Last updated: 2026-04-20

2018 Ram 1500
RELIABILITY SCORE: 64/100 (GOOD)

2018 Ram 1500 Reliability Report

The 2018 Ram 1500 scores 64/100 ("Good"). With 15 recalls and 605 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

15

Complaints

605

Complaint Rate

13.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$691

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,000–$5,350

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity59/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact50/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (132)
  • STEERING (65)
  • ENGINE (57)

Should You Buy the 2018 Ram 1500?

At 64/100, the 2018 Ram 1500 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.

Owners log 605 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (132). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2019 Ram 1500, which scored 6 points lower.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +$245 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize trucks
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (13%)

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Uconnect infotainment system and backup camera (132 complaints)
  • STEERING: Sudden loss of power steering assistance (65 complaints)

Compare 2018 Ram 1500 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 15 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (132)
  • STEERING (65)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

15

recalls on record

The 2018 Ram 1500 has 15 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

13.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.5

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

25

Crashes

8

Fires

25

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Ram 1500 Recall Details

15 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ram 1500. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V5920002025-09-11

AIR BAGS

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.

25V0100002025-01-16

AIR BAGS

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.

23V4110002023-06-08

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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 expansion of recall 20V-475.

Showing 10 of 15 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Ram 1500? Check its history first

Every 2018 Ram 1500 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2018 Ram 1500 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 19.8%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvic/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ram 1500Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$691

vs $936 avg for fullsize trucks

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

1500
$691
Category Avg
$936
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

14–23 MPG

Running cost: $3,700–$6,050/yr

Fuel + repair

13–20 city / 18–27 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
1500 2WD 3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd172520$3,000
1500 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd162319$3,150
1500 2WD 3.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd202723$3,500
1500 4WD 3.0L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd192722$3,700
1500 2WD 5.7L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd152217$4,400
1500 4WD 5.7L 8-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd152117$4,400
1500 4WD 5.7L 8-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 6-spd131814$5,350

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Ram 1500.

  • Inspect Uconnect screen for delamination and ghost touches

  • Test power steering functionality for intermittent failures

  • Listen for unusual engine noises or knocking

  • Check for engine oil leaks or low oil pressure warnings

  • Ensure fuel tank fills properly without frequent nozzle shutoff

  • Verify ABS and traction control systems are operational

  • Inspect air suspension for unexpected lowering or rough ride

2018 Ram 1500 Common Problems by Component

605 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

132
65
61
110
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (132)STEERING (65)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (61)ENGINE (57)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (48)POWER TRAIN (46)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (44)FUEL SYSTEM (42)Other (110)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

132 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the Uconnect infotainment system and backup camera. Common symptoms include malfunctioning touchscreens that result in erratic behavior such as changing radio stations, altering climate controls, and causing distractions while driving. Many complaints highlight screen delamination and ghost touching, leading to safety concerns like loss of control over defrost functions, which can be hazardous in poor visibility conditions. Backup camera failures are also a recurrent issue, with owners describing intermittent or complete loss of image, posing a risk when reversing. These problems often manifest around 30,000 to 40,000 miles, and some reports involve crashes and fires, indicating potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

132 complaints total3 crashes2 fires6 injuries

STEERING

65 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the power steering system, particularly involving sudden loss of power steering assistance. Common symptoms include the steering wheel locking up or becoming difficult to turn, often accompanied by dashboard warning lights such as "Service Power Steering." These issues are frequently described as occurring abruptly and intermittently, sometimes after hitting a bump or during wet conditions. Several reports mention that the problem can manifest at various speeds, posing a safety risk, and there are accounts of crashes and one injury associated with these failures. Many complaints indicate that the vehicles involved do not fall under existing recalls despite similarities in symptoms, with some owners experiencing these issues around 80,000 miles or earlier. This information is crucial for potential buyers to consider, as repairs are noted to be costly and not always covered under warranty.

65 complaints total4 crashes1 injury

ENGINE

57 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report engine failures characterized by sudden loss of power, knocking noises, and engine stalls. Complaints often describe incidents occurring at highway speeds, with some engines seizing completely or throwing rods, leading to significant mechanical damage. These issues are commonly reported around 45,000 to 142,000 miles. Safety implications include near-misses with traffic and the potential for accidents due to sudden engine failure, though no crashes are explicitly mentioned. Additionally, multiple owners indicate prolonged delays in receiving recall-related repairs, particularly for the high-pressure fuel pump and crankshaft position issues, which may contribute to ongoing operational risks.

57 complaints total1 fire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (48 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

48 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with refueling, where the fuel pump nozzle shuts off prematurely or fuel spills out of the filler neck. These symptoms often require manual intervention to continue fueling and can result in gasoline overflow, posing safety and environmental hazards. Complaints often mention difficulties beginning shortly after purchase, persisting and worsening over time, with some vehicles requiring extensive repairs like gas tank replacement. Additionally, some owners describe problems with fuel tank straps rusting and detaching, which could potentially lead to significant safety risks. One complaint also involves a fire incident, linked to a high-pressure fuel pump recall, highlighting potential safety implications.

48 complaints total1 fire1 injury
POWER TRAIN (46 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

46 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the power train, notably involving engine failures and crankshaft problems. Symptoms often described include loss of power, engine overheating, and unusual noises, with some incidents leading to complete engine seizures or the need for full engine replacements. Complaints often emerge around the 60,000 to 90,000-mile mark, with several cases involving engine failures even at lower mileages, such as 11,900 miles. Safety implications are evident, with reports of crashes and loss of vehicle control, particularly when the vehicle unexpectedly shuts down at high speeds. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring issues, especially the potential for sudden power loss and the associated safety risks.

46 complaints total3 crashes4 injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (44 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

44 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the engine and engine cooling systems, with common problems including engine stalling and failure to restart. Many complaints describe symptoms such as abnormal sounds, smoke, and burning odors, often accompanied by warning lights. Failures related to the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel and exhaust manifold issues are notable, with some owners experiencing coolant leaks and oil leaks leading to engine failure. These issues often occur around 11,000 to 186,000 miles. Safety implications include reports of engine stalls at high speeds and one instance involving smoke and potential fire risk, which may concern prospective buyers.

44 complaints total1 fire
SERVICE BRAKES (24 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

24 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the ABS control module, which often results in the failure of the ABS system, traction control, and cruise control. Typical symptoms include illuminated warning lights for ABS and traction control, and in some cases, the brake pedal seizing, leading to loss of control. Complaints suggest these issues can occur at varying mileages, with some instances reported under 50,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of the vehicle becoming undrivable or hydroplaning, and two complaints involve crashes. Potential buyers should be aware of the difficulty in obtaining replacement parts, as many owners mention prolonged backorders and unresolved repairs.

24 complaints total2 crashes
SUSPENSION (18 complaints)

SUSPENSION

18 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with the air suspension system, with common symptoms including the front suspension lowering unexpectedly, rough rides, and the vehicle being difficult to drive. Complaints often describe the failure occurring multiple times, sometimes as early as 7,000 miles, and becoming more problematic in cold weather. There are also reports of the suspension failing at high speeds, leading to potential safety hazards such as loss of vehicle control. Additionally, some owners mention rust and corrosion on suspension components, particularly in regions with harsh winter conditions. These patterns suggest potential safety risks and recurring maintenance issues that prospective buyers should consider.

18 complaints total1 fire
AIR BAGS (14 complaints)

AIR BAGS

14 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with airbag non-deployment in the 2018 Ram 1500, particularly during crashes. Complaints often mention significant front-end damage or side impacts where airbags failed to deploy, leading to injuries in multiple cases. These issues are noted in vehicles with mileage ranging from approximately 39,000 to 61,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe persistent airbag warning lights and costly sensor or wiring repairs. The pattern of airbag failures in crash scenarios suggests potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

14 complaints total10 crashes11 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (13 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

13 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Ram 1500 frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving cruise control malfunction and unexpected acceleration. Complaints commonly describe cruise control that fails to engage or disengage properly, sometimes requiring multiple attempts to activate. Several reports indicate a lag in throttle response, particularly during acceleration from a stop or when merging, which can create hazardous driving situations. Additionally, some owners experience sudden deceleration or unintended acceleration, including one incident resulting in a crash with minor injuries. These issues often occur at various mileages, with some reports emerging as early as 2,400 miles, suggesting potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

13 complaints total1 crash2 injuries

When Do 2018 Ram 1500 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

45,000–142,000 milesEngine failures
30,000–60,000 milesUconnect screen delamination
22,000–80,000 milesPower steering failures

Best & Worst Ram 1500 Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ram 1500 Years to Buy

The best Ram 1500 year is 2024 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (73/100) and 2023 (72/100).

Ram 1500 Years to Avoid

The worst Ram 1500 year is 2019 with a score of 58/100, primarily due to steering (313) issues.

Ram 1500 Reliability Score Trend

Ram 1500 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ram 1500 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201864/100Good
201958/100Mixed
202065/100Good
202163/100Good
202264/100Good
202372/100Good
202477/100Good
202573/100Good

Ram 1500 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202674/100 (predicted)Predicted218
202573/100-4Good5186
202477/100+5Good457
202372/100+8Good10145
202264/100+1Good15506
202163/100-2Good14611
202065/100+7Good13559
201958/100-6Mixed291364
2018(selected)64/100Good15605

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Ram 1500 reliable?
The 2018 Ram 1500 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 64/100. It is reasonably reliable with 15 recalls and 605 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ram 1500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Ram 1500 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (132 complaints), STEERING (65 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (61 complaints), ENGINE (57 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (48 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 1500 have?
The 2018 Ram 1500 has 15 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Ram 1500 expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Ram 1500 has estimated annual repair costs of $691/year, which is $245 less than the fullsize trucks average of $936. With a reliability score of 64/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Ram 1500 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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