2018 RAM 2500 Reliability & Recall Report
Based on 10 NHTSA recalls and 2,606 owner complaints. All data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — free, no signup required.
F
10/100
Very High Reported Activity — 2018 RAM 2500
The 2018 RAM 2500 shows very high recall and complaint activity in NHTSA data. Counts are raw and are higher for popular models, so see how we score this below. Review the issues and recalls carefully, and have the vehicle inspected before buying.
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10
NHTSA Recalls
10 recalls on record
2,606
Owner Complaints
Filed with NHTSA
39
Crash Reports
5 fire reports
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NHTSA Recalls — 2018 RAM 2500 (10)
All recalls listed below must be repaired by an authorized RAM dealer at no charge to the owner.
🔧 Steering: Linkages
The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at…
🔧 Latches/Locks/Linkages: Tailgate: Latch
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.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population…
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number…
🔧 Electrical System: Wiring
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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,…
🔧 Steering: Linkages: Drag: Link: Connection
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge….
🔧 Equipment
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at…
🔧 Power Train: Automatic Transmission
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.
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,…
🔧 Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: Control Unit/Module
A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at…
🔧 Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at…
🔧 Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at…
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Most Common Problems — 2018 RAM 2500
Based on 2,606 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Bars show relative complaint frequency.
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RAM 2500 — Complaints by Year
A spike means more owner complaints were filed for that model year. The 2018 model year is highlighted.
→ Recently checked RAM 2500 VINs — free recall, safety and specs report for any VIN.
→ Decode a RAM VIN — free RAM VIN decoder guide: where to find the VIN and what each part means.
⚠ Higher-complaint years: 2018 — These model years have more owner complaints in NHTSA data than the other years compared.
✅ Best model years: 2013, 2015, 2019 — Lowest complaint rates for this model.
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Frequently Asked Questions — 2018 RAM 2500
Is the 2018 RAM 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 RAM 2500 has 10 recall campaigns and 2,606 owner complaints. This model year shows elevated recall or complaint activity — review the details and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How many recalls does the 2018 RAM 2500 have?
The 2018 RAM 2500 has 10 NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include: see recall details above. All recalls are repaired free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 RAM 2500?
The most commonly reported problems for the 2018 RAM 2500 are: Service Brakes, Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control, Steering. See the complaint breakdown above for full details.
Is the 2018 RAM 2500 safe to buy?
The 2018 RAM 2500 has some safety and reliability items to review before buying. Ensure all 10 recalls are completed at a dealer. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly recommended.
What year RAM 2500 should I buy?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the best years for the RAM 2500 are: 2013, 2015, 2019. These show the lowest complaint rates. Years with higher complaint counts: 2018.
How we score this: The score starts at 100 and subtracts points for the number of NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints filed for this model year, and for complaints that report crashes or fires. Newer model years get a small bonus because they have had less time to collect reports. These are raw counts and are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so popular models tend to have more recalls and complaints. Complaints are unverified owner reports. This grade is not a prediction about any individual vehicle and is not an inspection: check a specific car’s VIN for open recalls and get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
Data source: All recall and complaint data is sourced directly from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public API. Data is cached and refreshed every 7 days. Recall and complaint counts reflect data available at the time of last cache update.
For the most current recall status on a specific vehicle, enter the VIN above or visit
NHTSA.gov/recalls.