2018 Ram 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 662 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 25 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 25 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorSep 11, 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.
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
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.
Campaign 25V592000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorJan 16, 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.
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
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.
Campaign 25V010000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJun 8, 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.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V411000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, diesel, delivery, fuel pumpJun 9, 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.
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V406000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorAug 12, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 21V632000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, dieselAug 13, 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.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V475000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, gas recirculation valve (egr valve)Oct 24, 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.
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 19V757000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, tailgate, latchMay 9, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V347000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftApr 25, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V324000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assemblyAug 23, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V556000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, front underhoodAug 9, 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.
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V524000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraJun 14, 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."
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V398000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 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.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionMay 1, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V280000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionFeb 8, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V100000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
59 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jul 6, 2019
THERE IS A RECALL ON THE DRIVESHAFT THAT CAN CAUSE THE INCOMPLETE WELD TO BRAKE AND CAUSE CRASH V48 IS THE RECALL. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 6/27/19 WAS TOLD THAT THE PART NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. TODAY IS ONE WEEK LATER AND STILL NO PART I HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE SO NOT SURE WHY I'M STILL WAITING ON PARTS? IT'S DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO THE RECALL NOTE.
Power train, Jun 26, 2019
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (V48/NHTSA 19V-324) FOR MY 2018 DODGE RAM 1500. THE FCA ASSISTANCE CENTER SET ME UP WITH A DEALERSHIP THAT CAN REPAIR THE ISSUE, I CALLED TO SCHEDULE (THEY SAID NEXT TUESDAY JULY 2ND). THE FCA ASSISTANCE CENTER DEEMED MY TRUCK UNDRIVABLE BY APPROVING A TOW TRUCK TO HAUL MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT OFFER A LOANER SO I CAN GET TO WORK TOMORROW, SO I CALLED THE FCA ASSISTANCE CENTER TO GET A VEHICLE DUE TO PRODUCT LIABILITY. THEY PUT ME ON HOLD, THEN RESPONDED WITH "I WILL GET BACK TO YOU TOMORROW..WHAT'S THE BEST PHONE NUMBER TO REACH YOU?"
Power train, May 20, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE WITH THE DRIVER DOOR STILL OPEN, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE INDEPENDENTLY, ROLLED AWAY RAPIDLY, AND KNOCKED THE DRIVER DOWN TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY CROSSING A STREET AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE WHERE IT CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO HIS LEFT LEG/FOOT, THE LEFT WRIST WAS SCRAPPED, THE LEFT ELBOW WAS BRUISED, AND THE RIGHT KNEE SCRAPPED WHERE MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SCHEDULED TO BE RECEIVED BY HIS DOCTOR. NO POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GALEANA'S VAN DYKE DODGE DEALER (28400 VAN DYKE AVE, WARREN, MI 48093 (586) 573-4000) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED FOR THE REAR BUMPER AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. *DT*JB *DT PHOTOS ATTACHED *JB *DT*JB
Power train, Engine, Mar 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A STRONG EXHAUST ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE BECAME ILL TO THE POINT OF THROWING UP AND ALMOST PASSING OUT. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STOCKTON DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (LOCATED AT 3333 AUTO CENTER CIR, STOCKTON, CA 95212, (209) 956-1920) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST WAS NOT YET COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Power train, Dec 16, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE 5 IN WASHINGTON IN CRUISE CONTROL AT 76MPH GOING UP HILL, THE TRUCK MADE A GEAR GRINDING NOISE. I TURN OFF CRUISE AND LET THE TRUCK COAST UPHILL, THE TRUCK WAS MAKING A WHINING UPHILL. I GAVE THE TRUCK SOME GAS TOWARDS THE TOP OF THE AND AT THAT POINT THE TRUCK VIOLENTLY SHOOK, I HEARD A LOUD THUD AND SAW SPARKS FLYING FROM THE REAR END. I WAS GOING DOWN HILL BY THIS POINT. I SAW A LARGE METAL PIECE COME FLYING OFF THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. WHEN I WENT TO PULL OVER, THE TRUCK WAS HARD TO STEER AND CONTROL, THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP THE LAST 8-12 FEET BEFORE STOPPING. UPON GETTING OUT I NOTICED THE DRIVESHAFT DROPPED & HANGING FROM THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO FIND & PICK UP THE LARGE PIECE THAT WENT FLYING OFF. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED 70+ MILES TO MY HOME TOWN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL 2018 AND THIS HAPPENED MID DECEMBER 2018. THE TRUCK HAD APPROX 29,550 MILES ON IT AT THIS POINT. THE TRUCK WAS BOUGHT IN APRIL 2018 BRAND NEW WITH 18 MILES ON IT. ALL MAINTENACE HAS BEEN FOLLOWED PER RAM'S RECOMMENDATIONS.*DT ?PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).?*JB
Power train, Sep 1, 2018
I WANT TO BUY THIS VEHICLE . THE RECALL IS CHECK REAR END GEAR OIL AND YOU DON,T HAVE A REMEDY FOR IT YET???? HOW MUCH DOES IT TAKE TO REMOVE THE GEAR OIL PLUG AND CHECK THE LEVEL. YOU ARE HOLDING UP MY PURCHASE ON THIS VEHICLE!!!
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Aug 21, 2018
WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW AT BILL LUKE IN PHOENIX ARIZONA, AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE HOME WE NOTICED THE UNDERNEATH OF THE VEHICLE IS RUSTED AND THE PAINT IS FLAKING OFF. WE MEET WITH THE DISTRICT MANAGER OF CHRYSLER AND SHE STATED RUST IS NORMAL ON BRAND NEW VEHICLE, THEY TOOK OFF A COUPLE OF PARTS, CLEANED THEM UP AND PAINTED, WE ASKED ABOUT ALL THE OTHER PARTS, ENGINE BLOCK, SUSPENSION PARTS, OIL PAN, OUTER WHEEL BEARING COVERS AND THEY LET US KNOW THEY ARE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING. THE DEALERSHIP BODY SHOP, USED TOUCH UP PAINT ON THE AREAS THE PAINT WAS FLAKING OFF AND THAT CAME RIGHT OFF AND MORE PAINT IS FLAKING OFF AND CHRYSLER IS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THAT EITHER.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Mar 4, 2018
I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY, AND MY VEHICLE WENT INTO PARK BY ITSELF. IT APPEARED A STRANGE MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN SAYING 'CAR NOT IN DRIVE, SHIFT TO PARK'. ALSO MY VEHICLE DISPLAYED AN ALERT MESSAGE SAYING 'ALERT: ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, THE VEHICLE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM HAS DETECTED A MALFUNCTION'. ALSO ANOTHER ALERT WAS DISPLAYED AS 'ALERT: ENGINE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION'. NOT ONLY DID MY VEHICLE HAVE THESE MALFUNCTIONS BUT MY HEATED STEERING WHEEL AND SEATS WERE BEING USED BY ITSELF. I WAS NOT IN CONTROL OF THESE PANELS. LAST, MY SENSORS ON MY RAM DO NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY, IF I AM PULLING UP CLOSE TO AN OBJECT MY SENSORS WILL NOT 'BEEP'. ONLY TIME THEY GO OFF IS IF I HIT THE OBJECTS IN FRONT OF ME. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, MY 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' WAS ON AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS BELOW 41 F WHEN IN FACT IT WAS 65 F.
Power train, Jan 2, 2018
TRUCK WONT GO INTO REVERSE WHEN TURNING THE ROTARY DIAL. THIS HAPPENS AFTER DRIVING THE TRUCK FOR A COUPLE OF MILES. IF YOU TURN THE ROTARY DIAL TO THE THE R POSITION IT JUST SITS THERE LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. IN ORDER TO GET IT TO GO INTO REVERSE, YOU HAVE TO TURN THE DIAL BACK TO P, THEN TURN THE DIAL TO D AND THEN TURN IT BACK TO R. THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IF YOU ARE ON AN INCLINE AND TURN IT TO R IT WILL ROLL FORWARD AND NOT GO INTO REVERSE.