2018 Ram 5500 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
37 owner complaints analyzed
8 distinct recall campaigns
80,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 17 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 12 of 37 complaints (32.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 25 | 67.6% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 2.7% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 2.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 12 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 11 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
| Wheels | 4 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 |
Service Brakes: 12; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 11; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Wheels: 4; Power Train: 3; Electrical System: 2; Steering: 2; Suspension: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 5 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 6 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 1
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 20 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 7 |
2019: 3; 2020: 3; 2021: 3; 2022: 3; 2023: 6; 2024: 4; 2025: 8; 2026: 7
Pattern summary
Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 25 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11404657 · 2021-03-24 (March 24, 2021)
ON MARCH 23, 2021, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I STARTED HEARING THE SAME HUMMING NOISE I HEARD 8 MONTHS AGO WHEN I HAD THE TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. THIS WAS THE NEW TRANSFER CASE THE DEALERSHIP HAD PUT IN, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD BANG/EXPLOSION SOUND FROM WHERE THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BRAKE AS I LOST THE BRAKES AFTER THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS THE TRUCK COMPLETELY TURNED OFF AND IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN ON ITS OWN, AND AFTER NEARLY HITTING SEVERAL CARS ON THE H…
Owner-reported narrative. 100,066 miles reported. Look up ODI 11404657 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11446785 · 2022-01-09 (January 9, 2022)
At 95;000 miles abs and traction control lights going on and off on and off, now lights stays on brakes lock up when stopping quickly. Speed control no longer works due to this problem. After a google search I found lots of the same problems with other years and model’s having the Cummins 6.7 diesel motors.The ABS module fails, but you can’t replace the module, you have to replace the whole abs unit which is very costly
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11446785 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11433823 · 2021-09-21 (September 21, 2021)
The steering shaft completely failed while driving. Thankfully the driver was leaving a customer and pulling out of a drive which he was able to drive into a ditch to keep from being hit or hitting others. The problem was fixed by Pliler International in Longview, TX. It has not been inspected by anyone other than mechanic shop. No warnings at the time of incident.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11433823 at NHTSA ↗