NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The right and/or left side curtain air bags may rupture during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
This page covers 10 recalls, 2434 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2018 Ram 2500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake complaints dominate what 2018 Ram 2500 owners report, and the volume is hard to ignore, brakes account for well over half of all filed complaints for this model year. The core issue owners describe is ABS and traction control loss, often accompanied by persistent warning chimes while driving. Owners specifically report that the anti-lock brake system stops functioning, leaving the truck without ABS or stability assist during normal operation. The hydraulic control unit comes up repeatedly as the hardware involved. A recurring theme across complaints is parts unavailability, owners describe being told by dealers that replacement components simply aren't in stock, with no estimated timeline for when they will be. Some report the truck sitting unusable for extended periods as a result. Electrical system complaints are the third most-reported category, though at a lower volume, and tend to involve various warning lights and intermittent system faults.
2,434
Total Complaints
37
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 RAM 2500 has 10 recalls, the most serious involving a transmission shift interlock that can stick and allow the truck to be shifted out of Park without the brake pedal pressed, creating a rollaway risk, and curtain airbag inflators that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin.
A second airbag inflator concern overlaps with the first, covering a broader model year range but describing the same rupture risk. On the steering side, a jam nut on the drag link can loosen and allow the link to separate entirely, causing a sudden loss of steering control. A software defect in the cruise control system can prevent the driver from canceling cruise and cause the truck to maintain or increase speed against the driver's intent.
On the chassis and braking side, the hydraulic control unit can fail and disable anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control at the same time. Trucks with a power locking tailgate can have the tailgate open unexpectedly while moving, dropping cargo onto the road.
Two recalls address the backup camera failing to display an image while reversing. There is also a recall covering an included fire extinguisher that may not function when needed.
At a glance
What can fail
The right and/or left side curtain air bags may rupture during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected side curtain air bag(s) at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right and left side curtain air bags may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected side curtain air bags at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic control unit that manages braking systems may fail, disabling anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the hydraulic control unit or its motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate latch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut securing the outboard steering linkage may loosen, causing the drag link to separate from one end.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering linkage nut tightness and either replace the drag link assembly or weld the nut to the adjuster sleeve.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup camera display in the rearview mirror may fail to show a rearview image, not meeting safety standards. This could increase risk of property damage or injury to pedestrians if the driver relies on the camera instead of checking surroundings by other means.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the rearview mirror assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup camera display may go blank while reversing, leaving drivers without a rear-view image.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rearview mirror at no cost to restore camera function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while the engine is running and the vehicle is in PARK can cause the brake transmission shift interlock pin to stick open. This allows the transmission to shift out of PARK into any gear without pressing the brake pedal or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software, test the shift interlock system, and replace the solenoid if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
