2018 Ram 3500 Safety Report
2018 RAM 3500 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Ram 3500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Ram 3500. 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.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (11) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (743) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 15 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes | Compare service brakes issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Ram 3500 with 59 complaints and 9 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Ram 3500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 3500 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 3500 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ram 3500 | 132 | 14 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Ram 3500 | 296 | 13 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Ram 3500 | 111 | 11 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Ram 3500 | 130 | 16 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Ram 3500 | 59 | 9 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Ram 3500 | 135 | 16 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2018 Ram 3500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Ram 3500, 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
279 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Ram onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic
100 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Ram onlyElectrical System,Service Brakes
47 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Service Brakes issues Ram onlyVehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes
34 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes issues Ram onlyElectrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes
32 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes issues Ram onlyService Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance
25 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ram 3500
Reliability Score
The 2018 Ram 3500 receives a reliability score of 85 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.
Known Issues for the 2018 Ram 3500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Ram 3500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (Hcu) Failure Faulty HCU units have been causing service brake and ABS warning lights to stay on, leading to potential unsafe braking conditions. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Linkage Issues Steering linkages have been reported to have drag and connection issues, affecting steering performance and safety. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Wheel Lug Nut Problems Lug nuts have been found loose or missing, posing a risk of wheel detachment during driving. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Abs Hcu Recall Incomplete Recalls for faulty ABS HCU units have been ongoing for over a year with no parts available, leading to constant warning light illumination and cruise control failure. |
High | Rare | 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 3500:
23% of reported issues are related to the HCU, which has been causing warning lights to stay on and cruise control to malfunction.
20% of reported issues are related to steering, with drag and connection issues affecting performance.
20% of reported issues are related to wheel lug nuts, with some being loose or missing.
20% of reported issues are related to the ABS HCU, with recalls ongoing for over a year with no parts available.
Recall Details for the 2018 Ram 3500
The following 11 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ram 3500 by NHTSA:
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.
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.
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'...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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 De...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Ram 3500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Ram 3500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
For 18 plus months the lights, alarms stay on due to the HCU recall, this issue also causes the cruse control not to work. Alarms and lights are a big distraction when driving Ram has yet to correct this issue with no time line given I need help Thank you
My vehicle was recalled NOV. 2024! It is going on TWO years with this not being fixed. Totally un-acceptable. Why is nothing being done about this? Somebody needs to step up.
My truck has the service electronic brakes and service abs lights on due to a faulty hcu since September 2025. I am told that there is no fix yet and I feel it is unsafe to drive my truck.
Manufacturer Recall NumberC4B NHTSA Recall Number24V-896 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Some (2017-2018 MY Ram xxx) vehicles may have been built with a brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU") that is susceptible to failure or malfunction which may result in a reduction or change of Anti-Lock Brake System ("ABS")/Electronic Stability Control ("ESC") /Traction Control performa...
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 recall for theABS HCU has been in place for well over a year with no parts. Nothing is being done with this recall. My ABS HCU has not been working in two years causing loss of traction control, no ABS, no cruise control. I was almost in a head on collision with a car in my lane and the truck skidded off the road. Luckily there’s was no collision or injury. It is ridiculous that ram still offe...
We have been waiting over a year now for the below to be remedied. Our ABS light goes off constantly and when it does, it causes cruise to stop working. There is a notification alarm (ding) that goes off and on while driving the truck. We pull a 41ft 5th Wheel and we were told it was okay to pull, however, we have now been advised that it's not a good idea to pull. How is this fair when we bou...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and HCU warning lights illuminated, and the AWD feature was inoperable. 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. The contact s...
I have an open safety recall for 16 months (recall below). I and my family drive a Dodge Ram 3500 dually truck and haul my horses in a large gooseneck horse trailer. The recall states: “Safety RiskThe loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.” It’s not my problem that parts are not available. But it is my problem that I, my husband, or my daughter or an...
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 local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacture...
My 2018 Ram 3500 is included in the NHTSA Recall # 24V-896. My warning lights have been coming on for a while now and so I believe my ABS is not active. I am being told parts are not available. As I am sure you know the recall was issued 11/27/2024. I feel like they have had more than enough time to have the parts available and am very dissatisified with the situation.
Some (2017-2018 MY Ram xxx) vehicles may have been built with a brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU") that is susceptible to failure or malfunction which may result in a reduction or change of Anti-Lock Brake System ("ABS")/Electronic Stability Control ("ESC") /Traction Control performance. A failing HCU will initially result in the intermittent loss of ABS/Traction control progressing to permanent...
No anti lock brakes which causes unsafe braking in acclimate weather which slid sideways as well as almost rear end vehicles ,also causes multiple functions to not work like exhaust brake and transmission issues !
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. There was a warning chime coming from the vehicle. The cruise control failed to operate as needed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was no...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light unexpectedly illuminated with a chiming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the cruise control and 4WD became inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair...
While towing 10,000 lb trailer vehicle displayed indicators that traction control and ABS were failing. I've taken vehicle to dealer 5 times since recall and it's now over 1 year and Chrysler failed to remedy recalled defective part 68143491AA. Chrysler complaint case no. 95672952 filed on 2/16/26. Chrysler HAS in fact produced the replacement part No. 68143491AB - supersedes failed part no. ...
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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service ABS" was displa...
The contact called on behalf of the owner of the 2018 Ram 3500. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). However, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. In addition, after the ABS warning light illuminated, the cruise con...
Vehicle ABS malfunctions routinely. This comprises reliability and overall road safety. This recall is well over 3 years old and the manufacturer has not done enough to remedy this defect, knowing that the entire fleet shares this ABS system failure. On ice, snow and inclement weather conditions the ABS failure results in brakes locking and the vehicle going into sliding. Dodge doesn’t care about ...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure disabled the cruise control feature. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed tha...
Showing 20 of 743 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Ram 3500
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.
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...
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...
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...
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 3500
Has the 2018 RAM 3500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 RAM 3500 has 11 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 3500 have?
The 2018 RAM 3500 has 743 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 14 involved crashes. 6 injuries and 1 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 RAM 3500?
The 2018 RAM 3500 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 3500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 RAM 3500 involve service brakes (279 complaints), service brakes, hydraulic (100 complaints), electrical system,service brakes (47 complaints). Other affected components include vehicle speed control,service brakes, electrical system,vehicle speed control,service brakes, service brakes,forward collision avoidance.
How many crash reports does the 2018 RAM 3500 have?
There are 14 crash reports associated with the 2018 RAM 3500 out of 743 total complaints (1.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 RAM 3500 have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2018 RAM 3500 out of 743 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 RAM 3500?
Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 3500. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 RAM 3500?
6 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 3500. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 RAM 3500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 RAM 3500 is proceed with caution. It has 743 complaints, 11 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 3500?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 RAM 3500 are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES (279 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (100 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES (47 complaints), 4. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES (34 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES (32 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 279 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 RAM 3500?
Be aware of recalls related to the brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) and steering linkages, and ensure regular maintenance to address these issues promptly. The 2018 RAM 3500 has 743 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 RAM 3500?
The 2018 RAM 3500 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 743 owner complaints, 11 recalls, and 15 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Failure and Steering Linkage Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2018 RAM 3500?
Known issues with the 2018 RAM 3500 include: Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Failure, Steering Linkage Issues, Wheel Lug Nut Problems, ABS HCU Recall Incomplete. These are based on patterns found across 743 NHTSA complaints. 11 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the main safety concerns with the 2018 RAM 3500?
Main concerns include faulty HCU units causing warning lights and cruise control issues, and steering linkage problems.
How long have recalls for the HCU been ongoing?
Recalls for the HCU have been ongoing for over a year with no parts available.
What should I do if I experience warning lights or cruise control issues?
Contact a dealership for inspection and repair to address these issues promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of recalls related to the brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) and steering linkages, and ensure regular maintenance to address these issues promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Ram 3500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Ram 3500. The data includes 743 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 11 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 14 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 6 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