The Lemon Index

All cars · Ram 1500 · 2018

2018 Ram 1500. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index78100 = average car
Complaints424NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold536,980U.S. model year
Per 100K sold79complaints
Year rank#4 of 23#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 7

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
3.0L 6-cyl turbo dieselAuto 8-spdRWD20 / 27 / 23Diesel$4,100
3.0L 6-cyl turbo dieselAuto 8-spd4WD19 / 27 / 22Diesel$4,300
3.6L 6-cylAuto 8-spdRWD17 / 25 / 20Regular$3,100
3.6L 6-cylAuto 8-spd4WD16 / 23 / 19Regular$3,300
5.7L 8-cylAuto 8-spdRWD15 / 22 / 17Midgrade$4,200
5.7L 8-cylAuto 8-spd4WD15 / 21 / 17Midgrade$4,200
5.7L 8-cylAuto 6-spd4WD13 / 18 / 14Midgrade$5,100

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 23,000 and 80,000 miles. Median 48,000, from 918 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Brakes29,0008,100–58,00038
Electrical29,0008,500–59,00083
Brakes60,00037,000–90,000484
Speed control35,80020,000–59,80040
Steering26,0008,000–77,80063

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Electrical24%
Steering14%
Brakes13%
Engine12%
Transmission & drivetrain11%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
4,075801525293

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 11

  • 25V592000 Sep 2025 Air Bags / Side/Window / Curtain / Inflator

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 25V010000 Jan 2025 Air Bags / Side/Window / Curtain / Inflator

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 24V896000 Nov 2024 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.

    Risk. A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.

  • 21V398000 May 2021 Wheels / Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.

    Risk. Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

    Remedy. 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 De

  • 19V347000 May 2019 Latches/Locks/Linkages / Tailgate / Latch

    Defect. 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.

    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.

    Remedy. 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 curren

  • 19V021000 Jan 2019 Steering / Linkages / Drag / Link / Connection

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.

    Risk. A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

    Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

  • 18E096000 Oct 2018 Steering / Linkages

    Defect. Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.

    Risk. The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.

  • 18V398000 Jun 2018 Back Over Prevention / Sensing System / Camera

    Defect. 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."

    Risk. A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 18V332000 May 2018 Electrical System / Wiring

    Defect. 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 with

    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.

    Remedy. 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 d

  • 18V100000 Feb 2018 Power Train / Automatic Transmission

    Defect. 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.

    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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 17V824000 Dec 2017 Equipment

    Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable.

    Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

    Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall i

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenPost recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure2025–
OpenHigh pressure fuel pump failure2023–
ClosedLoss of brake performance20222025
ClosedSteering loss due to linkage separation20192025
ClosedSteering loss due to linkage separation20182019

Manufacturer communications 607

Ram filed 607 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Hands Free Module - CTM ?
  • Integrated Center Stack If vehicle is found within 50 mile radius of the Detroit Metro area…
  • 2014 KL 9-Speed service transaxle with 2015 common hardware This 9-speed transaxle must be…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Ram 2500 Mega PU/EC 4WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★☆☆
Ram 2500 Mega PU/EC 2WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆
Ram 2500 Regular PU/RC 4WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★☆☆
Ram 2500 Regular PU/RC 2WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆
Ram 2500 Crew PU/CC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Ram 2500 Crew PU/CC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

YouTube repair topics

96 videos about the 2009–2018 Ram 1500, 22.7M views.

TopicVideosViews
Infotainment, battery & electrical91.5M
Gauges, lights & wiring51.1M
Steering & suspension81.0M
Oil changes & service2659K
Driveshaft, axles & 4x45624K
Lifters, AFM & cam phasers1613K
Intake, EGR & engine sensors4498K
Fuel pump, filter & tank2415K

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2015110484451,116Transmission & drivetrain
2016139681489,418Transmission & drivetrain
201787458500,723Transmission & drivetrain
201878424536,980Electrical
2019130837633,694Steering
202096507563,694Engine
2021102562569,388Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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