2018 Ram 4500 Safety Report

2018 RAM 4500: Low owner complaints, but significant recall activity, especially for braking systems.

8Complaints
7Recalls
60/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (3)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Steering,Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Service Brakes (1)Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Engine And Engine Cooling (1)Service Brakes (1)Power Train,Wheels (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ram 4500

The 2018 RAM 4500 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a high number of recalls relative to its low complaint volume. With only 8 total NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported, the vehicle appears to have a low incidence of severe safety events directly reported by owners. However, the presence of 7 recalls indicates proactive identification and addressing of potential safety defects by the manufacturer or NHTSA. A significant concern is the 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC' component, which accounts for 3 out of 8 complaints and is linked to two separate recalls, one for hydraulic control unit failure and another for corroding brake hoses, both increasing crash risk. Crash test performance data from NHTSA is not available for the 2018 RAM 4500 (Overall=N/A, Frontal=N/A, Side=N/A, Rollover=N/A), which limits a comprehensive assessment of its passive safety. Despite the low complaint count, the recurring brake-related issues, as evidenced by both complaints and recalls, suggest a critical area of concern. Other recalls address issues like incorrect wheel lug information, brake light malfunctions, cruise control electrical wiring, unintended transmission shifting, and even fire extinguisher defects, highlighting a broad range of potential safety vulnerabilities that have been identified and are being addressed through recalls. The low complaint volume might also be influenced by the vehicle's commercial nature and potentially lower overall sales volume compared to passenger vehicles. The overall safety picture suggests that while direct owner-reported incidents are low, the vehicle has undergone numerous safety-related recalls, particularly concerning its braking system. Owners have reported issues with the ABS and ESC warning lights, directly correlating with the 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC' recall. The lack of crash test ratings means that while active safety issues are being addressed via recalls, the vehicle's performance in a collision remains unquantified by NHTSA.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Ram 4500 receives a reliability score of 60 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.

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:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Hydraulic Control Unit (Hcu) Failure
The HCU may fail, leading to a loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control, increasing crash risk. This is covered by a recall (24V896000).		 High Occasional N/A miles
Brake Hose Corrosion And Leakage
Primary and secondary brake hoses may corrode, leading to fluid leaks and loss of braking, increasing crash risk. This is covered by a recall.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Incorrect Wheel Lug Information
Incorrect information in manuals may lead to improper wheel installation, potentially causing wheel separation and a crash. Covered by a recall.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Unintended Transmission Shifting
Ability to shift transmission without pressing brake pedal or key in ignition, increasing risk of unintended vehicle movement. Covered by a recall.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Cruise Control Electrical System Defect
Electrical wiring issue can cause cruise control to maintain speed or accelerate despite deactivation attempts, increasing crash risk. Covered by a recall.		 High Occasional N/A 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:

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 37% of complaints

Three out of eight complaints relate to the hydraulic braking system, specifically issues with ABS/ESC warning lights and recall remedies not being available. This aligns with two major recalls concerning HCU failure and brake hose corrosion.

Engine And Engine Cooling 12% of complaints

One complaint reported a check engine light and loss of motive power due to turbo failure.

Power Train, Wheels 12% of complaints

One complaint detailed a front drive shaft failure and fractured front aluminum wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Ram 4500

Is the 2018 RAM 4500 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 RAM 4500 has a low number of owner-reported complaints (8 total) with no reported crashes, fires, or injuries. However, it has been subject to 7 safety recalls, indicating several identified potential safety defects, particularly concerning the braking system. The lack of NHTSA crash test ratings means its passive safety performance is unquantified.

What are common problems for the 2018 RAM 4500?

The most reported issues, accounting for 37.5% of complaints, are related to the 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC' system, including ABS/ESC warning lights and issues with recall repairs. Other reported problems include engine turbo failure and drive shaft/wheel fractures.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 RAM 4500?

Yes, the 2018 RAM 4500 has 7 active recalls. These include critical issues such as hydraulic control unit failure, corroding brake hoses, incorrect wheel lug information, unintended transmission shifting, and cruise control electrical system defects.

How does the 2018 RAM 4500 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA has not provided specific crash test ratings (Overall=N/A, Frontal=N/A, Side=N/A, Rollover=N/A) for the 2018 RAM 4500, so its performance in a collision is not publicly rated by this agency.

What should I know about the braking system on the 2018 RAM 4500?

The braking system, specifically 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC', is a significant area of concern. It accounts for 3 of the 8 total complaints and is linked to two recalls: one for potential hydraulic control unit failure and another for corroding brake hoses, both of which can lead to a loss of braking capability and increase crash risk.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but numerous safety recalls, particularly concerning the critical braking system, potential buyers should ensure all 7 recalls have been completed by a certified dealer before purchase and be aware of the unrated crash test performance.

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.