Complaint volume
635 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Ram 1500 Complaints
635 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Ram 1500, grouped by component category.
635 Total complaints
25 Crash reports
8 Fire reports
14 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are electrical system, steering, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 25 crash reports, 8 fire reports, 14 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 206 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 47,061 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to electrical system, steering, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Ram 1500?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Ram 1500
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Ram 1500 complaints?
25 Crash
8 Fire
14 Injury
0 Fatality
40 Towed
12 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Ram 1500 complaint categories?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 66
STEERING 54
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 53
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 52
ENGINE 48
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 33
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 25
POWER TRAIN 22
SERVICE BRAKES 18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 16
635 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | STEERING | On Arpril 4 2025, after dropping off my kids at daycare I was turning left at a 6 lane intersection and the power steering completely failed while turning. This rendered the truck inoperable and nearly caused a collision and stopped right before ending in a ditch. I turned the truck off and then restarted and the power steering started to operate again. I took the truck to the shop and in route the power steering went out again. I was told at the shop and the dealership this is a known concern, but due to my VIN number it does not fall under the recall that has been issued over the power steering failures. I was never notified of this issue prior to 4/4/2025 . | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | while driving the power steering indicator light came on, after 1 mile the power steering stopped working. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Power steering | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) and 23V411000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle hesitated before functioning normally. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | The abs keeps randomly disabling and then coming back on. When this happens, the cruise control is canceled which causes a sudden change in speed unexpectedly. Also, the 4x4 gets disabled. I believe the issue is this: hydraulic control unit can malfunction, impacting ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control performance software issue in the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control module that can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | 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! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | The contact owns a 2018 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The throttle control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on backorder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 82,000 |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | While being driven, the ecodiesel engine had a faulty ball bearing that malfunctioned inside the engine. This ball bearing then shot through the middle of the engine and out the bottom of the engine. The service technician at our local dealership inspected the engine and compared this to a "bullet under too much pressure due to a fault within the engine." He then said we "were lucky the ball bearing hadn't shot upwards through the floorboards." Not only could we have been at risk, other passing vehicles could have been shot with the ball bearing; this event could have led to wrecks and possible fatalities. The engine was completely destroyed by this defective ball bearing and cannot be rebuilt. No lights or messages appeared after the ball bearing shot through, even though the oil began draining instantly. The truck was pulled over and turned off before all the oil drained to prevent damage to the engine, which was already destroyed without us knowing. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | STEERING,ENGINE | Electric Power steering failure | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This is my 2nd complaint...Uconnect never did return my call as they promised they would....now our Uconnect is so bad it makes driving a safety concern. After starting our Ram the Uconnect keeps trying to call a number ....we have no idea what number it is but it continues dialing....we can not turn it off so if we need to drive this vehicle this is what we have to put up with....very distracting...I see many complaints on this website but nothing is being done....we get nowhere with Uconnect even though we have called numerous times...we can not access any of the features from this radio/Uconnect device...cameras...non functioning on the screen....what will it take before someone does something to make the manufactures respond.....as long as NHTSA does nothing....then Uconnect will feel embolden to also do nothing....PLEASE THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED .. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two separate independent mechanics who both stated that the exhaust manifold was warped due to a fractured bolt. The contact was informed that the exhaust manifold needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 77,000 |
| Feb 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | The electronic trailer brake system, anti-lock braking system, and electronics traction control system lights activate upon driving the vehicle. The cruise control is disabled when these warning lights come on as well. I've been informed by an ASE certified mechanic that the abs control module needs replacement. I've learned this is a known issue for my and similar Ram trucks and that Stellantis has the part on back order while it is in "engineering review". If my traction control, anti-lock brake system, and electronic trailer braking system is affected by a failed abs control module and it is a known issue across many vehicles and the part is in "engineering review" I belief this should be covered by Ram under a recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | my 2018 Ram Limited 1500 ABS control Module has FAILED at 72045 miles; Dealer tried to order new one and dealer told me that NONE are available and he was told to call back March 20 and they would let him know if any available; Dealer was unable to get a new ABS module AND dealer was not able to put me on a list when new and IF new module comes available; This is a very UNSAFE condition in rainey Houston Tx; I went to brake servicer and he ordered me a remanufactured module; Brake company was unable to install remanufactured because it would NOT accept my VIN during programming;; I think all Ram's need to have a SAFETY recall on this Abs MODULE Problem ! I noticed the ABS module has been recalled on the deisal RAM's | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | STEERING | I was driving in a curve when the power steering went out and it took everything I had to keep from have a serious accident with my young grand daughter in the car. It happened immediately without any warning. If I was going much faster it would have been catastrophic Now the steering only works sporadically. Very dangerous and as it turns extremely expensive to repair. It sounds like this might be a very common problem but they are not offering a recall, which doesn't seem right | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | our radio in our 2018 Dodge ram has delaminated and it makes it now a safety issue...the cameras and other things are no longer available making it more and more a car we can not drive safely...we have contacted UCONNECT and done everything they have asked us to do...and EVERYTIME we call them back we get a different answer...first they were going to escalate the issue to get it fixed...then when called back...it was no we will not fix it...out of warranty they say this time...I am on the phone with them as I write this...each person has such broken English it is next to impossible to understand them.....as this is a widespread problem and others have had this corrected and some of us have not..why has this not become a recall as it is a safety problem...the dealer has confirmed the problem and gave an 1166.74 dollar figure to fix it at the time of 12-02-24...this problem started in early 2024 but would come and go to the point we are in now...totally not working...Mary from Uconnect ram division said a person named Viplove will call me within 1 day...I am not holding out hope as they never call back...so we never get it fixed leaving us an unsafe vehicle...THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED....what does it takes to get an issue put into a recall to fix safety issues....a death need to happen...that is way to long..it is now making loud sounds to the point driving is not an option....if you look this issue up on the internet you will see plenty of people complaining about this....Please look into this....please | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, which caused engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 186,000 |
| Feb 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | We purchased the RAM in September 2024. 5 times since our purchase, while filling the gas tank the pump nozzle has gotten stuck and extremely hard to remove from the gas tank. This last incident was on 2/9/25, prompting us to take the truck into Dodge where it is currently waiting to be looked at. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and corrected as vehicles are very expensive to have these types of defects. It took 3 grown men to remove the nozzle from the tank. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Traveling on highway, heard noise coming from the engine. I was close to an off ramp and got off the highway. In the process of getting on the off ramp alarms went off. Turned on the flashers, came to a stop partially on the shoulder. Turned off the vehicle, turned it back on and it started right up. Turned to head into town to get some place safe to check the issue and all the alarms went off again. Put the car into neutral and coasted down the road to a local restaurant parking lot. Once safely parked, I opened the hood and my engine was on fire. I ran to the window of the restaurant to get a fire extinguisher and was able to put out the fire quickly. I contacted my insurance carrier and went through the process of repairing the truck. One body shop got it back up and running. Another shop fixed the cosmetic issues. However insurance would only fix the damage from the fire, not the cause of the fire. The truck has been throwing a code stating the EGR Cooler is not functioning properly. Stellantis sent out an independent investigator, however he wasn't allowed to look at the pictures that the body shop took after the incident. Since the truck was put back together and the cosmetic damage was repaired, he couldn't tell the cause of the fire. This EGR Cooler was supposed to be replaced during the recall (NHTSA Campaign # 19V757000), however I don't believe it was. Currently mine is cracked and supposedly the parts are on backorder. So there may need to be a recall to the recall. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Dash mounted control screen malfunctions, and the heater will switch back and forth randomly the radio doesn't function properly, can't control heater or defrosters. If using navigation, it will malfunction and flicker on and off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Got 11 inches of snow tried to go to town and my truck wouldn’t move. Snow melted took it to dodge and they said it’s sounds like the clutch plate in the borg Warner 44-44 was possibly going out. A quick search of problems with that transfer case has hundreds of people having the same problem and I don’t off road it or plow snow. Was quoted $7500 to have it replaced. This could cause an accident if driving down the road or down county roads in rain, snow or ice. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is malfunctioning and causing the ABS light, Electronic Stability Control and other warning lights to be triggered. The failing HCU initially resulted in loss of ABS and traction control. There has been a recall of 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 & 5500 trucks and the recall addresses a defect in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) that could lead to the failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems. Below is the link to the 24V-896 Safety Recall Report: [XXX] This HCU failure causes the Anti-lock braking system and Traction control system to no longer function limiting function under wet or slippery conditions. This puts the driver and others at risk. Ram settled a class action lawsuit addressing this issue for the above-mentioned vehicles but left out the 1500 series. This is a $2,000 repair that should be a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | My 2018 ram 1500 big horn, began showing lights on dash to fix the trailer brakes, and ABS. The sensors was replaced yet the problem persists. When I called RAM they stated the recall was vin specific. Yet the 2018 ram 2500-5500 were recalled for bad abs system, the 2019 rams 1500s were recalled for the same issue. Ram told me that my truck did display all the issues their recall is doing. That was 3 weeks ago and never heard back from them. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | We may have started a claim already reference number 1592940, this is the first I've been able to write out the details. On [XXX] we were driving through South Dakota on the freeway; which was cold but dry and clear with no hazards and within a mile everything happened or about 45-60 seconds First, it was like the gas wasn't getting through because RPMS went from normal to almost 5000. From there, my husband started losing driving power, so he started trying to pull over. Within seconds it seemed to lose engine power as were were pulling over to the shoulder. As we were pulling over the truck gave "loss oil pressure" and then died luckily as we just made it to the shoulder. If my husband had hesitated longer we would have been stalled on the freeway not able to start the truck again. The truck was towed to a local Ford dealership. The Mechanic said it may be a Ram recall but dropped it there and did not continue researching. We called the nearby Ram dealership where the mechanic said over the phone with out actually seeing the truck that is was not a recall. No one else has yet inspected the truck. I first need to know where I'm allowed to go to find an unbiased diagnoses and fair assessment. This was and is the only issue we have ever had with this truck. Maintenance was scheduled regularly, it was well taken care of and only had 110,000 miles on it. We have already had to pay for the towing to the dealership and also the towing from the dealership in South Dakota to home in Washington State to try and get this figured out. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Rear backup camera freezes the display or displays blue screen while backing up. Open recall on the year of vehicle but not under this VIN. Vehicle has been doing this for a long time and seems just recently the recall was started. A possibly unrelated issue is happening where the uconnect does “ghost button pressing” cuts heat, turns on ac, changes clock, settings etc. very unsafe as youre forced to turn heat or ac back on while driving multiple times in a short session of driving | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is malfunctioning and causing the ABS light, Electronic Stability Control and other warning lights to be triggered. The failing HCU initially resulted in intermittent loss of ABS and traction control but now it is a constant issue. There has been a recall of 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 & 5500 trucks and the recall addresses a defect in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) that could lead to the failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems. Below is the link to the 24V-896 Safety Recall Report: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V896-3848.PDF This HCU failure causes the Anti-lock braking system and Traction control system to no longer function limiting function under wet or slippery conditions. This puts the driver and others at risk. Please have the 2017-2018 Ram 1500 included to this recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |