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 …
2018 ram 1500 powertrain problems
severe 47 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
47
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 th…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 ram 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 47 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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