RAM · Known Issues
2018 RAM 1500 Problems: 30 Known Issues
2018 model year · 6,131+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2018 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2018 model year · 6,131+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2018 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 6,131+ owner reports, the 2018 RAM 1500 has 30 documented known issues, with 11 rated critical. The most serious are HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure ($200-$5,500 repair), TIPM Internal Fuel Pump Relay Failure (Crank-No-Start, Stalling, Fuel Pump Runs With Key Off) ($100-$1,200 repair), ABS / Electronic Brake Control Module Internal Failure (C2116 Pump Supply, Brake/ABS Lights) ($350-$1,500 repair), EcoDiesel 3.0L EGR cooler cracks and can cause intake-manifold fire (NHTSA Recall 19V-757), Internal Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Mixing Coolant and ATF ('Strawberry Milkshake') ($400-$5,000 repair), Power Tailgate Unlatches and Opens While Driving (Recall), 4-Corner Air Suspension Compressor Failure / Won't Raise or Lower (Ride Height Faults, Winter Collapse) ($600-$2,500 repair), 5.7L HEMI MDS lifter collapse and camshaft lobe wear ("HEMI tick" leading to engine damage) ($2,500-$7,000 repair), EcoDiesel Fuel Pump Failure / Stalling, 2018 RAM 1500 PCM Voltage Regulator Chip Failure — Free Module Replacement Under Recall U87 (18V524000) and 3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm Roller Bearing Failure Wiping Camshaft ('Pentastar Tick', Misfire) ($1,800-$4,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is ZF 8-Speed Transmission Problems with 2,876 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $30 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
+ 31 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 6,131+ owner reports, the 2018 RAM 1500 has 30 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure, TIPM Internal Fuel Pump Relay Failure (Crank-No-Start, Stalling, Fuel Pump Runs With Key Off), ABS / Electronic Brake Control Module Internal Failure (C2116 Pump Supply, Brake/ABS Lights). Of these, 11 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2018 RAM 1500 has 30 known issues documented across 6,131+ owner reports. 11 issues are rated critical: HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure and TIPM Internal Fuel Pump Relay Failure (Crank-No-Start, Stalling, Fuel Pump Runs With Key Off) and ABS / Electronic Brake Control Module Internal Failure (C2116 Pump Supply, Brake/ABS Lights) and EcoDiesel 3.0L EGR cooler cracks and can cause intake-manifold fire (NHTSA Recall 19V-757) and Internal Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Mixing Coolant and ATF ('Strawberry Milkshake') and Power Tailgate Unlatches and Opens While Driving (Recall) and 4-Corner Air Suspension Compressor Failure / Won't Raise or Lower (Ride Height Faults, Winter Collapse) and 5.7L HEMI MDS lifter collapse and camshaft lobe wear ("HEMI tick" leading to engine damage) and EcoDiesel Fuel Pump Failure / Stalling and 2018 RAM 1500 PCM Voltage Regulator Chip Failure — Free Module Replacement Under Recall U87 (18V524000) and 3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm Roller Bearing Failure Wiping Camshaft ('Pentastar Tick', Misfire). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known RAM 1500 issues range from $0 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure, typically costs $200-$5,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 5.7L HEMI engine with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) can experience premature lifter and camshaft wear. The MDS deactivation lifters are prone to failure, causing ticking, misfires, and in severe cases, camshaft lobe damage. This issue has led to class action lawsuits. Repairs typically run $200-$5,500. Severity: high.
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) contains a fuel-pump relay soldered to its circuit board. When it fails it cuts power to the fuel pump, causing a crank-no-start that mimics running out of gas, or a sudden stall while driving; sometimes the pump keeps running with the k… Repairs typically run $100-$1,200. Severity: high.
The ABS/Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) on Ram 1500 trucks suffers internal electronic failures separate from the software-related ESC recalls. Owners report the ABS, brake, traction-control and related warning lights coming on together with stored codes such as C2200 (int… Repairs typically run $350-$1,500. Severity: high.
NHTSA 19V757 / FCA VB1 establishes this identity for affected 2014-2019 RAM 1500 and 1500 Classic trucks with the 3.0L EcoDiesel. The EGR cooler may crack, allowing pre-heated vaporized coolant into the EGR system; the mixture can combust in the intake manifold and increase fire… Severity: high.
The Ram 1500's transmission thermal-management/oil-cooler unit is the only place where engine coolant and automatic transmission fluid pass close together. When this cooler ruptures internally, coolant and ATF cross-contaminate, producing a pink 'strawberry milkshake' in both the… Repairs typically run $400-$5,000. Severity: high.
Three NHTSA campaigns establish two VIN-bounded mechanisms under this frozen identity. NHTSA 18V486 / FCA U74 and 19V347 / FCA V44 cover specified 2013-2018 RAM 1500 bed, build-date and power-locking-tailgate configurations in which a tailgate-actuator limiter tab may fracture an… Severity: high.
Trucks optioned with the 4-corner air suspension commonly develop compressor strain and failure, air-line leaks, failed air dryer letting moisture in, and ride-height sensor faults. Symptoms include the compressor running excessively, the truck sitting low or refusing to change h… Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: high.
The 5.7L HEMI (Gen III) with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is well documented for roller-lifter failure that progresses into camshaft lobe damage. The MDS deactivation lifters and the engine's circuitous oiling path (oil routed through the deck, head gasket, and rocker shaf… Repairs typically run $2,500-$7,000. Severity: high.
NHTSA 22V406 / FCA Z46 covers affected 2014-2019 RAM 1500 trucks with the 3.0L diesel, while 22V767 / FCA Z96 covers affected 2020-2022 RAM 1500 trucks with that engine. High-pressure fuel-pump failure can introduce debris or cause fuel starvation and an unexpected loss of drive… Severity: high.
FCA US recalled certain 2018 RAM 1500 trucks under NHTSA campaign 18V524000. The powertrain control module fitted to these trucks may use a voltage regulator chip in its circuit board that is capable of failing in service. The result for the driver is a stall or a no-start. NHTSA… Severity: high.
On the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the needle bearings inside the roller rocker arms fail, letting the rocker go loose and hammer/score the camshaft lobe. This produces a distinct top-end tick ('Pentastar tick') and, if left, camshaft damage and misfires. It is a widely reported failure a… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,000. Severity: high.
The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission can experience harsh shifting, hesitation, and jerky behavior. Some units have failed prematurely. Early model years (2013-2016) seem most affected. Multiple TSBs have been issued for software updates. Repairs typically run $150-$6,500. Severity: medium.
The exhaust manifold bolts on HEMI engines are prone to breaking due to heat cycling. Broken bolts cause exhaust leaks, ticking noise on cold start, and potential exhaust smell in cabin. The rear bolts on both sides are most commonly affected. Repairs typically run $100-$700. Severity: medium.
The 5.7L HEMI's exhaust manifold bolts, particularly the rearmost ones on each head, are a well-documented failure item. Repeated heat cycling stretches and eventually snaps them, and once a bolt lets go the manifold lifts off the head just enough to open a gap at that port. On t… Repairs typically run $500-$1,800. Severity: medium.
4th-gen Ram 1500 front wheel bearing/hub assemblies wear out relatively early (some as low as ~50k miles), producing a humming or growling noise that rises with speed and changes with steering load. Because the wheel-speed sensor is integrated into the hub, a failing bearing freq… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
RAM 1500s equipped with the optional 4-corner air suspension (common on Laramie, Longhorn, Limited, Rebel) suffer recurring failures. The most common is air-bag micro-leaks (usually a rear bag) that make the compressor run continuously to keep up; the overworked compressor draws… Repairs typically run $800-$3,300. Severity: medium.
The 5.7L HEMI uses cast-iron exhaust manifolds bolted to aluminum cylinder heads. The dissimilar thermal expansion rates repeatedly stress the manifold-to-head fasteners, and the rearmost bolts (commonly cylinders 7 and 8) shear off. This produces a sharp 'tick' or exhaust tickin… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
On the RAM 1500, P0011 is overwhelmingly a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) fault on the 5.7L Hemi, and secondarily on the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The Hemi uses a single central cam phaser fed oil pressure through one oil control valve (the VVT solenoid, mounted at the front of the engine… Repairs typically run $150-$3,200. Severity: medium.
The 8-speed (ZF 8HP70 / TorqueFlite) develops a torque-converter clutch shudder felt as a vibration/judder around 30-50 mph light throttle, along with harsh downshifts, drive-engagement slam, and occasional limp mode (stuck in one gear with CEL). Root causes are degraded/aged tra… Repairs typically run $300-$3,500. Severity: medium.
Ram 1500 rear (and sometimes front) differential pinion seals weep gear oil at the pinion flange, leaving residue on the driveshaft yoke and a wet spot at the front of the diff. The leak itself is minor, but improper repair is the bigger problem: if the pinion nut is not torqued… Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.