2018 Ram 1500
The Verdict
The 2018 Ram 1500 has 664 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (253 complaints) and body (183 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 16/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Ram 1500, consider the 2020 model year which has 3% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2020 has 3% fewer complaints
View the 2020 Ram 1500 dashboard →
Klunk Score: Total Klunk
Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 3
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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.
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....
Reported Apr 11, 2026
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 ...
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.
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 ...
Reported Apr 11, 2026
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.
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...
Reported Nov 9, 2025
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Under the Hood
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Complaints
1. The electronic power steering system on my 2018 Dodge Ram began malfunctioning intermittently, with the power steering going in and out, before eventually failing completely. I was informed that due to the design of the system, the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the design. 2. The intermittent steering failure progressed to a complete loss of power steering assistance, creating a serious safety concern. Difficulty steering can affect the driver's ability to maneuver, respond quickly to traffic, and maintain control in emergency situations. Driving under these conditions puts me and other motorists at risk. I depend on this vehicle to get to work, but I cannot safely drive it with the steering system malfunctioning. Being unable to use my vehicle also creates a significant hardship because I must maintain my employment and daily responsibilities. 3. The problem has been identified as a failure of the electronic power steering system. I have been informed that the entire rack-and-pinion assembly must be replaced because of the way the system is designed. I have also been told that the required replacement part is on national backorder and is unavailable in Oklahoma with no delivery date in sight. The vehicle was inspected by Kasterke of Shawnee, OK and Kevin's Automotive. 4. To my knowledge, the manufacturer, police, and insurance representatives have not independently inspected the vehicle. 5. Before the complete failure, the electronic power steering system began working intermittently, repeatedly going in and out. The problem continued until the power steering failed completely. There was no warning. The vehicle just became unable to steer and handle. Once the system failed, the message "Power Steering Unavailable" appeared.
The ABS, brake, and traction-control warning lights on my 2018 Ram 1500 Rebel first appeared in June 2026 and are currently illuminated. During abrupt braking, the rear of the truck can slide sideways, making it difficult to maintain control. In June 2026, I was traveling approximately 50 mph when another vehicle pulled out in front of me. I applied the brakes, and my truck slid sideways off the roadway before stopping in the grass. There was no impact, visible damage, or injury, and no police report was filed. The exact incident date is unknown. The vehicle had approximately 130,000 miles at the time, based on an estimate of my regular driving mileage. The braking problem continues. I leave additional following distance because I am concerned about losing control if sudden braking is necessary. This creates a risk of a collision or another roadway departure. Owner diagnostics using an Autel scan tool recorded active code C2200-49, described as an internal electronic failure of the anti-lock brake module. I suspect an ABS module malfunction, but the cause has not been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The original OEM ABS module remains installed and is available for inspection upon request. No solder reflow has been attempted. The truck also has an abnormal ride height, and the steering wheel is off center when traveling straight. Aero mode works when selected manually, but the truck no longer automatically enters Aero mode while driving. Whether these symptoms are related to the ABS problem is unknown. I contacted Mopar Cares about the concern and was directed to the dealership to discuss possible goodwill assistance.
I have a 2018 ram 1500 express my electricinic power steering is binding and causing my truck to jerk when I correct it while driving. I have noticed that there are recalls for the same issue on previous years(2015-2017) and on years after (2019-2021) models. Please investigate why 2018 isnt showing an open or active recall.
San Antonio Tx was driving this morning in a light mist had my son in the truck the vehicle ahead of me came to an abrupt stop and I had to hit my brakes pretty hard and without the abs working properly I am impacted by the ABS controller failure However, I was surprise at how few have files formal NTHSA complaints on a serious issue that appears to impact thousands of trucks prior to 2019. The only way to move this ball forward and get injunctive relief is to inform NTHSA. To Whom It May Concern at NHTSA, I am filing this safety complaint regarding a defective ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2018 Ram 1500 TRADESMAN CREW CAB 4x4 5.7L Hemi with approximately 200,000 miles. DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The ABS HCU has failed, resulting in complete loss of anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, 4WD and cruise control. This is an identical failure mode to the defect addressed under NHTSA Recall 24V-896, which covered 2017-2018 Ram 2500-5500 trucks. My 2017 Ram 1500 uses the same or substantially similar HCU component and is experiencing the identical failure. SAFETY RISK: The loss of ABS, ESC, 4WD and traction control significantly increases the risk of a crash, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This is not a minor inconvenience — it is a serious safety hazard that FCA/Stellantishas already acknowledged in heavier-duty Ram platforms. MANUFACTURER KNOWLEDGE: FCA was aware of this defect as early as 2016 based on warranty claims and customer complaints. Despite issuing Recall 24V-896 for heavier Ram trucks with the same HCU failure, FCA has failed to extend recall coverage to the 2018 Ram 1500, leaving thousands of owners without remedy. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Repair estimates range from $1,200 to $2,000. The part remains on backorder or engineering hold, making timely repair impossible through normal channels. REQUESTED ACTION: I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Open a formal investigation into the 2017 Ram 1500 ABS H
The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) assembly on my 2018 Ram 1500 Classic Sport suffered a sudden and complete internal electrical failure (Diagnostic Trouble Code C2217). I was out of town in [XXX], and the morning I was checking out of my hotel, the steering completely locked up and would not operate at all upon startup. Because the failure occurred inside a tight parking garage, it was a severe logistical hazard and the truck had to be towed. This stranded me out of town, forcing me to pay for an extra hotel night, a rental car to return to [XXX], and a second rental car two weeks later to travel back to [XXX] to retrieve the truck once repaired. The dealership diagnosed a complete internal failure of the EPS module/steering rack assembly. The original quote was $4,450. I formally requested Goodwill Assistance from Stellantis corporate and opened a customer care case with Ram. Both corporate entities denied me any financial assistance with Stellantis stating their support policies for any Goodwill Assistance is strictly covered for 2019-to-present models. Ram Customer Care deflected all pricing responsibility to the dealer. While I negotiated the bill down from the initial quote, I was still forced to pay $3,880 out of pocket for a known engineering flaw. This identical EPS failure mechanism is the subject of class-action litigation and a massive safety recall on other Ram vehicles (Campaign 92D). Stellantis is using arbitrary model-year cutoffs to avoid financial accountability for a critical safety component. The NHTSA must expand its active investigation to include 2018 models to protect these dangerous, costly internal steering failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am filing a formal complaint regarding a FAILED RECALL REMEDY and subsequent CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE creating a severe fire hazard on my 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.In April, the official Z46 High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) recall repair was completed on my vehicle. Within one month of the repair, the Check Engine Light illuminated. I returned the vehicle to the authorized dealership (Lakeland Chrysler Dodge), where technicians dismissed the light as a minor "sensor issue" and stated it was resolved. Shortly after, the light returned a second time, and the dealership dismissed it again as a "programming error".Recently, the high-pressure fuel pump system suffered a catastrophic failure. The failure of the recall component directly caused severe consequential damage to the connected fuel return tube (Part #68229388AA), resulting in an active, dangerous fuel leak in the engine bay.Both the dealership and the manufacturer (Stellantis / Mopar Corporate, Case #98037315) are actively refusing to honor the federal safety recall mandate. They are trying to classify this as an out-of-pocket consumer expense, despite clear evidence that the initial recall remedy failed to correct the safety defect and directly destroyed adjacent fuel components. The vehicle remains unsafe to drive due to active fuel leakage.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). After retrieving the vehicle, while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the injector was damaged and the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be repaired. The contact stated that the technician had botched the repair. The dealer was no longer returning calls. The contact was several states away from the residence. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and opened a case for reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
After driving through a heavy downpour, power steering cut out intermittently. The next day, it became full inoperable. Repair shop initially suggested letting the controls "dry out". When that was unsuccessful, the shop suggested taking it to a dealer, stating that the entire rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. I took it to a dealer, and they claimed the assembly failed, need to be replaced, and was on a 45-day minimum back order.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The contact reported the failure to the manufacturer. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
At low speeds the Electronic power steering hesitates and i have to force the wheels to turn. Once upto speed of 35mph or higher the power steering works flawless. This is an issue for me as a first responder and is a safety concern.
XXX, [XXX] East Bound 9:30 PM, , pulling a tandem-axle boat and trailer 6000# GVW , the truck slowed suddenly, in traffic 62 MPH. I contacted CJDR dealers in [XXX], and [XXX], and both stated there was no recall, warranty, or goodwill repair, available for my truck. [XXX] told me the same, when I called. I took the truck to an independent diesel shop, in [XXX] to just go ahead and have a CPS (crankshaft position sensor, and tone wheel) put in. He said both the CJDR dealers and Stellantis told him the truck was “ineligible” for the repair parts kit – he was unable to obtain one. They claimed *my* truck did not have the faulty tone wheel assembly. In the mean time, the code he documented P0335, did not return, and I continued to drive the truck, until XXX, 11:00PM I-4 [XXX] about the 106MM, the truck did the same thing, same trailer, same danger. After restart, limping home, OBDii code P0335, was present. On XXX, I took the truck for diagnosis, to New Smyrna CJDR, and they completed replacement of the CPS and tone wheel, today, XXX. The repair cost me 3,470.98 on Invoice Number XXX. I purchased the truck from New Smyrna CJDR, three months after it was built, which was two days before the production line started using the new design of CPS tone wheel. Stellantis knew, and the dealer knew. Still, they sent me off down the road. I would like to be reimbursed. Please find invoices from New Smyrna CJDR and Reed’s Garage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sudden loss of power steering while driving. National chain won’t fix it either, although they said I could lose steering altogether. This is a huge safety issue.
As we were driving along the freeway at highway speeds, the dash lights completely cut out on my ram 1500 2019. At first, this seemed to simply affect the visibility of the central console, speed controls, light indicators, etc. But then as we continued on and proceeded to exit the freeway, the entire vehicle shut down and lost total power steering speed control and power braking. I had to rapidly exit and take at safety on side of the road before completely losing control. Previously we had lost power to the video control display but it had never lost power before. We had also previously experienced where we were on the freeway at freeway speeds and the cruise control just rapidly shut down the same time as the video console shut down and the vehicle proceeded to slow rapidly and unexpectedly. After the incidence of losing cruise control and losing the central display, we took the vehicle multiple times to a ram authorized dealer service center in salt lake City as well as an independent shop. Neither could replicate and the issue as it is severely intermittent. We continued to use the vehicle given their clean bill of health. However, this incident showed a new level of severe risk in driving the vehicle. There were no warning indicators or flashing lights as the console completely failed in the middle of the driver screen. By several mechanical shops unable to replicate the issue. We were able to start recording upon the demonstration of the latest incident and have a video of this happening but too large to upload. Should this have happened while we were still on the freeway and unable to safely navigate to a shoulder on either the left or right of the road, we would have essentially been forced to go from full-freeway speeds in a matter of seconds, creating a significant risk for ourselves and others. You can see in the video the central console goes completely black does not show speed Indicators does not flash any warning signal, intermittent control.
Took truck in for warrenty work, engine started nocking techs checked said rod could come through side of engine, Ram know this but refuse to do anything. truck has less than 70000 miles was told 17000 dollar for new motor and install, and there still other issues with this truck, why no recall, this seem to be a problem with 3.0 eco diesel and Ram reufes to recall, now I'm in a bad situation, i paid 25000 last July from a private sale, truck ran great till week ago im a honorable vetran on a 40 percent VA disability claim i would like some help getting some of my money back. Please advise
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment screen delaminated, and the HVAC system, radio, rear-view camera, or navigation system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact retrieved information about a recall with a similar failure; however, the recall information was unknown. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the hydraulic control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Have had repeated intermittent EPS warning light alerts, sometimes followed by complete loss of power steering even at speed. The light and issue go away once I cycle the key off and back on again but eventually come back. Obviously this is a dangerous fault.
The vehicle with 85,000 miles has suffered a catastrophic internal component failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, rendering it incredibly dangerous to drive. Because the control module and motor are permanently sealed inside the steering gear assembly, a simple electrical failure forces a complete replacement of the rack. This is a known issue with the Dodge Ram pick ups from the years 2013 through 2019
Paint peeing on roof and hood
My ABS Control Module on my 2018 Ram 1500 Express has been out for over a year and the part is still on backorder. I need this fixed as it is a safety issue. My ABS, traction control, and emergency brake light is on.
664 total