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2018 Ram 2500: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists nine recall campaigns for the 2018 Ram 2500: two for air bags (filed 2025), one for brakes (filed 2024), one for latches (filed 2019) and five more for other parts. Owners have filed 2,597 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes and the electrical system. For comparison, owners filed 697 for the 2017 and 193 for the 2019 Ram 2500. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 4 stars overall, with a 15.5% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
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Recalls (9)

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ram 2500. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2018 Ram 2500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V592000 Filed Sep 11, 2025

Side Curtain Air Bag Inflators May Rupture

Air bags · side/window · curtain · inflator
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
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.
25.5% repairedof 1,761 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V592000
Listed for 2018 Ram 2500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V010000 Filed Jan 16, 2025

Side Curtain Air Bag Inflators May Rupture

Air bags · side/window · curtain · inflator
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
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.
32.8% repairedof 6,066 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V010000
Listed for 2018 Ram 2500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V896000 Filed Nov 27, 2024

Loss of ABS/Traction Control from Module Failure

Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
14.1% repairedof 317,630 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V896000
Listed for 2018 Ram 2500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V347000 Filed May 9, 2019

Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly

Latches/locks/linkages · tailgate · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
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.
58.8% repairedof 1,103,209 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V347000
Listed for 2018 Ram 2500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V021000 Filed Jan 25, 2019

Steering Linkage May Separate

Steering · linkages · drag · link · connection
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
71.7% repairedof 795,575 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V021000
Listed for 2018 Ram 2500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V398000 Filed Jun 14, 2018

Loss of Visibility in Backup Camera/FMVSS 111

Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
86.1% repairedof 1,837 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V398000
Listed for 2018 Ram 2500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V332000 Filed May 17, 2018

Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
77% repairedof 4,815,661 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V332000
Listed for 2018 Ram 2500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V100000 Filed Feb 8, 2018

Vehicle May Rollaway

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
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.
82.9% repairedof 180,462 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V100000
Listed for 2018 Ram 2500. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V824000 Filed Dec 21, 2017

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

Equipment
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
Consequence
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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.
48.3% repairedof 61,791 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V824000

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Owner complaints (2,597)

2,597 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The service brakes is mentioned most often.

39involved a crash
5involved a fire
12injuries reported
1deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 2500, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 2,597.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2018 compares with other 2500 years

Best and worst 2500 years →
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023
This year (2018)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 4 stars overall

Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 15.5%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2018 Ram 2500 pu/cc 2wd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2018 2500 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

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Where to next

2018 Ram 2500 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 2500 have?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns: 25V592000 (air bag), 25V010000 (air bag), 24V896000 (brake), 19V347000 (latch), 19V021000 (steering), 18V398000 (rear camera), 18V332000 (electrical), 18V100000 (power train), 17V824000 (equipment). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2018 Ram 2500 problems?

Owners filed 2,597 complaints with NHTSA. Service brakes (2,338), Electrical system (475), Vehicle speed control (342) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What safety rating did the 2018 Ram 2500 get?

NHTSA rated the 2018 Ram 2500 pu/cc 2wd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (15.5% rollover risk).

How does the 2018 2500 compare with other years?

Among the 2014–2021 Ram 2500 model years at least five years old, the 2021 drew the fewest complaints (108) and the 2018 the most (2,597). The 2018 drew 2,597. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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