2018 RAM 1500 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2018 RAM 1500, 9% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 23,779 miles. The words owners use most often: “tone wheel” (12% of reports).
- 60power train complaints
- 23,779median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 55%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Tone wheel: mentioned in 7 of 60 complaints (12%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 20 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 60 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 2 an injury.
RAM 1500 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 1500 | 10 | 10% | 1,600 |
| 2025 1500 | 49 | 14% | 4,000 |
| 2024 1500 | 15 | 20% | 2,150 |
| 2023 1500 | 28 | 14% | 14,000 |
| 2022 1500 | 103 | 17% | 17,560 |
| 2021 1500 | 99 | 15% | 28,000 |
| 2020 1500 | 63 | 10% | 22,000 |
| 2019 1500 | 207 | 14% | 12,000 |
| 2018 1500 | 60 | 9% | 23,779 |
| 2017 1500 | 98 | 11% | 21,000 |
| 2016 1500 | 202 | 13% | 32,000 |
| 2015 1500 | 226 | 15% | 50,000 |
| 2014 1500 | 192 | 11% | 44,165 |
| 2013 1500 | 86 | 7% | 23,807 |
| 2009 1500 | 9 | 24% | 89,253 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.
Risk: 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 risk of a crash.
Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.
Power train:axle assembly
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure.
Risk: If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U88.
Power train:automatic transmission
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk: 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 vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Power train:automatic transmission
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk: 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 rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
San Antonio Tx was driving this morning in a light mist had my son in the truck the vehicle ahead of me came to an abrupt stop and I had to hit my brakes pretty hard and without the abs working properly I am impacted by the ABS controller failure However, I was surprise at how few have files formal…
XXX, [XXX] East Bound ~ 9:30 PM, , pulling a tandem-axle boat and trailer ~ 6000# GVW , the truck slowed suddenly, in traffic ~ 62 MPH. I contacted CJDR dealers in [XXX], and [XXX], and both stated there was no recall, warranty, or goodwill repair, available for my truck. [XXX] told me the same…
Took truck in for warrenty work, engine started nocking techs checked said rod could come through side of engine, Ram know this but refuse to do anything. truck has less than 70000 miles was told 17000 dollar for new motor and install, and there still other issues with this truck, why no recall…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2018 RAM 1500s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints about power train for the 2018 RAM 1500 (9% of the 664 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2018 RAM 1500 power train?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 23,779 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2018 RAM 1500?
The most frequent phrase is “tone wheel”, in 7 of 60 complaints.
Other 2018 RAM 1500 problems
See all 2018 RAM 1500 problems or power train problems across all 1500 years.