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2018 RAM 2500 reliability record

Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2018 RAM 2500 — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.

Source-verified · 2026NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Official source ↗
NHTSA complaints
3,660
3,475 in the last 5 years
Top problem area
SERVICE BRAKES
1,788 complaints
Recalls on record
9
see below
Reported harm
56 reported crashes · 15 injuries · 2 deaths · 4 fires

What owners report fails — 2018 RAM 2500

  • SERVICE BRAKES 1,788
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 452
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 334
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 314
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING 151

9 recalls on record for the 2018 RAM 2500

  • NHTSA 24V896000 · 2025 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACT A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
  • NHTSA 25V592000 · 2025 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
  • NHTSA 25V010000 · 2025 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
  • NHTSA 19V021000 · 2019 · STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
  • NHTSA 19V347000 · 2019 · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increa
Look up these campaign numbers at NHTSA.gov →

Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2018 RAM 2500

A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.

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These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2018 RAM 2500 units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 RAM 2500 reliable?

NHTSA has 3,660 consumer complaints on record for the 2018 RAM 2500 and 9 recalls. The most-reported problem area is service brakes (1,788 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2018 RAM 2500 units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 RAM 2500?

Owners most often report problems with: service brakes (1,788), electrical system (452), service brakes, hydraulic (334), vehicle speed control (314). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

How much does it cost to own a 2018 RAM 2500?

Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.

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