AutoUtility currently tracks 2555 official NHTSA owner defect complaints for the 2018 Ram 2500. Brakes & Traction Control issues are the most frequently reported category, appearing in 2298 complaints (89.9% of submitted records). Among these NHTSA complaint records, 37 filings cite a crash, 5 cite a fire, 7 report one or more injuries, 1 reports one or more fatalities.
- • Total NHTSA Complaints: 2555 reports
- • #1 Reported Problem Area: Brakes & Traction Control (2298 reports • 89.9% of submitted complaints)
- • Secondary Problem Areas: Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (539), Electrical System (471)
- • Crash-Citing Complaints: 37 filings
- • Fire-Citing Complaints: 5 filings
- • Complaints Reporting Injuries / Fatalities: 7 injury filings • 1 fatality filings
Most Reported Problems for 2018 Ram 2500
Top automotive subsystem defect categories ranked by unique owner complaint volume in federal records
Brakes & Traction Control
NHTSA records list 1 official safety recall campaign for this model year involving the same broad component area:
- Campaign #24V896000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
NHTSA records list 1 official safety recall campaign for this model year involving the same broad component area:
- Campaign #18V398000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Electrical System
NHTSA records list 1 official safety recall campaign for this model year involving the same broad component area:
- Campaign #18V332000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Steering System
NHTSA records list 2 official safety recall campaigns for this model year involving the same broad component area:
- Campaign #19V021000 STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
- Campaign #18E096000 STEERING:LINKAGES
Powertrain & Transmission
NHTSA records list 1 official safety recall campaign for this model year involving the same broad component area:
- Campaign #18V100000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Symptoms Mentioned in NHTSA Owner Reports for 2018 Ram 2500
Specific mechanical, electrical, and driver-assist defect symptoms identified via deterministic narrative analysis
AutoUtility uses deterministic phrase matching to identify recurring symptom descriptions within consumer-submitted NHTSA complaint narratives.
Reduced Braking / Brake Pedal to Floor
Loss of Motive Power While Driving
Steering Sticking, Binding or Assist Loss
Recent NHTSA Owner Reports for 2018 Ram 2500
Representative defect filings submitted by owners to the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
"I have been waiting on the C4B recall for nearly two years with no parts available still. My truck has no ABS, traction control, or 4WD. This is a 2500 heavy duty truck meant for pulling trailers and heavy payloads. This recall has rendered the vehicle useless. I can't trade it in due to the..."
"The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but was not as firm as normal. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The message "Service ABS " was displayed. The failure was a recurring failure...."
"My ABS HCU unit is failing. Getting ABS warning lights and messages on my dash display to Service Electronic Braking System. I called dealer and they said they don't have a solution to fix this open recall. How long does it take and how long is the manufacturer allowed to let this go on? Thank you."
"ABS system failure. This is due to recall # 24v-896. This recall has been active for nearly 2 years and it appears the manufacturer has no intent on ever developing the parts to repair the issue. However the manufacturer states that customers can have the repair completed on their own at authorized..."
"The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact drove onto the grass, and the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The message “Service Electronic Braking System” warning..."
Complaint History for Ram 2500
Reported defect complaint volume across sibling model years (2015–2023)
| Model Year | NHTSA Complaints | Crash Reports | Safety Recalls | Detailed Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Ram 2500 | 214 | 13 | 15 | View 2015 Problems → |
| 2016 Ram 2500 | 257 | 15 | 14 | View 2016 Problems → |
| 2017 Ram 2500 | 684 | 12 | 12 | View 2017 Problems → |
| 2018 Ram 2500 Current Page | 2555 | 37 | 10 | Current |
| 2019 Ram 2500 | 191 | 8 | 12 | View 2019 Problems → |
| 2020 Ram 2500 | 163 | 5 | 10 | View 2020 Problems → |
| 2021 Ram 2500 | 105 | 6 | 8 | View 2021 Problems → |
| 2022 Ram 2500 | 0 | 0 | 12 | View 2022 Problems → |
| 2023 Ram 2500 | 0 | 0 | 8 | View 2023 Problems → |
Detailed NHTSA Component Breakdown for 2018 Ram 2500
Complete distribution of consumer defect reports across all 134 granular NHTSA system and subsystem classifications
| Vehicle Component / System | Total Complaints | Crash Reports | Fire Reports | Reported Injury Entries | Reported Fatality Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes NHTSA category: SERVICE BRAKES | 1038 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes NHTSA category: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 377 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | 220 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | 135 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 117 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | 110 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 40 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering NHTSA category: STEERING | 40 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | 35 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System NHTSA category: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other / Uncategorized NHTSA category: UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 30 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain NHTSA category: POWER TRAIN | 22 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine NHTSA category: ENGINE | 18 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance NHTSA category: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags NHTSA category: AIR BAGS | 6 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel & Propulsion System NHTSA category: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine & Cooling NHTSA category: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SUSPENSION | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension NHTSA category: SUSPENSION | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires NHTSA category: TIRES | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,SERVICE BRAKES | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Structure & Body NHTSA category: STRUCTURE | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA category: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Wipers NHTSA category: VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels & Hubs NHTSA category: WHEELS | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention / Camera NHTSA category: BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,POWER TRAIN | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,STRUCTURE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility / Glass NHTSA category: VISIBILITY | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Official NHTSA Defect Investigations (4)
Formal safety defect inquiries and engineering analyses opened by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the V...
Loss of Brake Performance
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on November 28, 2022, after receiving 134 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance in certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The alleged failures continued to occur at a steady rate across both models, at all speeds, with limited detectability. Consumers complained that the A...
Steering loss due to linkage separation
On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Â The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two o...
Steering loss due to linkage separation
On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at...
The complaint records on this page are retrieved directly from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) public database.
Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.