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Your vehicleHome›Ram›1500› 2018
Ram · Large Pickup truck

2018 Ram 1500

Gas Diesel
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
7 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
26 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 4 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls5 critical 15
Complaints25 crash · 8 fire · 25 injured reported 667
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 4★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 23 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2018 Ram 1500 is sold in the U.S. as a gas and diesel large 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, 5 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 667 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

Ram Pickup — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ram Pickup · Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
1500 2WDGasRWD3.6L 6-cyl172520$3,350
1500 4WDGas4WD3.6L 6-cyl162319$3,550
1500 2WDGasRWD5.7L 8-cyl152217$4,450
1500 4WDGas4WD5.7L 8-cyl152117$4,450
1500 4WDGas4WD5.7L 8-cyl131814$5,450
1500 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202723$4,150
1500 4WDDiesel4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192722$4,350

*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.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
1500 2WD, 1500 4WD3 / 10Federal Tier 3 Transitional Bin 110All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
1500 2WD, 1500 4WD1 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 160 / California LEV-II LEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body stylePickup
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders8
Displacement5.7 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower395 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Transmission

Drivetrain4x2

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Rebel, SLT, ST, Sport). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length205.9–235.0 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.1 in
Height74.4–78.0 in
Wheelbase120.5–149.2 in
Track, front68.1–68.5 in
Track, rear67.7 in
Curb weight4,511–5,386 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear57/43

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 10 configurations: Ram Crew Cab 5.7-FT Box 2WD, Ram Crew Cab 5.7-FT Box 4X4, Ram Crew Cab 6.4-FT Box 2WD, Ram Crew Cab 6.4-FT Box 4X4, Ram Quad Cab 6.4-FT Box 2WD, Ram Quad Cab 6.4-FT Box 4X4 …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2018 1500
Head to head vs the 2018 GMC Sierra Other years The 2027 1500 Recalls Ram recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2018 Ram 1500 is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (15)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Air Bags

83C, 91C, 92C
1,761 vehicles 25% reported repaired built May 21, 2018 – Jun 26, 2018
Problem 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V592000 reported Sep 11, 2025 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Air Bags

05C, 09C, 10C
6,066 vehicles 33% reported repaired
Problem 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V010000 reported Jan 16, 2025 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

66A
80,629 vehicles 72% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (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. Risk An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V411000 reported Jun 8, 2023 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Diesel

Z46
138,645 vehicles 59% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (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. Risk Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V406000 reported Jun 9, 2022 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Air Bags

Y55
212,373 vehicles 47% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (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. Risk A 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. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V632000 reported Aug 12, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

W58
58,016 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (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. Risk An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Fix FCA 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V475000 reported Aug 13, 2020 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

VB1
107,980 vehicles 92% reported repaired built Jun 12, 2013 – Oct 23, 2019
Problem Chrysler (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. Risk Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire. Fix Chrysler 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V757000 reported Oct 24, 2019 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Latches/Locks/Linkages

V44
1,103,209 vehicles 59% reported repaired built Jun 20, 2012 – Mar 31, 2018
Problem 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 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V347000 reported May 9, 2019 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

V48
10,160 vehicles 74% reported repaired built Mar 16, 2018 – Apr 20, 2018
Problem Chrysler (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. Risk A 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. Fix FCA 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V324000 reported Apr 25, 2019 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

U88
4,171 vehicles 89% reported repaired built Apr 23, 2018 – Aug 8, 2018
Problem Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure. Risk If 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. Fix Chrysler 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V556000 reported Aug 23, 2018 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

U87
12,779 vehicles 77% reported repaired built Sep 2, 2017 – Dec 14, 2017
Problem Chrysler (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. Risk A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Chrysler 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V524000 reported Aug 9, 2018 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

U56
1,837 vehicles 86% reported repaired built May 1, 2018 – May 10, 2018
Problem 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V398000 reported Jun 14, 2018 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

U49,U59-U65,U68,U73
4,815,661 vehicles 77% reported repaired built May 15, 2013 – May 24, 2018
Problem 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 depress 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
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 reported May 17, 2018 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

U43
71 vehicles 84% reported repaired built Feb 28, 2018 – Mar 27, 2018
Problem Chrysler (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. Risk If 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. Fix Chrysler 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V280000 reported May 1, 2018 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

U11
180,462 vehicles 83% reported repaired built Jan 1, 2017 – Jan 13, 2018
Problem 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 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V100000 reported Feb 8, 2018 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

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 with

Opened Jul 3, 2025 · action RQ25003 · the investigation’s page →

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 re

Opened Mar 17, 2023 · action EA23001 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific 1500

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2018 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ram publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ram’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2018 Ram 1500, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2018 Ram 1500

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this 1500 →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
667complaints filed

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

29 per 10,000 built · Ram reported 230,514 1500 built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2018: 25 · 2019: 48 · 2020: 70 · 2021: 76 · 2022: 65 · 2023: 117 · 2024: 108 · 2025: 89 · 2026: 69

Most-cited components

Electrical System → 159
Engine → 156
Fuel/Propulsion System → 140
Unspecified 92
Steering 90
Power Train → 60

In depth: electrical problems → · engine problems → · fuel system problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

Fuel nozzle repeatedly gets stuck in fuel filler housing. Unable to dislodge nozzle. Filler assembly broke and filler neck loose. Now unable to fill gas tank
Fuel/Propulsion System at 3,585 miles Feb 5, 2019 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11174401
The uconnect does not work all the time some day it will work and then the next time I try to use it it doesn't
Electrical System Jan 19, 2019 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11170900
While driving on an interstate 5 in washington in cruise control at 76mph going up hill, the truck made a gear grinding noise. I turn off cruise and let the truck coast uphill, the truck was making a whining uphill.
Power Train at 29,550 miles Dec 16, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11161799
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. While driving into a garage with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into the corner of the contact's house. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention.
Vehicle Speed Control at 2,400 miles Nov 16, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11151942
Sometimes, when I make a left or right turn or hit a bump in the road, or a pothole, there is a "thud" sound in the front of the truck. The sound is like metal against metal. I've talked to the dealership and they didn't hear it when they took it for a test drive
Suspension Nov 1, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11144751
At 5 months 3600 miles of ownership the 4 corner air suspension went out. This also caused me to loss my electric stability control of the vehicle. While driving down the highway and switching lanes (before I know of the issue) the truck became very loose.
Electronic Stability Control at 3,600 miles Sep 13, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11129232

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.

Reported by Ram itself: 115 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 4 killed, 155 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 50 per 100,000 built. Every 1500 model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 36k

miles, typically

Half the 206 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 14,000 and 72,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 38
10k–20k 27
20k–30k 28
30k–40k 15
40k–50k 18
50k–60k 14
60k–70k 11
70k–80k 14
80k–90k 6
90k–100k 10
100k–150k 16
150k + 9

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Engine4949,4180.99×
Fuel/Propulsion System3964,1372.01×
Electrical System3824,0001.06×
Power Train1924,5570.71×
Unspecified1635,400—
Steering1677,8255.37×
Suspension1315,3560.9×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2018-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: fuel/propulsion system (2.01×), steering (5.37×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Across 2018–2022 model years the Ram 1500 ranks 47 of 79 nameplates in the odometer-at-first-complaint study: owners reported problems at 1.19× the mileage of vehicles the same age (median 25,600 miles against a fleet 23,512).

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

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.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 498
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-30
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 494 service bulletins, 4 others

Most often about: Equipment, Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System, Structure.

  • S2621000004 Service bulletin
    2026-09-30 · Power Train
  • The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft Splines (850RE Transmission Only)
  • S2208000045 REV. D Service bulletin
    2026-06-26 · Structure — Body
  • Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
  • S1623000028 Rev. K Service bulletin
    2026-06-12 · Electrical System
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S1623000028 REV. J Service bulletin
    2026-06-05 · Structure — Body
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S1623000028 REV. I Service bulletin
    2026-05-29 · Electrical System
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S2623000032 Service bulletin
    2026-04-30 · Structure — Body
  • Squeak Or Squawk Noise Coming From Either Side Door Of The Vehicle, It Could Be Just One Door Or More. The Noise Can Be Present In Either The Upper Or The Lower Hinge.
  • S1623000028 REV. H Service bulletin
    2026-04-01 · Structure — Body
  • Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
  • S2621000003 REV. A Service bulletin
    2026-03-09 · Power Train
  • The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P203E
P203E on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →9 bulletins
P208B
P208B on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Service Brakes · Brake pads →9 bulletins
P20E8
P20E8 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Service Brakes · Brake pads →9 bulletins
P0513
P0513 on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →4 bulletins
P057B
P057B on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →4 bulletins
P0441
P0441 on Ram →		The evaporative purge is not flowing the way it should.Fuel/Propulsion System · EVAP purge valve →3 bulletins
P062A
P062A on Ram →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →3 bulletins
P241DManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →3 bulletins
C140EManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Equipment2 bulletins
P0087
P0087 on Ram →		Fuel rail pressure is below what the system commanded.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →2 owner reports
P0335
P0335 on Ram →		A fault in the crankshaft position sensor circuit — the computer has lost track of where the crank is.Engine · Crankshaft position sensor →1 bulletin · 1 owner report
P0336The crankshaft position signal is present but implausible.Engine · Crankshaft position sensor →2 owner reports

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2018 Ram 1500 failed the emissions check on 2.8% of first inspections — close to the 3.0% for every 2018 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.1% (every 2018 vehicle: 1.9%).

New York inspections 2.8%

failed emissions

7,650 initial inspections of 7,515 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2018 1500Every 2018 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check2.8%3.0%7,628
Failed the safety inspection2.1%1.9%7,650
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.22%0.22%7,650
Miles driven a year11,45810,002odometer at inspection
Average odometer94,93582,833odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2018 vehicle” is every 2018 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Compare the 2018 1500 with

Any vehicle, your weights →
Head-to-headVerdict
2018 GMC Sierra · Large Pickup truck · grade FSierra +17.8

1500 by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A 0 0 22 mpg2026 D 9 103 22 mpg2025 D 8 365 23 mpg2024 C 6 77 23 mpg2023 D 11 203 24 mpg2022 F 16 631 26 mpg2021 F 15 683 Do not drive2020 F 14 640 26 mpg2019 F 29 1,494 23 mpg2018 this page F 15 667 23 mpg2017 F 13 884 23 mpg2016 F 16 1,554 24 mpg

Common questions about the 2018 1500

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2018 Ram 1500 have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 15 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ram 1500, 5 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 25V592000, covering Air Bags. 3 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: July 2024. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2018 Ram 1500?

NHTSA gave the 2018 Ram 1500 4 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (26/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Ram 1500?

Across the 7 EPA-rated configurations of the 2018 Ram 1500, the best EPA combined figure is 23 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2018 Ram 1500?

Transport Canada measured it at 205.9–235.0 in long, 79.1 in wide (body, without mirrors), 74.4–78.0 in tall, on a 120.5–149.2 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,511–5,386 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2018 Ram 1500?

Owners have filed 667 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 1500, most often about electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion system. Of those, 25 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 25 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2018 Ram 1500?

The EPA smog rating for the 2018 Ram 1500 runs 1 to 3 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-II LEV, Federal Tier 3 Bin 160, Federal Tier 3 Transitional Bin 110 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2018 Ram 1500?

The manufacturer has filed 498 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 1500, most often covering equipment, electrical system, engine. The most recent is dated 2026-09-30. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2018 Ram 1500 do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2018 Ram 1500 failed the emissions check on 2.8% of first inspections — close to the 3.0% for every 2018 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.1% (every 2018 vehicle: 1.9%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

Is the 2018 Ram 1500 better than the 2018 GMC Sierra?

The GMC Sierra wins clearly, 85 to 67.2, on safety, fuel & range. We publish a full side-by-side of the 2018 Ram 1500 against the 2018 GMC Sierra — specifications by family, equipment feature by feature, safety record and ownership costs. You can re-weight what matters to you and the verdict recalculates.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations7 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates7 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls15NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints667NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings6 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins498NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations2NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA8 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Head to head 2018 Ram 1500 vs 2018 GMC Sierra Scored on price, fuel, safety, space, performance and warranty — the weights are yours.Other years The 2027 1500 The 1500 model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every Ram recall on file All campaigns filed against Ram vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this 1500 by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

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). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

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

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