2018 Ram 1500: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 605 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, engine, and fuel system. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 605
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes reported
- 25
- 25 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Ram 1500: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which 1500 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Ram 1500. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 22–23 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylFlex fuel | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
- The 2018 Ram 1500 was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A 1500 that averages well under the EPA 17 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Fuel tank won't fill
21,000–88,000 miles
Uconnect screen delamination
21,289–56,000 miles
Power steering rack failure
22,300–80,000 miles
ABS module failure
28,000–72,045 miles
EcoDiesel crankshaft bearing failure
38,000–70,000 miles
Airbag warning light
39,000–61,000 miles
Broken exhaust manifold bolts
53,000–99,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Ram 1500, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical1323 crashes
The Uconnect 8.4 touchscreen delaminates and bubbles, then registers ghost touches. Reported symptoms include changing radio stations and volume, endless clock-setting prompts, unwanted phone calls, and a backup camera that turns on or freezes. Climate and audio controls go down with the screen. Reports put the start between 21,289 and 56,000 miles, often just past warranty. A smaller group of reports is more serious: flashing dash lights, sudden loss of throttle, stalling, and unexpected acceleration. These reports include 3 crashes and 2 fires, one in a parked truck.
Engine101No crashes
A clank or knock at highway speed, followed by zero oil pressure and lost power, is the most common report. On the EcoDiesel, reports point to main or crankshaft bearing failures at 38,000 to 70,000 miles, sometimes more than once on the same truck. Hemi owners describe a ticking sound at startup and exhaust smell in the cab from broken exhaust manifold bolts, and one Hemi had a cam roller failure. Some diesel recall repairs wait months for parts. One report describes a fire in a parked truck.
Most of these filings are about waiting. Diesel owners got recall notices and then waited a year or longer for parts. Some had stalling or hesitation while they waited. Gas trucks lose power and will not restart when the crankshaft position tone wheel comes apart, a failure some owners link to a recall that did not cover their VIN. A ticking sound from fractured exhaust manifold bolts shows up at 77,000 to 99,000 miles. A few reports describe coolant loss, white smoke, and complete engine failure.
Fuel system90No crashes
Fueling is the main complaint. The pump nozzle clicks off over and over, fuel sprays back onto the owner, or the nozzle jams in the filler neck. Some trucks show it within the first 1,000 miles. Others get worse until the tank stops taking fuel at all. New filler tubes help only briefly, and some dealers replace the whole tank at around $3,500. A few owners found rusted fuel tank strap mounts that left the tank hanging. Diesel owners report high-pressure fuel pump failures that leave metal debris in the system, and one truck caught fire.
Most of these reports concern the diesel high-pressure fuel pump recall, with parts unavailable for long stretches. When the pump fails, the truck stalls or loses power on the highway, often with a throttle control warning and limp mode. Dealers sometimes find a contaminated fuel system that the warranty will not cover. A few trucks stalled again right after the recall repair. One low-mileage truck lost power repeatedly from fuel starvation even after the pump and sending unit were replaced.
Steering654 crashes
Electric power steering cuts out without warning, sometimes for a moment and sometimes completely. When assist returns in the middle of a curve, the truck jerks or oversteers. Other reports describe a wheel that locks up, feels loose, or wanders on the highway. Dealers usually replace the rack and pinion, which has failed anywhere from 22,300 miles to past 128,922. Several owners say their truck was not covered by an existing recall. Repair quotes run over $3,000, and 4 reports involve crashes.
Transmission463 crashes
Failures here vary. The most serious reports describe a truck that shifts into reverse or neutral without input, including one rollaway that injured its driver. Rear axle failures cause grinding and whining, and in one case a driveshaft dropped onto the road. Repairs cost close to $5,000. Other reports cover EcoDiesel engine failures, overheating and cylinder head damage on the 3.6, a cracked oil filter housing, and hard shifts into first gear. The category includes 3 crashes and 4 injuries.
Brakes242 crashes
The ABS control module fails. ABS, traction control, brake, and trailer brake warnings light up together, and cruise control often stops working. Reports cluster from under 50,000 miles to 72,045. Owners describe long backorders for replacement modules and remanufactured units that will not program to the VIN. Rarer reports describe the front brakes applying on their own, a pedal that drops with no pressure, and a parked truck rolling downhill. Two reports involve crashes.
Airbags1410 crashes
Airbags fail to deploy in serious crashes. Reports include head-on impacts, guardrail and barrier strikes, and side hits where the curtain airbags stayed folded. These filings account for 10 crashes and 11 injuries, among them broken ribs and a broken nose. Separately, the airbag warning light comes on without any crash, and dealers quote $1,200 to $1,400 for door airbag or sensor repairs around 39,000 to 61,000 miles. One owner found a curtain airbag had deployed in a parked truck.
Acceleration and cruise control131 crash
Throttle response lags, especially pulling away from a stop or merging. The EcoDiesel hesitates when cold, and faults in the DEF and particulate filter systems send the truck into limp mode at highway speed. Cruise control engages only some of the time, and it shuts off when ABS and traction control warnings appear. A few reports describe the truck accelerating while the brake is pressed, including one crash into a house that caused 2 injuries.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints 1500 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The 2018 infotainment system delaminated resulting in loss of control of the radio, loss of hands off assistance from Android Auto,, and loss of control of the various auxiliary electrical functions such as the clock, setting temperature controls, etc. Vehicle only has 51,000 miles on the odometer. Costs $957.00 to replace the unit.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2021
GPS / Navigation system failure while vehicle was in use. System failure resulted in faulty position location on the moving map. When checked against the "HOME" location...the position error was 13 miles to the SouthEast. This failure is accompanied by erroneous Compass indication and a loss of Radio audio.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2023
The engine seized up at 52,517 miles on February 28, 2025. It was making loud noises on the freeway and was losing significant power. We exited the freeway trying to get to a safe location and the engine froze. I had the engine replaced and the check engine light came on after 40 miles!
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
After only 64000 miles the 2018 Ram 1500 3.6L engine will need major repair with the cam shaft. With no longer a warranty I am stuck paying for the repair. I believe this is a common problem. I have religiously changed oil and kept mileage low.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2023
At 36,000 miles the fuel tank no longer would accept fuel. Dealer tried to manipulate fuel nozzle, but still didn't fix issue. I was stranded at gas stations trying to slow feed gas into the tank. I had to dribble in enough gas to make it to the dealer. Ultimate solution was to replace tank (outside of warranty). This was unsafe as I could have been stranded somewhere.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
2018 Dodge Ram Rebel won't take gas. Keeps shutting off at pump without filling (30 gal tank) took to dealer was told vapor/gas sensor issue - need to replace gas tank $3500 repair! Vehicle has 88000 miles no accidents. I am the original owner of this vehicle
Filed with NHTSA, December 2024
Electric Power Steering (EPS) failure. If this had happened while driving there would have been no way to control truck. The dash read "Power Steering Unavailable Service Required". Dealer tested truck and said EPS unit would need replaced at a cost of $2,345 for just the part and would be at least 45 before they could get the part. This truck only has 55k miles on it.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2022
Intermittent loss of power steering. Steering fights driver input when turning in either direction, when straightening out from a turn & gradual road curves. Inspected by competent mechanic. EPS rack & pinion failing at 22,300 miles on vehicle. EPS serial # not affected by FCA recall
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
How the 2018 compares with other 1500 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 ranks third for owner complaints among 9 1500 years, about 1.4 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical13292
- Engine10142
- Fuel system9019
- Steering6558
- Transmission4656
- Brakes2422
Recalls to confirm (15)
Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V592000AirbagsSep 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.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
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.
25V010000AirbagsJan 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.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
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.
23V411000EngineJun 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.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
22V406000Fuel systemJun 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.
Risk: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
21V632000AirbagsAug 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.
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.
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.
20V475000EngineAug 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.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
19V757000EngineOct 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.
Risk: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
19V347000Door latches and locksMay 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.
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.
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.
19V324000TransmissionApr 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.
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.
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.
18V556000TransmissionAug 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.
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.
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.
18V524000ElectricalAug 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.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
18V398000Backup cameraJun 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.".
Risk: A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
18V332000ElectricalMay 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.
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.
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.
18V280000TransmissionMay 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.
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.
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.
18V100000TransmissionFeb 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.
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.
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.
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