2018 Ram 4500 problems

General information about Ram-4500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.

Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.

Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

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Common 2018 Ram 4500 problems

The 2018 Ram 4500 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues include engine problems, transmission issues, Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) defects, and faulty batteries.

Engine Problems: Ram trucks, including the 2018 Ram 4500, have been plagued by engine problems that range from moderate to extremely serious. These issues involve exhaust manifold failures, compression issues, leaks, stalls, cylinder head malfunctions, and more. If you notice any abnormalities with your engine, it's crucial to get it inspected promptly to avoid further damage.

Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are prevalent in Ram trucks, including the 2018 Ram 4500. These issues result in problems shifting, such as jerking, slow acceleration, late shifts, clunking sounds while shifting, and loud whines or howling coming from the transmission. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to address them immediately to prevent further damage.

Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Defects: Problems with the TIPM have been a common thread across Chrysler vehicles, including the 2018 Ram 4500. The TIPM is the power distribution center of a vehicle, and when it's defective, it can impact several other critical systems. Some of the most common Ram truck problems with the TIPM include stalling, power window failure, fuel pump issues, doors locking/unlocking randomly, cooling fan failure, and more. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it's crucial to get in touch with the manufacturer or dealership promptly.

Faulty Batteries: Car batteries should ideally last three to four years. However, owners of Ram trucks, including the 2018 Ram 4500, have reported issues with faulty batteries. If your battery is not performing as expected, it's essential to get it inspected and replaced if necessary.

Additionally, the 2018 Ram 4500 may experience other common car problems that are not specific to this model. These issues include warning lights, engine sputtering, steering wheel shaking, gearbox problems, transmission failures, electrical problems, and speakers failing.

For example, a warning light may indicate an error detected by one of the sensors in the vehicle. If a warning light appears, it's crucial to take the vehicle to a professional who can diagnose and repair the issue. Similarly, engine sputtering may indicate a problem with the fuel or ignition systems, which must be maintained and replaced regularly to avoid issues.

Steering wheel shaking may be caused by faulty sensors or issues with the fuel-air sensors, which can be costly to replace. Gearbox problems, such as transmission failures, can result in significant repair bills if not addressed promptly. Electrical problems, such as speakers failing, can be a sign of issues with the extensive electrical systems in the vehicle.

In summary, the 2018 Ram 4500 has been reported to have several common problems, including engine problems, transmission issues, TIPM defects, and faulty batteries. Additionally, the vehicle may experience other common car problems, such as warning lights, engine sputtering, steering wheel shaking, gearbox problems, transmission failures, electrical problems, and speakers failing. If you experience any of these issues, it's essential to address them promptly to avoid further damage and ensure the safety of your vehicle.

Are there any recalls on 2018 Ram 4500?

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling more than 180,000 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 pickup trucks from the 2017-2018 model years because of a potentially dangerous problem with their gear shifters. The trucks are equipped with shifters that are mounted on the steering column.

Do 2018 RAMs have transmission problems?

The 2018 Dodge Ram is generally a reliable vehicle, and the problems You'll encounter with the transmission, most of the time, are going to be the ones You'd expect on any trucks: the engine running rough, bumping hard into first gear, some jerking when shifting from first into second, difficulty slipping into gear ...

Are 2018 Dodge RAMs reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2018 Ram 1500? The 2018 Ram 1500 has a good predicted reliability rating of four out of five from J.D. Power. All full-size pickups have a rating of three or better.

What is the problem with the 2018 Dodge Ram 2500?

The Ram 2500 is known to have electrical problems, transmission issues, malfunctioning cruise control functions, and engine knocking, among other issues. The 2018 Ram 2500 might not be a good model to get because its transmission problems can become dangerous.

2018 Ram 4500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 4500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Power train problems
Wheels problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Ram 4500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2018 Ram 4500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Ram 4500.

2024-09-09

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-11
VIN: 3C7WRLEL9JG
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: The Anti-Lock Brake(ABS) & Electronic Stability Control(ESC) warning lights will come on and off during normally driving conditions. When The ESC light comes on the cruise control is non functioning. If the cruise control is set when the warning light is off, the cruise will disengage when it comes on.

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2020-10-08

POWER TRAIN,WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-05-15
VIN: 3C7WRLEL2JG
Components: POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
Summary: 4X4 DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BROKE AT THE U-JOINT. I'VE ONLY USED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE OPTION 2-3 TIMES AND THE TRANSFER WAS IN 2H AT TIME OF FAILURE. FRONT ALUMINUM WHEELS FRACTURED. BOTH FRONT WHEELS GOT HAIRLINE CRACKS. ONE AT ABOUT 145K MILES AND THE OTHER AT ABOUT 160K. 90% OF MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES.

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2018 Ram 4500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2018 Ram 4500.

2021-05-27

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Summary: 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.

2019-03-26

Manufacturer: Excellance, Inc
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Summary: Excellance, Inc. (Excellance) is recalling certain 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles built on Ford E-350, E-450, F-650, F-550 4x4, Chevrolet G4500, G4500 Diesel, C3500, G3500, Freightliner M2, International 4300, and Dodge 4500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.

2018-05-17

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: 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.

2018-05-01

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks. The primary and secondary brake hoses located between the brake master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured without anti-corrosion plating on the ferrules, which can allow the ferrules to corrode.
Consequence: If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U41.

2018-02-08

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.

2017-12-21

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 Ram 4500 problems:

2015 RAM chassis cab 4500/Cummins initial impressions with ...

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/2015-ram-chassis-cab-4500-cummins-initial-impressions-with-problems.2446666/

May 7, 2018 ... I agree, you have problems. 1 problem is either your story telling ability or your recollection of your dealership encounters. Not sure how you ...

What are some of the 2018 dodge Ram transmission problems?

https://www.vehiclehistory.com/questions/what-are-some-of-the-2018-dodge-ram-transmission-problems-234353

Jul 16, 2020 ... A common transmission problem facing the 2018 dodge ram is erratic shifting, rough shifting and delayed gear engagement. Like. (12).

2022 Aisin Transmission Failures Information | Cummins Diesel Forum

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/2022-aisin-transmission-failures-information.2576640/

Jan 15, 2023 ... It essentially was a lawn ornament from March 25th through about June 22nd, as I was still running my 2018 RAM 4500 Cab & Chassis. Around June ...

What's Wrong with the Ram 4500?

http://www.ramproblems.com/models/4500/

5 Common Ram 4500 Problems · TRW Crash Sensor Defect. There's growing concern that some sort of electrical overstress is messing with airbag control units (ACU) ...