Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2018 Ram 1500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2018 to Dec 2023
The most reported issue is electrical system problems (66 complaints). 25 complaints involved crashes. 8 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (15)
NHTSA Campaign: 20V475000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V347000
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V398000
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V280000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V332000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V632000
Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V324000
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V757000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V556000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V524000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V100000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 22V406000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 23V411000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V010000
Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V592000
Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 622)
Fuel/propulsion System →5 issues
Your 2018 RAM 1500's fuel tank vent valve has failed, causing the gas pump to shut off repeatedly during refueling and making fill-ups take much longer than normal. This happens at every gas station and with every pump. The dealership says the vent valve is built into the fuel tank and cannot be replaced separately, so they recommend replacing the entire fuel tank for over $2,100. You're concerned this premature failure at 43,325 miles shouldn't happen under normal use and may affect safe refueling and emissions operation. The repair will likely involve draining the fuel system and removing and replacing the entire fuel tank assembly.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your truck was part of a fuel pump recall (Z46) and is now showing multiple fuel system error codes (P1290, P0087, P1292). Your vehicle has been at the dealer since late December waiting for a redesigned fuel filter part that keeps getting delayed. The repair will involve replacing the redesigned fuel filter component once it becomes available.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your fuel tank won't fill up completely when you try to refuel at the pump. The nozzle may shut off prematurely or fuel may back up, preventing normal refueling. This issue typically involves a problem with the fuel tank filler neck or internal vent system that needs inspection and repair.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your fuel pump shuts off repeatedly while filling your tank, causing fuel to splash out. Fuel and vapors are now escaping from the filler neck on a regular basis, which is a safety concern. This is a known issue affecting multiple Ram 1500 owners, and the problem has worsened since you purchased the truck in 2018 despite dealer assurances of an upcoming recall. Fixing this will likely require replacement or repair of the fuel filler neck assembly and anti-siphon valve.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your truck's fuel door has a problem where the gas pump nozzle clicks or shuts off repeatedly while refueling. You have to manually hold the pump in place the entire time to fill the tank, and you need to watch carefully to prevent gas from overflowing onto your truck and the ground. This issue started shortly after you bought the vehicle and has been ongoing. Fixing this will likely require inspection and possible replacement of the fuel filler neck or door latch mechanism.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Steering →3 issues
Your steering wheel becomes suddenly stiff and hard to turn without warning, making your truck difficult to control and creating a safety hazard while driving. This problem happens intermittently but severely impacts your ability to steer safely. Your dealership says there are no recalls or service bulletins available for your vehicle and won't help with repair costs, though you've opened a case with Stellantis that remains unresolved. The fix will likely require a dealer inspection and possible repair or replacement of steering system components.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
While driving at 45 mph, your steering wheel suddenly became very stiff and hard to turn. A mechanic diagnosed this as a power steering failure and determined that both the electric power steering system and the rack and pinion assembly need to be replaced. Your vehicle will require these major steering components to be serviced at a dealer.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your steering wheel became difficult to turn back to center while driving at 45 MPH, and a red steering wheel warning light appeared on your dashboard. Turning the vehicle off and back on didn't restore power steering assist. The problem started intermittently but became permanent over time, and replacing the battery didn't fix it. A mechanic was unable to identify the cause, suggesting this may require dealer-level diagnostics or replacement of the power steering control module.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Engine →2 issues
Your engine is losing coolant rapidly without any visible leaks, causing it to overheat—an independent mechanic has confirmed your EGR cooler has failed. Even though Carfax shows this was supposedly serviced and there are no active recalls, this failure creates a potential fire risk that could endanger you and your passengers. This problem has been happening since you bought the vehicle in February 2026. The fix will likely involve replacing the EGR cooler and flushing the cooling system.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your engine's manifold bolts have broken for the second time, even after the dealership repaired them previously. This is a recurring issue that needs to be addressed to prevent further damage. The repair will likely involve removing the manifold, replacing the broken bolts, and reinstalling the component.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Steering,electrical System →1 issue
Your truck's electronic power steering system is working inconsistently, making the steering wheel very hard to turn at times. This creates a dangerous driving situation since you may suddenly lose power-assisted steering without warning. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the electrical connections, sensors, or the power steering control module to restore consistent operation.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System,latches/locks/linkages,back Over Prevention →1 issue
Your backup camera screen goes blank when reversing, leaving you without rear visibility. Your truck has also stalled while driving multiple times despite replacing the alternator and battery several times, and your tailgate has opened unexpectedly while driving. The manufacturer says your vehicle isn't covered under the related recalls, though you're experiencing the same problems those recalls address. The underlying electrical issue will need diagnostic testing to identify the root cause, likely involving the electrical system, camera module, or wiring.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System →1 issue
You discovered a mileage discrepancy on your 2018 Ram 1500 when registering it. The odometer showed 63,676 miles at purchase, but the actual mileage was found to be 105,521 miles at registration time. This suggests the odometer reading may have been tampered with or rolled back by the previous owner. Resolving this will likely require contacting your state's motor vehicle department and potentially pursuing legal action against the private seller.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your ABS system isn't working properly, likely due to a faulty ABS module or hydraulic control unit. When you brake hard, your wheels lock up instead of the ABS preventing that, and your cruise control has also stopped working as a result. Fixing this will require diagnosing and replacing the ABS module or hydraulic control unit.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System,service Brakes →1 issue
Your vehicle's ABS (anti-lock brake) control module has failed, causing you to lose anti-lock braking and traction control. You may notice reduced stability when braking on wet surfaces, and your cruise control has also stopped working. The repair will likely require replacing the ABS control module.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Unknown Or Other,engine →1 issue
Your truck's engine suddenly shuts off while driving or at idle, dropping the RPM to zero. When this happens while driving, you need to shift into park and restart the engine, which then starts normally—but the problem keeps recurring. A mechanic found that your truck's TIPM (the main fuse box under the hood) is overheating, which is causing the stalling. The fix will likely involve replacing or repairing the overheating TIPM module or addressing the underlying electrical issue causing the overheating.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Power Train →1 issue
When you accelerate to pass other vehicles on the highway, you hear a clunking noise and the engine loses power temporarily. You have to let the car slow down before gradually speeding back up. This is your second transmission replacement, which happened at 40,000 miles.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Air Bags,electrical System →1 issue
Your instrument panel is displaying a "Service Air Bag" warning message that stays on while you drive, indicating a potential issue with your airbag system. Additionally, your horn doesn't work when pressed, and the steering wheel controls on the left side (like cruise control or audio buttons) aren't functioning, though the right-side controls work fine. The dealer said your vehicle isn't covered under any known recall. This problem likely requires electrical diagnostics to identify the faulty connection or component in the airbag and steering wheel control circuits.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Service Brakes →1 issue
Your truck's ABS (anti-lock braking) system is showing an internal malfunction code C2200-49 in the ABS control module. This same problem has already been recalled in RAM 2500 to 5500 models, but your 1500 hasn't been included in that recall yet. The replacement part is currently on back order with no known delivery date.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Engine And Engine Cooling →1 issue
Your engine stalled while driving at 65 MPH but restarted immediately, with several warning lights appearing on your dashboard. When you tried to restart the engine after arriving at your destination, it wouldn't start. A mechanic diagnosed the problem as a completely delaminated crankshaft position tone wheel that needs replacement. You were told there's a recall for this failure, but your vehicle's VIN wasn't listed in the recall, and multiple dealers confirmed the same.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Get notified when any of these become free repairs
We'll alert you if a new recall is issued for your vehicle — that means a free fix at the dealer.
Related Vehicles
Other Ram 1500 years: