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ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-RAM-2500NHTSA data synced 6 days ago
RAM
2018 RAM 2500 problems
The 2018 RAM 2500 has 2,491 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns.
The 2018 RAM 2500 has 2,491 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is brakes at 1,592 complaints, typically surfacing around 64,817 miles (~$450 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 2500?
Avoid — the steering
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
1 fatality report and 6 crash-related complaints on the steering
Powertrain: 59 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,000–79,790 mi
Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average
4 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.
Buying a used 2018 RAM 2500? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
brakes — 1592 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,817 mi · ~$450 to fix
electrical — 436 owner reports
· tends to show around 30,747 mi · ~$850 to fix
cruise control — 183 owner reports
· tends to show around 79,667 mi · ~$600 to fix
steering — 83 owner reports
· tends to show around 42,304 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
critical on this model
, showing up around 42,304 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2018 2500· brakes
A recall was issue 1 year ago for the issue below. This issue has yet to be resolved. The dealer informed me they could fix it at my cost but left little or no hope for the reimbursement. One year is sufficient to come up with a fix. I have constant alarms going off on my…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 30-70 MPH from Annapolis to Pennsylvania, the electronic stability control (ESC) warning light started to flash on and off. While driving over a bump in the roadway and while making a turn, the warning light…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The…
Had a problem with your 2018 RAM 2500?
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 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles
A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks
The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.4 out of 10 based on 2,491 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 RAM 2500 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 2500?
On the NHTSA data, the 2018 RAM 2500 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 6 crash-related complaints on the steering; Powertrain: 59 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,000–79,790 mi; Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 RAM 2500?
Inspect the brakes first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 1,592 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,817 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2018 RAM 2500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 2,491 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is brakes. Typical failure occurs around 64,817 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2018 RAM 2500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 1,592 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,817 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 42,304 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my RAM 2500 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 2500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,491 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, 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 6 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/RAM/2500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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