2018 Ram 1500 problems owners report most
2018 Ram 1500 problems are documented in public: owners have filed 662 complaints with NHTSA, the earliest in 2018 and the most recent in 2026. Sorting those by the component the filer named puts the electrical system clearly first, at 159 of the 662 complaints, about a quarter of everything filed.
A complaint is not a repair bill and not a defect finding. It is one owner telling the regulator something went wrong. What makes the count useful is the concentration: when one component takes 24 per cent of everything filed on a car, the pattern is doing more than chance.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 159 | 24% |
| ENGINE | 110 | 17% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 92 | 14% |
| STEERING | 86 | 13% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 81 | 12% |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 59 | 9% |
Against the 2017 car, this model year has drawn 25 per cent fewer complaints (662 against 881). The 2017 car was led by its steering instead, so the pattern shifted between the two years.
Of those complaints, 25 describe a crash and 8 describe a fire. Filers reported 25 injuries.
Recalls on the 2018 Ram 1500
A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator found a safety defect, and the repair is free at a franchised dealer however old the car is. There are 15 recalls on this model year. Your own car may be covered by some, all or none of them, so check the VIN rather than the model.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
The risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
The risk. If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
The risk. A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U56.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
The risk. If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
The risk. If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
The risk. A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix. Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.
The risk. A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
The risk. Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure.
The risk. If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U88.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
The risk. A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
The risk. Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
The fix. Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
The risk. Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
The risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
The risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
The fix. Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
The risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
The fix. Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.
In owners own words
These are complaints filed about the electrical system, quoted as written. They are one persons account rather than a diagnosis, and they are here because a symptom described by a driver is easier to recognise than a component name.
The 8.4 inch navigation screen in the center cluster. This issue is available for inspection. The touchscreen is delaminating. As this thin film independently pulls itself away from the surface behind it, the screen behaves as though a person is pressing the buttons. This issue has rendered the navigation screen unusable because as soon as one makes a selection on the screen, another and many other selections are pressed immediately thereafter. Currently, the pressure seems to be focused on the Sirius XM selection and so it just continuously is pressed. However, yesterday while leaving work f
There is a manufacture defect within the UConnect 8.4" screen that causes an adhesive layer to melt and limit the functionality of safety features. A bubble started forming under the screen with the size less than a dime, but has already quadrupled in size since I first noticed it. There is nothing that I can do to make it stop. I have had ghost touches, ranging from drastically reducing and increasing volume, and even having the backup camera turn off because it thinks I'm doing something else. These instances have been rare, but have been starting to become more frequent as the bubble grows
The radio/HVAC screen is malfunctioning. It still works but the screen is delaminating and the screen thinks that someone is touching the screen and there is no control over what it touches or controls. Radio is working but the channels change so fast by themselves that you cannot listen to anything. Cannot change any vehicle settings - such as lighting. Same with the HVAC system. When i click into the climate controls, the screen controls itseld doing whatever it wants. I have no control over the climate. THIS IS THE SAFETY ISSUE. If i am driving my vehicle and my windshield starts to fog up,
The touch screen on my Dodge Ram has failed. A quick google search shows this is a widespread problem among all Chrysler vehicles. This is a safety issue as most of the controls for the vehicle are accessed through this screen. Further, it causes my radio to consistently change stations, turns the volume on my raid to max randomly while driving with scares me every time it transpires. I can not access any emergency services. The vehicle randomly shuts off even though it’s new. The screen randomly turns off while using it. It gets stuck on backup camera while driving or shuts the backup camera
The radio u- connect system is constantly malfunctioning, you cannot turn off screen, or sound. I glitches almost continually which has caused the screen to get super hot to the touch, which has caused screen separation because of the heat. The glitching is so distracting to the driver, that it is very dangerous to drive. I took to our local dealer who stated it was very common for this year. At the time of this visit my mileage had reached 36,700, which they state is 700 miles out of warranty. Also I had to disconnect my phone from the system because it would not let my call my family during
The vehicle turns on and off by itself and the radio and ac also started to turn on and switched between hi and low and the radio stations kept switching stations the power lock window buttons in times worked other times it would be stuck and didn't work. The key fob was switched to a new key fob however the problem persist the vehicle came to a sudden stop and shut off in the middle of the highway while driving causing all the electrical system in the vehicle to activate the alarm going off the anti lock brake on and the vehicle lights and vehicle turning on and off. I am concern with my safe
Every component, by complaint count
The full breakdown of what owners named when they filed. Components below the top ten are grouped out of this table.
| Component | Complaints | Share of all complaints |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 159 | 24% |
| ENGINE | 110 | 17% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 92 | 14% |
| STEERING | 86 | 13% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 81 | 12% |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 59 | 9% |
| POWER TRAIN | 59 | 9% |
| DIESEL | 52 | 8% |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 46 | 7% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 46 | 7% |
What parts cost for the 2018 Ram 1500
Prices read from one AutoZone store for this exact year, make and model, covering 8 kinds of part and 209 products. AutoZone year, make and model catalog prices. Engine, trim, transmission and VIN fitment are not confirmed. They are what the shelf said on the day, not a quote.
Owners report the electrical system more than anything else on this car, which sends them shopping for one of these:
- Battery $179.99 to $398.99
Parts only. Labour, tax and anything else the job turns up are on top.
| Part | Listed | Range | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 9 | $179.99 to $398.99 | $259.99 |
| Brake rotors | 37 | $64.99 to $749.99 | $135.99 |
| Brake pads | 51 | $24.99 to $186.99 | $62.99 |
| Engine air filter | 11 | $20.99 to $103.99 | $27.49 |
| Wiper blades | 38 | $10.59 to $51.49 | $26.99 |
| Cabin air filter partial | 8 | $17.99 to $47.99 | $24.99 |
| Oil filter | 25 | $5.99 to $98.99 | $16.99 |
| Spark plugs | 30 | $4.39 to $22.99 | $12.99 |
The cheapest way to keep it serviced
Taking the lowest listed price in each routine maintenance category, the filters, plugs and wipers for this car come to $59.95 in parts. That is parts alone, before labour, tax and the oil itself, and it assumes the cheapest option fits your engine.
Battery. 9 products listed, from the Duralast Platinum Group Size 94R / H7 Enhanced Battery (EFB) Battery H7-EFB at $179.99 up to the Odyssey Performance Group Size 49 Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery ODP-AGM49H8L5 at $398.99. A refundable core deposit of $22.00 is charged on top and returned with the old part. AutoZone's own labels account for 6 of them, starting at $179.99.
Brake rotors. 37 products listed, from the PowerStop Disc Brake Rotor AR8750 at $64.99 up to the Baer Systems Disc Brake Rotor Set 2142009 at $749.99. AutoZone's own labels account for 6 of them, starting at $102.99.
Brake pads. 51 products listed, from the TotalPro Brake Pads TP967 at $24.99 up to the EBC Extra Duty Truck & SUV Organic Performance Brake Pads ED91738 at $186.99. AutoZone's own labels account for 8 of them, starting at $46.99.
Fitment is by year, make and model only. Engine, trim and transmission were not selected, so confirm the part number against your own car before buying. Prices change and vary by store.
How other model years compare
The same nameplate across the years we hold. Complaint counts fall naturally for newer cars because fewer of them have been on the road for long, so read the column as a rough signal rather than a ranking. In this set the 2016 Ram 1500 has drawn the most complaints and the 2020 Ram 1500 the fewest.
What to check on the electrical system
Electrical reports cover a wide spread: screens that reboot, cameras that go black, charging that stops, and warning lights that arrive in groups. The common thread is that the fault comes and goes, which makes it hard to show a mechanic on demand.
Buying a used 2018 1500
Sit in the car with the engine running and work through every switch, screen and camera before you talk about price. An intermittent fault that appears once during a ten minute check is likely to appear often once you own it.
If you already own one
Have the battery and charging system tested before replacing any module. A weak battery produces electrical faults that look like a dozen separate failures, and the test is free at most parts retailers.
- Test every screen, camera and switch before agreeing a price.
- Have the battery and alternator tested before replacing a module.
- Ask for stored fault codes, including the ones already cleared.
- Check whether the fault is covered by a software update.
Where the 2018 Ram 1500 problem data comes from
Every figure on this page is counted from complaints and recalls published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, read October 12, 2026. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by the agency before publication. We count each complaint once per component it names, so a complaint naming two components appears in both rows.
- NHTSA recalls and complaintsRead October 12, 2026
- NHTSA record for the 2018 Ram 1500Read October 12, 2026
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