2018 Ram 4500 Safety Report
2018 RAM 4500 Safety Report: Key Safety Concerns and Recommendations
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Ram 4500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Ram 4500. 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 (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (8) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Compare service brakes, hydraulic issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2016 | Compare against the 2016 Ram 4500 with 1 complaints and 7 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Ram 4500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 4500 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 4500 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 4500 | 6 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Ram 4500 | 3 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Ram 4500 | 3 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Ram 4500 | 1 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Ram 4500 | 7 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Ram 4500 | 3 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2018 Ram 4500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Ram 4500, 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, Hydraulic
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Ram onlyService Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Ram onlySteering,Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Service Brakes issues Ram onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic,Engine And Engine Cooling
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Engine And Engine Cooling issues Ram onlyService Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Ram onlyPower Train,Wheels
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Wheels issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ram 4500
Reliability Score
The 2018 Ram 4500 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 4500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Ram 4500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recall On Hydraulic Service Brakes Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 4500 trucks due to potential issues with the hydraulic service brakes control unit/module. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Anti-Lock Brake And Esc Warning Lights The ABS and ESC warning lights may come on and off during normal driving, indicating a potential issue with the hydraulic service brakes. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Drive Shaft Failure A 4x4 drive shaft failure occurred while traveling on the interstate, breaking at the U-joint. This is a rare but serious issue. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Wiring Issues Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger, and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, and 4500 due to potential issues with the electrical system wiring. |
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 4500:
Issues with the hydraulic service brakes, including the control unit/module, are a common concern.
These warning lights may come on and off during normal driving, indicating potential issues.
A rare but serious issue where the 4x4 drive shaft broke at the U-joint while traveling on the interstate.
Potential issues with the electrical system wiring are a concern.
Recall Details for the 2018 Ram 4500
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ram 4500 by NHTSA:
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: Excellance, Inc. (Excellance) is recalling certain 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles built on Ford E-350, E-450, F-650, F-550 4x4, Chevrolet G4500, G4500 Diesel, C3500, G3500, Freightliner M2, International 4300, and Dodge 4500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety...
Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.
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 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks. The primary and secondary brake hoses located between the brake master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured without anti-corrosion plating on the ferrules, which can allow the ferrules to corrode.
Consequence: If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U41.
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: 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 4500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Ram 4500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. 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 an undisclosed speed, the message to "Check ABS" was displayed with an abnormal beeping sound. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact...
Nov 27,2024 Manufacturer Recall NumberC4B NHTSA Recall Number24V-896 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Still no repair for defective parts. Over years.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo had failed, and there were 39 diagnostic trouble codes retrieved. The dealer determined that the turbo, the intake manifold se...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond immediately, ca...
The Anti-Lock Brake(ABS) & Electronic Stability Control(ESC) warning lights will come on and off during normally driving conditions. When The ESC light comes on the cruise control is non functioning. If the cruise control is set when the warning light is off, the cruise will disengage when it comes on.
4X4 DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BROKE AT THE U-JOINT. I'VE ONLY USED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE OPTION 2-3 TIMES AND THE TRANSFER WAS IN 2H AT TIME OF FAILURE. FRONT ALUMINUM WHEELS FRACTURED. BOTH FRONT WHEELS GOT HAIRLINE CRACKS. ONE AT ABOUT 145K MILES AND THE OTHER AT ABOUT 160K. 90% OF MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Ram 4500
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...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Ram 4500
Has the 2018 RAM 4500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 RAM 4500 has 7 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 4500 have?
The 2018 RAM 4500 has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 RAM 4500?
The 2018 RAM 4500 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 4500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 RAM 4500 involve service brakes, hydraulic (3 complaints), service brakes,forward collision avoidance (1 complaints), steering,service brakes, hydraulic,service brakes (1 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, hydraulic,engine and engine cooling, service brakes, power train,wheels.
How many crash reports does the 2018 RAM 4500 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2018 RAM 4500 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2018 RAM 4500 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 RAM 4500 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 RAM 4500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 4500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 RAM 4500?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 4500.
Should I buy a 2018 RAM 4500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 RAM 4500 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 8 complaints, 7 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 RAM 4500?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 RAM 4500 are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (3 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), 3. STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 RAM 4500?
Ensure your 2018 RAM 4500 is up to date with all recalls and service recommendations to maintain safety. The 2018 RAM 4500 has 8 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 RAM 4500?
The 2018 RAM 4500 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 8 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Recall on Hydraulic Service Brakes and Anti-Lock Brake and ESC Warning Lights.
What are the known issues with the 2018 RAM 4500?
Known issues with the 2018 RAM 4500 include: Recall on Hydraulic Service Brakes, Anti-Lock Brake and ESC Warning Lights, Drive Shaft Failure, Wiring Issues. These are based on patterns found across 8 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the potential issues with the hydraulic service brakes?
The hydraulic service brakes may have issues with the control unit/module, leading to potential safety concerns.
Why are the ABS and ESC warning lights coming on and off?
This could indicate a problem with the hydraulic service brakes, which should be checked by a professional.
What should I do if I experience a drive shaft failure?
Immediately stop driving and seek professional assistance to prevent further damage.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Ensure your 2018 RAM 4500 is up to date with all recalls and service recommendations to maintain safety.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Ram 4500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Ram 4500. The data includes 8 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments 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