2018 Ram 3500 Safety Report

The 2018 RAM 3500 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a significant number of complaints related to its braking system and a concerning recall history. With 743 total complaints, including 14 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries, and 1 death, there are clear areas of concern. The most prominent issue revolves around the 'SERVICE BRAKES' category, accounting for 279 complaints, with 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC' specifically cited in 100 complaints. This aligns directly with a major recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000) concerning the hydraulic control unit (HCU) which can lead to a loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control, increasing crash risk. Many complaints highlight the prolonged unavailability of parts for this critical recall, leaving owners driving potentially unsafe vehicles for extended periods. Beyond the braking issues, the vehicle has been subject to 11 recalls, indicating several manufacturing or design flaws. Two recalls address side curtain airbag inflator ruptures, which could result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants. Other significant recalls include potential wheel separation due to incorrect manual information, tailgate latch failures, steering linkage loosening leading to loss of steering control, and issues with the backup camera and cruise control system. While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for the 2018 RAM 3500, the high volume of complaints and the nature of the recalls, particularly those impacting fundamental safety systems like brakes and steering, suggest a need for caution. The overall safety picture is dominated by the unresolved HCU recall, which directly impacts a large percentage of owners and poses a significant safety risk. The consistent pattern of complaints about ABS, traction control, and cruise control malfunctions directly correlates with this recall. The presence of multiple recalls for critical components like airbags, steering, and brakes, coupled with the reported crashes, injuries, and a fatality, indicates that while the vehicle is robust, its safety systems have had notable deficiencies that require diligent attention from owners and the manufacturer.

Our recommendation: Given the critical, unresolved braking system recall and multiple other safety recalls, exercise extreme caution. Prioritize verifying all recalls have been completed, especially the HCU recall, before considering purchase.