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ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-RAM-2500NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2018 · RAM
RAM 2500 problems
2,454 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
5.4 / 10
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: 56 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.
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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.
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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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.4 out of 10 based on 2,454 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: 56 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's the most common problem on the 2018 RAM 2500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 1,562 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,980 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 2,454 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 4 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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