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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 RAM 5500 powertrain problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 4 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 RAM 5500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following DTCs have been set: P064F - Unauthorized Software/Calibration Detected. P229F - Aftertreatment NOx Sensor Circuit Performance - Bank 1 Sensor 2. P207F - Reductant Quality Performance. P249E - Closed Loop Scr Reductant Injection Control At Limit - Flow Too High. P2509 - PCM/PCM Power Input Signal Intermittent. P0128 - Thermostat Rationality. P2201 - Aftertreatment NOx Sensor Circuit Performance - Bank 1 Sensor
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following DTCs have been set: P064F - Unauthorized Software/Calibration Detected. P229F - Aftertreatment NOx Sensor Circuit Performance - Bank 1 Sensor 2. P207F - Reductant Quality Performance. P249E - Closed Loop Scr Reductant Injection Control At Limit - Flow Too High. P2509 - PCM/PCM Power Input Signal Intermittent. P0128 - Thermostat Rationality. P2201 - Aftertreatment NOx Sensor Circuit Performance - Bank 1 Sensor
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the transfer case exploded. The front drive shaft fractured in half and punched a hole in the floorboard of the cabin of the vehicle. The contact pulled off the highway safely. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure with the transfer case. The vehicle was towed…
My truck from new gad turbo exhaust manifolds kept warping breaking bolts in the head everytime my radio quits and reboots and glitches after truck updates runs poorly with excessive egt and dealers tefused to do anything for me kept tellin me they didnt have proper tech or tools or was told all was nornal and my frint 19.5 wheel cracked in the middle with no impact or tire dammage radio wuits…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 RAM 5500?
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 5500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 88,215 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/5500.
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.