Buying a used 2018 RAM 1500? Check these 15 recalls first
This year leans hard on powertrain and fire risk: the EcoDiesel EGR cooler can crack and catch fire, and side airbag inflators can burst apart — both critical, neither with a stop-driving order. Several high-severity recalls cover trucks shifting out of Park, cruise control sticking on, engine-computer stalling, a rear axle lacking oil and a driveshaft that can crack. Owners filed 660 unverified NHTSA complaints, including 8 fires and 25 crashes, concentrated in electrical, engine and steering.
Before you buy
- Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
- If it's the 3.0L EcoDiesel, ask for the repair order proving the EGR cooler recall was performed.
- Confirm both 'may not stay in Park' recalls were completed, and test that it holds on an incline.
- Have the rear axle checked for oil level and leaks, and the rear driveshaft inspected for cracks.
- Open recalls are repaired free at any RAM dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.
Recalls covering the 2018 RAM 1500
What owners have reported to NHTSA
660 complaints filed for this model year, including 25 mentioning a crash, 8 a fire and 25 injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 159 | Yes |
| Fuel System | 138 | Yes |
| Engine | 110 | Yes |
| Steering | 86 | None found |
| Power Train | 59 | Yes |