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2018 Ram 3500 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Ram 3500 has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 11safety recalls
- 807owner complaints
- 16crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 6injuries reported
The most complained-about Ram 3500 year on file: 807 complaints, against an average of 118 for the other 13 model years.
Every Ram 3500 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Ram 3500?
The components named most often in the 807 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Ram 3500 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 807 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2018 Ram 3500 been recalled?
11 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
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.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is the 2018 Ram 3500 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSARear view camera visibility
Risk: Affected vehicles may have been built with an incompatible rear view camera system and radio combination that may prevent the rear-view image from displaying during a reversing event under certain conditions.
Fix: Update of the radio software.
UK DVSAThe tailgate may have been built with one or both tailgate strikers misaligned.
Risk: The tailgate may have been built with one or both tailgate strikers misaligned. Misaligned tailgate strikers may cause a failure to properly latch the tailgate. An improperly latched tailgate may result in an unintended tailgate opening while driving or stationary.
Fix: Check tailgate function and adjust the tailgate strikers as needed.
UK DVSAThe electronic stability control warning lamp may not display properly under certain conditions
Risk: The Antilock Brake System control module may have software which prevents the Electronic Stability Control tell-tale (warning) lamp from displaying properly.
Fix: Update the AMS control module software.
UK DVSASide air bag inflatable curtain inflator might rupture
Risk: On a number of vehicles the Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) inflator may rupture.
Fix: Check and replace one or both of the Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain's
EU Safety GateThe tailgate (tailboard) may not lock properly and can open unintentionally.This poses a risk to following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe side airbag inflatable curtain inflator may break due to internal corrosion and may deploy spontaneously in the absence of an accident…The side airbag inflatable curtain inflator may break due to internal corrosion and may deploy spontaneously in the absence of an accident or commanded deployment. As a result, the metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2018 Ram 3500 owners report?
12 of the 807 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part required for the recall repair was not yet available. The ABS and Traction Control warning lights illuminated. Four separate local dealers were contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 RAM 3500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 105,000; however, the contact discovered through the original owner of the vehicle that the current mileage was 217,000.
I have replaced my rear hubs on my Dodge 2018 Dodge ram Dooley Numerous times (and have multiple documents so far over 9K) because my brakes on the driver side rear tires, always grind even though I’ve replaced everything. I even got in an accident because the break went out! It keeps happening, I get it fixed at a Dodge dealership and they start grinding and I have to stop driving it, tow it and get everyone done again.
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the ABS, cruise control, and ESC warning lights were illuminated. The cruise control failed to activate while the warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue via…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light intermittently flashed on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that an audible chime was sounded with the warning light illuminated and the ABS, traction control, and cruise control features became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure almost caused two crashes due to the lack of the ABS functionality. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was notified of the recall; however, the contact was…
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 dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
The recall for the brake hydraulic contol unit (C4B/NHTSA 24V-896) has not been addressed in years.....I have no brakes on my trailer from this failure. This needs fixed asap.
My 2018 Ram 3500 had safety recall V06 (19V-021) performed, which involved welding the drag link. This recall remedy has caused a secondary safety defect: my vehicle is now severely out of alignment, causing rapid, uneven tire wear on the outside edges and compromising steering handling. I contacted FCA Customer Care (Case #97534845). They acknowledged TSB 19-001-19 exists for aligning welded trucks, yet my dealer refuses/is unable to align it. FCA representative 'May' then instructed me to 'pay out of pocket' to replace the steering components. FCA is refusing to honor the replacement clause…
I am the owner of a 2018 Ram 3500 subject to Recall C4B (NHTSA Recall No. 24V-896) involving the Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). The recall was announced on November 27, 2024. As of June 2026, NHTSA’s website still states that the recall is incomplete and that a remedy is not yet available for my vehicle. The defect causes active symptoms during operation. The vehicle continuously chimes while driving, similar to a seatbelt warning, and cruise control is disabled. These symptoms substantially interfere with normal operation, especially during long trips and towing. I have contacted…
Front axle disconnect failed at only 15,136 miles
We have been waiting for almost two years for the traction control and ads break repair. When will something be done about this recall not being repaired?
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that upon arriving at her destination and parking the vehicle, the front driver’s side tire was flat. After a visual inspection, the contact observed a crack on the wheel extending from the center hub outwards. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V212000 (Wheels); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
2018 Ram 3500: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Ram 3500 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 807 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 3500; the most common categories were service brakes (667, 82.7%), hydraulic (145, 18%), electrical system (137, 17%). There are 11 safety recalls. 16 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ram 3500?
Across 807 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (82.7% of complaints), hydraulic (18% of complaints), electrical system (17% of complaints), vehicle speed control (13.4% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (7.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Ram 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2018 Ram 3500; the most recent (campaign 25V592000, 2025-09-11) concerns Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2018 Ram 3500?
453 of the 807 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ram 3500 (56.1%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "IN 2022 the HCU for the anti-lock brake system fails. On 06/06/2022 The HCU unit was replaced at a RAM deanship. By 2024 the system had failed again. Still there is no resolution solution offered by RAM. It is now 09/14/ 2026." (NHTSA complaint 11764122, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2018 Ram 3500?
91 of the 807 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ram 3500 (11.3%) describe adaptive cruise control disengaging, braking or not working. One owner wrote: "RAM recall dates December 2024 on ABS failure. Received letter a long time ago. However, RAM still says parts are unavailable and it's been 18 months. This is ridiculous. Failure includes Cruise Control turned off. Audible sounds and warning lights on Dash." (NHTSA complaint 11735562, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2018 Ram 3500?
30 of the 807 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ram 3500 (3.7%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 24V896000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module). The fix: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. One owner wrote: "The recall for the brake hydraulic contol unit (C4B/NHTSA 24V-896) has not been addressed in years.....I have no brakes on my trailer from this failure. This needs fixed asap." (NHTSA complaint 11755340, August 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own 3500
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only.