Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2018 Ram 3500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2023 to Dec 2023
The most reported issue is service brakes problems (279 complaints). 14 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fire.
Open Safety Recalls (11)
NHTSA Campaign: 18E096000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
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: 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: 19V021000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V398000
Component: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V824000
Component: EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
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: 24V896000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
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 743)
Service Brakes →9 issues
Your truck's service electronic brakes and service ABS warning lights are on because of a faulty hydraulic control unit (HCU). You've had this issue since September 2025, and there's no fix available yet. Since your braking system isn't functioning normally, the truck may be unsafe to drive. Fixing this will require replacing the hydraulic control unit.
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Your truck's brake control unit may be failing, causing your ABS and traction control systems to malfunction intermittently and then permanently. You're experiencing dashboard warning lights that blink on and off along with persistent beeping sounds, which makes it difficult to focus while driving. This problem reduces your vehicle's ability to maintain stability and control during braking, which is a serious safety concern. The manufacturer has issued a recall but hasn't yet released a fix.
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Your truck's ABS and traction control system has been broken for two years due to a recalled ABS HCU (hydraulic control unit) that still hasn't been replaced. You've lost ABS braking, traction control, and cruise control, and you nearly had a head-on collision when your truck skidded off the road. The recall has been open for over a year with no replacement parts available, yet RAM continues to sell the same faulty part without offering interim solutions.
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I have an open safety recall for 16 months (recall below). I and my family drive a Dodge Ram 3500 dually truck and haul my horses in a large gooseneck horse trailer. The recall states: “Safety RiskThe loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.” It’s not my problem that parts are not available.
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Some (2017-2018 MY Ram xxx) vehicles may have been built with a brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU") that is susceptible to failure or malfunction which may result in a reduction or change of Anti-Lock Brake System ("ABS")/Electronic Stability Control ("ESC") /Traction Control performance.
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Your brake warning lights and alarms have been staying on continuously for over 18 months due to a known issue with the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) that's under recall. This same problem is also preventing your cruise control from working properly. The constant alarms and warning lights are distracting while driving, and Ram hasn't provided a fix or timeline for repair. The fix will likely involve replacing or reprogramming the HCU as part of the recall service.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle was issued a recall in November 2024 for the service brakes, but nearly two years have passed without the issue being resolved. This extended delay is frustrating and unacceptable. Contact your Ram dealer to schedule the recall service immediately, as brake issues are a safety concern.
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My 2018 Ram 3500 is included in the NHTSA Recall # 24V-896. My warning lights have been coming on for a while now and so I believe my ABS is not active. I am being told parts are not available.
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Vehicle ABS malfunctions routinely. This comprises reliability and overall road safety. This recall is well over 3 years old and the manufacturer has not done enough to remedy this defect, knowing that the entire fleet shares this ABS system failure.
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic →7 issues
Your brake system warning lights (ABS, traction control, and HCU) came on while driving, and your AWD stopped working. There's a recall issued for this problem, but the repair parts weren't available when you contacted your dealer. You've been waiting longer than expected for the manufacturer to provide the needed parts to fix it.
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The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available.
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The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. There was a warning chime coming from the vehicle.
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The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light unexpectedly illuminated with a chiming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the cruise control and 4WD became inoperable.
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The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
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The contact called on behalf of the owner of the 2018 Ram 3500. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). However, the part to do the recall repair was not available.
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The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure disabled the cruise control feature.
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Power Train,service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance →2 issues
Your truck's traction control and automatic emergency braking system have a recalled issue that hasn't been repaired yet, and you've been waiting nearly two years for the repair. You should contact your Ram dealer to schedule the recall service as soon as possible.
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No anti lock brakes which causes unsafe braking in acclimate weather which slid sideways as well as almost rear end vehicles ,also causes multiple functions to not work like exhaust brake and transmission issues !
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your ABS warning light is turning on and off repeatedly, which is causing your cruise control to stop working and triggering an alarm sound while driving. You've been told the truck isn't safe to tow your 41-foot fifth wheel trailer, even though you purchased it specifically for that purpose. There's an unrepaired safety recall affecting your brake hydraulic control unit that can cause a loss of anti-lock brakes and traction control, which could lead to a crash. The remedy part hasn't been made available yet, and you've been waiting over a year for this to be fixed.
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Electrical System,service Brakes →1 issue
While towing 10,000 lb trailer vehicle displayed indicators that traction control and ABS were failing. I've taken vehicle to dealer 5 times since recall and it's now over 1 year and Chrysler failed to remedy recalled defective part 68143491AA. Chrysler complaint case no.
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Related Vehicles
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