Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-RAM-1500NHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2018 · RAM
RAM 1500 problems
637 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 5 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
6.0 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 1500?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Electrical system: 136 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 8,400–41,000 mi
Steering: 76 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 38,000–138,000 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
5 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Embed this reliability snapshot
Free to use on your site, post, or video — keep the link back. Preview the widget →
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…
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…
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…
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.
Had a problem with your 2018 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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.
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.
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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 637 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.
Should you avoid the 2018 RAM 1500?
The 2018 RAM 1500 is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 136 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 8,400–41,000 mi; Steering: 76 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 38,000–138,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 5 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
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. Typical failure occurs around 28,111 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 28,111 miles. 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 637 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/RAM/1500.
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.