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ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-RAM-3500NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
RAM
2018 RAM 3500 problems
The 2018 RAM 3500 has 781 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 11 active recall campaigns.
The 2018 RAM 3500 has 781 NHTSA owner complaints and 11 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is brakes at 463 complaints, typically surfacing around 68,981 miles (~$450 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
11
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 3500?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Steering: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 8,000–40,000 mi
Reliability score 4.6/10 — below the segment average
11 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 3500? 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 — 463 owner reports
· tends to show around 68,981 mi · ~$450 to fix
electrical — 124 owner reports
· tends to show around 42,163 mi · ~$850 to fix
cruise control — 58 owner reports
· tends to show around 39,546 mi · ~$600 to fix
steering — 34 owner reports
· tends to show around 31,128 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 31,128 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 11 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 4.6/10 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 3500· brakes
While driving the ABS and traction control warning flashes and dings with every small bump that is hit. Confirmed HCU unit by stans garage in Duncanville tx
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated, and the cruise control mode was inoperable. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brakes made an abnormal rumbling sound as if the brakes were applied at an…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available.…
Service Electronic Brake System Warning. This warning started coming on sporadically. When the warning appears in my dash, I will lose abs function, traction control, and cruise control. This appears to be a common problem with this year Ram truck. The fix is an abs module,…
Had a problem with your 2018 RAM 3500?
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 2018 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
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 October 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.6 out of 10 based on 781 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 RAM 3500 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 3500?
The 2018 RAM 3500 is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Steering: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 8,000–40,000 mi; Reliability score 4.6/10 — below the segment average; 11 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 3500?
Inspect the brakes first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 463 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 68,981 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 3500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 4.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 781 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is brakes. Typical failure occurs around 68,981 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 3500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 463 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 68,981 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 68,981 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my RAM 3500 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 3500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 781 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, 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 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/RAM/3500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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