Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the reliability record is poor enough to outweigh everything else here.
Owners have filed 2,567 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 2500, and it carries 10 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 1,039 | 40% |
| Service brakes | 385 | 15% |
| Electrical system | 220 | 9% |
| Vehicle speed control | 136 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 117 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 110 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 40 | 2% |
| Steering | 40 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 35 | 1% |
| Electrical system | 34 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
My 2018 Ram 2500 has a safety recall (C4B/NHTSA 24V - 896) for BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL and the remedy for this condition is "NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE" ??? I have contacted FCA recall assistance center and 2 different
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system error message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the deal
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
I have the active recall associated with the vehicle listed. It’s been nearly 2 years with the active abs service light, traction control light, and inoperative cruise control due to those lights. Stelantis is not very
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, excessive force was needed on the brake p
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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 unavailable. The contact stated the manuf
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control functions became inoperable, and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Ther
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control feature failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the cruise control was activated; howeve
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
I am filing a formal complaint regarding m y 2018 Ram 2500 which is subject to safety recall 24V-896 for a defective anti-lock brake system module and hydraulic control unit. This critical safety recall was issued in Nov
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ram 2500. 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.
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering k
Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-025
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 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
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.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may
| Reliability | 38 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 59 | average |
| Maintenance | 49 | below average |
| Depreciation | 87 | excellent |
| Performance | 72 | good |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 2,567 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and service brakes is the most reported area with 1,039 of them (40%). There are 10 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 38/100 (below average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 59/100, 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: skip, because the reliability record is poor enough to outweigh everything else here. Its overall ownership score is 57/100. 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.