2018 RAM 5500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 RAM 5500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes2452.2%
- Driver assistance613.0%
- Other / unspecified510.9%
- Powertrain (other)36.5%
- Electrical24.3%
- Steering24.3%
- Suspension24.3%
- Engine12.2%
- Tires & wheels12.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Subject: Complaint Regarding Delayed Safety Recall Repair – 2018 Ram 5500 (Recall C4B / NHTSA Recall 24V-896) I own a 2018 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, VIN [XXX]. My truck is subject to Safety Recall C4B (NHTSA Recall 24V-896) involving the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). I have attempted to have this safety recall completed, but the repair has been delayed because the required replacement part has reportedly been unavailable. This is a federally mandated safety recall involving the vehicle’s braking system. I am concerned that I have been unable to obtain the required repair within a reasonable period of time. The continued delay creates uncertainty about the safe operation of my vehicle and prevents me from having the recall corrected as required. I request that NHTSA investigate the availability of recall parts and the length of time owners are being required to wait for completion of this safety recall. I also request that NHTSA review whether the manufacturer is meeting its obligations to provide a timely remedy for affected vehicles. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2018 * Make: Ram * Model: 5500 Chassis Cab * VIN: [XXX] * Recall: C4B / NHTSA Recall 24V-896 Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was intermittently illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair was not yet available. The part was available for other year, make, and models. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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 driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control systems' warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was related to the recall, and confirmed that parts were not yet available. A second dealer, S & L Motors (2298 WI-32, Pulaski, WI 54162); was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to repair the recall is not available. The manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Because the vehicle currently has this recall, the State of CA will not allow the vehicle to be registered and is now out of operation. In addition, this vehicle is used for business and has resulted in several weeks being out of operation. ABS and traction control warning lights have illuminated while driving over uneven pavement. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and I was informed the manufacturer was not providing parts for the RAM 5500 series. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and has confirmed that parts are NOT available for the RAM 5500 series.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the rear wheel studs fractured. There were no warning lights. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer which diagnosed failure with the wheel studs. The wheel studs were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels). The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. The contact has noted that this incident has happened 10 times and twice since the recall repair.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON MARCH 23, 2021, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I STARTED HEARING THE SAME HUMMING NOISE I HEARD 8 MONTHS AGO WHEN I HAD THE TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. THIS WAS THE NEW TRANSFER CASE THE DEALERSHIP HAD PUT IN, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD BANG/EXPLOSION SOUND FROM WHERE THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BRAKE AS I LOST THE BRAKES AFTER THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS THE TRUCK COMPLETELY TURNED OFF AND IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN ON ITS OWN, AND AFTER NEARLY HITTING SEVERAL CARS ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS DAMAGED AS WAS THE DRIVESHAFT, BRAKE LINES AND FUEL LINES. APPARENTLY THESE RAM TRANSFER CASES ARE FAULTY... EVEN THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER THAT TOWED ME TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP SAID HE'S HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASE ON HIS FLEET OF TOW TRUCKS 3 TIMES, AND HIS RAM TRUCKS WERE 2019. IS CHRYSLER GOING TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE DIES BEFORE THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THAT APPARENTLY HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS NOW?*DT
I HAVE A 2018 RAM 5500 AND WAS DRIVING UP THE INTERSTATE WORKING IN MY TRUCK AT POSTED SPEED AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO MAKE A VERY LOUD NOISE AND BOOM! THE TRUCK BUCKED LIKE I HAD HIT A SOLID WALL. THE TRUCKS INDICATOR LIGHT FOR AIRBAGS HAD CAME ON, BUT DIDN'T DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH I HADN'T ACTUALLY HIT ANYTHING, THANKFULLY. COME TO FIND OUT AFTER HAVING TO GET A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP THE TRANSFER CASE HAD EXPLODED AND CAME APART WHICH MADE THE DRIVESHAFT BREAK LOOSE AND COME THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD. WHO KNOWS WHAT ALL DAMAGE WAS DONE BECAUSE THE TRUCK SAT AT DEALERSHIP FOR 6 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THEY EVEN MADE AN ATTEMPT TO LOOK AT IT. WHEN I WOULD CALL I WAS JUST PUSHED TO THE NEXT DAY. THEN WHEN SOMEONE HAD FINALLY GOT BACK WITH ME I WAS TOLD THAT CHRYSLER WAS WANTING SPECIFIC INFORMATION, SUCH AS MAINTENANCE RECORD , TOOLS THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN USED. I SHOULD TELL YOU THAT THIS TRUCK HAS 82K MILES ON IT, SO IT SHOULD STILL BE COVERED UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY. WELL, CHRYSLER HAS REFUSED TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I WAS SUCKERED INTO ALL THE GREAT BOASTING ABOUT HOW TOUGH THESE TRUCKS ARE. I WAS DUMB ENOUGH THAT I'VE BOUGHT 4 RAM PRODUCTS , BECAUSE I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FAN AND PROUD TO DRIVE A DODGE PRODUCT. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT CHRYSLER WOULD HAVE THE AUDACITY TO CLAIM THEY HAD ONE OF THE BEST PRODUCTS AND THEN NOT STAND BEHIND A LOYAL CONSUMER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The ABS/HCU module has experienced a premature failure which is a huge safety risk as it controls my vehicles' Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control & Cruise Control systems. Since experiencing this failure, my vehicle has had numerous safety incidents where Braking would lockup, traction with the roadway is lost etc. Please initiate a recall for this issue for these generation of trucks so this safety issue can be addressed.
RADIO UCONNECT 8.4 SCREEN DELAMINATING CAUSING RADIO TO GHOST TOUCH THE SCREEN AND MAKE SOS CALLS BY ITSELF. TURNS RADIO ON AND OFF AND FUNCTIONS ALL ON ITS OWN VERY DISTRACTING. ALSO HAPPENED ON MY OTHER 2018 RAM 3500
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My ABS pump went out, causing my stability control to not function and cruise control to not function. Cruise control would randomly deactivate, causing a momentary loss of control and ABS function. Dash light illuminated with codes relating to ABS pump and traction control. ABS pump was replaced (part no. 68195569AB) and problem was fixed, but FCA will not reimburse me since I did the work myself.
The steering shaft completely failed while driving. Thankfully the driver was leaving a customer and pulling out of a drive which he was able to drive into a ditch to keep from being hit or hitting others. The problem was fixed by Pliler International in Longview, TX. It has not been inspected by anyone other than mechanic shop. No warnings at the time of incident.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Ref NHTSA 24v-896, Recall C4B The problem started back in 2021 when the anti-lock brake Hydraulic Control Unit failed. It was replaces and then it failed again in Dec 2024 while on vacation. When returning home in Jan 2025, the truck was brought to the dealer for repair. It was found to have failed again and told that a repair parts were not available, nor was it known when the redesigned part would be available. Shortly after that I received a letter stating that my truck was included and confirmed to be part of this recall. I have been severely impacted (restricted use of) due to safety concerns when driving this truck. I've not been able to get any assistance from Ram dealership or Ram customer service. What can be done to resolve this issue with RAM? Thanks for you assistance! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
THE FRAME HAS CRACKED! THIS ISN'T THE FIRST I'VE HEARD ABOUT THESE FRAMES CRACKING EITHER. THERE'S A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE DODGE 5500 CRACKED FRAMES
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY TRUCK FROM NEW GAD TURBO EXHAUST MANIFOLDS KEPT WARPING BREAKING BOLTS IN THE HEAD EVERYTIME MY RADIO QUITS AND REBOOTS AND GLITCHES AFTER TRUCK UPDATES RUNS POORLY WITH EXCESSIVE EGT AND DEALERS TEFUSED TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME KEPT TELLIN ME THEY DIDNT HAVE PROPER TECH OR TOOLS OR WAS TOLD ALL WAS NORNAL AND MY FRINT 19.5 WHEEL CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE WITH NO IMPACT OR TIRE DAMMAGE RADIO WUITS AND FREEZES REBOOTS SEVERAL TIMEX A DAY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 45 MPH, THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FRACTURED IN HALF AND PUNCHED A HOLE IN THE FLOORBOARD OF THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE WITH THE TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CLOSER TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. CONWAY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2385 CHURCH STREET, CONWAY, SC 29526, (843) 438-4363) WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.*DT*DT *TR*DT*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .