2018 Ram 2500 · symptom sheet
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails
- 92owner reports
- 29,000median miles
- $1,000median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
571 of the 2,594 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 92 of those describe infotainment.
Tick what matches of 92 reports
Infotainment on other 2500 years
No other 2500 model year has enough reports of infotainment for a sheet of its own. See every 2500 year.
What this problem usually is
Screen complaints read like a list of small betrayals. The display goes black or freezes, the backup camera shows nothing when you shift into reverse, CarPlay or Android Auto keeps dropping, or the radio changes volume on its own. Many owners had a software update that didn't fix it. A narrower sheet covers backup camera failures on their own, and another covers screens that freeze.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the head unit or screen (53 reports), the camera (23 reports), the module (10 reports) and the software (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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."
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
All 10 recalls on the 2018 Ram 2500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the electrical system on the 2500
Software security vulnerability. Closed jan 5, 2016, led to recall 15V-508.
Totally integrated power module failure. Closed jul 24, 2015.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
What owners paid
9 of the 92 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,000 to $1,700.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 17,000 and 59,000 miles, from the 31 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 17 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Ram 2500 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data).
SOS and Assistance Call Not Working After Radio Exchange Unit Installed
Apple CarPlay Does Not Work Or Not Connecting
Radio Remained On After Ignition Is Switched Off, Dead Battery From Excessive Radio Current Draw
13 more on the 2018 Ram 2500 page.
What owners wrote
“Odometer Fraud. The contact intended to purchase a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The advertised mileage was 130,200; however, a Carfax report displayed a mileage rollback, and the ECU listed the mileage at 200,220.”
Filed Sep 22, 2026 · 200,220 miles
“The display in the center console keeps asking if i want to update the clock. Nothing stops it from constantly popping upâ¦going off⦠popping up. Truck only has 25000 miles”
Filed Jan 12, 2024 · 25,000 miles
“2018 Ram Sept 23, 2020 at 15,000 miles ABS light flashed on. Code said pump electrical failure. Dealer replace under warranty. Oct 12, 2023 at 50,900 miles, service ABS notice flashes on screen. Dealer confirmed ABS failure but said parts were on indefinite back order. Said last one took over a year to get parts in.”
Filed Oct 19, 2023 · 15,000 miles
“First time brake system hydraulic control unit failed was at 17,000 miles, now have 76,000 and it has failed again. Abs system notification goes off and on constantly. Turbo actuator has failed at 76,000 miles. Check engine light and associated ecu codes are flashing. Rear view camera on tailgate goes out intermittently.”
Filed Feb 7, 2023 · 17,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 92 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 2335 reports
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 289 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 47 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 42 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 33 reports