2018 Ram 3500: complaints, problems and recalls

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND I SWITCHED TO 4X4 LOCK. AS I ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY AT 3 MILES AN HOUR IN REVERSE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING COLUMN CLOCKWISE THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SHAKE WHILE IN MOTION FOR ROUGHLY 7 FEET. IT ALSO SHOOK AS I ACCELERATED IN DRIVE SLIGHTLY AT 3 MILES AN HOUR WHILE TURNING THE STEERING COLUMN COUNTER CLOCKWISE. IT HAD THE SAME SHAKE IN 4X4 LOW.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11090380 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE HILL ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LANDER MCLARTY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (6533 UNIVERSITY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED THERE …

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11121896 at NHTSA ↗

TRUCK HAS 1052 MILES ON IT. BOUGHT IS BRAND VEW APRIL 26, 2018. WHILE TOWING A 15,000LB FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER TRAVELING AT 65MPG ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE, I FELT A VIBRATION AND IMMEDIATLEY PULLED TO THE SHOULDER. I FOUND THAT 6 OUT OF 8 LUGS SHEARED OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE DUALLY, LEAVING TWO LUGS HOLDING THE DUALLY WHEELS ON. THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR ME AND FEEL A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. IF I DID NOT PULL OVER THE WHEELS WOULD HAVE FALLEN OFF AND A CATASTROPHIC CRASH WOULD HAVE OCCURED. I WOULD LIKE THE LUGS EXAMINED BY A FORENSIC EXAMINER TO …

Owner-reported narrative. 1,052 miles reported. Look up ODI 11122915 at NHTSA ↗

4 REAR NEXEN OEM TIRES DEFECTIVE; NEW TRUCK DRIVEN HOME FROM DEALERSHIP NOTICED SERIOUS VIBRATIONS SHAKING ALL SEATS IN CABIN AT ABOVE APPROX. 65MPH, TOOK IT BACK TO ORIGINAL DEALER, FINNEGAN RAM, ROSENBURG, TX. FOLLOWING WEEK WITH APPROX. 500 MILES ON VEHICLE. SERVICE DEPT. ADVISED ME TO DRIVE IT ANOTHER 1000 MILES OR SO TO SEE IF THIS ISSUE RESOLVES ITSELF. IT DID NOT, I RETURNED VEHICLE TO ALLEN SAMUEL RAM SERVICE DEPT., ARANSAS PASS, TX. FOR SAME ORIGINAL ISSUE WITH APPROX. 1900 MILES ON VEHICLE. 4 REAR TIRES WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. …

Owner-reported narrative. 29 miles reported. Look up ODI 11130615 at NHTSA ↗

REAR OUTSIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AT 25MPH ON A OFF RAMP TRUCK ONLY HAS 4900 MILES ON IT, CAUSED A LOSS OF CONTROL AND LOAD ROLL OVER AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY NEW TRUCK!

Owner-reported narrative. 4,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 11130669 at NHTSA ↗

TRUCK SHUDDERS WHILE SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND AND AGAIN FROM 2ND TO THIRD . SHUDDER HARD ENOUGH TO SEE TO DASH SHACK. SHIFTING SHUDDER HARD WHILE TOWING. BLUE TOOTH CUTS OUT WHILE STREAMING MUSIC

Owner-reported narrative. 1,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 11151363 at NHTSA ↗

I OWN TWO OF THESE TRUCKS. THEY BOTH HAVE THE SAME DESIGN FLAW. THE DEFROSTER VENTS DO NOT PLACE HEAT RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER. IF YOU ARE IN WINTER CONDITION THERE IS A VEE OF UN-DEFROSTED AREA RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER AND IF YOU DRIVE IN WINTRY FREEZING RAIN, ICE WILL BUILD UP RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER EVEN WITH THE DEFROSTERS FULLY ENGAGED.

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11169863 at NHTSA ↗

I HAVE A RECALL U40 NHTSA 18E-028 THAT I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL. THIS IS FOR A FAULTY MOPAR GOOSENECK BALL. ACCORDING TO OUR DEALER, HE AND I CHECKED ON YOUR SITE AND OUR VEHICLE HAS NO RECALLS. YET I HAVE THE NOTICE FROM FCA. THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE BALL BUT AT OUR EXPENSE SINCE WE DO NOT HAVE THIS RECALL SHOW ON OUR VIN. WHAT DO I BELIEVE??? THE RECALL NOTICE OR THE FACT THAT RECALL IS NOT LISTED WITH OUR VIN SO PART IS OKAY? THIS COULD BE A LIFE THREATENING DEFECT IF WE LOSE A TRAILER OFF OF OUR PICKUP GOING DOWN THE ROAD. PLEASE ADVISE. …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11172858 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: 2021-05-27 (May 27, 2021)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.

Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

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.