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2018 RAM 1500 engine problems

moderate 106 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
106
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires

When does it fail?

Of the 106 engine complaints filed for the 2018 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.

0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
1 (50%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
1 (50%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.

What stands out

Owners have filed 106 engine complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 106 complaints per campaign.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 20V475000 August 13, 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.

What owners are reporting 4 most recent

engine · filed 12/30/2024

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 dealer stated they have no idea what failed. The engine has not been inspected. The dealer told me I would have to pay…

engine · 104,000 mi · filed 12/28/2023

The contact owns a 2018 RAM 1500. The contact vehicle is related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel system diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and engine cooling). VIN tool confirms there was 2 recalls at this time. However, the contact was driving up an incline at 65mph when the vehicle loss power. There was a strong odor and smoke was observed coming from the back of the vehicle. There…

engine · 26,000 mi · filed 12/27/2019

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v757000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called hernstein Chrysler Dodge Jeep (located at 133 marietta rd, chillicothe, oh 45601, 740-773-2200) and was informed that the part was not…

engine · filed 12/24/2023

Truck is showing code p026c means truck is runing lean and it has to do with the fuel pump recall and parts are not yet available I need this issue fixed because I'll be getting station in germany

Had engine trouble with your 2018 RAM 1500? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2018 RAM 1500?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 106 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 22,150 and 99,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,150; a quarter make it past 99,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/RAM/1500. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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