← All Ram 1500 years

2018 Ram 1500 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 15 recalls and 605 owner complaints on file for the 2018 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 25 crash-related complaints and 8 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (132), Steering (65), Unknown Or Other (61).

1500 reliability snapshot

64/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$691
Avg annual repair cost vs $936 category avg
#1/17
Ranking in fullsize trucks · better than 94% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Ram 1500 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2018 Ram 1500 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Electrical System132
  • Steering65
  • Unknown Or Other61
  • Engine57
  • Fuel Propulsion System48
  • Power Train46

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Ram 1500

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect Uconnect screen for delamination and ghost touches
  • Test power steering functionality for intermittent failures
  • Listen for unusual engine noises or knocking
  • Check for engine oil leaks or low oil pressure warnings
  • Ensure fuel tank fills properly without frequent nozzle shutoff
  • Verify ABS and traction control systems are operational
  • Inspect air suspension for unexpected lowering or rough ride

What owners reported

2018 Ram 1500 owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 25 crashes, 8 fires and 25 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 1500. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints132

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the Uconnect infotainment system and backup camera. Common symptoms include malfunctioning touchscreens that result in erratic behavior such as changing radio stations, altering climate controls, and causing distractions while driving. Many complaints highlight screen delamination and ghost touching, leading to safety concerns like loss of control over defrost functions, which can be hazardous in poor visibility conditions. Backup camera failures are also a recurrent issue, with owners describing intermittent or complete loss of image, posing a risk when reversing. These problems often manifest around 30,000 to 40,000 miles, and some reports involve crashes and fires, indicating potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 2 fire, 6 injury reports

Owner complaints65

STEERING

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the power steering system, particularly involving sudden loss of power steering assistance. Common symptoms include the steering wheel locking up or becoming difficult to turn, often accompanied by dashboard warning lights such as "Service Power Steering." These issues are frequently described as occurring abruptly and intermittently, sometimes after hitting a bump or during wet conditions. Several reports mention that the problem can manifest at various speeds, posing a safety risk, and there are accounts of crashes and one injury associated with these failures. Many complaints indicate that the vehicles involved do not fall under existing recalls despite similarities in symptoms, with some owners experiencing these issues around 80,000 miles or earlier. This information is crucial for potential buyers to consider, as repairs are noted to be costly and not always covered under warranty.

Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints57

ENGINE

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report engine failures characterized by sudden loss of power, knocking noises, and engine stalls. Complaints often describe incidents occurring at highway speeds, with some engines seizing completely or throwing rods, leading to significant mechanical damage. These issues are commonly reported around 45,000 to 142,000 miles. Safety implications include near-misses with traffic and the potential for accidents due to sudden engine failure, though no crashes are explicitly mentioned. Additionally, multiple owners indicate prolonged delays in receiving recall-related repairs, particularly for the high-pressure fuel pump and crankshaft position issues, which may contribute to ongoing operational risks.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints48

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with refueling, where the fuel pump nozzle shuts off prematurely or fuel spills out of the filler neck. These symptoms often require manual intervention to continue fueling and can result in gasoline overflow, posing safety and environmental hazards. Complaints often mention difficulties beginning shortly after purchase, persisting and worsening over time, with some vehicles requiring extensive repairs like gas tank replacement. Additionally, some owners describe problems with fuel tank straps rusting and detaching, which could potentially lead to significant safety risks. One complaint also involves a fire incident, linked to a high-pressure fuel pump recall, highlighting potential safety implications.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints46

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the power train, notably involving engine failures and crankshaft problems. Symptoms often described include loss of power, engine overheating, and unusual noises, with some incidents leading to complete engine seizures or the need for full engine replacements. Complaints often emerge around the 60,000 to 90,000-mile mark, with several cases involving engine failures even at lower mileages, such as 11,900 miles. Safety implications are evident, with reports of crashes and loss of vehicle control, particularly when the vehicle unexpectedly shuts down at high speeds. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring issues, especially the potential for sudden power loss and the associated safety risks.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

Owner complaints44

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the engine and engine cooling systems, with common problems including engine stalling and failure to restart. Many complaints describe symptoms such as abnormal sounds, smoke, and burning odors, often accompanied by warning lights. Failures related to the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel and exhaust manifold issues are notable, with some owners experiencing coolant leaks and oil leaks leading to engine failure. These issues often occur around 11,000 to 186,000 miles. Safety implications include reports of engine stalls at high speeds and one instance involving smoke and potential fire risk, which may concern prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints24

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the ABS control module, which often results in the failure of the ABS system, traction control, and cruise control. Typical symptoms include illuminated warning lights for ABS and traction control, and in some cases, the brake pedal seizing, leading to loss of control. Complaints suggest these issues can occur at varying mileages, with some instances reported under 50,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of the vehicle becoming undrivable or hydroplaning, and two complaints involve crashes. Potential buyers should be aware of the difficulty in obtaining replacement parts, as many owners mention prolonged backorders and unresolved repairs.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints18

SUSPENSION

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the air suspension system, with common symptoms including the front suspension lowering unexpectedly, rough rides, and the vehicle being difficult to drive. Complaints often describe the failure occurring multiple times, sometimes as early as 7,000 miles, and becoming more problematic in cold weather. There are also reports of the suspension failing at high speeds, leading to potential safety hazards such as loss of vehicle control. Additionally, some owners mention rust and corrosion on suspension components, particularly in regions with harsh winter conditions. These patterns suggest potential safety risks and recurring maintenance issues that prospective buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints14

AIR BAGS

Owners report frequent issues with airbag non-deployment in the 2018 Ram 1500, particularly during crashes. Complaints often mention significant front-end damage or side impacts where airbags failed to deploy, leading to injuries in multiple cases. These issues are noted in vehicles with mileage ranging from approximately 39,000 to 61,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe persistent airbag warning lights and costly sensor or wiring repairs. The pattern of airbag failures in crash scenarios suggests potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 10 crash, 0 fire, 11 injury reports

Owner complaints13

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving cruise control malfunction and unexpected acceleration. Complaints commonly describe cruise control that fails to engage or disengage properly, sometimes requiring multiple attempts to activate. Several reports indicate a lag in throttle response, particularly during acceleration from a stop or when merging, which can create hazardous driving situations. Additionally, some owners experience sudden deceleration or unintended acceleration, including one incident resulting in a crash with minor injuries. These issues often occur at various mileages, with some reports emerging as early as 2,400 miles, suggesting potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

2018 1500 recalls (15)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 1500. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. AIR BAGSNHTSA 25V592000Sep 11, 2025

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

  2. AIR BAGSNHTSA 25V010000Jan 16, 2025

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

  3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 23V411000Jun 8, 2023

    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.

    Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  4. FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELNHTSA 22V406000Jun 9, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  5. AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V632000Aug 12, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    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.

  6. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 20V475000Aug 13, 2020

    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.

    Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  7. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 19V757000Oct 24, 2019

    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.

    Consequence: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy

    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.

  8. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESNHTSA 19V347000May 9, 2019

    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.

    Consequence: 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 currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

  9. POWER TRAINNHTSA 19V324000Apr 25, 2019

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    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.

  10. POWER TRAINNHTSA 18V556000Aug 23, 2018

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    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.

  11. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 18V524000Aug 9, 2018

    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.

    Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  12. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 18V398000Jun 14, 2018

    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."

    Consequence: 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.

  13. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNHTSA 18V332000May 17, 2018

    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.

    Consequence: 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 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.

  14. POWER TRAINNHTSA 18V280000May 1, 2018

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    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.

  15. POWER TRAINNHTSA 18V100000Feb 8, 2018

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

Used-market value

2018 Ram 1500 resale snapshot

67.3%estimated value retained after 5 years
717listings in the model-level benchmark
$19,999median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2018 Ram 1500 on the road

448,026 2018 Ram 1500 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Ram 1500 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2018 Ram 1500

With a 66/100 score against a 72/100 segment average, the 2018 Ram 1500 lands below typical class reliability. This points to a moderate but clearly elevated buyer risk relative to peers, driven more by frequency of reported problems than by a standout strength in any one area.

Complaint patterns are not confined to a single system. Electrical issues lead, but steering, engine, and fuel/propulsion concerns also appear prominently, alongside a meaningful share of uncategorized reports. That spread suggests reliability variability across multiple core functions rather than an isolated weak spot. Recall activity is elevated, indicating a higher level of corrective action than would be considered limited.

Overall, the data supports an elevated reliability risk level versus the segment average.

What you get in a 2018 Ram 1500 report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2018 Ram 1500 now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2018 Ram 1500 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Ram 1500 reliable?

With a 66/100 score against a 72/100 segment average, the 2018 Ram 1500 lands below typical class reliability. This points to a moderate but clearly elevated buyer risk relative to peers, driven more by frequency of reported problems than by a standout strength in any one area.

How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 1500 have?

15 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ram 1500. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Ram 1500 problems?

The most-reported 2018 Ram 1500 problem areas are: Electrical System (132), Steering (65), Unknown Or Other (61).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Ram 1500?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Ram 1500, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.