Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 659 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 1500, and it carries 15 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 67 | 10% |
| Steering | 62 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 54 | 8% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 54 | 8% |
| Engine | 49 | 7% |
| Fuel system | 33 | 5% |
| Power train | 26 | 4% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 25 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 18 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 16 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
At low speeds the Electronic power steering hesitates and i have to force the wheels to turn. Once upto speed of 35mph or higher the power steering works flawless. This is an issue for me as a first responder and is a sa
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but w
NHTSA complaint: Seat belts
Sudden loss of power steering while driving. National chain won’t fix it either, although they said I could lose steering altogether. This is a huge safety issue.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
As we were driving along the freeway at highway speeds, the dash lights completely cut out on my ram 1500 2019. At first, this seemed to simply affect the visibility of the central console, speed controls, light indicat
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Took truck in for warrenty work, engine started nocking techs checked said rod could come through side of engine, Ram know this but refuse to do anything. truck has less than 70000 miles was told 17000 dollar for new mot
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment screen delaminated, and the HVAC system, radio, rear-view camera, or navigation system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, an
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Have had repeated intermittent EPS warning light alerts, sometimes followed by complete loss of power steering even at speed. The light and issue go away once I cycle the key off and back on again but eventually come b
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact retrieved information about a recall with a similar failure; however, the r
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ram 1500. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, p
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft positi
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power
Risk: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111,
Risk: A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler'
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chry
| Reliability raw | 45 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 61 | average |
| Maintenance | 71 | good |
| Depreciation | 69 | good |
| Performance | 79 | good |
| Efficiency | 30 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 659 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 67 of them (10%). There are 15 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 45/100 (below average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 61/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2018 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 61/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.