Buying a used 2018 RAM 2500? Check these 10 recalls first
The 2018 Ram 2500 has 10 recalls in this group. Steering drag link separation or fracture and brake control unit failure are prominent concerns, together with rollaway, cruise control cancellation, and side airbag inflator rupture. Camera, tailgate, and fire extinguisher defects also appear. Its 2570 NHTSA owner complaints are unverified reports; listed categories include 2333 service brakes, 472 electrical system, and 445 hydraulic complaints. Brake performance history and documented steering repairs are especially relevant to a pre-purchase inspection.
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.
- Request documentation of steering drag link recall repairs.
- Verify brake control unit recall completion and ask about brake warnings.
- Confirm shift interlock, cruise control, and side airbag recall status.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 2500 and 3500 Steering Drag Link Separation | Steering | critical |
| Chrysler and RAM vehicles have fire extinguishers that may fail | Equipment | high |
| RAM Trucks' Shift Interlock May Allow Rollaway | Power Train | high |
| Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Chrysler cruise control may not cancel | Electrical System | high |
| Dodge Journey, Ram Trucks Backup Camera May Fail | Back Over Prevention | high |
| Ram 2500, 3500 Steering Drag Link May Fracture | Steering | high |
| Ram Pickup Tailgate May Open While Driving | Latches/locks/linkages | high |
| Ram Trucks Brake Control Unit May Fail | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
| Ram Trucks Side Airbag Inflator Can Rupture | AIR Bags | high |
| RAM 1500, 2500, 3500 Side Airbag Inflators May Rupture | AIR Bags | high |
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 |