2018 RAM 1500 Engine Problems

EGR cooler failed while driving on May 29, 2026. Towed truck to Greenville Chrysler that day. EGR cooler, melted intake manifold and melted wiring harness are being replaced. Service Advisor says "Safety Recall VB1 / NHTSA 19V-757 Diesel EGR Cooler" was accomplished in 2021. Per the Recall, the EGR cooler is replaced with a new part number. Accomplishment of this recall clearly did not eliminate the problem of egr cooler failure and the resulting damage to intake manifold and wiring. Do i have any financial recourse in this case due to recalled parts failing again ? I have requested that the dealer provide failed parts upon completion of reparis. Myself and others were put at risk when my truck lost all power on IH-30 in traffic before daylight. Dealer has verbally indicated that the egr cooler failed and melted intake manifold and wiring harness. No inspection by anybody except dealer service shop. No warning lamps or other symptoms noticed before failure.

NHTSA ID

11743212

Incident

May 29, 2026

I have a 2018 Ram 1500 ecodiesel with the 2nd gen 3.0L V6 diesel engine. This engine has a well known defect causing the tone wheel to delaminate and stall the engine. This is what happened to me and the dealership is telling me I need my tone wheel and position sensor replaced. Per what you have put out [XXX] My truck should be covered under the recall 73A as I meet all the requirements. Stellantis is denying my replacement. The dealership performed 66A and is telling me they are being rejected by Stellantis for 73A or any other work. Stellantis has been giving me the run around and throwing every excuse in the book why they won’t do it. The most recent excuse is they say the website provided is not a legitimate webpage so they aren’t going to follow the NHTSA guidelines it sets forth. Per the 2023 update to the class action ruling my truck is supposed to be covered, and after looking online there are hundreds of others facing the same problems. There is even a petition with 250 signatures online about this issue. Short of filing a class action I’m not sure what else to do. According to everything I’m reading per the NHTSA I’m in the right, but FCA/Stellantis is denying responsibility. This all feels reminiscent of the $105 million 2015 ruling against FCA for not honoring recalls. If there is anything you can do to address this matter I would greatly appreciate it because there are hundreds of us facing thousands in repairs because a trillion dollar company wants to squeeze out a couple more dollars profit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11735881

Incident

Apr 4, 2026

Mileage

139,005 mi

turbo component defective fixed at my own cost last 2 yrs 9 m. afraid of fuel starvation

NHTSA ID

11735324

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11726502

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11722749

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11717966

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11714176

Incident

Jan 23, 2026

Mileage

106,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11706569

Incident

Dec 13, 2025

Mileage

118,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11702570

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11698554

Incident

Nov 2, 2025

Mileage

142,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11683527

Incident

Aug 26, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11681654

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

While driving heard Clicking/Knocking noise then low oil pressure light came on we pulled over and turned truck off then truck would not restart. truck was towed to Dealer which has check truck and decided it was a complete engine failure main bearing. Truck only had 45,000 mile on Engine

NHTSA ID

11677844

Incident

Jul 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH up a hill, there was an abnormal banging sound come from the vehicle, and the vehicle experienced engine failure. The contact stated there was oil leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that there was a large oil leak on the passenger’s side of the engine. The contact stated that there was a hole on the upper part of the engine and the vehicle was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

NHTSA ID

11676737

Incident

Jun 9, 2025

Mileage

11,000 mi

Subject: Formal Complaint – 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Engine Failure at 11,900 Miles To Whom It May Concern at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am filing a formal complaint regarding a major mechanical failure in my 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. Despite all scheduled maintenance being performed and documented, the engine failed at just 11,900 miles — a clear indication of a serious defect or flaw in manufacturing. Vehicle Information: - Year/Make/Model: 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel - VIN: [XXX] - Dealer: Elk Grove Dodge - Mileage at Failure: 11,900 miles I have researched and documented similar cases involving this engine model, pointing to a larger, systemic issue that warrants investigation. This premature engine failure poses a significant safety risk, especially if it were to occur while driving at highway speeds or in traffic. I am requesting a formal safety defect investigation and consideration for recall. What I Am Requesting: - Investigation into systemic engine issues affecting 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel vehicles - Manufacturer accountability for premature failures under warranty - Consumer assistance in repair, buyback, or replacement under applicable laws or enforcement programs I am providing this documentation in the interest of resolving this matter through the proper regulatory channels. I respectfully request follow-up contact regarding next steps or findings. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11673555

Incident

Jun 8, 2025

Recall Z46 for the High Pressure Fuel Rail. Truck has been down for a month and was told today my truck is still not fixed and they have no clue when the parts will be coming in for the to get my truck done.

NHTSA ID

11663237

Incident

Apr 30, 2025

Engine failed at 142,000 miles. No prior indications or warning lights. Cam roller failed on cylinder #7 intake causing rod to throw through head cover, and valve to drop into cylinder #7 piston which damaged piston and disable engine. I have been advised that this was caused by the Variable Displacement mode the engine goes into when not under load, for better fuel economy. I have also been advised that this issue is not uncommon for these 5.7 Hemi engines which are advertised to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. I had to replace engine and loss of use for 4 weeks. Not happy with Chrysler/Ram/Stellantis. I feel mislead/cheated.

NHTSA ID

11657422

Incident

Mar 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel. The contact was informed that the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel had delaminated. No warning lights were illuminated. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11657234

Incident

Apr 28, 2025

Mileage

160,000 mi

Had the High flow fuel pump Changed and less than 400 miles had a catastrophic failure. Had to pay for a tow was told nothing is under warranty, even though it was caused all by a faulty fuel pump and caused other issues and was told by Stalantis that they do not cover calamity damage had to pay for PCM and injectors. My truck is still not fixed. My engine light is still on, brought it to three dealerships and nobody can figure it out. Also the deaf system is not functioning properly and had it replaced a 20,000 and at 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11656972

Incident

Jan 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) and 23V411000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle hesitated before functioning normally. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11652879

Incident

Feb 13, 2019

The engine seized up at 52,517 miles on February 28, 2025. It was making loud noises on the freeway and was losing significant power. We exited the freeway trying to get to a safe location and the engine froze. I had the engine replaced and the check engine light came on after 40 miles!

NHTSA ID

11652294

Incident

Feb 28, 2025

While being driven, the ecodiesel engine had a faulty ball bearing that malfunctioned inside the engine. This ball bearing then shot through the middle of the engine and out the bottom of the engine. The service technician at our local dealership inspected the engine and compared this to a "bullet under too much pressure due to a fault within the engine." He then said we "were lucky the ball bearing hadn't shot upwards through the floorboards." Not only could we have been at risk, other passing vehicles could have been shot with the ball bearing; this event could have led to wrecks and possible fatalities. The engine was completely destroyed by this defective ball bearing and cannot be rebuilt. No lights or messages appeared after the ball bearing shot through, even though the oil began draining instantly. The truck was pulled over and turned off before all the oil drained to prevent damage to the engine, which was already destroyed without us knowing.

NHTSA ID

11651851

Incident

Feb 22, 2025

Electric Power steering failure

NHTSA ID

11648421

Incident

Mar 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two separate independent mechanics who both stated that the exhaust manifold was warped due to a fractured bolt. The contact was informed that the exhaust manifold needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ID

11647872

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

Mileage

77,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, which caused engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

NHTSA ID

11642731

Incident

Feb 14, 2025

Mileage

186,000 mi