The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 RAM 1500 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2018 RAM 1500 have filed 50 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 32,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
50
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 1500 | 172 |
| 2015 1500 | 209 |
| 2016 1500 | 188 |
| 2017 1500 | 81 |
| 2018 1500 (this page) | 50 |
| 2019 1500 | 183 |
| 2020 1500 | 59 |
| 2021 1500 | 91 |
3crashes
4injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 50 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV transmissions that have fault codes P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗8-Speed Transmission, Additional Transmission Fluid Leak Inspection/Repair Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗8-Speed Transmission, Additional Transmission Fluid Leak Inspection/Repair Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a pattern of serious powertrain failures across the 2018 Ram 1500 lineup. Crankshaft fractures, snapped piston rods, and tone wheel delamination cause sudden engine stalls—sometimes at highway speeds with no advance warning. Multiple owners report complete engine failure before 100,000 miles; one failure occurred at just 11,900 miles despite documented maintenance. Catastrophic failures followed even after recall-related repairs were applied.
Transmission problems are widespread: vehicles shift into neutral or reverse on their own, refuse to engage the correct gear, or roll uncontrolled when parked. Owners report loss of steering control, locked rear wheels, and brake failure during critical driving moments. One owner nearly rear-ended another vehicle when cruise control resumed unexpectedly during town driving at 15–20 mph.
Cooling system failures—radiator cracks, burst hoses, failed thermostats—plague the fleet, with strong coolant odor inside the cabin reported often enough to cause nausea. The 3.6L engine's cylinder heads fail after overheating, requiring $5,000+ repairs.
Driveshaft separation and rear axle failures cause sudden loss of drive and dangerous handling. Recall parts remain unavailable weeks to months after notices are issued, trapping owners with undrivable vehicles and no rental cars provided. Owners report contradictory information from dealerships and manufacturer; one was told parts are available while the dealership claims they are not. Warranty denials are common, and reimbursement requests for pre-recall out-of-pocket repairs are routinely denied despite documented links to recalls.
Same RAM 1500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Crankshaft and internal engine failure
Crankshaft fracture, snapped piston rods, metal debris in oil, and catastrophic engine seizure, often occurring suddenly while driving. Multiple owners report complete engine failure with no pre-failure warning or access to new parts for replacement engines.
When: 11,900 to 154,000 miles; failures reported across wide mileage range, some very early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shaking and vibration before shutdown; Oil spraying from engine; Engine stalling mid-drive; Low oil pressure warning followed by loss of power; Metal debris visible in oil upon inspection; Engine seized, metal particles in oil
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (generic, cause not always identified before failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; costs not itemized but owners note replacements are under warranty initially, then become customer responsibility. Parts unavailable for some models; discontinued engine further complicates repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 66A (crankshaft sensor) issued, but fix does not prevent catastrophic failure—only allows vehicle not to stop abruptly during failure. Warranty denials reported; reimbursement requests denied despite link to recall. Catastrophic failures reported after recall repairs applied.
Tone wheel (crankshaft position sensor) delamination
Magnetic material on tone wheel delaminating, causing loss of crankshaft position signal, engine stalling, and inability to restart. Can occur on highway and mountain roads with no warning.
When: Early in vehicle life and across various mileages; 38,000 to 90,000+ miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling without warning; Vehicle unable to restart after stall; Sudden shutdown while driving at highway speed; No pre-failure warning lights in some cases
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft position sensor fault, Loss of crankshaft position signal
Repairs/costs cited: Part replacement; owners report paying out-of-pocket when failure occurred before recall notice. Repair costs $1,168 to $1,400+ reported. Parts later became unavailable even after recall issued; extended wait times (up to 6 weeks for correct data download reported). Reimbursement requests denied by manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V-475 and 66A issued; parts unavailable for extended periods. VINs excluded from recall despite identical failures reported in online forums and dealership records. Reimbursement denied for pre-recall out-of-pocket repairs. Recall notice issued without parts in stock.
Driveshaft failure and separation
Driveshaft dropping, separation from vehicle, or incomplete weld failure during normal driving, causing sudden loss of power, dangerous handling, and potential crash hazard.
When: 29,550 miles in one documented case; other mileages vary
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise uphill, whining noise during acceleration; Violent shaking and loud thud during gear engagement; Sparks flying from rear of vehicle; Large metal piece ejected from rear; Driveshaft hanging from vehicle after failure; Loss of steering control, rear wheels lock; Difficult steering and brake response
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replacement and towing required. Owner towed 70+ miles to dealer; repair costs not itemized.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall V48 issued for incomplete weld in driveshaft. Owners report parts not available for weeks despite recall notice, and contradictory information from dealership vs. manufacturer regarding part availability.
Transmission shift failure and unintended gear engagement
Transmission failing to engage correct gear, shifting into neutral or park unexpectedly, or refusing to shift out of park. Vehicle may roll uncontrolled or move when not intended.
When: Across various mileages from 11,000 to 90,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts into reverse or neutral without driver input; Vehicle rolls backward when parked; Shifting into park independently while driving; Loud bangs when attempting to shift; Inability to shift out of park; Transmission indicator shows Drive but vehicle in Neutral; Transmission will not engage reverse after warm-up; Delayed or stuck in neutral position
Codes mentioned: Transmission control malfunction, Electronic transmission fault
Repairs/costs cited: Full rear differential replacement reported in one case (64,605 miles). Other repairs not itemized; dealer delays common with no loaner offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls specifically addressing transmission shift issues noted in narratives. Manufacturer not contacted in most cases; one owner noted VIN not under recall despite failure.
Fuel system failures and fuel pump issues
High-pressure fuel pump shattering, metal debris contaminating fuel system, pump unavailable despite recall listing, or fuel pump handle getting stuck during fueling.
When: Less than 400 miles after fuel pump replacement; other mileages unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light on and will not extinguish; Catastrophic engine failure following fuel pump replacement; Metal debris in fuel system; Fuel pump handle stuck in tank or cut off during fueling; Vehicle unable to start after fuel system work
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (related to fuel or injector issues)
Repairs/costs cited: High-pressure fuel pump replacement; parts unavailable despite recall. Collateral damage includes PCM and injector replacement. Three dealerships unable to diagnose root cause in one case. Owner still waiting for resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Part listed on recall but unavailable. Manufacturer (Stellantis) stated no coverage for collateral damage from faulty fuel pump.
Cooling system failures (radiator, hoses, thermostat)
Radiator cracks, coolant hoses burst, missing radiator bolts, or thermostat failures causing overheating and coolant leaks. Coolant smell inside cabin reported in multiple narratives.
When: 4 years of ownership (warranty-period end) in one case; 86,000 miles reported for one overheating issue
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant smell in cabin (strong enough to cause nausea); Visible coolant leaking from engine area; Engine overheating warnings; Radiator cracked with missing bolt; Hose burst and spraying coolant; Engine stalling due to low coolant
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator and hose replacement; thermostat replacement ($1,400 estimate for cylinder head and water pump repair noted). Multiple thermostat replacements and coolant top-offs attempted before root cause identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial claimed coolant system failures not covered despite only dealership service history. Similar recalls noted for EcoDiesel models (2018 Ram with EcoDiesel Engine).
Cylinder head failure (3.6L engine)
Cylinder heads cracking or failing, often after overheating events. Extremely common issue reported with 3.6L V6 engine across multiple cases.
When: 89,000 miles; occurs after multiple overheating events
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating multiple times; Coolant leaks from cylinder head area; Oil filter housing cracking/leaking (related to cylinder head issues)
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (overheating code)
Repairs/costs cited: $5,000 repair estimate; entire engine rebuild except block required. Oil filter housing cracking costs $1,400 in one case.
Rear axle and differential failures
Rear differential failure, axle actuator breakage, or driveshaft U-joint failure causing loss of drive and handling control.
When: 64,605 miles (rear differential); 77,130 miles (gear shifter independent shift); 90,000 miles (steering actuator broken in half)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unable to move (stuck in snow/normal conditions); Loud banging sounds from rear axle; Vehicle shifts out of gear when lifted on jack; Vehicle moves and falls from jack; Steering fails; vehicle careens off road into barrier
Repairs/costs cited: Full rear differential replacement quoted at $7,500 for Borg Warner 44-44 transfer case in one case; actuator replacement for steering failure. Rear axle replacement quoted at ~$5,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall U88 exists for rear axle defect but VIN exclusion and eligibility confusion reported. One owner told VIN not under active recall despite it falling within stated recall range.
Electronic throttle control and acceleration anomalies
Throttle control malfunction, unintended acceleration, inability to decelerate, cruise control resuming unexpectedly, or loss of power during acceleration.
When: Various mileages; 32,000 miles (transmission neutral shift with strong exhaust odor); 34,000 miles (deceleration during acceleration attempt)
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic throttle control system malfunction warning; Unintended acceleration from cruise control resume; Vehicle fails to accelerate as intended; Vehicle deceleration without driver input; Loss of throttle response; Loud popping sound with jerking; Power loss while attempting to pass (4-second delay reported); Cruise control engaging below 25 MPH threshold
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control System Malfunction alert, Engine System Malfunction alert
Repairs/costs cited: Not itemized; dealer assistance refused in some cases.
Uconnect infotainment system malfunctions
Touchscreen delaminating, system malfunctioning when exposed to moisture (from leaking cab seams), unintended screen changes, radio/volume/seat controls activating on their own, and 911 calls dialing without user input.
When: First few months of ownership (moisture damage from cab seam leaks); across various mileages up to 93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Screen delaminating; System unresponsive or malfunctioning when wet; Screen flashing and changing settings independently; Radio station and volume changing without input; Heated seats and steering wheel activating on their own; Temperature controls adjusting independently; 911 emergency calls dialing while driving (major safety concern); System cannot be shut off once activated; Sensing system not functioning properly
Repairs/costs cited: System replacement; dealership quoted as "very pricey to fix." Moisture caused by manufacturing defect in cab seams (body shop found seams were leaking during manufacturing).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated this is a common problem but did not offer warranty coverage in all cases.
Brake and brake system failures
Brake pedal failing to slow vehicle, loss of braking power, or brake system malfunction during critical moments.
When: At 80 MPH while attempting to pass (one case); during emergency evasion maneuver
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle fails to slow down; Loss of steering control during braking attempt; Vehicle careening off road into barrier wall after brake failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required recovery from barrier; repairs not itemized. Independent mechanic diagnosis: brake actuator broken in half.
Recall parts unavailability and extended delays
Recall parts not in stock, extended wait times (weeks to months) for parts availability, and manufacturer inability to provide timely remedy despite recall issuance.
When: Across multiple recalls and years; one case shows 6-month delays; another shows parts unavailable despite manufacturer stating they are available
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice issued without parts availability; Dealership unable to complete recall repair; Manufacturer and dealership giving conflicting information about part availability; Multiple follow-up contacts needed to track recall status; Vehicle deemed undrivable by manufacturer but no rental provided
Repairs/costs cited: Wait times exceed 2 weeks in most cases; one case shows 6+ weeks waiting for correct software download and part. No loaner vehicles offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaigns (V48, 20V-475, 66A, 73A, U88, etc.) issued but remedy not available or delayed. Manufacturer assistance denied in some cases; one case shows FCA approval for tow but no rental car offered. Parts distribution disconnect noted in one formal complaint.
Active grill shutter malfunction
Active grill shutter motor or wiring defect, causing check engine light and inability to clear code even after part replacement.
When: 52,000 miles (when check engine light first appeared)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on; Code U11E9 for active grill shutter
Codes mentioned: U11E9 - Active grill shutter fault
Repairs/costs cited: New grill shutter part installed but check engine light remains. Issue traced to wiring harness and pigtail design defect connecting to PCM. Further electrical repairs required at significant cost.
Synthesized from 50 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 has continuously had a rampant smell of antifreeze inside the cab of the vehicle which has made me feel sick on occasions…
When driving the check engine light came on, the car slowed up and would not start after. I had the truck towed to the dealership. The service manager told me the high pressure fuel pump shattered and shot metal debris through the system. The High Pressure Fuel Pump is not available even though it is on a recall list. I contacted Chrysler customer service, the representative essentially told me…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2018 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 50 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 17,500 and 77,130 miles, with the median around 32,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,500; a quarter make it past 77,130. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
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.