2018 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Updated on May 2nd, 2023 Author: Brian Jones

When it comes to heavy-duty pickup trucks, the 2018 Ram 2500 has made a name for itself. While the automaker claims owners can “outdo anything you’ve ever done” with the new lineup, the reason this truck is so well-known has nothing to do with capability, but rather defects. This truck suffers from a poor electrical system, fuel system, powertrain, service brakes and steering system.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019   2020   2021   2022

NHTSA Complaints for the 2018 Dodge Ram 2500

Problems with the Electrical System

This heavy-duty model relies extensively on the need for a strong electrical system, but that’s not what owners find it’s equipped with.

Read this Edmunds review as one example. “We’ve had nothing but internment problems since we bought it. Problems include: trailer brake controller cutting power to brakes, loss of sound, seat memory, cruise control, exhaust brake, phone connection, navigation app, door locks, auto headlights, ignition. Truck has been to the shop 8 times for over 45 days total in the first year.”

While this is disturbing, what’s more alarming is NHTSA Campaign Number 18V332000, which states that the cruise control cannot always be canceled. Sadly, this problem affects nearly five million vehicles and poses a real threat. The issue stems from a short circuit in the wiring that must be repaired. Otherwise, the Ram 2500 can plummet out of control down the road. That’s certainly something most people have never done, further living up to the slogan.

Problems with the Fuel System

Whether owners are towing or hauling, it’s helpful to know that the fuel system is going to deliver the necessary power to the engine to keep the truck moving.

This NHTSA review states otherwise. “Pulled out into traffic and the gas pedal did not propel the truck and I was almost hit broadside. It’s like the gas pedal took 3-4 seconds to send fuel to the engine and caused the truck to just roll instead of propelling it down the road.”

Out of more than 140 communications among FCA regarding this truck, there’s nothing of value that can help repair the fuel system concerns. Instead, owners are left operating like a turtle when pulling out into traffic. But, slow and steady always wins the race, unless the turtle is pulling out in front of a tractor-trailer.

Problems with the Transmission

To tow and haul, the Ram 2500 must have a reliable powertrain that can handle anything thrown at it. Unfortunately, that’s not what most owners are experiencing.

One NHTSA complaint states, “New vehicle with 57 miles on odometer died while parked idling. Tried restarting vehicle, raw fuel running out of tailpipe. Towed to [dealer] for diagnosis. Found PCM bad. #7 injector being held open constantly. PCM replaced after 1 week wait for release from national backorder. Vehicle repaired and returned to service.”

This is only the start of the powertrain concerns. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V100000 states that the vehicle may rollaway on its own. This problem affects nearly 200,000 vehicles and the documentation indicates that pushing on the brake pedal while the engine is running and in Park can cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick OPEN. When this happens, the transmission automatically shifts from PARK, even if the key is removed from the ignition or there is no foot on the brake pedal. Hopefully, it also rolls away slow and steady so owners have time to react before a collision occurs.

Problems with the Steering

Steering is another major concern for owners of the 2018 Ram 2500. It’s been an ongoing problem that doesn’t seem to get repaired.

Just look at this NHTSA complaint. “The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact took the vehicle to [service center] for routine maintenance. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering) and performed the recall repair. After the recall repair was performed, the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the tires replaced and for an alignment. The mechanic informed him that due to the welding that was performed during the recall repair, they were unable to perform an alignment. The same dealer was contacted and informed him that the work they performed on the vehicle was approved by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified and the contact requested that they pay for the alignment due to the work performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer denied the requested and provided case number… The vehicle had not been repaired.”

It turns out that this is an ongoing problem for Ram 2500 owners. In fact, the NHTSA has opened an investigation (NHTSA Action Number: EA19004) into what’s happening with the recall repair that is causing further issues. At this time, the organization is looking into the long-term suitability of the recall remedy performed by the FCA and will update owners about the determination. It’s not often that vehicles suffer from this many recalls and then further investigations related to the recalls fixed improperly. It’s just one more way that Ram wants owners to “outdo anything you’ve ever done.”

Problems with the Brakes

With all of these defects glaring at owners, one of the most important safety systems in place remains the service brakes. Unfortunately, it’s also another system that is quite defective.

Here’s one last NHTSA review to read. “While driving to work on a state highway, the brakes on my vehicle failed. The vehicle is 10 months old and has ~8000 on it. The ABS activated while not applying the brakes. When I stepped on the brakes to slow the speed of the vehicle, the vehicle took much longer to slow down and or stop. After which, the ABS and traction control light came on. The light then began to come off and on without a pattern. The car was taken to the dealership and the ABS pump and ABS control module were replaced. This issue occurred without warning. If the conditions had been different, this loss in braking could have caused a serious accident.”

Again, the automaker fails to discuss any of the brake issues in-depth, probably in hopes of drawing any further attention to how much of a lemon this truck is. Instead, it leaves owners hanging, with multiple ways of causing an unintended collision. At this point, it might be best for customers to look for what’s already been tried and proven, rather than opting for a model that wants to “outdo” others. After all, reliable trucking is far better than out of control.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Dodge pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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