2018 RAM 2500 powertrain problems
severe 56 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Of the 11 model years of RAM 2500 we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 56.
Owners have filed 56 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 RAM 2500 powertrain shows a cluster of critical failures owners describe as recurring across the model line. The most widespread complaint involves the ABS/traction control hydraulic control unit (HCU), cited in dozens of narratives. Owners report intermittent ABS and traction control lights that progress to permanent system failure, disabling cruise control and four-wheel drive. One owner calculated "hundreds if not thousands" experiencing identical failure. Parts are on NHTSA engineering hold or restricted, with dealers unable to source replacements despite an open recall initiated November 2024.
Transmission problems appear in roughly half the complaints: hard shifts, slipping, delayed engagement, and complete failure at relatively low mileage (36,000 to 92,000 miles). One owner replaced the transmission four times in 16 months. One case involved the shifter cable disconnecting; another involved the transmission refusing to park, causing the vehicle to roll uncontrolled into a pond while parked.
A law enforcement vehicle documented four PCM failures in under a year—each causing complete engine shutdown with loss of brakes and steering assist, creating dangerous loss-of-control situations at highway speeds. Three PCM replacements did not fix the recurring problem.
Additional defects include DPF regeneration stalling 3-6 times daily, engine stalls without warning, brake locking and failure while towing, and a fuel line fire while towing with only 555 miles on the vehicle. Owners consistently cite unavailable parts, extended wait times, dealers unable to troubleshoot, and manufacturer non-responsiveness as obstacles to repair.
Same RAM 2500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Loss of Communication
Complete loss of PCM communication causing engine shutdown, inability to start, and loss of braking and steering assist. Occurs without warning during normal driving. Vehicle becomes undrivable and requires towing. One documented case involved a law enforcement vehicle that experienced this failure four times over approximately one year, with the vehicle losing brakes and steering control while operating at speed.
When: Multiple occurrences: November 2020, July 2021, August/September 2021, November 2021; under 73,000 miles in the documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of PCM communication; Engine shutdown/stall; Vehicle will not start; Multiple warning lights illuminated; Loss of brakes; Loss of steering assist; Instrument cluster remains on
Codes mentioned: PCM failure
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement (replaced three times in one case without resolving the issue)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; RAM dealerships (Flower Motors in Montrose CO, Berthod Motors in Glenwood Springs CO) performed replacements but failures recurred
ABS/Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control System Failure (HCU-related)
Intermittent to permanent failure of the Anti-Lock Brake System, Traction Control, and Electronic Stability Control due to brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) malfunction. Owners report warning lights and chimes, loss of ABS functionality, inability to use cruise control, and in some cases sudden loss of all braking. Initial symptom is typically intermittent loss of ABS/traction control that progresses to permanent failure. Parts remain on back order or restricted with no repair timeline available from manufacturer.
When: Issues begin at various mileages: 32,390 miles, reported at 53,000 miles, 111,223 miles, 125,000 miles; many cases within or just outside warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: Service ABS light illuminated; Service Anti-Lock Brake System message displayed; Traction Control light on; Electronic Stability Control warning; Cruise control disabled; Intermittent loss of braking function; Wheel locking on wet pavement; Loss of four-wheel drive function; Constant warning chimes; Brake warning lights flashing; Loss of motive power while braking
Codes mentioned: C0020-01 (ABS Pump Motor Control - General Electric Failure), Active wheel speed sensor fault, Anti-Lock Brake Module fault
Repairs/costs cited: HCU/ABS pump module replacement needed; dealers report parts are on engineering hold due to NHTSA investigation, unavailable, or restricted with no availability date. Estimates cited range from $1500-$2000 for repair. One owner reported waiting 8 months for parts while being charged $1500+ diagnostic fee.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall CB4 initiated November 2024 for 2017-2018 model vehicles regarding HCU susceptibility to failure. Campaign Number 20V036000 (Power Train). Parts unavailable as of complaint dates despite recall notification. Owners report contacting Mopar monthly with no status updates on parts availability. Class action lawsuits initiated against Chrysler in California.
Transmission Shifting Problems and Slippage
Owners report hard shifting, gear slipping, delayed shifts, or inability to shift into reverse or drive. Issues range from annoying hard shifts to complete transmission failure. One owner replaced transmission four times in approximately 16 months; another experienced transmission failure while making a left turn in traffic. Transmissions failing prematurely at relatively low mileage.
When: Issues reported across wide mileage range: 36,000 miles, 53,000 miles, 79,790 miles, 92,000 miles, 100,000+ miles; one case involved new transmission failing after service
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, slamming shifts; Transmission slipping; Delayed gear engagement; Unable to shift into reverse; Unable to shift into drive; Gear shift lever position does not match actual transmission gear; Transmission refusing to engage park; Transmission staying in gear too long; Transmission shifting gears too quickly; Clunking noises from transmission; Transmission hot message displayed; Loss of motive power during acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0729 (5th and 6th gear ratio issue), P0735 (5th and 6th gear ratios issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement performed multiple times in some cases. One owner had four transmission replacements in 16 months totaling approximately $15,000 in repairs plus rental vehicle costs. Dealers offering to purchase affected used trucks at significantly reduced values ($7500 for vehicle that cost $33,000).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued per owners. Campaign Number 20V036000 (Power Train) mentioned in one case but failure occurred after recall repair. Warranty denials reported due to mileage or timing just outside warranty period.
Transmission Shifter Failure (Mechanical)
Transmission shifter cable disconnects or shifter physically separates, preventing ability to shift gears. In one case, shifter moved without brake depressed while engine off. In another case, shifter separated into two pieces.
When: 30,000 miles; failures reported on G56-equipped trucks 2017-2018 model years
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifter cable disconnected from transmission; Gear shift lever moves without brake depressed; Gear shift lever position does not match actual transmission gear; Shifter physically separated into two pieces; Unable to shift transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter cable replacement or shifter replacement required. One owner notes replacement part is 'just as faulty' as original.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Partial recall: Customer Satisfaction Notification T-13 issued for 2015-2016 G56-equipped RAM trucks, but 2017-2018 trucks with same shifter issue not covered by this recall despite identical design problem.
Parking Brake/Park Engagement Failure
Vehicle shifts out of park while parked or fails to engage park properly, causing unintended vehicle movement. One vehicle rolled down driveway into pond while parked; another vehicle moved forward on driveway while parked.
When: 13,200 miles (pond incident)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts into neutral while parked; Vehicle fails to engage park properly; Unintended vehicle movement while parked; No warning indicators illuminated before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Brake transmission shift interlock replacement performed in one case. Another case was awaiting diagnostic testing at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in both cases. One case awaiting field inspector diagnostic; other repaired.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Regeneration Stall
Engine dies approximately 70% of the time when vehicle comes to a stop during DPF regeneration cycle. Occurs multiple times daily, causing traffic backups and near-miss collision incidents. Issue persists despite extensive dealer service attempts.
When: Started at 112,000 miles; occurs 3-6 times daily
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls during regeneration cycle at stops; Traffic backups caused by stalling; Near-miss rear-end collision from other driver
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle in and out of dealer (Young Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram, Richard Lindema Shop) for 6 weeks totaling $22,000 in repair bills with issue unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Described by owner as 'known problem that Dodge doesn't know how to fix' based on diesel forum discussions
Engine Stall/Loss of Power
Engine stalls or shuts off without warning during driving at highway speeds or during acceleration. Vehicle may restart normally or require multiple restart attempts. Loss of turbo boost reported in one case.
When: 16,500 miles; reported at various speeds and operating conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Engine shuts off while driving; Reduced ability to accelerate up hills; Loss of turbo boost/power; Vehicle rolls instead of propelling forward; Check engine light illuminated; Turbo does not engage
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement performed in one case (57 miles on vehicle, PCM held open #7 injector constantly). Other cases not yet diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case involved PCM on national back-order; part released after 1-week wait and vehicle repaired. Other cases not made aware to manufacturer.
Brake System Intermittent Failure and Locking
Brakes fail to respond appropriately, lock up unexpectedly, or require multiple applications to stop vehicle. One owner experienced locked wheels on wet pavement while towing trailer; another experienced sudden braking while depressing pedal.
When: Various mileages reported; issue worsened over time in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes engage intermittently while depressing pedal; Wheels lock on wet pavement; Brakes fail momentarily while towing; Brake pedal goes to floor without braking; Unequal brake pull; Clicking sound accompanied by inoperable brakes; Sudden braking while depressing pedal
Codes mentioned: C0020-01
Repairs/costs cited: Rear wheel speed sensor replacement performed but reoccurred; ABS/HCU replacement needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to HCU failure and CB4 Recall
Transmission Fluid Leak/Fire
Transmission fluid leak leading to fire while towing. Vehicle purchased with 555 miles, caught fire within one week of purchase while towing and driving below speed limit. Fluid squirted out across engine onto ground with flames on firewall.
When: Within one week of purchase; vehicle had only 555 miles; occurred while towing
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while towing; Smoke visible in rear view mirror; Transmission fluid leaking across engine; Flames on firewall; Engine fire
Repairs/costs cited: Owners extinguished fire themselves; insurance investigator and Chrysler investigation determined defective transmission line as cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Both insurance and Chrysler investigation confirmed warranty issue and defective transmission line
Four-Wheel Drive System Failure
Four-wheel drive system fails to engage or malfunctions. Owner received Service 4x4 System message with only 5,000 miles on new truck.
When: 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service 4X4 System message displayed; 4X4 will not engage; 4-wheel drive not functioning properly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer appointment pending for diagnosis at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue covered under warranty given low mileage
Fuel System/Injector Defect
PCM failure causing fuel injector to remain open, causing raw fuel to exit tailpipe and vehicle to die.
When: 57 miles on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle dies while parked idling; Raw fuel running out of tailpipe; Will not restart
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement (1-week wait for part release from national back-order). Injector held open by PCM malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Part was on national back-order; released for warranty repair
Rear End Vibration
Rear end vibration persisting after multiple repair attempts and parts replacements. Owner has had two major rear-end repairs; vibration testing equipment identified issue as rear end.
When: After rear-end repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Persistent vibration after rear-end repair; Vibration continues after tire replacement; Vibration continues after rim replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple tires and rims replaced; rear-end repair completed twice; none resolved issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM refuses to acknowledge issue or provide resolution
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Defect
Transmission shift interlock fails to function properly, allowing gear shifter to move without brake pedal depressed while engine is off.
When: 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter moves with engine off without brake pedal depressed; Vehicle fails to start; Shifter can be moved freely
Repairs/costs cited: Brake transmission shift interlock replacement performed at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; part replaced under warranty
Turbocharger Failure/Loss of Boost
Loss of turbo boost power while towing heavy load, causing truck to lose speed and ability to safely operate.
When: Timing not specified; occurs while hauling heavy load
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of turbo power on highway; Unable to maintain speed up hill; Check engine light illuminated; Turbo does not kick on
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet repaired due to owner financial constraints; presumed to be turbo/turbo actuator issue
Infotainment Touchscreen Delamination and Malfunction
Touchscreen display delaminates and randomly self-selects buttons causing unintended vehicle functions and driver distraction. Adhesive fails to withstand cabin heat.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen delaminated; Random button selection; Self-activation of phone call cancellation; Self-activation of backup camera; Unintended vehicle commands; Driver distraction from frequent button cancellations
Repairs/costs cited: Manufacturer requesting over $1500 for replacement, claiming broken/cracked glass; actual issue is adhesive failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer unresponsive to owner complaints; refusing to acknowledge adhesive defect
Transmission Failure with Traction Control Interaction
Transmission issues appear linked to ABS/traction control failures. Owner reports traction control malfunction causing improper transmission shifting; traction control disabling via light causes transmission to shift correctly.
When: Prior to complaint date; ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission won't shift right when traction control on at 60+ mph; Transmission shifting problems related to ABS light activation; Hard transmission shifts correlate with ABS/traction control warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement performed; owner operates with traction control disabled to avoid shifting problems
DEF System Failure and Limp Mode
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system failure causing vehicle to enter limp mode and limiting performance.
When: 36,000 miles (within 5 miles of warranty expiration)
Symptoms owners cite: DEF failure notice displayed; Vehicle entering limp mode; Multiple limp mode occurrences
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership wants 8-month wait for part and $1500+ charge for diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty reportedly issued by factory for ABS issues but dealership claims no knowledge of extended warranty coverage
Engine Fan Shroud Failure (Mechanical)
Engine fan sucks in fan shroud while towing, cutting shroud into pieces that puncture radiator causing complete coolant loss.
When: During towing heavy load (5th wheel trailer)
Symptoms owners cite: Fan sucked in fan shroud; Shroud cut into large chunks; Chunks flew into radiator; Radiator punctured; Complete coolant loss; Family stranded on roadside
Repairs/costs cited: Described as widespread issue across 4th generation RAM trucks per internet forum research
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite being described as recurring issue across model line
Synthesized from 56 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 RAM 2500?
It's a meaningful issue. 56 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 9,000 and 79,790 miles, with the median around 16,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,000; a quarter make it past 79,790. 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.