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
662 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Jan 20, 2025
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
Service brakes, Jan 7, 2025
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.
Engine, Jan 2, 2025
my vehicle started knocking loudly, the all of a sudden I lost power on a 4 lane highway causeing other vehicles to swerve around me. this could have been a accident if the road conditions were icy such as they are in Alberta. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership, the connecting Rods were in the bottom of the oil pan. since this incident I have learned of 2 other Eco diesels that had the same thing happen to them. These people are my friends and close aqauintences. So there must be more if I know 3 Eco diesels personally on my town.
Engine, Dec 30, 2024
Engine started knocking at 65mph. Slowed to find a safe place to pull out of traffic lane. Before pulling over engine stopped but was able to get completely off the road. My safety was not directly at risk but had to wait at the side of the road for 4 hours waiting for tow. The dealer stated they have no idea what failed. The engine has not been inspected. The dealer told me I would have to pay to have it torn apart to find out what failed. There were no warnings except the engine knock. Oil pressure was normal, was not overheating and no check engine light. My safety could have been at risk had I been trying to pull out into traffic. Dealer has been doing all of the scheduled oil changes and inspections. I thought this may have something to do with recall 66A/NHTSA 23V-411. Dealer stated that could not be the reason as that recall fix is a software update?
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2024
The HVAC controls are part of the radio unit. The radio unit locks up, requiring the battery to be pulled to reset most of the time. When you dont have the radio working you cannot control the HVAC controls including Defrost which can cause a dangerous driving situation or not be able to drive due to fogged up windows. Also many of the vehicle functions such as the auto dim mirror are inoperative when the radio locks up or doesnt not work (black screen) causing a dangerous night situation. lastly, the reversing camera will not work with a non functioning radio display causing a hazard with a full size pickup backing up to others.
Engine, Dec 14, 2024
I was driving this [XXX] ecodiesel truck and it threw a rod on a sketchy windy road on a mountain pass. I was told 65 mile tow one way, 90 the other; I chose the former (Liberty Mutual said they’d reimburse $20 of my over $250 tow) thanks again! Not.)). Brought it to Ram in Show Low Arizona, Eric McGraw the service manager was terrific and communicated with me as much as he could. Unfortunately, they said the engine was out of power train warranty (I was at 99,840 miles at time of engine failure), “by time not miles.” I had to call FCA directly and get a [XXX] case manager, Josh who was also stellar in my opinion. 9 weeks; 9 weeks without my truck. That’s 7 total payments for it to what? Sit unfixed while FCA struggled with their top leadership? I bought this [XXX] ecodiesel engine because it was a diesel and diesels are notorious for having higher mileage capability; AND THEN to have everyone at Ram to FCA point fingers, shrug shoulders, and keep me waiting at my own expense; was simply intolerable to me. Luckily, FCA told me Ram would cover %65 of the repair (which is generous, but a slap in the face when I bought a supposed long life diesel from one of the top diesel companies in this country, and then to not cover the whole thing? BEFORE 100k miles?! So I paid $7000 out of pocket for this new engine. There was a lawsuit earlier which details how FCA settled in court over this same model “only 2014-2016 models” supposedly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 13, 2024
2018 Dodge Ram Rebel won't take gas. Keeps shutting off at pump without filling (30 gal tank) took to dealer was told vapor/gas sensor issue - need to replace gas tank $3500 repair! Vehicle has 88000 miles no accidents. I am the original owner of this vehicle
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in rainy weather, the brake pedal was firmly depressed to stop at a traffic light, but the rear brakes seized, causing the vehicle to hydroplane into the middle of an intersection. The contact made a U-turn and continued driving. The ABS, traction control, and brake system warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Engine, Dec 6, 2024
I have a 2018 Ram, with the 5.7 hemi. I purchased it new in November 2017. I currently have just over 53,000 miles and began to hear a ticking sound on startup that lessened upon driving but never completely gone and could smell exhaust fumes in the passenger compartment. I took this to an independent service center and they reported that two or the rear bolts have broken off that secure the exhaust manifold and the gasket has been damaged. The mechanic states that this is quite common but not a recalled area from the manufacturer. The repair will cost close to $1,000.00 to repair. I do not understand that if this is a common and well known and documented problem and can be a huge safety risk due to the leaking of carbon monoxide into the passenger compartment, why hasn't this t been listed as a safety recall. I now understand that RAM is also discontinuing the production of the 5.7 hemi engine, are these type problems related?
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2024
The backup camera randomly loses the image when backing up. It has happened many times, unpredictable, beginning in October. Then had a period of it happening quite often, now it's only been twice in the last couple of weeks. I have a couple of photos of the screen, but this app won't let me paste them in. I request my VIN be added to the recall for this issue.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer where an unknown recall for the fuel pump was performed. The contact stated that while driving out of the dealer parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered over to the side of the road and was not able to be restarted. The keys were turned over to the dealer and it was determined that the part was defective. The contact had been waiting on the manufacturer to provide additional steps for four days. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 26, 2024
When fueling my vehicle, whether my tank is empty or half full, the pump clicks off as it would if my tank was full. It can take 1/2 hour to get $10.00 worth of gas in my 33 gallon tank. The pump either stops or the gas bubbles up and spills all over my truck, on me and on the ground. If this were to happen and there was a lit cigarette on the ground or an open flame, a serious life threatening incident could occur. I spoke with someone in the parts department at Bedard Brothers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and he informed me that it’s on “The Bulletin” of potential problems with this vehicle but there’s no recall for it and there should be. I bought my truck in April 2024 and was not informed of this issue and now, as I live in New England where the winters are harsh, I find myself standing in the freezing cold trying to fuel my truck and my family is in the vehicle freezing because it it unsafe and illegal to let it run while I'm fueling it.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2024
Cannot put fuel in tank… when trying to fill at gas station, the pump keeps kicking off and gas spills out the filler neck. This is a common and known issue with RAM trucks and the tanks should have been recalled.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 8, 2024
Power steering intermittently stops working while driving.
Fuel system, Diesel, Nov 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The high-pressure fuel pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 24, 2024
Chrysler's 3.0L diesel engine have a high-pressure fuel pump with an open recall on them. A HPFP failure may introduce internally failed component debris into the fuel system and cause potential fuel starvation. In January of 2023, I attempted to remedy the situation with a RAM dealership in Aptos, California. The attached email chain shows that for 6 months, I was unable to receive parts for my 3.0L diesel engine. After a change in job opportunities, I ended up in Palmdale late November 2023, where I continued to pursue remediation at the RAM of the West Dealership in Lancaster. While I do not have a email thread on this, if you visit their store on 43226 10th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534, you find that they have an open ticket for this same recall that has been open since February 2024. I have had an open recall for 2 years now, which has prevented me from receiving a new registration sticker. My current RAM 1500, still has a sticker from 2022 despite me paying for all of my registration requirements. This has led to 3 tickets and a threat from law enforcement that they can take my truck. This has gone on long enough and I am demanded a solution.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 22, 2024, fire
On [XXX], at [XXX], my 2018 Dodge Ram Eco diesel engaged in fire. At this time, I called 911 and the Fire Department from which I obtained the fire report from respond and extinguish the fire. No police were ever dispatched. After exiting the vehicle, it seems like the vehicle was already on fire due to the progression of the fire already. I recently got the truck back from a local Dodge Dealership Cannon in Westpoint MS due to a high-pressure fuel pump recall. The truck also had another recall for failure of the EGR cooler. Which will result in possible fire according to their recall. Dodge motor company sent out an inspector who took numerous pictures and later determined by Dodge they were not at any negligence due to manufacturing of the vehicle, but unfortunately, I strongly disagree with their conclusion due to the numerous of incidents involving fire reported with the same particular make and model of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Equipment, Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen was delaminating, causing the touch screen function to engage different systems independently. The contact was concerned for his safety. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the infotainment system was rebooted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was charged a fee for the infotainment system replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Steering, Oct 17, 2024
While driving the power steering stopped working causing the vehicle to become very difficult to steer. Fortunately this happened while traveling in a straight line and I was able to maintain control of the vehicle, but if it had happened in a curve, or leading into a corner, it would have been difficult to maintain lane control. After letting the vehicle sit for 8 hours, I was able to start the vehicle and drive it a short distance before the fault reoccurred. The vehicle sat for two days and after a few minutes of driving the power steering went out again. All fuses on the power connections test as properly functioning. There is a recall covering RAM 1500 trucks from 2013 - 2019 for this exact problem definition, but multiple RAM dealerships that I have contacted state my vehicle does not fall under the recall (per VIN). The NHTSA needs to investigate this complaint and hold RAM accountable to fix the known issue on all RAM trucks. It is not a matter of if, but a matter of when. Loss of power steering can lead to a serious accident. My wife or daughter would not have been able to turn the vehicle had this occurred while they were operating a vehicle in a turn.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Oct 16, 2024
The radio/HVAC screen is malfunctioning. It still works but the screen is delaminating and the screen thinks that someone is touching the screen and there is no control over what it touches or controls. Radio is working but the channels change so fast by themselves that you cannot listen to anything. Cannot change any vehicle settings - such as lighting. Same with the HVAC system. When i click into the climate controls, the screen controls itseld doing whatever it wants. I have no control over the climate. THIS IS THE SAFETY ISSUE. If i am driving my vehicle and my windshield starts to fog up, my defroster is not accessible. I can hit the physical defrost button but there is no saying if the screen will not click the defroster off by itself. This puts myself and all motorists around me at risk if I cannot control a fogged windshield. I get distracted while driving trying to force the climae control to stay on my selected setting when it is to no success. I brought this into MIG Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram in Bellefontaine Ohio and they confirmed the problem and quoted me saying, "vehicle needs a replacement radio". I will upload a copy of this quote. We have police in the family that has seen the issue and they are also concerned of the safety hazard this presents. I would be happy to obtain a letter from the local PD and my insurance about this matter. No warning lamps or messages. I noticed a while ago that my screen looked like it was bubbling or delaminating but it never caused issue until one day the screen started clicking around like crazy on its own and has done it ever since. I started to look up forums for this issue and this sounds to be an extremely common issue in 2018 Ram's. My good buddy also has an 18 Ram and has the same issue, although, not as severe.
Power train, Oct 16, 2024
I took my truck in because i have a tone wheel that needs to be replaced. my truck is getting recall 66a where the remedy is just a flash of the ecu. my tone wheel needs to be replaced and is covered under recall 73a. ram is not going to cover replacing this known issue because according to them my vin is only getting the code 66a, a known issue for this year truck and motor.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 16, 2024
The engine ticking constantly as well as an electrical issue with the radio, heating, ac unit, control panel in dash that has all of this in it constantly changes goes haywire, won't let you do anything to fix it. It flips from setting to setting as well as different screens and the cargo lights have a habit of staying on an draining the battery. The engine tick has been like that for i dont know how long but it seems all the ram 1500s have that same tick, the control panel started acting crazy about 2 months ago, the battery being drained this is the 2nd battery I bought in 2 yrs due to this issue. Not sure about the cargo light when that started. It's pretty crappy we use out hard earned money to purchase what we believe to be a great vehicle only to find its made so bad to have all these issues and no recalls on them. I'm sure I speak for all ram 1500 owners ram should take better care of their customers and the issues in which their products malfunction and fix the issue instead of leaving us high an dry, broke down along the road due to poor production. I'd like to see these issues fixed but not on my experience since the issue comes straight from the manufacturer.
Steering, Oct 16, 2024
Electric power steering rack and pinion failed during Hurricane Helene leaving my wife, [XXX] , my mother-in-law, and myself stranded on the side of the road. Thankfully it failed while we were stopped waiting to cross a flooded bridge rather than while driving down the road. Truck was towed after sitting for 2 weeks. Rack and pinion was disassembled and inner belt that connects the electric motor to the steering gear was found to be destroyed. Research shows that electric power steering issues are not uncommon on Ram 1500 trucks manufactured since 2013. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2024
We have noticed for more than a year that the main touch screen of our 2018 Ram 1500 has screen delamination, and, with it, ghosting; i.e., it appears a ghost is touching buttons, as even though we are not touching buttons on the screen, buttons are being pushed all over the screen. We are happy to make the vehicle available for inspection or provide videos upon request. If we have Bluetooth on, and our phone contact list is up, multiple people are called (we have to make sure we do not have Bluetooth enabled when we are in the vehicle). Sometimes, when we are driving, the rearview camera will turn on. We no longer listen to the radio, as it is impossible to keep the same station -- the ghosting jumps from station to station. In addition to being extremely distracting, it recently became a safety issue. We live in Wisconsin, and in July 2024, we were driving on the interstate during a pop-up thunderstorm. We had the defrost on because the windshield was fogging up, and suddenly, the touchscreen went crazy. It turned the defrost off, flipped to the radio screen, and then switched to the rear camera, all while the windshield quickly fogged up. It was at this moment that we realized this was now a safety issue, as we were in heavy traffic on the highway during a thunderstorm, and we couldn't see anything. Our dealer is aware of the issue, as multiple other Ram trucks have experienced similar issues. A simple Google search of "Ram screen ghosting" leads to hundreds, if not thousands, of posts about the same issue. The issue first appeared about 18 months ago, in February 2023, when the truck had approximately 45000 miles on it. It now has about 60000 miles on it.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 14, 2024
My 2018 Ram rear turn signals intermittently work. They can be working and the in the middle of a turn stop working. They may not work at all on any given day. They may work all day. Has been looked at. Not short in wiring, has good solid connection, just intermittent working