Buying a used 2018 RAM 3500? Check these 11 recalls first
The critical items mirror the 2500: a steering link that can come apart, an added break risk on trucks with an AEV lift kit, and side airbags that can burst apart. Unique to the 3500 is a recall for wheel studs that may break; anti-lock brakes and stability control can also fail. Owner complaints total 798 unverified reports and are overwhelmingly about service brakes — 660 mentions — with hydraulic and electrical next, and 15 crashes.
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 service history and test hard stops — service brakes dominate this year's complaints.
- Confirm the wheel stud recall was performed and have the studs and lug torque inspected.
- Verify the steering link recall is closed and ask whether an AEV lift kit was ever fitted.
- 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 3500
| 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 3500, 4500 and 5500 wheel studs may break | Wheels | 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
798 complaints filed for this model year, including 15 mentioning a crash, 2 a fire and 6 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 | 660 | Yes |
| Electrical System | 136 | Yes |
| Speed Control | 107 | None found |
| Driver Assistance | 60 | None found |
| Steering | 34 | Yes |
| Wheels | 24 | Yes |