Reliable Auto DB

2018 Ram 3500 reliability

Is it reliable?

Owners have filed 802 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 3500 over 9 years — 18 per year. The other 3500 years sit at about the same rate: their median is 17 complaints per year. NHTSA has 11 recalls on file, including Inflator, Brake control module, and Lug nuts.

2012 Ram 3500
Photo by MercurySable99, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

802

Per year

18

Recalls

11

Years on the road

9

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (500 of 802), then Hydraulic brakes (142) and Electrical system (136). Those filings include 15 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, 4 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.

Next to 2017 and 2019

The 2017 3500 has 310 complaints, 21 per year, and the 2019 has 135 complaints, 17 per year. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has about the same number of complaints per year as 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 3500. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (11)

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 wheels, lug nuts 2021-05-27 · NHTSA campaign 21V398000
Summary Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Remedy Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
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 (802 total)

Service brakes
500
Hydraulic brakes
142
Electrical system
136
Speed control
107
Forward collision avoidance
60
Steering
34
Wheels
24
Powertrain
23
Air brakes
21
Engine
15
Suspension
11
Tires
10
Fuel and propulsion system
6
Air bags
5
Electronic stability control (ESC)
4
Back-over prevention
3
Engine and engine cooling
3
Traction control
3
Visibility and wipers
3
Seats
2
Structure
2
Exterior lighting
1
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Parking brake
1
Seat belts
1
Show 17 more Show less
Crash-flagged

15

Fire-flagged

2

Injury reports

4

Death reports

1

Complaints filed per year

62018322019172020212021642022264202319720241022025992026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 dealer was…"
    Hydraulic brakes · filed 2026-09-21
  • "Manufacturer Safety recall issued NHTSA #24V-896 Recall #C4B 2017-2018 RAM D2 DD DF DJ DP HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNI This has still not been remedied. We are having issues and can not get this fixed due to the fact the…"
    Unknown or other · filed 2026-09-20
  • "Fiat Chrysler issued a safety recall in 2024. The FCA recall number is C4B the NHTSA recall number is 24V – 896. This recall was issued almost 2 years ago, but Fiat Chrysler has made little to no effort to make parts…"
    Service brakes · filed 2026-09-18
  • "The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact…"
    Hydraulic brakes · filed 2026-09-16
  • "IN 2022 the HCU for the anti-lock brake system fails. On 06/06/2022 The HCU unit was replaced at a RAM deanship. By 2024 the system had failed again. Still there is no resolution solution offered by RAM. It is now…"
    Service brakes · filed 2026-09-14

Specs and fitment

Fourth-generation HD, 2012–2018
Body styles Pickup
Oil Diesel oil per Cummins CES / API CK-4 (see manual by climate) , 12 qt capacity
Tire size 275/70R18, 285/60R20 (SRW); 235/80R17 (DRW)

Known issues for this generation

Pre-2019 Ram 3500 diesels retain the older Bosch CP3 high-pressure fuel pump layout that later trucks briefly left behind. Shared HD campaigns still matter on these years, including power-locking tailgate latch failures covered under NHTSA 19V-347 (and related expansions) on many 2013–2018 Ram 1500/2500/3500 pickups where the actuator limiter tab could fracture and let the tailgate open while driving. Confirm open tailgate and other HD recalls on the VIN; diesel trucks also accumulate DEF/EGR and emissions-system complaints typical of post-2013 Cummins trucks.

Compare

Previous year 2017 Ram 3500 Next year 2019 Ram 3500 See every Ram 3500 model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Ram 3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 802 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 3500 over 9 years — 18 per year. The other 3500 years sit at about the same rate: their median is 17 complaints per year. NHTSA has 11 recalls on file, including Inflator, Brake control module, and Lug nuts.

What are common problems with a 2018 Ram 3500?

The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (500 of 802), then Hydraulic brakes (142) and Electrical system (136). Those filings include 15 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, 4 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.

Is the 2018 Ram 3500 more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2017 3500 has 310 complaints, 21 per year, and the 2019 has 135 complaints, 17 per year. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2019.

Has the 2018 Ram 3500 been recalled?

The 2018 Ram 3500 has 11 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 3500?

Owners have filed 802 complaints about the 2018 Ram 3500 with NHTSA.

What oil does a Ram 3500 Cummins take?

Diesel oil per Cummins CES / API CK-4 (see manual by climate)

What does NHTSA recall 21V-880 cover on the Ram 3500?

2019–2020 Ram 3500 (and sibling 2500/4500/5500) trucks with the 6.7L Cummins are covered by NHTSA campaign 21V-880 (FCA Y78): the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump may fail prematurely, send metal debris through the fuel system, and cause fuel starvation or loss of motive…

What generation is the 2013 Ram 3500?

Fourth-generation HD (2012-2018).