2018 RAM 4500 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2018 RAM 4500 has 3 complaints and 11 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues with the hydraulic brake system failing to respond promptly, and incidents where the vehicle loses power while driving. There are reports of warning lights illuminating before failures occur, and some owners have experienced injury due to brake failure.
Common Issues- Brake failure. The brake pedal sometimes fails to respond immediately, extending braking distance and increasing crash risk.
- Brake hydraulic parts unavailable. Owners received recall notifications for brake repair but parts remain unavailable, delaying fixes.
- Brake system cause accidents. Brake failure at low speeds caused collisions with parked vehicles, resulting in injury to passengers.
- Engine power loss. Vehicles lost motive power at highway speeds following illumination of the check engine and other warning lights.
- Turbocharger failure. Turbo failure diagnosed along with multiple sensor and component replacements, but problems recurred months later.
- Multiple diagnostic trouble codes. Up to 39 trouble codes retrieved indicating complex engine and sensor malfunctions requiring extensive repairs.
There are 11 recalls affecting this vehicle. The recalls address several critical systems including braking, cruise control, transmission shift lock, wheel lug nuts, and electrical wiring. Many recalls involve safety features that could increase crash risk. Repairs often involve software updates or replacement of defective parts at no cost to owners.
Recalls- Hydraulic brake control unit. NHTSA Recall 24V896000 affects 317,630 vehicles. The hydraulic control unit may fail causing ABS, ESC, and traction control system loss. This increases crash risk. Dealers will replace the brake HCU free of charge.
- Wheel lug nuts. NHTSA Recall 21V398000 involves 447,985 vehicles. Over-tightening lug nuts may break wheel studs causing wheel separation, which can cause crashes. Dealers will update torque specs and inspect or replace studs as needed.
- Fire extinguisher defect. NHTSA Recall 17V824000 covers 61,791 vehicles. Certain Kidde fire extinguishers may clog or eject nozzle dangerously. Owners will receive replacement extinguishers free of charge.
- Brake light wiring. NHTSA Recall 19V236000 affects 36 vehicles with Whelen brake lights that may illuminate incorrectly, confusing other drivers and increasing crash risk. The lights will be replaced free of charge.
- Cruise control software and wiring. NHTSA Recall 18V332000 applies to 4.8 million plus vehicles including the 2018 Ram 4500. A short circuit can prevent disengaging cruise control, causing unintended acceleration or speed maintenance. Dealers will perform software updates free of charge. Owners advised to avoid using cruise control until fixed.
- Transmission shift interlock. NHTSA Recall 18V100000 for 180,462 vehicles. Brake Transmission Shift Interlock may stick open allowing gear shifts without brakes or key, risking rollaway crashes. Dealers will update software and test/replace solenoids.
- Brake hose corrosion. NHTSA Recall 18V277000 affects 2,457 2018 Ram 4500 trucks. Brake hoses may lack corrosion protection causing leaks and loss of braking. Dealers will inspect and replace hoses if needed free of charge.
Owners facing ongoing brake failures, engine power loss, or unresolved recall repairs involving critical systems should review their state’s lemon law protections. Repeated safety defects and multiple complex repairs may qualify for legal assistance.
2018 RAM 4500 Summary
2018
Model Year
3
Total Complaints
7
Total Recalls
5826022
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2018 RAM 4500
317630 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
2018 RAM 4500
447985 vehicles affected
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
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.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
2018 RAM 4500
36 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Excellance, Inc. (Excellance) is recalling certain 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles built on Ford E-350, E-450, F-650, F-550 4x4, Chevrolet G4500, G4500 Diesel, C3500, G3500, Freightliner M2, International 4300, and Dodge 4500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 RAM 4500
2457 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks. The primary and secondary brake hoses located between the brake master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured without anti-corrosion plating on the ferrules, which can allow the ferrules to corrode.
Risk: If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 RAM 4500
180462 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
Risk: 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.
2018 RAM 4500
4815661 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
2018 RAM 4500
61791 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT
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
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Complaints
2018 RAM 4500
ID: 2104078ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo had failed, and there were 39 diagnostic trouble codes retrieved. The dealer determined that the turbo, the intake manifold sensor, the exhaust pressure sensors, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred four months later. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 15 MPH to park the vehicle, while her husband and dog were occupying the passenger’s side seat, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and struck one of the contact's parked vehicles. The contact stated that the dog sustained injuries after being thrusted forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2018 RAM 4500
ID: 2104077SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo had failed, and there were 39 diagnostic trouble codes retrieved. The dealer determined that the turbo, the intake manifold sensor, the exhaust pressure sensors, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred four months later. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 15 MPH to park the vehicle, while her husband and dog were occupying the passenger’s side seat, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and struck one of the contact's parked vehicles. The contact stated that the dog sustained injuries after being thrusted forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2018 RAM 4500
ID: 2092262SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. 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 while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond immediately, causing the braking distance to be extended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,885. VIN tool confirms parts not available.