2018 Ram 5500 Safety Report
2018 RAM 5500 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Ram 5500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Ram 5500. 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 (8) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (31) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | 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 | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Ram 5500 with 3 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Ram 5500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 5500 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 5500 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 5500 | 10 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Ram 5500 | 18 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | 8 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Ram 5500 | 16 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Ram 5500 | 3 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Ram 5500 | 13 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2018 Ram 5500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Ram 5500, 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
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Ram onlyService Brakes
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Ram onlyWheels
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Ram onlyPower Train
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train 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,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ram 5500
Reliability Score
The 2018 Ram 5500 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 5500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Ram 5500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic Recalled due to potential issues with the control unit and module, affecting anti-lock braking, traction control, and electronic limited slip. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Wiring Recalled due to potential issues with the wiring, which can cause various electrical system failures. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Wheel Lugs Recalled due to potential issues with the wheel lugs, which can cause wheel detachment and safety hazards. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Abs/Hcu Module Premature failure of the ABS/HCU module poses a significant safety risk as it controls the anti-lock braking system, traction control, and electronic limited slip. |
High | 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 5500:
Recalled due to potential issues with the control unit and module, affecting anti-lock braking, traction control, and electronic limited slip.
Recalled due to potential issues with the wiring, which can cause various electrical system failures.
Recalled due to potential issues with the wheel lugs, which can cause wheel detachment and safety hazards.
Recall Details for the 2018 Ram 5500
The following 8 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ram 5500 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: Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling one 2018 Dodge 5500-based fire truck 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.
Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Unruh Fire has notified the owner and will provide replacement brake lights, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
Summary: Blanchat Mfg., Inc. (Blanchat) is recalling one 2018 B-27 Minuteman vehicle built on a RAM 5500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Blanchat has notified the owner, and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.
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 5500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Ram 5500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a warning chime activated continuously. The ABS and Brake warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle wa...
Received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to repair the recall is not available. The manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Because the vehicle currently has this recall, the State of CA will not allow the vehicle to be registered and is now out of operation. In addition, this vehicle is used fo...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received a 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 attempting to come to a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond while the brake pedal was depressed. The ABS and the Traction Control warning lights were intermit...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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 the vehicle was being driven at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and tractio...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500 .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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact wa...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, speed control, and engine brake became inoperable. There was an abnormal ding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraul...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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 vehicle failed to decelerate as intended and the brake pedal felt firm while being depressed. The contact stated that the ABS warning light w...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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...
My ABS pump went out, causing my stability control to not function and cruise control to not function. Cruise control would randomly deactivate, causing a momentary loss of control and ABS function. Dash light illuminated with codes relating to ABS pump and traction control. ABS pump was replaced (part no. 68195569AB) and problem was fixed, but FCA will not reimburse me since I did the work mysel...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and Traction Control Service warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the cruise control failed to operate once the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a defective ABS module. The contact was informed t...
The ABS module has failed. This has caused the service ABS light to come one, the service electronic braking system to come one, and the service electronic throttle control light to come on. The module according to Chrysler is part number 68347099AC which is unavailable at any dealer in the country. We have called many dealers and they have searched for the part to no avail. We have contact Mopar ...
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving 60 MPH with the cruise control activated, the ABS warning light and the Traction Control Service message was displayed with an audible pinging sound intermittently. Additionally, after the message and audible ping, the cruise control message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was dia...
The ABS/HCU module has experienced a premature failure which is a huge safety risk as it controls my vehicles' Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control & Cruise Control systems. Since experiencing this failure, my vehicle has had numerous safety incidents where Braking would lockup, traction with the roadway is lost etc. Please initiate a recall for this issue for these generation of trucks so t...
Twice in the past year I have experienced a loss of the ABS braking system. Warning messages appear to service the ABS braking system as well as a general braking system malfunction. This loss of ABS is intermittent. I have taken it to the dealer to have it fixed both times, and they have replace the hydraulic control unit and ABS module. Mechanic told me this is a very common problem with these t...
Abs/Hcs module failed causing intermittent braking issues along with intermittent warning light. Had to replace both the pump and module to resolve the issue. Over $1500 in repair.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown 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 manufacturer was made aware of...
ABS system lights flashing, and other alarms show up. Have been told by the dealer the ABS system will not work when lights are flashing, but standard braking will work. This affects the cruise control system and trailer brakes will not work when the system is flashing. Can not use this vehicle to pull my trailer. This is a true safety issue and is causing a loss of revenue. To just tell the publi...
ABS TRACTION CONTROL VECHICLE INFO SCREEN SERVICE ABS SYSTEM EBS SYSTEM SERVICE HAVE HAD THE VECHICL FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES BY DEALERSHIP FIXED TEMPORARILY THAN ALL THE ALARMS GO BACK ON AFTER A SHORT TIME ITS BEEN FIXED MULTIPLE TIME PROBLEM ALWAYS RETURNS
ABS module has been replaced twice on this truck. The latest was two weeks ago. However the problem of service ABS and service electronic braking messages still appear randomly, killing the cruise control and dinging. The dealership who took 2 months to get the ABS module this time stated that the Hydraulic Control Module was now bad and back ordered forever so I will have to live with it, apparen...
RADIO UCONNECT 8.4 SCREEN DELAMINATING CAUSING RADIO TO GHOST TOUCH THE SCREEN AND MAKE SOS CALLS BY ITSELF. TURNS RADIO ON AND OFF AND FUNCTIONS ALL ON ITS OWN VERY DISTRACTING. ALSO HAPPENED ON MY OTHER 2018 RAM 3500
Showing 20 of 31 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Ram 5500
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 5500
Has the 2018 RAM 5500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 RAM 5500 has 8 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 5500 have?
The 2018 RAM 5500 has 31 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 RAM 5500?
The 2018 RAM 5500 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 5500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 RAM 5500 involve service brakes, hydraulic (9 complaints), service brakes (6 complaints), wheels (4 complaints). Other affected components include power train, service brakes,forward collision avoidance, steering,vehicle speed control,service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2018 RAM 5500 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2018 RAM 5500 out of 31 total complaints (3.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 RAM 5500 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 RAM 5500 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 RAM 5500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 5500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 RAM 5500?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 5500.
Should I buy a 2018 RAM 5500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 RAM 5500 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 31 complaints, 8 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 RAM 5500?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 RAM 5500 are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (9 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints), 3. WHEELS (4 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (3 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC is the single most-reported problem area with 9 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 RAM 5500?
Be aware of recalls for service brakes hydraulic issues, electrical system wiring problems, and wheel lug issues. Ensure your vehicle is up to date with recalls and maintenance. The 2018 RAM 5500 has 31 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 RAM 5500?
The 2018 RAM 5500 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 31 owner complaints, 8 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes, Hydraulic and Wiring.
What are the known issues with the 2018 RAM 5500?
Known issues with the 2018 RAM 5500 include: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Wiring, Wheel Lugs, ABS/HCU Module. These are based on patterns found across 31 NHTSA complaints. 8 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2018 RAM 5500?
Common issues include service brake hydraulic problems, electrical system wiring issues, and wheel lug problems.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 RAM 5500?
Yes, there are recalls for service brake hydraulic issues, electrical system wiring problems, and wheel lug issues.
What should I do if I receive a recall notification?
Contact the manufacturer or a certified dealer to schedule the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of recalls for service brakes hydraulic issues, electrical system wiring problems, and wheel lug issues. Ensure your vehicle is up to date with recalls and maintenance.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Ram 5500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Ram 5500. The data includes 31 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 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