RAM 3500 problems
765 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. No active recalls — patterns come from the complaint record.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Steering: 32 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 8,000–40,000 mi
- Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average
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.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
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,…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ25003 on NHTSA →
How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →
Common questions
Is the 2018 RAM 3500 reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 765 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 acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Steering: 32 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 8,000–40,000 mi; Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average. 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 3500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 452 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 67,670 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 67,670 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 765 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.