Fourth generation (DS/DJ Heavy Duty)
2018 Ram 3500
The most reported problem on the 2018 Ram 3500 is brake wear, with 664 complaints, usually around 39,000 miles.
- 803owner complaints
- 11recalls
- 15involved a crash
- 37,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your 3500 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2018 model year.
Is the 2018 Ram 3500 reliable?
The 2018 Ram 3500 has 803 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 2.3 times the median of 350 for 2018 pickups on this site. Of the 13 3500 model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017 and 2019
- The 2018 stands out from the model years on either side. It draws 89 complaints for each year on the road, while the 2017 draws 31 and the 2019 17.
- Top problem
- One problem takes up much of the file: brake wear, named in 664 of the 803 complaints (83%). A quarter of the 267 owners who gave a mileage for brake wear saw it by about 20,000 miles, and half by about 39,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- Only 16 of the 803 complaints (2%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, well under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 15 reports mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 6 people were hurt. The reports record 1 death. The most crash reports, 9 of 15, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Brake wear and wheels each have a recall on the same system (24V-896; 21V-398). Driver assist has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2023 at 264 and have dropped every year since, to 102 in 2025. So far in 2026, 100 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: brakes grind, pulse or wear early, 664 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
803 complaints is 2.9 times the median 2018 model on this site and 2.3 times the median 2018 pickup. Among the 9 3500 model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2018 Ram 3500
Ram filed 444 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2018 Ram 3500. 39 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. 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.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 4 bulletins · 664 complaints
Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
CEL (Check Engine Lamp) Illuminates, Recent PCM Replace or Flash Update Performed, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P057B Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Performance, P1572 Brake Pedal Stuck, C0042-54 Brake Pedal Missing Calibration
2 more on this problem
Customer may complain of a MIL lamp on. Upon further investigation there could be a fault code in the PCM for P1524 ? Oil Pressure Out of Range ? Camshaft Advance/Retard Disabled.
A/C Pressure Transducer A/C inoperative and diagnosis leads to pressure transducer. Call Steve Rice at cell (248) 867-0061 before replacing the pressure transducer. If no response in 15 minutes, please proceed with repair.
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 2 bulletins · 34 complaints
Volume Uncontrollable Or Stuck On High
Tire pressure monitoring module Prior to replacing tire pressure monitoring module, for DTC's C151D, C1581, please contact Michael Wang at cell (248) 701-5351. If no response or contact is made within 15 minutes, proceed with repairs as necessary.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 17 bulletins · 25 complaints
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
15 more on this problem
Apple CarPlay Does Not Work Or Not Connecting
Radio Remained On After Ignition Is Switched Off, Dead Battery From Excessive Radio Current Draw
UAS and UCS Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response and navigation guidance.
UAQ and UCQ Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: ? **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. ? Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response and navigation guidance.
Connected Services Will Not Work After Radio Replacement
UAQ and UCQ Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves inspecting and if required, updating the radio software level to: 39.6.The repair procedure must be followed step by step.
UAS and UCS Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves inspecting and if required, updating the radio software level to 39.6 Customers may experience one or more of the following: Intermittent, black radio display screen. Intermittent, radio freezes.
Radio Reboot Continually
USB PORT Media Hub For Android Auto and Apple Carplay issues, do not replace this part. Android Auto and Apple Carplay applications may not operate with the vehicle if an aftermarket cable is being used.
Apple Carplay Inoperative Or Not Working, Phone Not Pairing, Carplay Lockup, Freeze or Audio Concerns
Plus 5 older ones not listed here.
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 2 bulletins · 11 complaints
Chatter, Shudder, or Vibration From Rear Axle During Turns
Air Suspension Components Star Parts Catalog has been updated to show individual service parts for the compressor assembly. This will allow service technicians to repair the root cause without over repairing the system.
Check engine light or misfire 14 bulletins · 9 complaints
Ambient Air Temperature Missing, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Lamp On, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0070-15 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit-Circuit Short to Battery or Open, P0073 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
12 more on this problem
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. When performing diagnosis, an internal engine concern may be suspected.
Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure) on one or more cam lobes and that camshaft/lifter ...
Revision A: Intermittent Engine Buck, Surge, or Misfire.
CEL (Check Engine Lamp) Illuminates, Recent PCM Replace Or Flash Update Performed, DTC P057B Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Performance
Intermittent Engine Buck, Surge, or Misfire.
SOLENOID, Transmission For vehicles equipped with 68RFE transmission (sales code DG7) setting only a P0870 DTC, please refrain from replacing a solenoid, pressure sensor, transmission or valve body.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Assembly For Cummins equipped vehicles ONLY: If a customer comes in with a check engine light for P2002 which has led to replacing the DPF, please contact Dean Armstrong at cell (248) 202-8148.
Camshaft Position Sensor If replacing a camshaft position sensor for P0340 and/or P0344 fault codes, please review information below and contact Andrew Action on his cell phone: (248) 421- 4130.
Plus 2 older ones not listed here.
Complaints filed by year
264 complaints came in 2023, 4.1 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure. Open.
NHTSA summary
Loss of brake performance. Closed mar 3, 2025.
NHTSA summary
Steering loss due to linkage separation. Closed nov 20, 2025.
NHTSA summary
Steering loss due to linkage separation. Closed dec 12, 2019, led to recall 19V-021.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2018 Ram 3500
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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
Risk and remedy
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.
All 11 recalls on the 2018 Ram 3500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2018 Ram 3500?
Brake wear, with 664 of the 803 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 39,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2018 Ram 3500 problems start?
Of the 337 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 18,000 miles and half by about 37,000.
Is the 2018 Ram 3500 better or worse than the 2017 and 2019?
Counted per year on the road, the 2018 has more complaints than both the 2017 and the 2019: 89 a year against 31 and 17.
How many 2018 Ram 3500 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
16 of them (2%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for brake wear on the 2018 Ram 3500?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 24V-896. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.