018 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, VIN [XXX].

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-28

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, 2023-11-11

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, 2023-10-09

Wheels

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.

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, 2023-09-28

Vehicle speed control

11% · 4 reports

Power train

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive).

Suspension

5% · 2 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The frame has cracked! This isn't the first I've heard about these frames cracking either. There's a lot of complaints online about the Dodge 5500 cracked…

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-23

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-03-27Exterior lighting19V255000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-05-20Exterior lighting19V359000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2025-07-03Recall queryOpen Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Ram 5500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 25 reports on file for this year.
Wheels: 5 reports on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 4 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 18V277000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 19V255000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 19V359000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 21V398000 · Wheels
Recall 24V896000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

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 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 5500 have?: 8 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.