NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 1500. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Power steering stops working causing to the wheel to jerk and almost lock up while driving.
Steering is intermittently difficult, requires greater effort, steering wheel sometimes makes noise when turning tight at low speeds. Unexpected periods of difficulty in steering make it harder to control the vehicle, affecting safety (personal and others). Independent service center could not find evidence of a problem; they focused on other components. No other agencies have been contacted or have inspected the vehicle. The Service Power Steering message appeared and also the related warning icon while driving on a winding local road. These disappeared the next morning upon starting the vehicle and the message was not saved in Stored Messages by the vehicle. This is why the service center rep said there was no evidence of a problem. The message and warning icon reappeared a week later under similar conditions and this time they were photographed on the dashboard while the vehicle was parked and still running. After arriving at destination, shutting off vehicle, and restarting an hour later, the message and warning icon were again gone. Underlying problem may still be there. Upon researching, there are numerous documented problems with the Ram 1500 electric power steering rack over model years 2013-2024.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very stiff, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The contact was informed that the EPS and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact was then referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Electric power steering stops working then will work for several days then out of nowhere it will stop working again. This causes unsafe driving as when I was crossing a 4 lane highway the steering pulled out of my hands had cars been coming this could have been very serious. Dealer could not get truck to reproduce the issue and could not find any stored codes. When the steering goes out a service power steering message appears. They just wanted me to replace the electric power steering. It was stated this is a BIG issue with this truck.
I am reporting a fuel‑system defect on my 2018 RAM 1500. The vehicle has only 43,325 miles, which is exceptionally low for its age, and it has been properly maintained. Despite this, the fuel‑tank venting system has failed. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty vent valve located within the fuel tank. This defect prevents the vehicle from being refueled at a normal rate. During refueling, the gas pump repeatedly shuts off, and a standard refueling process takes significantly longer than normal. This occurs at all stations and with all pumps. The dealer’s proposed remedy is complete replacement of the fuel tank at a cost of $2,104.64. Because the vent valve is integrated into the tank, they stated it cannot be serviced separately. A critical fueling component should not fail at this mileage under normal use, and the failure of the venting system raises concerns regarding safe refueling, potential fuel backsplash, and proper EVAP emissions operation. This is not a wear‑and‑tear issue. It is a premature failure of a core fuel‑system component. Stellantis has declined goodwill assistance, stating my vehicle is "too old", nor has it issued a recall for this defect, despite the unusually low mileage and the nature of the failure. A quick search on Google or YouTube yields multiple, and similar, customer experiences. I am submitting this report so NHTSA can evaluate whether this issue represents a broader defect affecting additional vehicles of this model and generation. Thank you in advance for NHTSA's time and consideration.
The vehicle is experiencing intermittent and severe steering stiffness, making it difficult to control and creating a safety hazard while driving. The issue occurs without warning and significantly impacts safe operation. This does not appear to be an isolated issue. Based on NHTSA data, there are hundreds of complaints and manufacturer communications related to steering system failures in this vehicle model, including similar reports of stiff or failing steering. Despite this, the dealership has advised there are no recalls or bulletins associated with my VIN and has declined assistance with repair costs. A case has been opened with Stellantis (Case #95969046), however the issue remains unresolved. Due to the safety risk and documented pattern of similar failures, I am requesting further investigation into this defect.
All of a sudden while driving or idling engine will complete shut itself off. Rpm to 0 and if driving truck has shift to park to start. Once shifter to park and restarting car truck will start right back up however this issue has been ongoing and Dodge/ram has been no help with a solution. Brought it to an outside mechanic and after having a ton checked either pointing to a faulty PCM or TIPM module. Recent discovery is the tipm also know as the main fuse box under the hood is overheating - causing the truck to stall out
Electronic power steering has started working intermittently. Very hard to steer truck at times. Very dangerous.
Although the carfax states the EGR Cooler has already been serviced and there are no active recalls at this time, EGR Cooler failure has been determined by an independent service center. The vehicle is available for inspection. A potential fire from the EGR Cooler failure puts the driver's life and any passenger's lives at risk. The symptoms are substantial coolant loss with absence of leakage causing the engine to overheat. This symptom has been present since the time I purchased the vehicle in February 2026.
I wanna report a refuling issue with my vehicle. I have an issue with the gas pump clicking or turning off numerous times it started happening not to long after having the truck. I have to literally hold the pump with my hand to refuel my it. If I don't do this the tank will never get filled. I also have to watch closely so the gas doesn't overflow and pour out on my truck to the ground. This has happened in the past very dangerous and wasteful with gas coming out like that. I have read different fixes for the problem but no help from Dodge about it as apparently no recalls about this issue. Which it looks like I'm going to have to try and get it fixed out of my own pocket. It's a struggle everytime time to fuel it up. I think Dodge should fix this especially since it's already known about by them.
UNKNOWN. 2018 RAM 1500 5.7 ABS CONTROL MODULE internal malfunction code C2200-49. A known malfunction in many ram 1500. Already recalled in RAM 2500 to 5500. Part is on Back order with no known eta. Why is the 1500 excluded from the recall...
while driving down the highway at 50-70 mph, when attempting to pass I give it more gas and I hear a clunk with the loss off power!, I have to allow to slow down then slowly increase speed! I have my second factory installed transmission @ 40,000 miles!
When fueling the vehicle it routinely clicks off and fuel is splashing out at times. When I bought the truck in 2018 the dealer said this is a known ram issue and would be a recall soon. The problem has never been fixed and is getting worse where there is fuel and vapors escaping the filler routinely. If you Google this on reddit forums or Ram forums it's a common problem. It also causes people to fuel their trucks improperly to get around the issue causing even more safety issues.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled but was almost immediately restarted. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the destination and turned off; however, while attempting to restart, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the crankshaft position tone wheel had completely delaminated and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was a recall for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Several dealers were contact and provided the same information. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
System involved: The vehicle experienced a sudden electronic/network failure consistent with loss of ECU/BCM/CAN bus communication. The instrument cluster, throttle control, and HVAC system became inoperative simultaneously. • Safety risk: While driving, the vehicle abruptly lost throttle response and critical driver information with no warning, followed by an uncommanded engine shutdown after coming to a stop. This created a serious risk of collision due to loss of propulsion, inability to react to traffic conditions, and lack of situational awareness. • Confirmation of issue: The vehicle was evaluated by an dodge service center, which identified an ECU software mismatch and performed a system update. The failure has not been intentionally reproduced due to safety concerns, but the incident is documented. • Inspections conducted: The vehicle has been inspected by an dodge service center. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, as no accident occurred. • Warnings or prior symptoms: No warning lights, messages, or abnormal behavior were present prior to the failure. The malfunction occurred suddenly and without advance notice.
Ram needs to look int the abs faliure on 1500 modals just like 2500 and 3500 modals , my abs appears to be failing as well just as the some symptoms for 2500 and others
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel was turned to the left and became difficult to turn back to the center. The vehicle was stopped, and the steering wheel symbol in red was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but failed to reset the power steering assist. The failure was intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The failure became permanent. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was no longer driven. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
My ABS is not working due to a faulty ABS module or hydraulic control unit this has caused my truck to lock up the brakes during a hard stop instead of the ABS working it also has affected the cruise control. It no longer works. This is not an issue just with the 2500,3500 let’s get 1500 on board.
Car dealership (CarMax) has been not repairing vehicles that are still under warranty and not having loaner vehicles available and having secondary repair shops that are not getting paid to repair warranty issues. My vehicle has been having cv boot issues that have not been repaired as of this date (4/9/2026 .
Steering completely locks up.
My vehicle was involved in the Z46 High Pressure Fuel Pump recall. I recently had multiple error codes: P1290, P0087, P1292, P1290. I delivered the truck to the dealer at the end of December and the truck has been grounded for 60 days waiting for the redesigned filter. The ETA for the part keeps changing.
I am attempting to have my vehicle repaired for a defect in the rear axle that Recall U88 addresses and that my VIN falls within the range of. I am being told by the my local dealership and the FCA that my Vin has not active recalls. Does my vehicle fall within the recall? The recall is from 2018 the year it was built. Is it possible the system just doesnt go back that far anymore? Can someone please clarify. Thank you
Steering rack and pinion locked up while driving, delayed inputs, unsafe at high speed. Service power steering light came on, disappeared shortly after with steering inputs still jumpy and hard to control.
Uconnect/ram backup camera does not work sometimes. Started when radio started jumping itself due to delamanated touch radio screen. Almost hit kid behind while backing up. Camera cut off while backing.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle started vibrating and almost stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and a warning light for the throttle body was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and was able to drive off the roadway; however, the vehicle stalled again. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact raised the hood and there was oil on the engine block and there was the odor of diesel fuel in the engine compartment. The contact had the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump had failed, and that the engine had been contaminated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel), which was performed in 2024. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
I was driving my 2018 ram at approx 35 mph going into a turn my power steering went out and I almost went off the road the service power steering light came on.
ABS light and traction control lights on, on dash. With these lights on, the cruise control and 4x4 do not work. One garage replaced front right axle, wheel bearing, brake rotor, brake pads, and ABS sensor. Lights were then out for a day but then came back. Took to a second garage and they replaced right rear ABS sensor. Lights went out for another day and then came back. They are still on. Because of Christmas it's been hard to get anyone to look at it. Also they say this is a known problem without any definite solution.
Check Engine Light comes on and off on its own. OBD read that the engine is not getting up to normal temp. Had it diagnosed and was told that the 3.6 V6 has issues with the oil filter housing cracking/leaking. Somehow the housing cracking caused me to lose coolant. To have everything repaired would be $1400.
I was driving down the road and lost all control in the steering wheel. No power steering at all. A steering wheel with exclamation point light flashing on dash. Dealership quoting $4100 for this repair. I checked to see if there is any recalls and none for mine but many for models 2019 and above. It states "some" 2018 models. I would like to see if my repair qualifys for this recall. A costly repair like this on a 6 year old vehicle is financially straining and based on my research this is a common problem and seems to be a manufacturer defect. Safety concern- complete loss of steering while operating on roadway.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Air Bag” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag warning light remained illuminated while driving. Additionally, the horn was inoperable while depressed, and the controls on the left side of the steering wheel failed to operate as intended; however, the right side of the steering wheel operated as intended. The dealer was contacted for recall information and informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure was associated with an unknown recall found online. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Power steering turn off for 2 seconds if I hit a bump or in the middle of a turn. It will then sometimes turn right back on or just not turn back on. Recalls are on many rams for this issue but not on my truck specifically even though its the same issue other rams are having in the recall list
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, his granddaughter smelled an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact looked out of the rearview mirror and saw heavy white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over and had the occupants exit the vehicle. The contact checked under the hood as white smoke filled the engine compartment. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. Due to the failure, the contact initially had the vehicle towed to the residence before it was later towed to an independent mechanic. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the mechanic discovered coolant had leaked into the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler. The mechanic also discovered that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V757000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact was informed that any repair to the vehicle would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
The manifold bolts have broken on the engine for the second time. The first time the Dealership fixed it and it has done it again.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera malfunctioned and the screen was blank, creating a rear visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the local mechanic. The alternator and battery were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate erroneously opened. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V398000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) or 19V347000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failures listed in the recalls. The failure mileage was unknown.
I am writing to your Company regarding the unavailability of the ABS Control Module for 2017 Ram 1500 trucks. My truck, like those of numerous other Ram owners, has a malfunctioning ABS Control Module. Because of this malfunction, the ABS and cruise control do not work. In turn, this places me and other owners of this vehicle in an unsafe situation, in that the lack of an operating ABS system is conducive to skidding and accidents. Some owners have even reported that they cannot drive their vehicles due to locked brakes resulting from this malfunction. I have tried every source in existence in my efforts to find a replacement module, but I have been totally unsuccessful. I have been told by one of your Customer Service representatives that your Company is “…unable to maintain a complete inventory for an indefinite period and the lower the demand, the less likely it is we will have stocked parts. As such, the part you are requesting is no longer in our inventory.” I am aware of a current class action suit against your company for the RAM 2500 & 3500 for the same issue. I guess the owners’ lives of the Ram 1500 are not as important. Wilson, et al. v. FCA US LLC Case No. 4:22-cv-0044 This is absolutely appalling. Apparently, several thousand Ram owners who paid tens of thousands of dollars for their trucks are not important enough to your Company to warrant providing the necessary support for their products. I am thoroughly disgusted with the disrespect and value you place on the safety and lives of your truck owners and the other drivers on the road who are in danger due to the lack of support or concern you have for your “valued? owners”.
Took excellent care of my truck, doing all recommended maintenance and replacing parts as they wear out. I had catastrophic engine failure at 86k miles. Was getting off a highway on an off ramp and got a low oil pressure warning and lose of power/no throttle response from the truck. Pulled over and oil was spewing out. Had it towed to a shop and they said the engine was seized up and there was metal in the oil, recommended full engine replacement.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. While the contact's mother was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved a code related to the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that the HPFP was operating at half the required pressure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an HPFP failure. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the fuel system was contaminated. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. In addition, the contact stated that the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced in October 2025 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,900.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Was driving vehicle, power steering abruptly stopped working, pulled over vehicle to side of road, Turned off vehicle for two minutes, turned vehicle back on, power steering warning notification was now activated.... Unknown if it is still able to be inspected, calling shop tomorrow to verify.... Issue was confirmed by Independent Service Center.... Piece was inspected by Warranty Representative.... There were no warning, messages, or symptoms prior to failure. Issue happened abruptly....
The vehicle had a recall of a high-pressure fuel pump. I was driving on the freeway when the vehicle suddenly stopped. I had the vehicle towed to the closes dealership. I was told that at the time the manufacture did not have the parts to replace the fuel pump and the debris passed through the system damaging filter and the catalytic converter. I was told by the dealership mechanic that there were metal shavings through-out the system. They partially repaired it and once I went to register my vehicle at the DMV they wanted proof of the recall repair. I took the vehicle back but the dealership does not wish to repair the consequential damage the recall caused. I still do not have my vehicle or proof the vehicle is in a safe working condition. Dealership and Manufacture refuse to repair the vehicle.
While traveling the EPS shut off while at a high rate of speed and jerked the steering wheel out of my hands
Uconnect is erratic Heated seats turning on, unable to call 911, climate control turns on and off or changes temp from hot to AC turning on. Radio changes stations. Apps flipping from on to another. Unable topair phone to uconnect.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 63,676; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 105,521.
Traveling (cruising) at highway speed on interstate the engine suddenly made a clanking noise and engine oil pressure went to zero and engine stopped. I barley managed to just get out of major traffic without causing an accident and off the interstate coasting to a stop This could have been a tragic accident that was just barely avoided.the truck has 80043 miles. Just 43 miles out of warranty. It has been dealer serviced on time since day one. This seems to be an ongoing issue with these engines as they just decide to sop on their own with notice. If this had happened while passing another vehicle It would have been bad. FCA ( fiat, chrysler ,automobiles) refuses to help out or even listen. This is dangerous as is their fuel pump recalls. Truck is now out of warranty by 43 miles and the company FCA washes their hands of any kind of wrong doing. These engines in the vehicles are totally unsafe and unreliable and will some day cause a major death and harm to others !!!! Dealer have new upgraded engines in stock that the company send to them they are fully aware of an impeding disaster but yet dont care about human life.
The strap that holds the gas tank has come loose from the frame causing the gas tank to drop. I took it to a mechanic for repairs and he told me that he was unable to repair it because the the frame was rotted out and there was no where to hook it back to the frame. He told me that there was a recall on my truck I should reach out to you for repairs.
The backup camera randomly gets a distorted picture or just goes black. The wiring harness at the tailgate is the issue. I can wiggle the harness and close the tailgate and it works again. I replaced the harness myself once and now it’s doing it again. There was a little kid on a bike behind me that I could not see from my mirrors and turning my head and I almost ran into him but luckily the parents were right there and yelled to him and I
Yes, the vehicle is inspection. If you're going around a curve at 55 miles an hour all of a sudden the electric power steering will come back on and jerk. Probably not explaining it well but extremely dangerous in my opinion and others. It is intermittent. The dealers say there is no recall, but the Internet says there is so I don't know who to believe. It has not been inspected. No there were no warnings just work sometimes and doesn't work sometimes and it's worse than the old days with no power steering. You can hardly turn the wheel when it's not working.
Request for investigation and recall of 2018 Dodge Ram Tradesman vehicles due to exhaust manifold defects, Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning causing driver impairment, indirect impact on steering system functionality, and documented cases of accidents. I became disoriented, severe headache, drowsy, confused, steering wheel vibrated, pulled over got out of vehicle set on side of road until feeling better. The manifold bolt broke leaking co2 into canon. I had no ideal and could have passed out causing death and potentially death to others. Was on highway doing 65mph. This is a common documented issue and must be addressed with Dodge ram trucks. Makes no since with all the evidence it has not been corrected already.
There are countless number of individuals like myself who have paid good hard earned money to own these trucks only to find out that everyone I know has endured the issue with the ABS module it seems. And online that's all you can find now me owning other manufactured vehicles I've never encountered this issue before. But I don't understand how this is a known part that will fail and when it does fail it's up to the owners of the truck to have to pay out of pocket thousands of dollars to get it repaired after spending more than $50,000 to be able to own the truck. I can't imagine the other owners who are not able to afford these costly expenses to get repaired immediately and are forced to continue driving on the road ways endangering themselves and other innocent lives on the road ways
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact owns a fleet of vehicles and after routine inspection of the current vehicle, the contact discovered that the front strap holding up the fuel tank had fractured. Due to the failure, the fuel tank was hanging off the vehicle and was only held into place by the rear strap. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,544.