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ProblemsByVin File / 2018-RAM-1500
2018 · ram

ram 1500 problems

5 safety recalls. 628 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.0 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
136 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
103 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
72 reports · avg $700
severe
powertrain
47 reports · avg $2,500
severe
fuel system
43 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
brakes
26 reports · avg $450
severe
suspension
19 reports · avg $900
severe
airbags
15 reports · avg $1,100
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 1500 · powertrain
I purchased a new 2018 Ram Truck with an ECO Diesel engine. The engine has undergone multiple recall repairs including one for the EGR that could cause a potential fire hazard. The truck has been in service for multiple engine related issues since I purchased the vehicle. It…
12/31/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562811.0
2018 1500 · engine
Engine started knocking at 65mph. Slowed to find a safe place to pull out of traffic lane. Before pulling over engine stopped but was able to get completely off the road. My safety was not directly at risk but had to wait at the side of the road for 4 hours waiting for tow. The…
12/30/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633278.0
2018 1500 · brakes
During a road trip we exited the highway and suddenly we have a flat tire on Front right of vehicle. We saw no object in the tire it was just flat. We change the tire with our spare and got back on the road on the way home. After the first flat the Service Antilock Braking…
12/30/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562759.0
2018 1500 · suspension
FOG LIGHT HOUSING BRACKET IS WORN DOWN, CAUSING FOG LIGHT TO MOVE AROUND/BOUNCE LIGHT BEAM WHILE DRIVING. CAUSING DISTRACTION TO OTHER DRIVERS. FRONT SUSPENSION (AIR LEVELING SUSPENSION) BOTTOMS OUT TO BUMP STOPS WHILE DRIVING.
12/30/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385707.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 5

severe NHTSA 18V398000 14/06/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles

A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 for this recall is U56.
severe NHTSA 20V475000 13/08/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
severe NHTSA 25V592000 11/09/2025

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles

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. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.
View all 5 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2018 RAM 1500 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 628 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 RAM 1500 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 RAM 1500?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 136 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my RAM 1500 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 RAM 1500?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 628 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ram. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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