2018 Ram 2500: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Ram 2500? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 500 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2018 Ram 2500 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program6 variants tested — showing 2018 Ram 2500 Mega PU/EC 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated23.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
23.7% 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 2500 has 500 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ram
- Model
- 2500
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Ram 2500 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Hydraulic
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Hydraulic, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Ram 2500?
The 2018 Ram 2500 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.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Ram 2500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system, especially hydraulic components, before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on brakes and unintended acceleration reports.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake system, especially hydraulic components, before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on brakes and unintended acceleration reports.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Ram 2500, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
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
Based on 500 NHTSA complaints for the 2018 RAM 2500, the data suggests a heavy concentration in the brake system, particularly hydraulic components. Electrical faults and unintended acceleration also appear as notable issues. However, confidence is low due to the single model year and consumer-submitted nature of the data.
- Brake system complaints dominate with 456 out of 500 total complaints.
- Hydraulic issues account for 262 complaints, over half of all brake complaints.
- Electrical faults (42) and unintended acceleration (40) are the next most reported categories.
- Brake System: 456 complaints, primarily hydraulic-related.
- Hydraulic: 262 complaints within the brake system.
- Electrical Faults: 42 complaints.
All 2018 Ram 2500 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 2500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 456 | 16 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 262 | 8 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 42 | 4 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 40 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 20 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 2500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I traded my 2001 F250 for this yard art with intentions pf pulling our fifth wheel all over the country. It has sat un-usable for two years. I would happily pay for the parts if they were available. They are not at least that is what the dealer keeps telling me. Milton Ruben in A…
I called FCA for recall information on May 6, 2026 - NHTSA Recall Number24V-896. FCA advised the part is not available yet. I checked [XXX] for a HCU/ABS part and it is available for purchase and explained to FCA it is available. Then FCA says you can go ahead and replace it…
The hydraulic brake control unit has been setting off warnings and noises constantly for several months. The recall came out in November, 2024 and Ram still has absolutely no answers for when or how to repair. How is it allowed for them to issue a recall that states my trucks b…
The abs system light comes on there is a constant dinging with abs light traction control light blinking and cruise control doesn’t work I’ve been to Quinn dealer in Va and they say no fix yet. The truck drives fine and brakes fine but cruise controls don’t work and the lights li…
Warning message on the dash. ABS and Traction lights illuminated. This is a DOT registered work truck which is out of service with no remedy available.
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2018 Ram 2500 equipped with a Cummins 6.7 diesel engine. The vehicle is experiencing dangerous and intermittent brake failure. Symptoms include: * Brake pedal dropping to the floor during sudden braking * Temporary improvement …
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the message "Service Brake Soon" was briefly displayed while drivi…
The contact's parents own a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that each time the vehicle was started, the ABS warning light illuminated with an audible chime continuously sounding u…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. 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 th…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. 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 contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact state…
The contact owns a 2018 RAM 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated, with an audible alert. The mes…
My vehicle has an open safety recall (24V896000) with no available remedy for over a year. I'm not sure why you guys aren't seeing it. The ABS warning light is illuminated, indicating a failure of a critical safety system. I reside in [XXX] where annual safety inspections are r…
ABS lights coming off and on, cruise control shuts off when ABS lights come on. No ABS braking when light comes on.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that parts were unav…
My 2018 Ram 2500 was involved in a collision with another vehicle. The vehicle in front of me had to slam on their brakes for an object in the roadway. When I slammed on my brakes, the ABS and Traction Control lights lit up on the dash, my tires locked up, and I skid approx 100' …
*CRITICAL FAILURE: The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) within the ABS has suffered a total malfunction. Due to the immediate risk of brake system failure and loss of operator control, the vehicle is grounded and remains available for technical inspection. *OPERATIONAL IMPACT-The com…
For almost two years the ABS has been intermittently non functioning. Verified by an independent then David Taylor Dodge in Belleville Illinois in February 2025. There is apparently still no fix for it. This is unacceptable especially considering that it is a heavy duty diesel tr…
The contact owns a 2018 RAM 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. In addition, due to the failure, the cruise control option was disabled. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Serv…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control was inoperative, and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); howev…
Manufacturer Recall NumberC4B NHTSA Recall Number24V-896 Component has started to fail yet RAM still says parts are not available, however I can go and pay for and then request reimbursement, however if it happens again, I am not covered, additionally since this is a recall and …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Ram 2500.
2018 Ram 2500 Recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Ram 2500. 10 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.
2018 Ram 2500 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Ram 2500 reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Ram 2500 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 2500?▾
#1: Brake System (456 complaints). #2: Hydraulic (262 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (42 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Ram 2500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Ram 2500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Ram 2500, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Ram 2500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Ram 2500. A major recall area is STEERING:LINKAGES. 10 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 2500?▾
The 2018 Ram 2500 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 Brake System 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 2500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Ram 2500 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
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.