2018 Ram 2500 Safety Report

2018 RAM 2500 Safety Report: Key Issues and Findings

2377Complaints
10Recalls
72/100Reliability Score
33Crash Reports
4Fire Reports
12Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Service Brakes (991)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (295)Electrical System,Service Brakes (210)Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes (128)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (117)Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes (108)Steering (39)Electrical System,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (39)Service Brakes, Air (35)Electrical System (33)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Ram 2500

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Ram 2500. 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 2500 Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenHigh (10)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsHigh (2377)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports37Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubService BrakesCompare service brakes issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2021Compare against the 2021 Ram 2500 with 99 complaints and 8 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2017Check the 2017 Ram 2500 before buying across this generation.

Ram 2500 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 2500 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 2500 Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2019 Ram 2500 176 12 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2017 Ram 2500 649 12 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2020 Ram 2500 157 10 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2016 Ram 2500 250 14 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2021 Ram 2500 99 8 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2015 Ram 2500 211 15 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.

2018 Ram 2500 Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Ram 2500, 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.

Service Brakes

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

All Service Brakes issues Ram only

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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

All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Ram only

Electrical System,Service Brakes

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

All Electrical System,Service Brakes issues Ram only

Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes

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

All Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes issues Ram only

Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance

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

All Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Ram only

Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes

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

All Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes issues Ram only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ram 2500

The 2018 RAM 2500 has accumulated 2,377 complaints and 10 recalls in the NHTSA database. Among the complaints, 33 involved crashes and 4 involved fires. There have been 12 reported injuries and 1 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are service brakes (991 complaints), service brakes, hydraulic (295 complaints), electrical system,service brakes (210 complaints). Service brakes and hydraulic issues are common, with recalls affecting multiple components. Ensure all recalls are addressed promptly. Electrical system failures, particularly with vehicle speed control and forward collision avoidance, are frequent. Regular maintenance is crucial. Key known issues to be aware of include Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System, Service Brakes, Air Bags, Curtain. Ensure all recalls are addressed promptly and perform regular maintenance to avoid potential safety hazards.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Ram 2500 receives a reliability score of 72 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Ram 2500

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.

Rollover
★★★☆☆
3/5

Known Issues for the 2018 Ram 2500

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Ram 2500:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Hydraulic service brake issues are common, with recalls affecting the control unit/module. This can lead to improper braking and increased risk of accidents.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Electrical System, Service Brakes
Electrical system failures with service brakes are frequent, impacting vehicle speed control and forward collision avoidance. Regular checks are necessary.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Air Bags, Curtain
Air bag recalls affecting the curtain air bags are ongoing. Ensure your vehicle is up to date with all recalls to avoid potential safety hazards.
Low Occasional 30k-60k miles
Steering, Linkages
Steering linkages issues are common, leading to inoperable steering. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential.
Medium 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 2500:

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 23% of complaints

Hydraulic service brake issues are the most common problem, affecting the control unit/module.

Electrical System, Service Brakes 12% of complaints

Electrical system failures with service brakes are frequent, impacting vehicle speed control and forward collision avoidance.

Air Bags, Curtain 10% of complaints

Curtain air bag recalls are ongoing, affecting the safety of the vehicle.

Steering, Linkages 3% of complaints

Steering linkages issues are common, leading to inoperable steering.

Recall Details for the 2018 Ram 2500

The following 10 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ram 2500 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)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Campaign #24V896000 27/11/2024

Summary: 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.

Consequence: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA'...

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)
Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection
Campaign #19V021000 25/01/2019

Summary: 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.

Consequence: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: 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.

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 #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)
Steering:Linkages
Campaign #18E096000 16/10/2018

Summary: 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.

Consequence: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Streetcar ORV LLC
Equipment
Campaign #17V824000 21/12/2017

Summary: 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 v...

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: 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 i...

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Ram 2500

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Ram 2500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.

Crash Reports: 1
Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance
03/25/2026

Was towing with my 2018 Ram 2500 ... truck ABS failed to engage under emergency stopping narrowly missing stopped car in front of me... truck took substantially longer to stop and brakes locked up... There is an outstanding recall on this but RAM says parts are not available... there appear to be in excess of 317,000 large heavy duty Ram trucks on the road, probably most towing heavy loads, with f...

ODI #11727046
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
03/24/2026

The contact's brother owns a 2018 Ram 2500. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS ...

ODI #11726686
Service Brakes
03/24/2026

abs and traction control not working due to a recall with no parts available causing my truck to not stop correctly the dealership where i got the truck will not do anything about it and just keep telling me there are no parts available and thats there is nothing they can do about it

ODI #11726613
Steering,Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Service Brakes, Air
Crash 03/19/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, the brakes and steering became inoperable, causing him to crash into an unknown vehicle. The air bags in the other vehicle did deploy. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployments, or fire for the contact's vehicle. A police report was filed. The traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The lo...

ODI #11725478
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
03/18/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. 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 local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer w...

ODI #11725297
Service Brakes
03/18/2026

Brakes

ODI #11725285
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
03/17/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed or while starting the vehicle, the ABS and ESC warning lights unexpectedly illuminated. 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagno...

ODI #11725062
Service Brakes
03/17/2026

ABS HCU recall has not been rectified. This recall is now over 15 months old, and the problem has been known for over 3 years (see class action lawsuit) without a foreseeable remedy. This results in a major safety issue and driving performance issue not being addressed and there is apparently no regulatory movement to force a solution. At this point, FCA and NHTSA need to institute a vehicle buyba...

ODI #11724987
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
03/17/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. 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 contact stated that the ABS warning light, traction control system warning light, and other unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated, causing the cruise control mode to become inoperab...

ODI #11724971
Tires
03/16/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500 equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: LTX MS2, Tire Size: 245/75/R17, DOT Number: [XXX]. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low-pressure tire warning light illuminated, indicating that the passenger’s side rear tire pressure was low. The contact pulled over and inflated the rear passenger’s side tire, but the warning light illumin...

ODI #11724689
Service Brakes
03/13/2026

Drove the vehicle & during the trip the warning bell for the brake system continued to go off every minute or so. As we were coming down a hill that required braking, only 1 wheel would brake & the others failed to stop causing the 1 that worked to get extremely hot. It became difficult to stop by the time we reached the bottom of the hill. We no longer drive this truck due to safety issue.

ODI #11724114
Service Brakes
03/13/2026

Recently, I experienced a dangerous incident that I believe is directly related to this unresolved recall. While driving my vehicle and towing my RV, I attempted to stop at a red light and experienced what can only be described as brake failure. The vehicle did not respond as expected when braking, and I was pushed through the intersection because I had little to no braking capability. This situat...

ODI #11724104
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
03/13/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. 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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Service ABS lock and ABS System" was displayed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local de...

ODI #11724062
Service Brakes
03/12/2026

Started having abs and brake warning lights in 2023. Took to dealer where vehicle was purchased to find out the abs module and something else was bad. After a year I still had not gotten parts. In 2024 a recall was issued on said parts. As of 2026 parts are still not available. The vehicle manufacturer will not do anything to remedy the issue.

ODI #11723751
Service Brakes
03/12/2026

A recall notice was issued on November 27, 2024, regarding a faulty hydraulic brake control unit (HBU) in my 2018 Ram 2500. It has now been over a year since the recall was announced, and there is still no remedy available to replace the unit. Currently, both the ABS and Traction Control service lights are illuminated on the dashboard. When I contacted my service department, I was informed that n...

ODI #11723742
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
03/11/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the ABS was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS Module failure. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaire...

ODI #11723684
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
03/11/2026

See attached document for complaint. I have a low mileage RAM 2500 Tradesman Pickup. Many months have elapsed since the original recall notice and I didn’t drive the truck for a time period. It now seems that the repair is taking an unreasonable amount of time. Your attention to this issue will be appreciated.

ODI #11723634
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
03/10/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated, and an audible chime sounded every time the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway. Additionally, the cruise control system failed to function as needed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYD...

ODI #11723374
Steering
03/10/2026

Subject: Safety Defect / Recall Not Properly Completed – 2018 Ram 2500 Steering Drag Link Vehicle: 2018 Ram 2500 VIN: [XXX] Recall Campaign: 19V‑021 / V06 – Steering Drag Link Jam Nut Complaint Description: I am filing a safety complaint regarding a potential unresolved defect on my 2018 Ram 2500. This vehicle was included in Recall 19V‑021 / V06, issued to address a safety issue where the ste...

ODI #11723366
Service Brakes
03/10/2026

This recall has no parts issued in well over a year the safety of the vehicle is a worry to my family and the dinging of the bell the whole time your driving as well as no use of the cruise control is an uncomfortable situation we would like this resolved.

ODI #11723302

Showing 20 of 2377 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Ram 2500

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...

Loss of Brake Performance
NHTSA PE22012 Closed

Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

Opened 2022-11-28 · Closed 2025-03-03

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on November 28, 2022, after receiving 134 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance in certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The alleged failures continued to occur at a steady rate across both models, at all speeds, with limited detectability.  Consumers complained that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illumin...

Steering loss due to linkage separation
NHTSA PE18016 Closed Recall 19V021000

Component: Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection

Opened 2018-12-17 · Closed 2019-12-12

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for a...

Steering loss due to linkage separation
NHTSA EA19004 Closed

Component: Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection

Opened 2019-12-01 · Closed 2025-11-20

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA).  The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.   The loosening of th...

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Ram 2500

Has the 2018 RAM 2500 been recalled?

Yes, the 2018 RAM 2500 has 10 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 2500 have?

The 2018 RAM 2500 has 2,377 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 33 involved crashes. 12 injuries and 1 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2018 RAM 2500?

The 2018 RAM 2500 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 RAM 2500?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 RAM 2500 involve service brakes (991 complaints), service brakes, hydraulic (295 complaints), electrical system,service brakes (210 complaints). Other affected components include vehicle speed control,service brakes, service brakes,forward collision avoidance, electrical system,vehicle speed control,service brakes.

How many crash reports does the 2018 RAM 2500 have?

There are 33 crash reports associated with the 2018 RAM 2500 out of 2,377 total complaints (1.4% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2018 RAM 2500 have?

There are 4 fire reports for the 2018 RAM 2500 out of 2,377 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 RAM 2500?

Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 2500. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.

How many injuries are reported for the 2018 RAM 2500?

12 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 2500. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2018 RAM 2500?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 RAM 2500 is proceed with caution. It has 2,377 complaints, 10 recalls. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2018 RAM 2500?

The components with the most failures on the 2018 RAM 2500 are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES (991 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (295 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES (210 complaints), 4. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES (128 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (117 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 991 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2018 RAM 2500?

Ensure all recalls are addressed promptly and perform regular maintenance to avoid potential safety hazards. The 2018 RAM 2500 has 2,377 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record.

How reliable is the 2018 RAM 2500?

The 2018 RAM 2500 receives a reliability score of 72/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 2,377 owner complaints, 10 recalls, and 37 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes, Hydraulic and Electrical System, Service Brakes.

What are the known issues with the 2018 RAM 2500?

Known issues with the 2018 RAM 2500 include: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System, Service Brakes, Air Bags, Curtain, Steering, Linkages. These are based on patterns found across 2,377 NHTSA complaints. 10 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

What are the most common service brake issues in the 2018 RAM 2500?

Hydraulic service brake issues are the most common, with recalls affecting the control unit/module.

Are there any recalls related to the air bags in the 2018 RAM 2500?

Yes, there are ongoing recalls related to the curtain air bags.

What should I do if I experience steering issues in my 2018 RAM 2500?

Check for any recalls related to steering linkages and perform regular maintenance.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Ensure all recalls are addressed promptly and perform regular maintenance to avoid potential safety hazards.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Ram 2500

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Ram 2500. The data includes 2377 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 10 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 33 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 12 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

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