Reliable Auto DB

2018 Ram 2500 reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2018 Ram 2500 has 2,590 complaints with NHTSA after 9 years, or 23 per year. That is about even with the other 2500 years here. Their median is 25 complaints per year. NHTSA has 10 recalls on file, including Inflator, Brake control module, and Latch.

2013 Ram 2500
Photo by RL GNZLZ from Chile, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 2.0
Complaints

2,590

Per year

23

Recalls

10

Years on the road

9

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (1,834 of 2,590), then Electrical system (475) and Hydraulic brakes (456). Those filings include 38 that report a crash, 5 that report a fire, 7 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.

Next to 2017 and 2019

The 2017 2500 has 693 complaints, 25 per year, and the 2019 has 193 complaints, 27 per year. The 2018 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2017. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2018 Ram 2500. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (10)

Recall air bags, side and window, curtain, inflator 2025-09-11 · NHTSA campaign 25V592000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall air bags, side and window, curtain, inflator 2025-01-16 · NHTSA campaign 25V010000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall Brake control module 2024-11-27 · NHTSA campaign 24V896000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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 October 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
Recall latches, locks, and linkages, tailgate, latch 2019-05-09 · NHTSA campaign 19V347000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall steering, linkages, drag link, link, connection 2019-01-25 · NHTSA campaign 19V021000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall steering, linkages 2018-10-16 · NHTSA campaign 18E096000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall back-over prevention, sensing system, camera 2018-06-14 · NHTSA campaign 18V398000
Summary 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."
Remedy 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.
Recall electrical system, wiring 2018-05-17 · NHTSA campaign 18V332000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall powertrain, automatic transmission 2018-02-08 · NHTSA campaign 18V100000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall Equipment 2017-12-21 · NHTSA campaign 17V824000
Summary 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
Remedy 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.

Complaints by component (2590 total)

Service brakes
1834
Electrical system
475
Hydraulic brakes
456
Speed control
342
Forward collision avoidance
225
Steering
85
Powertrain
75
Air brakes
59
Engine
37
Suspension
21
Wheels
14
Air bags
11
Back-over prevention
11
Traction control
11
Fuel and propulsion system
10
Electronic stability control (ESC)
9
Engine and engine cooling
5
Exterior lighting
5
Structure
5
Tires
5
Visibility and wipers
5
Equipment
3
Electric service brakes
2
Lane departure
2
Visibility
2
Show 17 more Show less
Crash-flagged

38

Fire-flagged

5

Injury reports

7

Death reports

1

Complaints filed per year

7201832201930202060202117020228992023714202433020253482026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "I have warnings on my dash board alerting of a brake system failure. I received notice of the safety recall more than 18 months ago and have followed up several times. I have been told there is no remedy and if I would…"
    Service brakes · filed 2026-09-24
  • "Since the recall letter went out, the trucks electronic cracking system alarm has been intermittently sounding and every time I call a dealership and explain the issue, I receive the same answer that the parts to remedy…"
    Service brakes · filed 2026-09-23
  • "See attached document for complaint."
    Hydraulic brakes · filed 2026-09-23
  • "There has been recall CB4 on my 2018 Ram 2500 since 11/2024. I have been told multiple times that a fix is on the way, in the mean time I dont feel safe driving the vehicle and the constant warning beeper is annoying.…"
    Service brakes · filed 2026-09-23
  • "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 contact stated…"
    Hydraulic brakes · filed 2026-09-23

Specs and fitment

HD (fourth gen), 2013–2018
Body styles Pickup
Oil FCA MS-6395 5W-40 (Cummins diesel) or 5W-20 (gas per manual) , 12 qt capacity
Tire size 275/70R18, 285/60R20, 285/70R17 (trim dependent)
Towing capacity 17,940 lbs

Known issues for this generation

NHTSA safety recall 19V347000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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. 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. Remedy: 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.

Compare

Previous year 2017 Ram 2500 Next year 2019 Ram 2500 See every Ram 2500 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Ram 2500 reliable?

The 2018 Ram 2500 has 2,590 complaints with NHTSA after 9 years, or 23 per year. That is about even with the other 2500 years here. Their median is 25 complaints per year. NHTSA has 10 recalls on file, including Inflator, Brake control module, and Latch.

What are common problems with a 2018 Ram 2500?

The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (1,834 of 2,590), then Electrical system (475) and Hydraulic brakes (456). Those filings include 38 that report a crash, 5 that report a fire, 7 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.

Is the 2018 Ram 2500 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2017 2500 has 693 complaints, 25 per year, and the 2019 has 193 complaints, 27 per year. The 2018 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2017. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019.

Has the 2018 Ram 2500 been recalled?

The 2018 Ram 2500 has 10 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2018 Ram 2500?

Owners have filed 2590 complaints about the 2018 Ram 2500 with NHTSA.

What engine oil does a Ram 2500 use?

US Ram 2500 manuals specify diesel or gasoline oil grades in the maintenance section for your engine.

What does NHTSA recall 19V-347 cover on the Ram 2500?

NHTSA safety recall 19V347000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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.

What generation is the 2014 Ram 2500?

HD (fourth gen) (2013-2018).