2018 Ram 3500
The 2018 Ram 3500 appears in 10 NHTSA recall campaigns (air bags, service brakes, hydraulic and wheels) and in 22 consumer complaints filed with the agency.
The component named most often is steering: 166.7 of every 1,000 component mentions for this year, above the 109 per 1,000 across all 2018 model-year vehicles and against 136.3 per 1,000 for the Ram 3500 line as a whole.
That is about the same as the average of 26.6 complaints per model year across the 17 Ram 3500 model years on this register; 2 complaints reported a crash and 0 a fire.
Complaints were received in the largest number in 2019 (16); the most recent in the file is dated 9 May 2019.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened 4 investigations naming this model year.
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 24 Sep 2026.
Recalls by model year:
Recall campaigns
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer campaign 83C, 91C, 92C).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer campaign 05C, 09C, 10C).
- 24V896000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEReported 27 Nov 2024 · 317,630 units
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer campaign C4B).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer campaign Y26, Y36).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign V44).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign V06).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign U56).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign U49,U59-U65,U68,U73); components: electrical system:software; vehicle speed control:cruise control; electrical system:wiring.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign U11).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US LLC) (manufacturer campaign T82).
Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Component mentions per 1,000 for the 2018 Ram 3500 (black) against all 2018 model-year vehicles in the file (yellow). A complaint can name more than one component.
| Per 1,000 component mentions | 2018 | 3500 line | All 2018 vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 166.7 | 136.3 | 109 |
| Power Train | 100 | 132 | 77.8 |
| Service Brakes | 100 | 60.3 | 70.2 |
| Wheels | 100 | 54.5 | 25.4 |
| Electrical System | 100 | 78.9 | 106.9 |
| Suspension | 100 | 91.8 | 37.1 |
| Component | Mentions | Per 1,000 | Line | All 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 5 | 166.7 | 136.3 | 109 |
| Power Train | 3 | 100 | 132 | 77.8 |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 100 | 60.3 | 70.2 |
| Wheels | 3 | 100 | 54.5 | 25.4 |
| Electrical System | 3 | 100 | 78.9 | 106.9 |
| Suspension | 3 | 100 | 91.8 | 37.1 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | 66.7 | 7.2 | 28.6 |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | 66.7 | 60.3 | 123.9 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 66.7 | 51.6 | 47.6 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 33.3 | 15.8 | 24.8 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | 33.3 | 63.1 | 54.3 |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 1 | 33.3 | 11.5 | 25.7 |
| Seats | 1 | 33.3 | 5.7 | 9.9 |
22 unique complaints, 30 component mentions; 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported by complainants. Complaint narratives are not republished.
Complaints by year received
Investigations
| Action | Type | Subject | Component | Opened | Closed | Recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RQ25003 | Recall query | Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure | power train:automatic transmission | 3 Jul 2025 | open | — |
| PE22012 | Preliminary evaluation | Loss of Brake Performance | service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module | 28 Nov 2022 | 3 Mar 2025 | — |
| EA19004 | Engineering analysis | Steering loss due to linkage separation | steering:linkages:drag:link:connection | 1 Dec 2019 | 20 Nov 2025 | — |
| PE18016 | Preliminary evaluation | Steering loss due to linkage separation | steering:linkages:drag:link:connection | 17 Dec 2018 | 12 Dec 2019 | 19V021000 |
Other Ram 3500 model years
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Units in campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 74,811 |
| 2008 NHTSA | 1 | 3 | 74,811 |
| 2009 | 2 | 2 | 402,988 |
| 2013 | 16 | 84 | 8,044,700 |
| 2014 | 15 | 149 | 13,790,576 |
| 2015 | 14 | 81 | 13,620,012 |
| 2016 | 14 | 68 | 11,542,605 |
| 2017 | 12 | 43 | 10,806,115 |
| 2018 | 10 | 22 | 7,731,977 |
| 2019 | 14 | 0 | 2,959,289 |
| 2020 | 11 | 0 | 3,195,719 |
| 2021 | 9 | 0 | 2,745,945 |
| 2022 | 12 | 0 | 3,918,991 |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 | 798,607 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | 223,415 |
| 2025 | 5 | 0 | 647,487 |
| 2026 | 4 | 0 | 597,029 |
Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.
All Ram 3500 model years · Ram: 10 model lines
Questions and answers
How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 3500 have?
10 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 25V592000, was reported to NHTSA on 11 Sep 2025 and concerns air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator. Across all model years the Ram 3500 line has 62 campaigns.
Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 2018 Ram 3500?
NHTSA's investigation file lists 4 actions naming this model year; the table above shows each action's opening and closing dates. An action with no closing date was still open when the file was produced.
What component do owners of the 2018 Ram 3500 complain about most?
Steering: 5 of 30 component mentions (166.7 per 1,000). Next is power train with 3. Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
How do I get a recall repaired?
NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 24 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 24 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.