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2018 Ram 3500

Heavy-duty pickup
0 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical10
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA799
Crash ratingNHTSA overall—
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2018 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup; vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR are not certified for fuel economy by the EPA, so this page is built from NHTSA's recall, complaint and investigation records. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 799 complaints, most often about the service brakes.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

No EPA fuel-economy record: the EPA does not certify vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR. Recall, complaint and investigation data below come from NHTSA.

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The 2018 Ram 3500 is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

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Recalls (10)

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)
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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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

C4B
317,630 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskA loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 24V896000reported Nov 27, 2024Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
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Wheels

Y26, Y36
447,985 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskWheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.FixDealers 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
NHTSA campaign 21V398000reported May 27, 2021Chrysler (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)
▲high

Steering

V06
795,575 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskA drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.FixChrysler 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V021000reported Jan 25, 2019Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
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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

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)
!critical

Equipment

T82
61,791 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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/201RiskIf the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.FixChrysler 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V824000reported Dec 21, 2017Chrysler (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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Hydraulic — Loss of Brake Performance closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on November 28, 2022, after receiving 134 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance in certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The alleged failures continued to occur at a steady rate across both models, at all speeds, with limited detectability.  Consumers complained that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated on their vehicles.  The ABS module works in conjunction with the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), an electromechanical device that controls hydraulic pressure to the individual wheel brake assembl

Opened Nov 28, 2022 · closed Mar 3, 2025 · action PE22012

Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection — Steering loss due to linkage separation closed

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA).  The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.   The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, causing loss of steering.  During the course of PE18016, it was found that two styles of drag li

Opened Dec 1, 2019 · closed Nov 20, 2025 · action EA19004

Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection — Steering loss due to linkage separation closed

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to

Opened Dec 17, 2018 · closed Dec 12, 2019 · action PE18016

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
799complaints filed

16 involved a crash · 2 a fire · 6 injuries · 1 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2018: 6 · 2019: 32 · 2020: 17 · 2021: 21 · 2022: 64 · 2023: 264 · 2024: 197 · 2025: 104 · 2026: 94

Most-cited components

Service Brakes498
Service Brakes, Hydraulic140
Electrical System137
Vehicle Speed Control107
Forward Collision Avoidance64
Unspecified36

What owners describe

“Lights flash, air bag flashes, seat belt flashes, vehicle startles to start, the electrical system is completely torn apart, the diesel fuel system is not functioning and running properly due to a missing filter, the transmission is a stalling when accelerating, vehicle barely stops, incomplete inspection was not perfo…”Mar 22, 2025 · Air Bags · NHTSA owner report
“I was driving in dense traffic at 55mph. The rear window suddenly, and without warning, exploded. Glass shards peppered my wife’s and my back neck. The window is protected by a headache rack (see pictures). My thought is the glass is improperly made, in that it should not explode; or improperly factory installed.”Feb 24, 2025 · Visibility/Wiper · NHTSA owner report
“8.4" Uconnect display is now bad. It changes every mode of truck as a "ghost touch" and is a severe distraction while driving-climate, music volume, stations, cameras, sensors. It is a widely known problem involving the screen digitizer and nearly every FCA vehicle having the 8.4" screen fails-Ram, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysle…”Jan 24, 2022 · 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

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Compare the 2018 3500 with

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD →2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD →

Other 3500 model years

D

2026 Ram 3500

4 recalls · 25 complaints

D

2025 Ram 3500

5 recalls · 41 complaints

B

2024 Ram 3500

2 recalls · 42 complaints

D

2023 Ram 3500

5 recalls · 17 complaints

F

2022 Ram 3500

12 recalls · 189 complaints

F

2021 Ram 3500

9 recalls · 62 complaints

F

2020 Ram 3500

11 recalls · 115 complaints

F

2019 Ram 3500

14 recalls · 134 complaints

F

2017 Ram 3500

12 recalls · 308 complaints

F

2016 Ram 3500

14 recalls · 134 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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