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2018 Ram 1500

GasDiesel
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
7 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical15
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA659
Crash ratingNHTSA overall4★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA23 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2018 Ram 1500 is sold in the U.S. as a gas and diesel pickup truck with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the 1500 2WD, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 659 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
1500 2WDGasRWD3.6L 6-cyl172520$3,100
1500 4WDGas4WD3.6L 6-cyl162319$3,300
1500 2WDGasRWD5.7L 8-cyl152217$4,200
1500 4WDGas4WD5.7L 8-cyl152117$4,200
1500 4WDGas4WD5.7L 8-cyl131814$5,100
1500 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202723$3,900
1500 4WDDiesel4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192722$4,050

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 39619, 39620, 39358, 39362, 39361, 39868, 39869.

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Recalls (15)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Air Bags

83C, 91C, 92C
1,761 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskAn inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V592000reported Sep 11, 2025Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Air Bags

05C, 09C, 10C
6,066 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskAn inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V010000reported Jan 16, 2025Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

66A
80,629 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.RiskAn engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an exp
NHTSA campaign 23V411000reported Jun 8, 2023Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
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Fuel System, Diesel

Z46
138,645 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.RiskFuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is
NHTSA campaign 22V406000reported Jun 9, 2022Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Air Bags

Y55
212,373 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.RiskA separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
NHTSA campaign 21V632000reported Aug 12, 2021Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
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Engine And Engine Cooling

W58
58,016 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.RiskAn engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.FixFCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
NHTSA campaign 20V475000reported Aug 13, 2020Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

VB1
107,980 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.RiskCombustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.FixChrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.
NHTSA campaign 19V757000reported Oct 24, 2019Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
▲high

Latches/Locks/Linkages

V44
1,103,209 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskIf 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.FixChrysler 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V347000reported May 9, 2019Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
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Power Train

V48
10,160 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.RiskA fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.FixFCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.
NHTSA campaign 19V324000reported Apr 25, 2019Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
▲high

Power Train

U88
4,171 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure.RiskIf the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.FixChrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U88.
NHTSA campaign 18V556000reported Aug 23, 2018Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
▲high

Electrical System

U87
12,779 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.RiskA vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.FixChrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
NHTSA campaign 18V524000reported Aug 9, 2018Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
▲high

Back Over Prevention

U56
1,837 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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."RiskA loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.FixChrysler 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V398000reported Jun 14, 2018Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
▲high

Electrical System

U49,U59-U65,U68,U73
4,815,661 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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 depressRiskIf the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.FixChrysler 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
NHTSA campaign 18V332000reported May 17, 2018Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
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Power Train

U43
71 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.RiskIf the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.FixChrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
NHTSA campaign 18V280000reported May 1, 2018Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
▲high

Power Train

U11
180,462 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskBeing 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.FixChrysler 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V100000reported Feb 8, 2018Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

NHTSA defect investigations

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without

Opened Jul 3, 2025 · action RQ25003

Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump — High pressure fuel pump failure open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed rec

Opened Mar 17, 2023 · action EA23001

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
659complaints filed

25 involved a crash · 8 a fire · 25 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2018: 25 · 2019: 48 · 2020: 70 · 2021: 76 · 2022: 65 · 2023: 117 · 2024: 108 · 2025: 89 · 2026: 61

Most-cited components

Electrical System158
Engine110
Unspecified92
Steering85
Fuel/Propulsion System80
Power Train59

What owners describe

“8.4 inch Uconnect display has intermittent "ghost" pressing buttons. This causes the radio station to change, settings to change, back up camera to activate for minutes at a time, and now phone calls are being terminated. I am in Illinois and we have a "hands free" law for cellular phone use. The phone calls being rand…”Sep 9, 2021 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“Navigation system started jumping around different screens while traveling in an unknown area. It almost caused an accident several times from being startled from not knowing where I was going and from losing visibility of the upcoming Road. I have video of this happening.”Sep 8, 2021 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“Uconnect 8.4 inch display is bubbling or delaminating. This morning I was driving thru city traffic, about 5 miles total. The "ghost" was pushing buttons on the display changing radio stations, settings etc. Suddenly the BACK UP CAMERA CAME ON. Then it would turn off. I started timing the on time, and it lasted from 2 …”Sep 3, 2021 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
PU/CC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/CC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%
PU/EC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/EC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%
PU/RC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆20%
PU/RC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Compare the 2018 1500 with

2018 Ford F-150 →2018 Chevrolet Silverado →2018 Toyota Tacoma →2018 GMC Sierra →2018 Toyota Tundra →2018 Chevrolet Colorado →

Other 1500 model years

A

2027 Ram 1500

0 recalls · 0 complaints

F

2026 Ram 1500

7 recalls · 84 complaints

F

2025 Ram 1500

8 recalls · 335 complaints

F

2024 Ram 1500

6 recalls · 70 complaints

F

2023 Ram 1500

11 recalls · 197 complaints

F

2022 Ram 1500

16 recalls · 606 complaints

F

2021 Ram 1500

15 recalls · 675 complaints

F

2020 Ram 1500

14 recalls · 622 complaints

F

2019 Ram 1500

29 recalls · 1,467 complaints

F

2017 Ram 1500

13 recalls · 869 complaints

F

2016 Ram 1500

16 recalls · 1,534 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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