Buying a used 2018 RAM 3500? Check these 11 recalls first
The 2018 Ram 3500 has 11 recalls in this group. Steering drag link separation or fracture, broken wheel studs, and brake control unit failure are prominent mechanical concerns. Rollaway, cruise control cancellation, and side airbag inflator rupture also appear, alongside camera and tailgate defects. Its 798 NHTSA owner complaints are unverified reports, including 660 service brakes, 140 hydraulic, 136 electrical system, and 107 vehicle speed control complaints. Brake repair history and steering and wheel hardware documentation deserve focused 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.
- Verify steering drag link and wheel stud recall completion.
- Request brake control unit repair records and ask about braking faults.
- Confirm shift interlock, cruise control, and airbag recall repairs.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Truck Wheel Studs May Break | Wheels | 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
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 |