2018 Ram 2500
Common Problems
Ranked from 1373 federal NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
41 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Intermittent Cruise Control Disengagement
906complaintsSafety riskOtherCruise control randomly disengages when ABS and electronic braking system warnings appear, posing a safety risk during highway driving.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Cruise Control Malfunction
873complaintsSafety riskOtherThe cruise control intermittently fails, stopping unexpectedly and causing the vehicle to slow down rapidly.
- 3
Delayed Recall Repair Availability
51complaintsLow severityOtherRecall repairs for the hydraulic control unit (HCU) are delayed, causing ongoing safety concerns and inconvenience.
- 4
ABS Module Failure
50complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module frequently fails, causing intermittent ABS and Traction Control warnings and disabling cruise control.
$800–$2,000est. abs module replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 5
ABS and Traction Control System Malfunction
40complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe ABS and traction control systems intermittently fail, causing the cruise control to malfunction and warning lights to illuminate.
Related recall: 24V896000
- 6
Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Failure
35complaintsSafety riskOtherThe Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) repeatedly fails, causing the ABS and Traction Control systems to malfunction and the brake lights to flash.
$800–$2,000est. abs module replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Failure
31complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) fails, leading to intermittent or permanent loss of ABS, ESC, and traction control.
$800–$2,000est. abs module replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 8
Intermittent Dashboard Warning Lights
23complaintsMedium severityElectricalDashboard warning lights for ABS, Traction Control, and Electronic Braking System (ESB) intermittently illuminate, indicating potential system failures.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V332000
- 9
Cruise Control Failure
21complaintsMedium severityOtherThe cruise control intermittently stops working, often when the ABS and Traction Control warning lights are on, leading to reduced vehicle control.
- 10
Intermittent Brake Malfunction
21complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe vehicle experiences intermittent brake failure, leading to reduced stopping power and potential loss of control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 11
ABS and Traction Control System Failure
20complaintsSafety riskOtherThe Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System fail intermittently, causing the vehicle to lose control and skid.
- 12
ABS and Traction Control Warning Lights
20complaintsMedium severityBrakesABS and traction control warning lights illuminate intermittently or continuously, indicating potential brake system failures.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 13
Electrical Issues with ABS and Traction Control Systems
20complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe ABS and traction control systems frequently experience electrical failures, causing the related warning lights to flash and cruise control to fail.
Related recall: 18V332000
- 14
Intermittent ABS and Traction Control Light Issues
20complaintsMedium severityOtherThe ABS and Traction Control warning lights intermittently come on and off, causing the cruise control to fail and the vehicle to lose braking performance.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Recall Non-Resolution
18complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe HCU recall for the 2018 Ram 2500 remains unresolved, with parts not available despite multiple notifications and contacts with dealerships.
$800–$2,000est. abs module replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 17
Recall for Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Not Fixed
18complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe recall for the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) remains unresolved despite multiple attempts to repair, leading to ongoing issues with ABS and Traction Control systems.
$800–$2,000est. abs module replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 18
Defective ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)
17complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) malfunctions, leading to intermittent brake failures and warning lights.
$800–$2,000est. abs module replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 19
Cruise Control Non-Functioning Due to ABS Issues
16complaintsLow severityBrakesThe cruise control does not function properly due to issues with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), causing inconvenience during driving.
Related recall: 24V896000
- 20
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System Failure
16complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system fails, leading to constant warning lights and reduced vehicle stability.
Related recall: 24V896000
- 21
Loss of Cruise Control Functionality
16complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe cruise control function is frequently disabled due to ABS and Traction Control system failures, leading to reduced driving convenience and safety.
Related recall: 24V896000
- 22
ABS Light and Warning Chimes
14complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe ABS light and warning chimes frequently illuminate, indicating a potential brake system failure and requiring immediate attention.
Related recall: 24V896000
- 23
Recall for Service Brakes, Hydraulic Not Fixed Timely
14complaintsMedium severityOtherThe recall for service brakes, hydraulic was not fixed in a timely manner, leaving the vehicle with warning lights and unresponsive brakes.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 24
Traction Control System Failure
14complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe traction control system intermittently fails, leading to loss of traction and increased risk of skidding or rolling.
Related recall: 24V896000
- 25
Faulty ABS Control Module
10complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe ABS control module fails, leading to the loss of ABS, traction control, and cruise control functions.
Related recall: 24V896000
- 26
Hydraulic Control Unit Defect
8complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe hydraulic control unit is defective, causing the ABS and traction control systems to fail and the cruise control to malfunction.
$800–$2,000est. abs module replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 27
Intermittent ABS and Traction Control Warnings
8complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe ABS and traction control systems intermittently fail, causing warning lights to flash and cruise control to shut off.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 28
Forward Collision Avoidance System Failure
7complaintsSafety riskOtherThe forward collision avoidance system intermittently fails, causing the cruise control to malfunction and warning lights to illuminate.
- 29
Intermittent ABS Warning Lights
7complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe ABS warning light intermittently illuminates, indicating potential issues with the braking system.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 30
Loss of ABS Functionality
7complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe ABS system fails, resulting in loss of braking control and inability to use cruise control.
Related recall: 24V896000
- 31
Brake Pedal Pulsation and Inoperability
6complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake pedal pulsates and becomes inoperable, leading to loss of vehicle control and potential crashes.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 32
Vehicle Sliding Off Road
6complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe vehicle slides off the road due to brake failure or loss of traction, posing a significant safety risk.
Related recall: 24V896000
- 33
Brake Pedal Failure
4complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake pedal travels to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to fail to respond properly.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 34
Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Issues
3complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe HCU malfunctions, causing brake and stability system failures, including ABS and Traction Control.
$800–$2,000est. abs module replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 35
Steering System Malfunction
3complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe steering system malfunctions, causing the steering wheel to kick back and making it difficult to control the vehicle at high speeds.
Related recalls: 18E096000, 19V021000
- 36
Brake Pedal Issues
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake pedal drops to the floor during sudden braking, creating a risk of loss of control and potential accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V896000
- 37
Engine Oil Leak
2complaintsMedium severityEngineAn oil leak from the timing cover/crankshaft front causes significant repair costs and frequent issues.
$200–$1,600est. oil-leak repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 38
Rear Camera Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe rear camera does not function properly, leading to blurred images and potential accidents.
- 39
Stability Control Warning Light On
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe stability control warning light remains on, indicating potential issues with the electronic stability control system.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V332000
- 40
Steering Linkage Welding Issue
2complaintsSafety riskSteeringWelding the steering linkage as a temporary fix leads to decreased adjustability and increased safety risks during realignments.
Related recalls: 18E096000, 19V021000
- 41
Trailer Brake Module Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe trailer brake module malfunctioned, leading to trailer brake disconnection during towing, posing a risk of accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V332000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.