2018 Ram 1500 Problems
Shopping for a used 2018 Ram 1500? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2018 Ram 1500 has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2018 Ram 1500 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2018 Ram 1500 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2018 Ram 1500 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program6 variants tested — showing 2018 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Ram 1500 has 500 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 15 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ram
- Model
- 1500
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 15
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2018 Ram 1500 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2018 Ram 1500?
The 2018 Ram 1500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Ram 1500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical system components, including wiring and battery.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical system components, including wiring and battery.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Ram 1500, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 RAM 1500 are concentrated in electrical and engine systems, with a notable number of steering and fuel system issues. The data covers only one model year and is based on consumer reports, which may not reflect all vehicles.
- Electrical faults account for 126 of 500 total complaints.
- Engine problems represent 115 complaints.
- Steering defects were reported in 70 complaints.
- Electrical faults
- Engine problems
- Steering defects
Full breakdown
All 2018 Ram 1500 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 1500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 126 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 115 | — | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 76 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 70 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 59 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 55 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 51 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 41 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 34 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 13 | 6 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 1500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. While driving through a parking lot and hauling a boat, the steering wheel seized, and there was a screeching sound coming from the steering column. The contact attempted to turn the steering wheel and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was t…
Since 2021, I've replaced both CV Boot Axles twice and I do not go off-roading. Urban and highway mileage.
Electric power steering stops working then will work for several days then out of nowhere it will stop working again. This causes unsafe driving as when I was crossing a 4 lane highway the steering pulled out of my hands had cars been coming this could have been very serious. Dea…
Steering is intermittently difficult, requires greater effort, steering wheel sometimes makes noise when turning tight at low speeds. Unexpected periods of difficulty in steering make it harder to control the vehicle, affecting safety (personal and others). Independent service …
Car dealership (CarMax) has been not repairing vehicles that are still under warranty and not having loaner vehicles available and having secondary repair shops that are not getting paid to repair warranty issues. My vehicle has been having cv boot issues that have not been repa…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact owns a fleet of vehicles and after routine inspection of the current vehicle, the contact discovered that the front strap holding up the fuel tank had fractured. Due to the failure, the fuel tank was hanging off the vehicle and was on…
Power steering stops working causing to the wheel to jerk and almost lock up while driving.
I have a 2018 RAM 1500 Tradesman 2WD truck that the the ABS warning ligh as well as check engine, brakes warning light keeps staying on. I am very concerned about this as it may cause me to NOT be able to brake in time to. Also the cruise control does not work. I've taken it to …
I am reporting a fuel‑system defect on my 2018 RAM 1500. The vehicle has only 43,325 miles, which is exceptionally low for its age, and it has been properly maintained. Despite this, the fuel‑tank venting system has failed. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty vent v…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very stiff, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it w…
The vehicle is experiencing intermittent and severe steering stiffness, making it difficult to control and creating a safety hazard while driving. The issue occurs without warning and significantly impacts safe operation. This does not appear to be an isolated issue. Based on NHT…
Although the carfax states the EGR Cooler has already been serviced and there are no active recalls at this time, EGR Cooler failure has been determined by an independent service center. The vehicle is available for inspection. A potential fire from the EGR Cooler failure puts th…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 63,676; and at the …
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel was turned to the left and became difficult to turn back to the center. The vehicle was stopped, and the steering wheel symbol in red was displayed on the instrument p…
My ABS is not working due to a faulty ABS module or hydraulic control unit this has caused my truck to lock up the brakes during a hard stop instead of the ABS working it also has affected the cruise control. It no longer works. This is not an issue just with the 2500,3500 let’…
Failure of the ABS control module. Scanning of the trouble code shows internal electronic failure code C2200-49. Loss of ABS on vehicle, decreased stability on wet surfaces. Appears to be a known issue with Rams, my vehicle is not on the recall list for this issue but should be t…
Electronic power steering has started working intermittently. Very hard to steer truck at times. Very dangerous.
All of a sudden while driving or idling engine will complete shut itself off. Rpm to 0 and if driving truck has shift to park to start. Once shifter to park and restarting car truck will start right back up however this issue has been ongoing and Dodge/ram has been no help with a…
while driving down the highway at 50-70 mph, when attempting to pass I give it more gas and I hear a clunk with the loss off power!, I have to allow to slow down then slowly increase speed! I have my second factory installed transmission @ 40,000 miles!
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Air Bag” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag warning light remained illuminated while driving. Additionally, the horn was inoperable while depressed, and the …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Ram 1500.
Safety recalls
2018 Ram 1500 recalls
15 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Ram 1500. 15 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Ram 1500 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Ram 1500 reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 15 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Ram 1500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ram 1500?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (126 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (115 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (76 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Ram 1500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Ram 1500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Ram 1500, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Ram 1500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 15 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Ram 1500. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL. 15 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Ram 1500?▾
The 2018 Ram 1500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ram 1500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Ram 1500 based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.