2018 Ram 2500: complaints, problems and recalls

OUR DODGE RAM 6.7 2500 2018, CASE, HARVEST EDITOR CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHIN A WEEK OF PURCHASE, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY TOWING. AT TIME OF PURCHASE IT HAD 555 MILES ON IT, AND WE'D ONLY DRIVEN IT 3 TIME PRIOR TO THIS. WE WERE DRIVING BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT. THE TRUCK STARTING LOOSING POWER, WE SAW A LITTLE SMOKE IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. AS WE SLOWED THE SMOKE INCREASED. UPON LIFTING THE HOOD, TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS SQUATTING OUT ACROSS THE ENGINE PORING ON THE GROUND, FLAMES WERE MOVING ALONG THE BACK OF THE FIRE WALL. WE PUT THE FIRE OUT OUR…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,592 miles reported. Look up ODI 11109920 at NHTSA ↗

UPON MAXIMUM EMERGENCY BRAKING AT ANY SPEED, THE TRUCK STOPS AS IF THE BRAKES WHERE WET, IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP WHEN TOWING A UNLOADED 16 FOOT UTILITY TRAILER DOWN HILL IT JUST KEEPS ON GOING UNTIL YOU REACH BOTTOM. TAKEN TO DODGE DEALERSHIP THEY SAY IT'S NORMAL BUT THEY SAY OTHER TRUCKS LIKE CHEVY 2500 CAN STOP A TRAIN.

Owner-reported narrative. 359 miles reported. Look up ODI 11112394 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 2500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND ROLLED DOWN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY INTO A POND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CAVENAUGH CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE, 118 E POPLAR ST, WALNUT RIDGE, AR 72476, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS BY THE MANUFACTURER FIELD INSPECTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,200.

Owner-reported narrative. 13,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11113644 at NHTSA ↗

2018 RAM 2500 HD DIESEL 13000 MILES, 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, UNDER ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR REQUIRING PUMPING ACTION TO STOP VEHICLE. OTHER OCCASIONS PEDAL FEELS SPONGY. NO SERVICE AVAILABLE. ONE DEALER WAS 4 WEEKS OUT SCHEDULING TWO OTHER ARE 1-2 WEEKS SCHEDULING. VEHICLE IS SCHEDULED FOR DROP OFF OCTOBER 4TH 2018

Owner-reported narrative. 13,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11131951 at NHTSA ↗

THE FCA BASED UCONNECT SYSTEM WITH THE 5 YEAR SIRIUSXM TRAVEL LINK SUBSCRIPTION HAS A FATAL SOFTWARE ERROR WITH NO SOLUTION. IT FORCES PERSISTENT "WEATHER UPDATES", EVERY COUPLE OF MINUTES, WHICH ARE A FULL SCREEN BLOCKING NOTIFICATIONS REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO PHYSICALLY INTERACT WITH THE SCREEN TO REGAIN ACESS. THESE APPEAR ON ANY SCREEN: GPS, RADIO, BACKUP CAMERA ETC. AND WILL NOT STOP. THERE IS NO MENU CONTROL TO AFFECT THE PROBLEM, NO ABILITY FOR DEALER TO AFFECT, SIRIUS XM WILL NOT CANCEL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES OR DEMANDS. THIS FLAW CAUSE…

Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11160610 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE U-CONNECT SCREEN PERIODICALLY FAILED TO FUNCTION, WHICH IMPACTED THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE SOS FEATURE BUILT INTO THE REARVIEW MIRRORS. THE DEALER (FREMONT MOTOR, 6101 E 2ND ST, CASPER, WY 82609, [phone removed]) SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT FOR DECEMBER 18, 2018. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,030.

Owner-reported narrative. 6,030 miles reported. Look up ODI 11160810 at NHTSA ↗

NEW VEHICLE WITH 57 MILES ON ODOMETER DIED WHILE PARKED IDLING. TRIED RESTARTING VEHICLE, RAW FUEL RUNNING OUT OF TAIL-PIPE. TOWED TO I5 DODGE FOR DIAGNOSIS. FOUND PCM BAD. #7 INJECTOR BEING HELD OPEN CONSTANTLY. PCM REPLACED AFTER 1 WEEK WAIT FOR RELEASE FROM NATIONAL BACK-ORDER. VEHICLE REPAIRED AND RETURNED TO SERVICE.

Owner-reported narrative. 57 miles reported. Look up ODI 11162625 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CRASH SENSOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WACONIA DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (LOCATED AT 905 STRONG DR, WACONIA, MN 55387, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE EXTREME COLD AND WET CLIMATE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AS SOON AS THE TEMPERATURE BECAME WARMER, THE MALFUNCTION WOULD CEASE. THE SENSOR WAS RESET AND THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE WAS RE-FLASHED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTU…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11172030 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2017-12-21 (December 21, 2017)

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.

Reported: 2018-02-08 (February 8, 2018)

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.

Reported: 2018-05-17 (May 17, 2018)

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.

Reported: 2018-06-14 (June 14, 2018)

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.

Reported: 2019-01-25 (January 25, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-05-09 (May 9, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2024-11-27 (November 27, 2024)

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.

Reported: 2025-01-16 (January 16, 2025)

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.

Reported: 2025-09-11 (September 11, 2025)

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.