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ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-RAM-4500NHTSA data synced 5 days ago
RAM
2018 RAM 4500 problems
The 2018 RAM 4500 has 7 active recall campaigns on file and only 8 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.
The 2018 RAM 4500 has 8 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is brakes at 6 complaints, typically surfacing around 40,943 miles (~$450 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Limited NHTSA data — only 8 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 7 active recalls on file.
0
Critical
7
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 4500?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 8 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 7 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.
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.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2018 4500· powertrain
4x4 drive shaft failed. While traveling on interstate the front drive shaft broke at the u-joint. I've only used the 4 wheel drive option 2-3 times and the transfer was in 2h at time of failure. Front aluminum wheels fractured. Both front wheels got hairline cracks. One…
The Anti-Lock Brake(ABS) & Electronic Stability Control(ESC) warning lights will come on and off during normally driving conditions. When The ESC light comes on the cruise control is non functioning. If the cruise control is set when the warning light is off, the cruise will…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo had…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…
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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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.
Limited NHTSA data. Only 8 owner complaints have been filed for the 2018 RAM 4500, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2018 RAM 4500?
Only 8 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 7 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2018 RAM 4500 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 RAM 4500?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2018 RAM 4500 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2018 RAM 4500 a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 8 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2018 RAM 4500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 6 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 40,943 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 40,943 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my RAM 4500 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 4500?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 8 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/RAM/4500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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