Car Yearsto Avoid

2018 Ram 1500 Problems

What owners have reported about the 2018 Ram 1500, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2018 Ram 1500 a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 664 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 15 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, engine and fuel system.

664 complaints 15 recalls, 1 fire risk 8th worst of 15 1500 years

Top 2018 Ram 1500 problems

1

Electrical problems

159 complaints (24%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and alternator / generator / regulator.

Complaints 159 · Usually at 9,000–47,000 miles · Recall 18V524000, 18V332000

2

Engine problems

153 complaints (23%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and crank / camshaft position sensor.

Complaints 153 · Usually at 19,000–93,000 miles · Recall 23V411000, 20V475000, 19V757000

3

Fuel system problems

140 complaints (21%) name the fuel system, most often the fuel pump and filler pipe and cap.

Complaints 140 · Usually at 16,000–81,000 miles · Recall 22V406000

4

Steering problems

88 complaints (13%) name the steering, most often the electric power assist system and rack and pinion.

Complaints 88 · Usually at 34,000–121,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 23%
Unknown or Other 14%
Steering 13%
Transmission 9%
Brakes 7%
Acceleration 5%
Suspension 3%
Airbags 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (206 of 664). The amber line is the middle value, about 37,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2018 Ram 1500 recalls

Inflator

The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C.

Recall 25V592000 · Sep 2025

Inflator

The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

Recall 25V010000 · Jan 2025

Engine

Can stall

0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.

Recall 23V411000 · Jun 2023

Fuel pump

Can stall

0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation. Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge.

Recall 22V406000 · Jun 2022

Inflator, Curtain

The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture. A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge.

Recall 21V632000 · Aug 2021

Engine may stall due to sensor defect

Can stall

A part called the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel can come apart, which may cause the engine to lose timing and stall while you are driving. A sudden stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will update the engine control software so the car can keep running by using the camshaft signal if the crankshaft signal is lost, and this repair is free.

Recall 20V475000 · Aug 2020

Engine coolant leak can cause a fire

Fire risk

The EGR cooler in these 0L Eco Diesel engines can crack, letting hot coolant mix into the engine's intake air, where it may ignite inside the intake manifold. That combustion can start a fire under the hood.

Fix: A dealer will replace the EGR cooler and inspect and, if needed, replace the intake manifold, all free of charge.

Recall 19V757000 · Oct 2019

Latch

Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving. If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019.

Recall 19V347000 · May 2019

Driveshaft

Can stall

The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing. A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The FCA US recall number is V48.

Recall 19V324000 · Apr 2019

Rear axle may lose oil and fail

Crash risk

The rear differential may not have enough lubricating oil from the factory, which can cause it to fail. If that happens, the rear wheels can lose drive or lock up, raising the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will check the rear axle oil level for free and replace any axle that has too little oil, at no cost to you.

Recall 18V556000 · Aug 2018

Front underhood

Can stall

The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition. A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge.

Recall 18V524000 · Aug 2018

Backup camera can lose its image

Crash risk

The rearview camera may stop showing a picture while you are backing up, so you cannot see what is behind the vehicle. That loss of view raises the chance of a crash, and the vehicles also do not meet a federal rearview mirror safety standard.

Fix: Your dealer will replace the rearview mirror at no cost to you.

Recall 18V398000 · Jun 2018

Cruise control may not switch off

Crash risk

A short in the wiring can keep the cruise control engaged even when you press the brake or turn the system off, so the car may hold its speed or speed up. This raises the risk of a crash, so stop using cruise control until the repair is done.

Fix: The dealer will update the engine or powertrain control software at no charge.

Recall 18V332000 · May 2018

Automatic transmission

Can stall

An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission. If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge.

Recall 18V280000 · May 2018

Automatic transmission

Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition. Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V100000 · Feb 2018
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2018 Ram 1500 gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 Ram 1500, you'll hear about it the same week.

One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

1500 years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2014 1500 1,773
2016 1500 1,549
2019 1500 1,492
2015 1500 1,457
2013 1500 1,279
2017 1500 882
2021 1500 683
2018 1500 664
2020 1500 639
2022 1500 624
2025 1500 360
2023 1500 203
2026 1500 101

2018 Ram 1500 problems by system

Common questions

Is the 2018 Ram 1500 a reliable year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 664 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 15 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, engine and fuel system.

What are the most common 2018 Ram 1500 problems?

Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, engine, fuel system and steering. 159 complaints (24%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and alternator / generator / regulator.

At what mileage do 2018 Ram 1500 electrical system problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 9,000–47,000 miles, with a middle value near 23,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 1500 have?

15. Inflator (25V592000); Inflator (25V010000); Engine (23V411000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2018 Ram 1500?

Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2009, 2024 and 2026 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.