12/19/2022: While driving, brakes were not working properly. Depressed fully to floor or pumped to try to stop. Check engine lights coming on and off. PERFORM SERVICE, SERVICE DPF SYSTEM, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. Perform service light prior to failure and taken to dodge dealership. Vehicle was inspected by 2 Dodge Dealerships. Extended warranty company National AutoCare failed to show to inspect…
2018 RAM 3500 powertrain problems
severe 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1injury
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2018 Ram 3500s show significant safety and reliability issues across braking, transmission, and drive selection systems, with multiple reports of ABS failures disabling critical safety functions and shift lever problems allowing unintended gear engagement. Parts shortages have left some owners unable to complete recall work for years.
The 2018 Ram 3500 powertrain complaints center on three major safety-critical systems. First, the shift lever malfunctions: owners report the lever either locks in Park despite foot-on-brake, or catches in an undocumented intermediate position between Park and Reverse that provides no warning but allows the truck to drift into Reverse without brake input. One owner's truck shifted into Reverse while parked at just 300 miles, and testing found the intermediate position holds while parked but the lever slides easily into Reverse once you leave the truck.
Second, ABS and brake control failures are endemic. Owners report intermittent ABS module failures that simultaneously disable Cruise Control, four-wheel drive, and brake safety systems while driving—critical when wet pavement triggers the malfunction. Multiple owners say dealers confirm the part won't work if replaced with the same unit. One owner at 9,800 miles couldn't get the truck inspected or diagnosed despite an ABS light; the dealership said parts weren't available.
Third, transmission electrical faults produce check-engine code P0871, limp mode, and fourth-gear-only operation. Solenoid replacement and software updates don't stick; one dealer diagnosed a transmission wiring harness short but couldn't fix it after four shop visits. Power loss on freeways, throttle lag, and shift shuddering round out the complaints. Parts delays have left some owners waiting two years to complete recall repairs.
Same RAM 3500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Shift lever stuck in Park or intermediate position
Shift lever either locks and won't move from Park even with brake depressed, or catches in an undocumented intermediate position between Park and Reverse that provides no warning but allows the vehicle to shift into Reverse without brake input. In the intermediate position, the vehicle appears parked but the lever can drift into Reverse.
When: At various times; one case at 300 miles, one case after 3 years of ownership (intermittent, 3 occurrences)
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever will not move from Park despite foot on brake; Shift lever stuck in intermediate position between P and R with flashing P indicator; No chime or warning message when leaving vehicle running with or without parking brake; Vehicle shifted into Reverse without driver input while parked; Lever easily drops from intermediate position into Reverse; Restart of engine clears the condition
ABS / Brake Hydraulic Control Module failure
Intermittent failures of the ABS and associated brake control electronics. When triggered, the module disables ABS and Cruise Control simultaneously. The problem appears endemic to 2017–18 Ram 2500/3500 models and occurs even while driving, creating loss of critical brake function during emergency situations.
When: Intermittent; one case diagnosed around 43,000 miles (approximately 3 months before reporting); can be reproduced by wheel slippage on wet pavement; another case at 9,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminated; Cruise Control disabled; Four-wheel drive disabled or shut down; Safety system within brakes shut down; Error messages and audio annunciation on instrument cluster; Loss of ABS and Cruise Control while in motion; ABS Stability error appearing after vehicle sits or hits a bump; Continual dinging from disabled safety systems
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership states parts are unavailable for repair and does not want to use same parts due to known failure pattern
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall orders exist but parts unavailable; issue recognized across multiple years and model years
Transmission solenoid and wiring harness faults
Multiple electrical faults in the transmission causing check engine codes, limp mode, and restricted gear operation. Solenoid replacements and software updates have failed to resolve the recurring problem. A short in the transmission wiring harness has been diagnosed but not corrected despite multiple shop visits.
When: Starting 9/25/18 in one case; another case reproduces intermittently; onset varies across complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light for code P0871; Transmission enters limp mode; Fourth-gear start only when code is triggered; All shift selections light up followed by loud bang from rear; Short in transmission wiring harness (dealer-diagnosed); Problem recurs after solenoid replacement and software update; Dealers refuse to address intermittent codes when light is not currently on
Codes mentioned: P0871
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replacement and transmission software update performed but did not resolve P0871 code; "wiggle test" performed to locate wiring short with no permanent fix after 4+ shop visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Same transmission as 2019–2022 Ram 2500 trucks, which have a recall for the same P0871 problem, but no recall issued for 2018 models
Braking performance degradation
Brakes not responding normally during operation, requiring full depression or pumping to achieve stopping. Check engine and service codes activate before or concurrent with brake problems. Issue remains undiagnosed and unrepaired despite dealership inspection.
When: While driving; diagnosed before failure in one case; service light appeared prior to loss of braking
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes not working properly while driving; Brake pedal requires full depression or pumping to stop; Check engine light coming on and off; Service DPF System light illuminated; Perform Service light
Repairs/costs cited: Dodge dealership diagnosed the problem but never completed repair; warranty company failed to inspect twice
Driveline shuddering and vibration during shifting
Transmission shudders visibly during gear shifts, particularly between first and second, and second and third. Shudder is severe enough to cause the dashboard to shake. Problem worsens when towing, indicating load-dependent engagement issue.
When: Ongoing during normal operation and while towing
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shudder during shift from 1st to 2nd gear; Hard shudder during shift from 2nd to 3rd gear; Shudder visible enough to move dashboard; Problem exacerbated when towing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer claimed transmission whining during shifts in early gears is normal
Power loss on highway under load
Engine lost power on dangerous highway locations, particularly in curves, creating safety hazard. Problem took over three years and multiple dealership visits to resolve and eventually required transmission and electrical system replacement.
When: Starting in 2018; took 3+ years to resolve
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power on freeway under load; Loss of power on curves in remote areas; Multiple returns to shop without resolution (within 15 minutes of leaving)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and all electrical issues eventually replaced after 3+ years of troubleshooting
AC system failure
AC system not cooling or cooling intermittently since purchase. Continuous attempts to diagnose and repair have been unsuccessful. Manufacturer unable to provide parts for repair.
When: Since purchase in 2018; ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Zero AC output in extreme heat; Continuous cooling problems requiring repeated repair attempts; Problem extends entire summer season
Repairs/costs cited: Dodge unable to produce parts for repair; first dealer incorrectly charged for unrelated issue; second dealer confirmed complex problem beyond simple filter replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unable to produce parts for dealership repair
Throttle lag and hesitant acceleration
Long delay between accelerator pedal input and engine response, creating hesitant acceleration that nearly caused accidents.
When: Intermittent during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Long lag time between pressing accelerator and engine responding; Unsafe and very hesitant acceleration; Nearly causing accidents due to delayed response
4WD engagement shuddering
When switching to 4WD Lock while parked at operating temperature and performing low-speed maneuvers (3 mph), the vehicle shakes significantly during both forward and reverse motion, particularly when turning the steering wheel.
When: At low speeds (3 mph) during 4WD Lock engagement with steering input
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shakes while in motion for approximately 7 feet; Shaking occurs during reverse with clockwise steering input at 3 mph; Shaking occurs during drive with counter-clockwise steering input at 3 mph; Same shaking occurs in 4WD Low
Recall parts availability delays
Owners received recall notifications for powertrain (NHTSA Campaign 20V036000) and engine/cooling (19V818000) but dealerships report parts are unavailable for extended periods (some waiting nearly two years). Manufacturer has not made parts available to complete recall work.
When: Ongoing delays after recall notification; some cases waiting 2 years
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received but parts unavailable at dealership; Manufacturer exceeded reasonable time for recall repair; Continued unavailability of parts despite repeat calls
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V036000 (Powertrain) and 19V818000 (Equipment, Engine and Engine Cooling) issued but parts unavailable
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Continually gets abs stability error. Unit has been replaced once less than year ago. Comes on if vehicle sits or hits a bump. Lose of abs cruise and continual dinging.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 RAM 3500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 21 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?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 12,267 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/RAM/3500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.