Last updated: 2026-04-20
2018 Ram Promaster Reliability Report
The 2018 Ram Promaster scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
1
Complaint Rate
0.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$858
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,500
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is year 6 of the First generation (2013-2022).
- Redesigned for the 2013 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2019.
- 1st generation Promaster (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2013: First generation (2013-2022) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2018: This Model Year
2018 is year 6 of the First generation (2013-2022).
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2018 Ram Promaster?
At 68/100, the 2018 Ram Promaster lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is year 6 of the First generation (2013-2022).
Owners log 1 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 engine and engine (1). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2019 Ram Promaster, which scored 10 points lower.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +No recalls issued
- +Below-average complaint rate for Truck
- +Well-established generation
Cons
- −ENGINE (1)
Compare 2018 Ram Promaster With
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Reliability: 66/100
2018 Ford F-150
Reliability: 58/100
2018 Toyota Tundra
Reliability: 69/100
2018 Chevrolet Silverado
Reliability: 70/100
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2018 Ram Promaster — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
0.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.5
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2018 Ram Promaster? Check its history first
Every 2018 Ram Promaster has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Ram Promaster NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Ram PromasterRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$858
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2018 Ram Promaster Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Drive Axle Assembly Drain & Refill | $173 – $201 |
| MAP Sensor Replacement | $87 – $146 |
| Transmission Position Sensor Replacement | $540 – $752 |
| Dashboard Replacement | $2,441 – $2,869 |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Diagnosis | $118 – $173 |
| Brake Vacuum Pump Replacement | $448 – $483 |
| Power Steering System Leak Inspection | $61 – $90 |
| Yaw Sensor Replacement | $199 – $239 |
| Headlamp Control Module Replacement | $892 – $1,018 |
| Brake Caliper Replacement | $753 – $822 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
24 MPG
Running cost: $3,350/yr
Fuel + repair
21 city / 28 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
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promaster City 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,500 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Ram Promaster.
Check engine oil level and monitor for unexplained oil consumption
Inspect for any history of engine shutdowns while driving
Verify that no warning lights are malfunctioning or failing to indicate issues
Test drive to ensure vehicle does not unexpectedly stall or shut off
2018 Ram Promaster Common Problems by Component
1 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
1 complaintMy vehicle has shut off on several occasions while driving. No oil or engine light appeared on, but my oil was very low. No ill or negative indicators came up whatsoever. The vehicle stopped in places which I was not able to stay or park at. Some people were honking because my vehicle was blocking traffic. I believe the first time I encountered the problem was around 106,000miles. The problem has continued up to now at 120,00miles. Dealerships and myself have added oil but the problem continues with no indicators communicating an issue, though there clearly is one.
Best & Worst Ram Promaster Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ram Promaster Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ram Promaster year is 2018 with a reliability score of 68/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (63/100) and 2025 (62/100).
2018
(Current Model)
2023
2025
Ram Promaster Years to Avoid
No Ram Promaster years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Ram Promaster maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Ram Promaster Reliability Score Trend
Ram Promaster reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 62/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 62/100 | Good |
Ram Promaster Reliability Compared to Other Years
2018 Ram Promaster Common Questions
10 questions from 2018 Ram Promaster owners.
My windows don’t work
I’m having a problem with my rear windows and they won’t go down I was told to fix replace the main power switch and I did that and my rears don’t work I also noticed that my passenger window doesn’t go down unless the driver rolls it down with their switch More than a year
Ram 3500 will not start
When trying to start the truck the starter clicks once but will not turnover. Any idea what to check. Started today
Vibration and droning sound in vehicle while driving
The issues are at an rpm at 1050 at any speed keeping it steady in this exact range. If you go slower it will drop a gear and is fine. If you go above this rpm in this gear it goes away. They changed the transmission valve body and updated software. This didn't fix the problem. What it did do is raise the idle rpm from 500 to 550 and lowered the warmup rpm, which was much higher. I've been on 2 tech rides 1 to show him the issues that he could not duplicate, then he drove and replicated issues. Another issue l brought it in for was the clunking when slowing down to a stop. It seems fixed for now only the clunking issue. Now 1/7/2026 they are telling me that the vehicle is within normal operating conditions. I have less than 7800 miles on a brand new 2023 Ram 1500 mild hybrid. What would correct this problem would be for the transmission computer to drop to a lower gear just above the 1050 rpm to avoid lugging the engine. More than a year
ram1500 tradesnan
lost keyffob how canI i start truck
coolant consumption
2025 Ram 1500 3.6 E torque motor, new 9 moths old 5000 miles burned through 3 gallons of coolant so far, no leaks was pressure tested with negative results, also the first cold start of the day 32 degrees and lower I have a loud screaming squeal from my motor for about 15 seconds, not the belts they have been tested. this new truck has spent a total of two weeks in the dealer shop and I'm frustrated and angry with this situation. the dealer said (we don't know what's wrong) wait for the recall. More than a year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Ram Promaster reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ram Promaster?
How many recalls does the 2018 Ram Promaster have?
Is the 2018 Ram Promaster expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Ram Promaster without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Ram Promaster.
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