2018 RAM 2500 Engine Problems

The electronic throttle control light and check engine light are on. I took it to a mechanic and had the accelerator pedal replaced. The lights remained on and the truck remains in "limp mode" and will not go over 59mph. The mechanic stated that this is due to the unresolved recall problems with the traction control and anti lock braking system, and the HCU needing replaced. These components and labor are over 2-3 thousand dollars! I have called NHTSA and the manufacturer with questions and asked for a timeframe for a fix and have received nothing.

NHTSA ID

11753324

Incident

May 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control feature was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 15,337.

NHTSA ID

11752410

Incident

Jul 26, 2024

Mileage

15,337 mi

Component or system that failed or malfunctioned The issue involves a safety recall‑related system on my Ram truck that remains open with no available remedy for over one year. The vehicle is now experiencing traction loss while pulling and during normal driving, along with multiple failure/warning lights activating on the dashboard. How my safety or the safety of others was put at risk While driving and when pulling/accelerating, the vehicle unexpectedly loses traction, which creates a risk of loss of control, especially during traffic, turns, or acceleration from a stop. The appearance of failure lights combined with traction loss presents a serious safety risk to myself, my passengers, and other motorists, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Whether the problem has been reproduced or confirmed The safety defect is confirmed by the open NHTSA recall associated with my VIN. The traction loss and failure lights have occurred during normal vehicle operation and continue to reappear. The issue has not been repaired due to the manufacturer stating that no recall remedy is currently available. Inspections by dealer, manufacturer, or others Authorized Ram/Dodge dealers have confirmed that the recall remains open with no repair solution available from the manufacturer. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by police or insurance representatives, but it remains available for inspection. Warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms Failure and warning indicator lights have appeared on the dashboard and remain present. These symptoms began while the recall was still unresolved and now occur in conjunction with traction loss during driving and pulling, indicating the defect may be actively affecting vehicle safety.

NHTSA ID

11731489

Incident

Aug 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact was notified of NHSTA campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the recall remedy was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded the reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11730417

Incident

Apr 10, 2026

I am reporting ongoing safety concerns with my 2018 RAM 2500 (6.7L Cummins) related to repeated emissions/aftertreatment failures and the lack of timely repair options. These failures directly affect drivability and can create hazardous situations if the vehicle enters derate mode while towing or driving at highway speeds. Over the past year, my truck has suffered multiple emissions-related component failures, including DEF dosing issues, SCR/DPF system faults, repeated warning messages, and the threat of speed-limiting derates. The vehicle is used for normal personal use, is well-maintained, and has not been modified. Despite proper maintenance, the same types of failures continue to recur. A major concern is that local RAM dealers have extremely limited ability to service these issues in a timely manner. Appointments are often weeks out, and when the truck is already in a failure state it is unsafe to continue driving. I have previously reported safety-related defects to NHTSA (ABS/HCU), and those issues later resulted in recalls—so I know that reporting matters. The combination of emissions failures, derate risks, and lack of dealer support creates a situation where the vehicle may suddenly lose power or become unsafe to operate, especially when towing or traveling in rural areas with limited service availability. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether there is a broader pattern of emissions-system failures on RAM heavy-duty trucks with the 6.7 Cummins and whether these failures pose a safety risk due to the forced-derate logic and inability to obtain timely repairs.

NHTSA ID

11704542

Incident

Nov 12, 2020

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service ABS" was displayed. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated, and the ABS alarm chimed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA ID

11702651

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

Mileage

63,000 mi

Turbo actuator is a defective item. Per the Facebook forums I'm in, this item is often talked about as a common point of failure. There are also several videos on YouTube describing the defect. It limits the VGT vanes in the turbo from building/retarding boost in the engine creating an unsafe driving condition by not being able to accelerate properly and limit the effectiveness of the exhaust brake function when towing leading to longer stopping times which could lead to a crash. There are warning lights and CEL codes that can be read/interpreted from a handheld scanner which I have as well as many other knowledgeable mechanics regarding this specific defective/known Ram issue. There are several codes which point to a defective turbo actuator or failing turbo itself. P00AF-turbo boost control "a" module performance P226C-turbocharger boost control slow response

NHTSA ID

11697093

Incident

Oct 22, 2025

The contact owned a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving and pulling a fifth wheel RV, the check engine warning light and another unknown red warning light were illuminated. The contact's husband stopped in the middle of the road and immediately exited the vehicle with the contact's nephews and dog, who were also occupying the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver then noticed that there was a fire underneath the hood. The contact stated that her husband attempted to open the hood to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, but the hood failed to open. The contact met her family at the scene. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle exploded, there were abnormal popping sounds, and fire projectiles coming out from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the entire vehicle burned to the ground, and the front of the RV also caught on fire and burned. The contact stated that the fuel tank of the vehicle was full at the time of the incident. The contact stated that the forest near the camping ground nearly caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire, and a report was filed. A police report was filed, but the police report information was not available. Both the vehicle and the RV were towed and totaled. Both the contact and the passengers of the vehicle sustained emotional trauma from the incident. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11686408

Incident

Jul 30, 2025

Mileage

95,000 mi

The contact's son owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her son was driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle started to shake abnormally. The check engine light turned on and then went off. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact called an unknown local dealer and was informed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11683853

Incident

Aug 29, 2025

While towing a heavy load of approx. 16,000 Lbs. uphill steep grade during 100 degree temperature at low travel speed but high engine RPM a load boom came from the engine compartment. Upon inspection the fan shroud had made contact to the fan and caused severe damaged to the cooling system rendering the vehicle disabled until repairs could be made. This occurred about 30,000 miles ago however the current fan shroud has also failed under normal use. If the failed shroud damages the serpentine belt steering and breaking will be jeopardized which could lead to an accident!

NHTSA ID

11651075

Incident

Jul 17, 2021

Truck will not shift and drops out of drive leaving you helpless

NHTSA ID

11649924

Incident

Mar 22, 2025

Truck only has 66,000 miles and developed a bad oil leak from the timing cover/crank front of engine. Repair is going to cost around $4000 and dealer says there have been several cases of the same thing.

NHTSA ID

11642699

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

The Turbo Actuator on the Ram 2500's especially Gen 4 are known to have faulty Turbo Actuators on them. There is a huge supply issue with trying to get one for repair , I called every auto parts store and no one could get one due to manufacture constraints. Basically they told me to call the dealer . The dealer wanted $2,200 for the part , that is outrageous for a known faulty part , please look into this as there are thounsands of people who have made this repair.

NHTSA ID

11636791

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

1. Remote start will engage when initiated then turn off after 10 seconds. 2. Gear shift leveler not all the way in park when at park.

NHTSA ID

11629260

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the diagnostic trouble codes P24B0, P24B5, and P25C9 were displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the diagnostic trouble codes were related to the smog and emissions system of the diesel engine. The contact stated that he occasionally towed an RV and was concerned about the towing load on the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Particulate Matter Sensor needed to be replaced; however, the part was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11622458

Incident

Aug 29, 2024

Mileage

75,000 mi

Nothing has happened so far, however it has come to my attention that the grid heater bolt will eventually deteriorate until dropping into the intake and then into the number six cylinder. This could be a serious safety issue for me when pulling our 2970 RL Imagine Travel Trailer that could possibly weigh upwards toward 10,000 pounds fully loaded. We have traveled and likely will again Interstate 75/85 through Atlanta, parts of which has as many as six lanes. In addition to a potentially serious safety issue there would be a considerable repair cost with likely having to spend up to $20,000.00 for a new engine destroyed by a defective bolt in an extremely terrible location, and my truck has only between 50,000 and 60,000 miles on it with this engine being known as a million mile engine.

NHTSA ID

11615693

Incident

Sep 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH uphill and hauling a loaded trailer, the contact noticed that the radiator fan had engaged, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud shredding sound and the engine started overheating. Additionally, there was smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe and there was an abnormal coolant odor. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that the rubber part of the radiator fan shroud was stuck inside the radiator fan and was shredded, causing a hole in the rear of the radiator. The contact noticed that there was no coolant inside the reservoir. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the radiator, the fan, and the fan shroud were replaced; however, the failure recurred while hauling a loaded trailer. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Cronic Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (2515 N Expy, Griffin, GA 30223), where the same repair was made. Additionally, the dealer installed pins on the radiator fan shroud. The contact stated that the pins were detaching, and the contact was concerned that the failure would reoccur. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11613950

Incident

Sep 11, 2019

The contact owned a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated the vehicle was parked overnight on the street and unoccupied when a loud bang was heard and it was discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The fire department and police department arrived to inspect the vehicle where it was noticed the fire started on the passenger side of the engine however the exact origin could not be determined. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was consumed by the flames and there were only burnt framing remains of the vehicle. A police report was filed but the case number was not available. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle remained in the contact's possession. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11590977

Incident

May 24, 2024

Mileage

65,000 mi

On 20 Mar 2024, the vehicle throttle went to full throttle and was stuck in full throttle while on the highway. After kicking the accelerator pedal multiple times the throttle came out of full and then entered limp mode with the message “service electronic throttle control” displayed. The accelerator pedal did not stick on anything and the truck actively pulled the accelerator pedal away from my foot and completely into the firewall. Luckily the brakes were strong enough to control the acceleration but this occurred in a packed part of the highway with few options to pull to the side of the road. After kicking the pedal more and cycling the power to the truck, it exited limp mode and normal operation was restored. Afterward the truck displayed no codes so the mechanic could not verify the problem. This has occurred 3 times now.

NHTSA ID

11581337

Incident

Mar 20, 2024

Loss of power/turbo. I was hauling a heavy load when I had a loss of turbo power on highway. Causing my truck to loose mph up a hill and almost getting struck by a semi vdd into my trailer. Check engine light is on and turbo don’t kick on anymore. I haven’t had the money to fix the problem but I’m certain it’s the turbo/turbo actuator.

NHTSA ID

11577881

Incident

Feb 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while towing a trailer at 55 MPH, the turbo actuator failed to operate with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin: 09-005-22 which linked the failure to the turbo actuator kit. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer to have a diagnostic test performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11574528

Incident

Feb 21, 2024

Mileage

130,000 mi

when hauling my 20' enclosed trailer with a 10k lbs load my 2018 ram 2500 turbo actuator went out. my exhaust brake is inoperable due to the turbo actuator not functioning properly. the truck does not build boost as it should. there is a service bulletin for 2015 ram 2500 with 6,7 cummins in them. bulletin number [XXX]. this bulletin covers the exact part that went out on my truck while hauling. the part numbers from 2015 to 2018 model years did not change. i have attempted to reach out to ram about this issue. they state that the part is different even though the dealership says it is the same. here is a link to said defective part. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11574515

Incident

Feb 21, 2024

The truck developed and engine tick. They got progressively worse, and it felt like the engine was misfiring and made the speed of the truck inconsistent when I tried to accelerate in decelerate. The mechanic told me the engine ticks were definitely coming from the lifters and we had it repaired. This was not cheap. The ticking went on for about one month before I had it repaired. I have attached the invoice.

NHTSA ID

11571941

Incident

Jan 3, 2024

Vehicle has 62953 miles. Ram service dept says the vehicle needs new engine,pcm,hydro boost assembly, hydraulic control unit, shifter assembly. They repaired the drag link in 2019. This did not solve issue. The tires were being worn rapidly. Ram said they would replace the drag link. Vehicle is drivable but not safe.

NHTSA ID

11521432

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

Multiple reports from 6.7 Ram Cummins owners experiencing the failure of the grid heater. The grid heater failure leads to the destruction of the engine. Ram uses a grid heater to warm up the vehicle during cold temperatures for starting. During this process, it has been reported, that the not of the grid heater melts off and enters the engine causing catastrophic damage.

NHTSA ID

11506478

Incident

Feb 9, 2023