The last of the old Ram, with most bugs fixed
By 2018 the power steering complaints had largely faded and the complaint rate is about half the average. The main reports are backup camera and touch screen glitches, covered in part by a recall.
Updated November 2026 · based on 667 owner complaints and 15 recalls
166 46% below the 1500 average
15 free to fix at a dealer
Every 1500 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2018 1500
Top problems and what they cost
Backup camera and screen glitches
The camera image fails to show or the touch screen freezes.
Fix: Recall 18V398 software update, free.
Backup camera
Fuel system warnings
Check engine lights linked to the evaporative system.
Fix: Purge valve or sensor $150 to $400.
Fuel system
Tailgate latch
The tailgate may open on its own.
Fix: Recall 19V347, free.
Body
Recalls
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended v...
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the ve...
Show all 15 recalls
A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the...
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up.
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle roll...
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Ram 1500
- Confirm recalls 18V398, 19V347 and 18V280 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 1500 has 15 recalls on record, listed below.
- Shift into reverse and check the camera.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.60 of the 667 owner complaints about the 2018 1500 involve the transmission and drivetrain (9%).
- Make sure no check engine light is on.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.Owners filed 68 complaints about touch screen and infotainment failures on the 2018 1500, one of the worst years for it.
- Close the tailgate and confirm it latches firmly.Doors, liftgates and tailgates use motors, latches and switches that wear. A door that will not latch or shows as open can drain the battery or open while driving.
Questions
Is the 2018 Ram 1500 reliable?
The last of the old Ram, with most bugs fixed. By 2018 the power steering complaints had largely faded and the complaint rate is about half the average. The main reports are backup camera and touch screen glitches, covered in part by a recall.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 1500 have?
15 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Ram 1500 problems?
Backup camera and screen glitches; Fuel system warnings; Tailgate latch.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.