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2018 Ram 3500 Transmission Problems

20 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

20
Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes
Jan 2020Dec 2022
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Transmission Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #18V100000

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.

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.

Owner Complaints (20)

criticalPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2023

I have a 2018 Dodge 3500 with 9800 miles on it.. The ABS light has come on reflecting a braking and control problem. This also shuts down the safety system within the brakes, shuts down the 4 wheel drive and cruise controls also.

NHTSA #: 11537178
criticalPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2022

Unsafe and very hesitant acceleration nearly causing accidents. Long lag time between pressing the accelerator and engine responding to throttle input.

NHTSA #: 11469850
criticalPOWER TRAIN
CrashFiled: Apr 2019

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 ram 3500. While the vehicle was in park, it automatically shifted into reverse and collided with a fence. The vehicle sustained rear end damage.

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NHTSA #: 11193081
highPOWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your truck's traction control and automatic emergency braking system have a recalled issue that hasn't been repaired yet, and you've been waiting nearly two years for the repair. You should contact your Ram dealer to schedule the recall service as soon as possible.

NHTSA #: 11725336
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2025

vehicle intermittently sets check engine light for code p0871 and causes truck to go into a limp mode and a 4th gear start only. I have notice online this issue going on for years on Ram trucks with no recall. The light will go off and store code but dealers will not address if light is not on.

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NHTSA #: 11660185
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2024

Continually gets ABS stability error. Unit has been replaced once less than year ago. Comes on if vehicle sits or hits a bump.

NHTSA #: 11632026
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2024

The specified vehicle has intermittent ABS/ Brake Hydraulic Control module error. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Error causes ABS and Cruise Control to be disabled while in motion as per warning messages displayed on instrument cluser and audio annunciation.

NHTSA #: 11623025
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2023

Since purchasing this truck brand new in 2018 we have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. Dodge Ram failed us every time. They failed to work with the dealer and ignored every attempt to find solutions.

NHTSA #: 11541431
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2023

frequently when shifting from D to R or any combination, all selections light up followed a loud bang from rearend. sometimes it correctes itself, other times engine must be shut down. dealer has diagnosed problem.

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NHTSA #: 11519071
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2022

12/19/2022: While driving, brakes were not working properly. Depressed fully to floor or pumped to try to stop. Check engine lights coming on and off.

NHTSA #: 11499488
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2022

The transmission in my truck has been having problems starting on 9/25/18. On 7/21/22, Grey Chrysler replaced the solenoid in the trans and also did an update. When I brought truck back after the same code, PO871, was thrown again on 08/30/22, I was told the warranty company couldn’t recreate the problem so they would not be fixing my trans.

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NHTSA #: 11483727
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2020

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v036000 (power train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called to autonation chrysler dodge jeep ram roseville (200 automall dr, roseville, ca 95661; (916) 467-8055) where it was confirmed that the part was not available.

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NHTSA #: 11327155
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2020

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v818000 (equipment, engine and engine cooling) and 20v036000 (power train) however, the part to the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

NHTSA #: 11317305
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2020

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 19v818000 (engine and engine cooling, equipment) and 20v036000 (power train). The contact called the (hayes chrysler dodge jeep ram lawrenceville dealer, located at,719 duluth hwy, lawrenceville, ga 30046) and it was confirmed that the parts were not available.

NHTSA #: 11306341
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2019

Transmission has a whining sound when shifting through the first 3 gears, dealer said it was normal

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NHTSA #: 11221198
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2018

Truck shudders while shifting between 1st and 2nd and again from 2nd to third . Shudder hard enough to see to dash shack. Shifting shudder hard while towing.

NHTSA #: 11151363
lowPOWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Mar 2026

No anti lock brakes which causes unsafe braking in acclimate weather which slid sideways as well as almost rear end vehicles ,also causes multiple functions to not work like exhaust brake and transmission issues !

NHTSA #: 11721254
lowPOWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Oct 2023

ABS pump went out and the ABS and the traction control does not work. We have chnaged the sensors on the wheels. The part is on backorder and is hard to get.

NHTSA #: 11549211
lowPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2020

On multiple occasions the shift arm would not move while vehicle was in park and foot brake was depressed. Seemed like the safety device that prevents an automatic shifting arm from slipping out of park without brake depressed did not release. Vehicle was on flat level ground, the only way to correct problem required shutting vehicle off and then restarting.

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NHTSA #: 11326611
lowPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2018

My vehicle was parked at operating temperatures and I switched to 4x4 lock. As I accelerated slightly at 3 miles an hour in reverse while turning the steering column clockwise the truck began to shake while in motion for roughly 7 feet. It also shook as I accelerated in drive slightly at 3 miles an hour while turning the steering column counter clockwise.

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NHTSA #: 11090380

Other 2018 Ram 3500 Issues