Buying a used 2018 RAM 4500? Check these 7 recalls first
Brakes define this year's record. Recalls cover corroding brake hoses, anti-lock brakes and stability control that can fail, cruise control that may stick on, trucks shifting out of park unexpectedly, and breakable wheel studs. Two campaigns are equipment-specific: faulty Kidde fire extinguishers and Excellance ambulance brake lights that turn on by themselves. Only nine unverified owner complaints are on file with NHTSA, all service brakes, five hydraulic, with no crashes, fires or injuries reported.
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.
- Have the rear brake hoses and lines inspected for corrosion, and ask if the recall was done
- Confirm the truck holds in park on a grade and that cruise control disengages cleanly
- Ask whether the truck was upfitted, which determines if the extinguisher or ambulance recalls apply
- 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 4500
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| RAM trucks can shift out of Park unexpectedly | Power Train | high |
| Ram 4500 and 5500 brake hoses may corrode and leak | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
| Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Chrysler cruise control may not cancel | 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 |
| Chrysler and RAM vehicles carry faulty Kidde fire extinguishers | Equipment | medium |
| Excellance ambulances: brake lights can turn on by themselves | Exterior Lighting | medium |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
9 complaints filed for this model year. 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 | 9 | Yes |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | None found |
| Steering | 1 | None found |
| Engine | 1 | None found |
| Power Train | 1 | Yes |
| Wheels | 1 | Yes |