2018 Ram 3500 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (387) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (127) · Vehicle Speed Control (98)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ram 3500 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
191 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (11)
Air Bags:side/Window:curtain:inflator 2025-09-11 · campaign 25V592000 · 1,761 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Air Bags:side/Window:curtain:inflator 2025-01-16 · campaign 25V010000 · 6,066 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/Module 2024-11-27 · campaign 24V896000 · 317,630 vehicles
Defect: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
Wheels:lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs 2021-05-27 · campaign 21V398000 · 447,985 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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
Latches/Locks/Linkages:tailgate:latch 2019-05-09 · campaign 19V347000 · 1,103,209 vehicles
Defect: 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 f
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.
Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection 2019-01-25 · campaign 19V021000 · 795,575 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Steering:linkages 2018-10-16 · campaign 18E096000 · 847 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2018-06-14 · campaign 18V398000 · 1,837 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Electrical System:software 2018-05-17 · campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles
Defect: 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 c
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 transmissi
Power Train:automatic Transmission 2018-02-08 · campaign 18V100000 · 180,462 vehicles
Defect: 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
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.
Equipment 2017-12-21 · campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles
Defect: 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 v
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.
Service bulletins (444)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-09-21 · 9100923 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
air cleaner - none instruction to dealers while ordering the pn# 68137142ad. 1. if the air cleaner assembly is functional and only the maf sensor has failed, the dealer should order and replace only the maf sensor(68002441ac). 2. if the air cleaner assembly has failed and the maf sensor remains func
Engine 2026-07-29 · 113744 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
sensor - turbocharger speed
Engine 2026-07-29 · 113742 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
sensor - turbocharger speed
Service Brakes 2026-06-26 · S1203000003 REV.A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
trac-rite operation diagnosis, chatter, shudder, moving from a stop and turning
Structure:body 2026-06-26 · S2208000045 REV.D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
backup camera poor image quality inspection
Engine 2026-06-17 · 112906 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bearing - crankshaft thrust and kit
Showing the 6 most recent of 444 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-26 · Service Brakes“there was a recall c4b/nhtsa 24v-896 on my 2018 ram 3500 truck back in 2024. the part hcu/abs unit that was recalled went out on my truck on or about 6/23/2025. went to dealership on 6/25/2025 they told me that they have an old model part not the new updated recall part in stock. due to safety concerns, i agreed for them to fix my truck, and they e…”
2026-10-16 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 109,000 mi“the contact owns a 2018 ram 3500. the contact received a notification of nhtsa campaign number: 24v896000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part required for the recall repair was not yet available. the abs and traction control warning lights illuminated. four separate local dealers were contacted. the manufacturer was made aware of the fai…”
2026-10-16 · Electrical System:instrument Panel:speedometer/Odometer · 217,000 mi“odometer fraud. the contact purchased a 2018 ram 3500. it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. the vehicle was a private sale. at the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 105,000; however, the contact discovered through the original owner of the vehicle that the current mileage was 217,000.…”
2026-10-12 · Unknown Or Other · 💥 crash“i have replaced my rear hubs on my dodge 2018 dodge ram dooley numerous times (and have multiple documents so far over 9k) because my brakes on the driver side rear tires, always grind even though i’ve replaced everything. i even got in an accident because the break went out! it keeps happening, i get it fixed at a dodge dealership and they start g…”
2026-09-30 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 20,000 mi“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 unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the contact stated that the abs, cruise control, and …”
2026-09-25 · Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control · 50,000 mi“the contact owns a 2018 ram 3500. the contact stated that the abs warning light intermittently flashed on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. the contact stated that an audible chime was sounded with the warning light illuminated and the abs, traction control, and cruise control features became inoperable. the contact stated that …”
2026-09-21 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic“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 contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. the manufacturer was contacted by phone and confirmed that parts w…”
2026-09-20 · Unknown Or Other“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 dealership does not have a solution to the problem. …”
2026-09-18 · Service Brakes“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 available. i’ve attempted to have this recall repaired four times, and i am attempting again today. the dealership and fiat recall de…”
2026-09-16 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic“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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.