Buying a used 2018 RAM 2500? Check these 10 recalls first
Two critical recalls target the same area — a steering link that can come apart, and a related break on trucks fitted with an AEV lift kit — alongside side airbags that can burst apart. Anti-lock brakes and stability control can also fail. What stands out most is complaint volume: 2,570 unverified owner reports, with service brakes cited 2,333 times, far ahead of electrical and hydraulic. Thirty-seven crashes and 12 injuries were reported among them.
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.
- Ask about brake repair history and test hard stops — service brakes dominate this year's owner complaints.
- Verify the steering link recall was performed, and ask whether an AEV lift kit was ever installed.
- Confirm the ABS/stability control recall is closed and that no warning lights stay lit.
- 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 2500
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| AEV lift kit on Ram trucks can break steering link | Steering | critical |
| Ram 2500 and 3500 Steering Link Can Come Apart | Steering | critical |
| Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 side airbags can burst apart | AIR Bags | critical |
| RAM trucks can shift out of Park unexpectedly | Power Train | high |
| Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram cruise control may stick on | Electrical System | high |
| Ram heavy-duty trucks: anti-lock brakes and stability control can fail | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
| Ram trucks: side curtain airbag inflators may rupture | AIR Bags | high |
| Chrysler and RAM vehicles carry faulty Kidde fire extinguishers | Equipment | medium |
| Dodge Journey and Ram backup camera image may vanish | Back Over Prevention | medium |
| Ram pickup tailgate can unlatch and open while driving | Latches/locks/linkages | medium |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
2,570 complaints filed for this model year, including 37 mentioning a crash, 5 a fire and 12 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? |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2333 | Yes |
| Electrical System | 472 | Yes |
| Speed Control | 340 | None found |
| Driver Assistance | 224 | None found |
| Steering | 85 | Yes |
| Power Train | 75 | Yes |