Before you buy
This 2018 Ram 4500 has 8 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
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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RAM 4500 2018 model has 8 NHTSA complaints, all brake-related, and 7 recalls. No crash complaints were reported. Buyers should inspect the hydraulic brake system and verify recall repairs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Ram
- Model
- 4500
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 8
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
Common problems
Most common 2018 Ram 4500 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Hydraulic
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Hydraulic, Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. 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 4500?
With only 8 complaints and low confidence, this year may be acceptable for buyers who prioritize a heavy-duty truck, but the brake system pattern warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Proceed with caution and verify all recalls are addressed.
Brake system issues, especially hydraulic problems, can affect stopping performance and safety. Even a small number of complaints may indicate a recurring concern.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who need a heavy-duty work truck and are willing to perform detailed brake inspections and recall checks.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a trouble-free ownership experience with minimal maintenance surprises may want to avoid this year due to the brake complaint pattern.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Ram 4500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake hydraulic system for leaks or performance issues
- Check forward collision avoidance system operation
- Verify steering components for play or noise
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake hydraulic system thoroughly
- Verify all 7 open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for brake and steering components
- 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 4500, 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
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 RAM 4500 has 8 owner complaints, all focused on the brake system, with 5 specifically hydraulic-related. There are 7 recalls, but no crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2018 RAM 4500 has a low complaint count, but the brake system focus is notable.
Recall context: With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Brake System accounts for 8 of 8 total complaints (100%).
- Hydraulic issues represent 5 of 8 complaints.
- No crash-related complaints were reported.
- Brake System: hydraulic component failures
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system
- Steering defects
Full breakdown
All 2018 Ram 4500 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 4500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 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 4500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 "Che…
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 e…
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 fa…
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 th…
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 dis…
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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Ram 4500.
Safety recalls
2018 Ram 4500 recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Ram 4500. With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
EQUIPMENT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Ram 4500 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Ram 4500 reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 8 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. With only 8 complaints and low confidence, this year may be acceptable for buyers who prioritize a heavy-duty truck, but the brake system pattern warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Proceed with caution and verify all recalls are addressed. 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 4500?▾
#1: Brake System (8 complaints). #2: Hydraulic (5 complaints). #3: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Ram 4500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Ram 4500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Ram 4500, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 8 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Ram 4500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Ram 4500. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Ram 4500?▾
With only 8 complaints and low confidence, this year may be acceptable for buyers who prioritize a heavy-duty truck, but the brake system pattern warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Proceed with caution and verify all recalls are addressed. Brake system issues, especially hydraulic problems, can affect stopping performance and safety. Even a small number of complaints may indicate a recurring concern. 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 VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Ram 4500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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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.