2018 Ram 1500 Safety Report

2018 RAM 1500 Safety Analysis

622Complaints
15Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
25Crash Reports
8Fire Reports
25Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (66)Unknown Or Other (53)Fuel/Propulsion System (51)Steering (49)Engine (47)Fuel System, Diesel (33)Engine And Engine Cooling (25)Power Train (22)Service Brakes (18)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (16)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Ram 1500

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Ram 1500. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2018 Ram 1500 Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenHigh (15)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsHigh (622)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports33Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubElectrical SystemCompare electrical system issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2020Compare against the 2020 Ram 1500 with 578 complaints and 13 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2016Check the 2016 Ram 1500 before buying across this generation.

Ram 1500 Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ram 1500 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Ram 1500 Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2019 Ram 1500 1399 29 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2017 Ram 1500 823 13 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2020 Ram 1500 578 13 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2016 Ram 1500 1455 17 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2021 Ram 1500 625 14 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2015 Ram 1500 1399 18 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.

2018 Ram 1500 Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Ram 1500, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Electrical System

66 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System issues Ram only

Unknown Or Other

53 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Ram only

Fuel/Propulsion System

51 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Ram only

Steering

49 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Steering issues Ram only

Engine

47 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Engine issues Ram only

Fuel System, Diesel

33 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Fuel System, Diesel issues Ram only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ram 1500

The 2018 RAM 1500 has accumulated 622 complaints and 15 recalls in the NHTSA database. It received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Among the complaints, 25 involved crashes and 8 involved fires. There have been 25 reported injuries and 0 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are electrical system (66 complaints), unknown or other (53 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (51 complaints). Electrical system issues are common, with recalls involving airbag inflators and steering problems. Fuel system defects, particularly with diesel delivery and fuel pumps, have been reported. Key known issues to be aware of include Airbag Inflator Recall, Fuel System Defects, Steering Stiffness. Be cautious of airbag inflator and fuel system recalls. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid steering and ABS issues.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Ram 1500 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Ram 1500

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.

Overall
★★★★☆
4/5
Frontal Crash
★★★★☆
4/5
Side Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Rollover
★★★★☆
4/5

Known Issues for the 2018 Ram 1500

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Ram 1500:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Inflator Recall
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Ram 1500 vehicles due to potential airbag inflator issues, which could lead to airbags not deploying properly in a crash.
High Common 30k-60k miles
Fuel System Defects
Issues with fuel delivery and fuel pumps have been reported, leading to potential engine stalling and loss of power.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Steering Stiffness
Drivers have reported steering stiffness at moderate speeds, which can affect vehicle control and safety.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Abs Module Failure
Problems with the ABS control module have been reported, leading to decreased stability and potential loss of braking power.
Low Common 30k-60k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Ram 1500:

Airbag Inflator 23% of complaints

Recalls involving airbag inflators are common, affecting a significant portion of vehicles.

Fuel System 15% of complaints

Fuel delivery and pump issues are reported, impacting engine performance.

Steering 10% of complaints

Steering stiffness has been reported, affecting driving safety.

Abs Module 5% of complaints

ABS module failures have been reported, impacting vehicle stability.

Recall Details for the 2018 Ram 1500

The following 15 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ram 1500 by NHTSA:

Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator
Campaign #25V592000 11/09/2025

Summary: 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.

Consequence: 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 1-800-853-1403. 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.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator
Campaign #25V010000 16/01/2025

Summary: 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.

Consequence: 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 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.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Engine And Engine Cooling
Campaign #23V411000 08/06/2023

Summary: 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.

Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 cust...

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Campaign #22V406000 09/06/2022

Summary: 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.

Consequence: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 m...

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator
Campaign #21V632000 12/08/2021

Summary: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
Campaign #20V475000 13/08/2020

Summary: 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.

Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)
Campaign #19V757000 24/10/2019

Summary: 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.

Consequence: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch
Campaign #19V347000 09/05/2019

Summary: 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 f...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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 curren...

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
Campaign #19V324000 25/04/2019

Summary: 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.

Consequence: 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 recall number is V48.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Power Train:Axle Assembly
Campaign #18V556000 23/08/2018

Summary: 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.

Consequence: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U88.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
Campaign #18V524000 09/08/2018

Summary: 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 o...

Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Campaign #18V398000 14/06/2018

Summary: 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."

Consequence: A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Electrical System:Wiring
Campaign #18V332000 17/05/2018

Summary: 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 c...

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 d...

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Campaign #18V280000 01/05/2018

Summary: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Campaign #18V100000 08/02/2018

Summary: 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 ...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Ram 1500

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Fuel/Propulsion System
03/25/2026

I am reporting a fuel‑system defect on my 2018 RAM 1500. The vehicle has only 43,325 miles, which is exceptionally low for its age, and it has been properly maintained. Despite this, the fuel‑tank venting system has failed. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty vent valve located within the fuel tank. This defect prevents the vehicle from being refueled at a normal rate. During refue...

ODI #11727113
Steering
03/24/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very stiff, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The contact was informed that the EPS and the rack and pinion needed to be rep...

ODI #11726651
Engine
03/23/2026

Although the carfax states the EGR Cooler has already been serviced and there are no active recalls at this time, EGR Cooler failure has been determined by an independent service center. The vehicle is available for inspection. A potential fire from the EGR Cooler failure puts the driver's life and any passenger's lives at risk. The symptoms are substantial coolant loss with absence of leakage cau...

ODI #11726502
Steering
03/23/2026

The vehicle is experiencing intermittent and severe steering stiffness, making it difficult to control and creating a safety hazard while driving. The issue occurs without warning and significantly impacts safe operation. This does not appear to be an isolated issue. Based on NHTSA data, there are hundreds of complaints and manufacturer communications related to steering system failures in this ve...

ODI #11726369
Electrical System
03/20/2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 63,676; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 105,521.

ODI #11725824
Steering
03/19/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel was turned to the left and became difficult to turn back to the center. The vehicle was stopped, and the steering wheel symbol in red was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but failed to reset the power steering assist. The failure was intermitt...

ODI #11725616
Electrical System,Service Brakes
03/10/2026

Failure of the ABS control module. Scanning of the trouble code shows internal electronic failure code C2200-49. Loss of ABS on vehicle, decreased stability on wet surfaces. Appears to be a known issue with Rams, my vehicle is not on the recall list for this issue but should be there should be a wider recall forced on Ram for this issue. Loss of ABS and traction control, Loss of cruise control, an...

ODI #11723395
Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance
03/10/2026

My ABS is not working due to a faulty ABS module or hydraulic control unit this has caused my truck to lock up the brakes during a hard stop instead of the ABS working it also has affected the cruise control. It no longer works. This is not an issue just with the 2500,3500 let’s get 1500 on board.

ODI #11723238
Steering,Electrical System
03/09/2026

Electronic power steering has started working intermittently. Very hard to steer truck at times. Very dangerous.

ODI #11723161
Unknown Or Other,Engine
03/07/2026

All of a sudden while driving or idling engine will complete shut itself off. Rpm to 0 and if driving truck has shift to park to start. Once shifter to park and restarting car truck will start right back up however this issue has been ongoing and Dodge/ram has been no help with a solution. Brought it to an outside mechanic and after having a ton checked either pointing to a faulty PCM or TIPM modu...

ODI #11722749
Power Train
03/05/2026

while driving down the highway at 50-70 mph, when attempting to pass I give it more gas and I hear a clunk with the loss off power!, I have to allow to slow down then slowly increase speed! I have my second factory installed transmission @ 40,000 miles!

ODI #11722268
Air Bags,Electrical System
03/03/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Air Bag” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag warning light remained illuminated while driving. Additionally, the horn was inoperable while depressed, and the controls on the left side of the steering wheel failed to operate as intended; however, the right side of the steering w...

ODI #11721810
Fuel/Propulsion System
02/28/2026

My vehicle was involved in the Z46 High Pressure Fuel Pump recall. I recently had multiple error codes: P1290, P0087, P1292, P1290. I delivered the truck to the dealer at the end of December and the truck has been grounded for 60 days waiting for the redesigned filter. The ETA for the part keeps changing.

ODI #11721155
Service Brakes
02/26/2026

UNKNOWN. 2018 RAM 1500 5.7 ABS CONTROL MODULE internal malfunction code C2200-49. A known malfunction in many ram 1500. Already recalled in RAM 2500 to 5500. Part is on Back order with no known eta. Why is the 1500 excluded from the recall...

ODI #11720627
Electrical System,Latches/Locks/Linkages,Back Over Prevention
02/24/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera malfunctioned and the screen was blank, creating a rear visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the local mechanic. The alternator and battery were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted...

ODI #11720115
Fuel/Propulsion System
02/19/2026

I wanna report a refuling issue with my vehicle. I have an issue with the gas pump clicking or turning off numerous times it started happening not to long after having the truck. I have to literally hold the pump with my hand to refuel my it. If I don't do this the tank will never get filled. I also have to watch closely so the gas doesn't overflow and pour out on my truck to the ground. This has ...

ODI #11719141
Engine
02/14/2026

The manifold bolts have broken on the engine for the second time. The first time the Dealership fixed it and it has done it again.

ODI #11717966
Fuel/Propulsion System
02/02/2026

Unable to fill fuel tank

ODI #11715056
Fuel/Propulsion System
01/30/2026

When fueling the vehicle it routinely clicks off and fuel is splashing out at times. When I bought the truck in 2018 the dealer said this is a known ram issue and would be a recall soon. The problem has never been fixed and is getting worse where there is fuel and vapors escaping the filler routinely. If you Google this on reddit forums or Ram forums it's a common problem. It also causes people to...

ODI #11714571
Engine And Engine Cooling
01/29/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled but was almost immediately restarted. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the destination and turned off; however, while attempting to restart, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic...

ODI #11714176

Showing 20 of 622 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Ram 1500

NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
NHTSA RQ25003 Open

Component: Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Opened 2025-07-03

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously b...

High pressure fuel pump failure
NHTSA EA23001 Open Recall 24V957

Component: Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Opened 2023-03-17

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response...

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Ram 1500

Has the 2018 RAM 1500 been recalled?

Yes, the 2018 RAM 1500 has 15 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2018 RAM 1500 have?

The 2018 RAM 1500 has 622 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 25 involved crashes. 25 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2018 RAM 1500?

The 2018 RAM 1500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 RAM 1500?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 RAM 1500 involve electrical system (66 complaints), unknown or other (53 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (51 complaints). Other affected components include steering, engine, fuel system, diesel.

How many crash reports does the 2018 RAM 1500 have?

There are 25 crash reports associated with the 2018 RAM 1500 out of 622 total complaints (4.0% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2018 RAM 1500 have?

There are 8 fire reports for the 2018 RAM 1500 out of 622 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 RAM 1500?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 1500.

How many injuries are reported for the 2018 RAM 1500?

25 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 1500. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2018 RAM 1500?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 RAM 1500 is proceed with caution. It has 622 complaints, 15 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2018 RAM 1500?

The components with the most failures on the 2018 RAM 1500 are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (66 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (53 complaints), 3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (51 complaints), 4. STEERING (49 complaints), 5. ENGINE (47 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 66 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2018 RAM 1500?

Be cautious of airbag inflator and fuel system recalls. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid steering and ABS issues. The 2018 RAM 1500 has 622 NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).

How reliable is the 2018 RAM 1500?

The 2018 RAM 1500 receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 622 owner complaints, 15 recalls, and 33 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Airbag Inflator Recall and Fuel System Defects.

What are the known issues with the 2018 RAM 1500?

Known issues with the 2018 RAM 1500 include: Airbag Inflator Recall, Fuel System Defects, Steering Stiffness, ABS Module Failure. These are based on patterns found across 622 NHTSA complaints. 15 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 RAM 1500?

Yes, there are recalls for airbag inflators and fuel system issues.

What are the common issues with the 2018 RAM 1500?

Common issues include airbag inflator problems, fuel system defects, steering stiffness, and ABS module failures.

How can I check if my 2018 RAM 1500 is affected by recalls?

Check with the manufacturer or a dealership for recall information and schedule a check-up if needed.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be cautious of airbag inflator and fuel system recalls. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid steering and ABS issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Ram 1500

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Ram 1500. The data includes 622 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 15 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 25 reported crashes, 8 fire incidents, 25 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Ram 1500 an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16