Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2018 Ram 2500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2024 to Dec 2025
The most reported issue is service brakes problems (993 complaints). 34 complaints involved crashes. 4 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (10)
NHTSA Campaign: 18E096000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V347000
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Risk: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V398000
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U56.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V332000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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 cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V021000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V824000
Component: EQUIPMENT
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 valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: 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 is T82.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V100000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 in the ignition.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 24V896000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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's number for this recall is C4B.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V010000
Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V592000
Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 2382)
Service Brakes →9 issues
Your brake system's hydraulic control unit (HCU) is failing, causing the ABS warning light to flash on and off during most drives—especially on highways. This means your anti-lock braking system may not work when needed, which is a serious safety concern. The dealership and FCA have told you to wait, but this needs to be fixed. The repair will likely involve replacing or rebuilding the brake hydraulic control unit.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your 2018 Ram 2500 has an open safety recall affecting the braking and ABS systems, and your vehicle is currently showing active ABS and brake warning lights with constant audible alerts while driving. The dealership has informed you that parts needed to fix the recall are not yet available. Because the ABS system may not be working properly, there's an increased risk during emergency braking or in poor road conditions. Fixing this will require the dealership to install recall-specific parts once they become available, or you may need to consult Ram about temporary safety measures.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your truck's ABS (anti-lock brakes) and traction control aren't working due to a recalled component, but your dealership says replacement parts aren't available. This means your brakes may not function as designed in emergency stops or slippery conditions. The fix will require the dealership to obtain the recalled part and install it once it becomes available.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your brakes may not be working properly. This issue should be inspected by a technician as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle can stop safely. A brake system inspection and potential component replacement may be needed to resolve the problem.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your truck's anti-lock brake system (ABS) has a known defect that was supposed to be recalled and fixed, but the recall hasn't been completed even though the problem has been acknowledged for over 3 years. This unresolved issue affects your braking performance and safety. The owner is requesting that the manufacturer implement a buyback program since the vehicle remains broken and unsaleable.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
While towing an RV, your brakes failed to respond properly when you tried to stop at a red light, and you were pushed through the intersection with little to no braking power. This nearly caused a serious collision. You were notified of a recall nearly two years ago but have attempted 8-9 times to contact your dealership for the repair without success. The dealership will need to perform the outstanding recall service on your brake system.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your brake system warning bell kept sounding repeatedly while driving. When braking on a downhill section, only one wheel braked while the others failed to stop, causing that single wheel to overheat severely. By the bottom of the hill, your brakes became difficult to engage. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your 2018 Ram 2500 has a recalled hydraulic brake control unit (HBU) that was identified in November 2024, but over a year later there's still no official fix available. Your dashboard shows both ABS and Traction Control warning lights, and your service department won't proceed with repairs until the manufacturer releases an official remedy. The repair will likely involve replacing the faulty hydraulic brake control unit once a solution becomes available.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your ABS and brake warning lights came on in 2023, and the dealer diagnosed a faulty ABS module and related component. Despite a recall being issued in 2024, replacement parts remain unavailable as of 2026, and the manufacturer hasn't offered a solution. The repair will likely require replacing the ABS module and associated brake system components once parts become available.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic →6 issues
Your 2018 Ram 2500 has been subject to a brake system recall, but your dealer hasn't been able to complete the repair because the required parts aren't available yet. You're seeing a warning message that says "Caution! - Service Brakes Immediately" along with an audible alarm, and your traction control isn't working reliably. The repair will likely involve replacing hydraulic brake system components once the parts become available from the manufacturer.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your ABS and traction control warning lights are turning on and off repeatedly, and you're hearing an abnormal dinging sound from the vehicle. This is related to a known safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V896000) affecting your brake system. Both dealers you contacted confirmed the necessary parts are on backorder and unable to complete the repair at this time. The repair will likely involve replacing hydraulic brake system components once parts become available.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your ABS warning light came on while driving, and your dealer confirmed this is related to a known safety recall (Campaign 24V896000) affecting the hydraulic brake system. However, the repair parts haven't been made available yet, and your vehicle remains unrepaired. The manufacturer may need to be contacted directly to get an update on when replacement parts will be in stock.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your 2018 Ram 2500 is subject to a safety recall for the hydraulic brake system, but the replacement part isn't available yet. You're experiencing intermittent warning lights (ABS, traction control, and others) that are causing your cruise control to stop working and displaying a service message about the electronic braking system. Multiple dealers have told you they can't fix the problem until the recall part arrives, and the manufacturer hasn't provided assistance or a timeline.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your ABS and ESC warning lights came on while driving or starting your 2018 Ram 2500. Your dealer diagnosed this as a failure in the HCU (hydraulic control unit), which is part of an active recall (Campaign 24V896000), but the replacement part wasn't available at the time. Your vehicle wasn't repaired because the dealer is waiting for the part to arrive. The fix will involve replacing the hydraulic control unit once the part becomes available.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your 2018 Ram 2500 is displaying warning messages saying "Service ABS lock and ABS System" along with several other warning lights on your dashboard while driving. You've taken it to the dealer multiple times, but they haven't been able to diagnose or repair the problem because parts for the recalled brake system aren't available yet. The issue started around 84,000 miles on your vehicle. The fix will require the dealer to complete the recall repair once the necessary brake system components become available.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System,service Brakes →2 issues
Your ABS (anti-lock brake) warning light came on intermittently for a couple days before you had an accident. When your boyfriend applied the brakes during winter driving, the truck slid and hit a pole. You later received a recall notice for the ABS system, which the dealership repaired along with another related warning light that appeared after the accident.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your truck is affected by a safety recall (NHTSA 24V-896/Manufacturer Recall C4B) involving the electrical system and service brakes, but the manufacturer hasn't yet provided a fix. You're reluctant to drive the vehicle while towing your fifth-wheel trailer with family members aboard due to safety concerns. The repair will likely involve a software update, wiring inspection, or replacement of brake system electrical components once the manufacturer releases the remedy.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your truck's ABS (anti-lock braking system) failed to engage during emergency braking while towing, causing the truck to take much longer to stop and the brakes to lock up — you nearly hit a car in front of you. Your truck now has a permanent ABS warning light on, and there's a known recall for this issue, but RAM says replacement parts aren't currently available from their dealers. The problem appears to affect a large number of heavy-duty RAM trucks, especially those towing heavy loads. Fixing this will likely require replacement of the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and possibly related brake system components once parts become available.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Steering,service Brakes, Hydraulic,service Brakes, Air →1 issue
While driving at 40-45 mph, your brakes and steering suddenly stopped working, causing you to crash into another vehicle. Your dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty hydraulic control unit (HCU) and ABS control module, which is part of a known manufacturer recall. The repair parts are currently backordered and your vehicle remains unfixed.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Tires →1 issue
Your low-pressure tire warning light came on, indicating your passenger-side rear tire was losing air. After inflating it, the warning returned days later. A dealer inspection found a slow leak in the tire's sidewall that couldn't be repaired, so the tire was replaced. The tire manufacturer was notified to evaluate the failed tire. This happened at approximately 57,414 miles on your vehicle equipped with Michelin LTX MS2 tires in size 245/75/R17.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Get notified when any of these become free repairs
We'll alert you if a new recall is issued for your vehicle — that means a free fix at the dealer.
Related Vehicles
Other Ram 2500 years:
Other 2018 vehicles: