2018 RAM 3500 wheels problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $400 · see wheels across all vehicles →
Among the 9 model years of RAM 3500 in our records for wheels problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2018 RAM 3500 has documented wheel stud failures that have caused wheels to separate at highway speeds, with a recall (21V-398) in effect but parts unavailable for months. Early-production units also came with defective Nexen Roadian tires prone to belt separation and cupping.
The 2018 RAM 3500 exhibits a documented wheel stud fracture problem tied to NHTSA Campaign 21V-398. Owners report studs cracking or snapping completely, with wheels detaching at highway speeds. One owner lost two rear wheels on the freeway after a recall notification arrived; another found only two studs holding a rear wheel at 40 MPH; a third experienced six of eight lugs sheared off a dually at 65 MPH while towing 15,000 lbs—well within the truck's rated capacity. Failures occurred as early as 1,052 miles and up to 108,000 miles.
The recall remedy has been severely delayed by parts shortages. Owners reported waiting weeks or months for parts availability, with one manufacturer rep stating four months to one year for a remedy. Several owners couldn't get the recall repair performed at all due to parts unavailability.
Separately, many 2018 RAM 3500s came equipped with Nexen Roadian OEM tires that exhibit belt separation, tread cupping, and sidewall bulging as early as 4,000–13,000 miles. One owner experienced severe shimmying at 65 MPH with tread-separated tires; another found four rear tires defective. RAM deferred these complaints to Nexen, refusing to address them as vehicle defects.
Wheel simulators on dually wheels also come loose repeatedly, adding to the service burden.
Same RAM 3500 wheels reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Wheel stud fracture and wheel separation
Wheel studs crack or fracture completely, causing wheels to detach while driving. This is the primary failure covered under NHTSA Campaign 21V-398.
When: Reported from 1,052 miles to 108,000 miles; most frequently under 50,000 miles; some during towing
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration or shimmying at highway speeds (40+ MPH); Wobbling or instability in steering; Wheel separation or detachment while driving; Abnormal sounds before failure; Only 2-6 studs remaining on hub when inspected after incident
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V-398000
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel hub and studs replacement; lug nut re-torquing. Parts were frequently unavailable at dealers for extended periods (months). One owner reported paying $2,000 for towing after wheel loss.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V-398000 recall issued. RAM advised waiting 4+ months for parts availability due to COVID-19 supply shortages. Dealer repair availability was extremely limited; many owners reported parts backlogs exceeding reasonable timeframes.
OEM Nexen tire belt separation and tread separation
Nexen Roadian HT/HTX tires supplied as OEM equipment exhibit belt separation, sidewall bulging, cupping, and tread peeling, particularly under load or at highway speeds.
When: 13,000 to 13,000 miles for belt issues; as early as 4,000 miles for cupping; 1,900 miles for defect discovery
Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration or shimmying at 60+ MPH; Tire cupping visible on tread surface; Belt separation inside tire; Tire tread peeling or separating; Uncontrollable wobbling, especially when towing; Bulges forming on tire sidewalls
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement tires purchased out-of-pocket; Nexen and RAM both deferred responsibility. One owner stated tire shop charged for testing and identification of cupping damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM referred owners directly to Nexen for warranty claims and refused to address as vehicle defect. Nexen warranty coverage was inconsistent.
Wheel rim cracks
Cracks appear on wheel rims extending from the center hub outward, causing tire deflation.
When: 108,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Flat tire upon arrival at destination; Visible crack on wheel rim extending from hub outward
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 03V212000 (Wheels)
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired by owner; no repair cost cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner associated failure with Campaign 03V212000 but did not notify manufacturer
Wheel simulators coming loose
Wheel simulators (hubcap covers on dually wheels) repeatedly detach from wheels.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Simulators separating from wheels repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Owner cited cost of $350+ plus labor to reinstall; part of broader recall service backlog
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response documented
Synthesized from 17 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 wheels problem on the 2018 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $400.
At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most wheels failures cluster between 4,900 and 102,240 miles, with the median around 13,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,900; a quarter make it past 102,240. 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 $400 for wheels 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 wheels?
No active recalls currently cover wheels 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.