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2018 Ram 1500 electrical problems

159 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 21,364. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
159
of this car's complaints
24%
typical mileage
21,364
crashes
4
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    2
  • Instrument panel: speedometer/odometer
    1
  • Instrument cluster/panel
    1
  • Horn
    1
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ram 1500 electrical problems in other years

2009201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Ram 1500 electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Backup camera 60Fire or smoke 11Screen failure 8

Related recalls

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported August 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details

What 2018 Ram 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · DE

After driving through a heavy downpour, power steering cut out intermittently. The next day, it became full inoperable. Repair shop initially suggested letting the controls "dry out". When that was unsuccessful, the shop suggested taking it to a dealer, stating that the entire rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. I took it to a dealer, and they claimed the assembly failed, need to be replaced, and was on a 45-day minimum back order.

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 40,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment screen delaminated, and the HVAC system, radio, rear-view camera, or navigation system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Electrical · 58,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster independently enabled the seat adjustments, made phone calls to 9-1-1, and adjusted the side-view mirrors. Additionally, the instrument cluster independently activated and deactivated the heat and air conditioning control switches. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · GA

Car dealership (CarMax) has been not repairing vehicles that are still under warranty and not having loaner vehicles available and having secondary repair shops that are not getting paid to repair warranty issues. My vehicle has been having cv boot issues that have not been repaired as of this date (4/9/2026 .

Filed Apr 3, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · FL

I have a 2018 RAM 1500 Tradesman 2WD truck that the the ABS warning ligh as well as check engine, brakes warning light keeps staying on. I am very concerned about this as it may cause me to NOT be able to brake in time to. Also the cruise control does not work. I've taken it to several different mechanics as well as Autozone and I'm told the error code is C2200-49 which is the Anti-lock Brake Module Internal- Internal Electronic Failure. My mechanic has told me there is NO PART available and has been on back order for the past year. My only recourse is to locate one from a junk yard and hope that it will work. I've done an exhaustive on-line search and haven't been able to locate the module for my year and model truck through any RAM 'MOPAR' dealership. I've been on several different message boards and have been told there are thousands of trucks out there with this issues. Please, help us by making RAM do a recall on this vehicle. Sincerely, [XXX] ATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Electrical · 105,521 miles · GA

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 63,676; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 105,521.

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

Failure of the ABS control module. Scanning of the trouble code shows internal electronic failure code C2200-49. Loss of ABS on vehicle, decreased stability on wet surfaces. Appears to be a known issue with Rams, my vehicle is not on the recall list for this issue but should be there should be a wider recall forced on Ram for this issue. Loss of ABS and traction control, Loss of cruise control, and increased risk of transmission damage that may result in loss of drive at wheels during operation that may result in an accident.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · OH

Electronic power steering has started working intermittently. Very hard to steer truck at times. Very dangerous.

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · 120,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Air Bag” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag warning light remained illuminated while driving. Additionally, the horn was inoperable while depressed, and the controls on the left side of the steering wheel failed to operate as intended; however, the right side of the steering wheel operated as intended. The dealer was contacted for recall information and informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure was associated with an unknown recall found online. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera malfunctioned and the screen was blank, creating a rear visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the local mechanic. The alternator and battery were replaced on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate erroneously opened. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 18V398000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) or 19V347000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failures listed in the recalls. The failure mileage was unknown.

Questions about the 2018 Ram 1500 electrical

Does the 2018 Ram 1500 have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 159 complaints about the electrical of the 2018 Ram 1500, 24% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2018 Ram 1500 electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 21,364 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Ram 1500 electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 18V524000, 18V332000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ram 1500 have the most electrical problems?

The Ram 1500 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2019 (382 complaints), 2014 (246 complaints) and 2013 (228 complaints).

Other 2018 Ram 1500 problems

Engine 153Fuel system 140Steering 90Transmission 60Brakes 48Acceleration 31Driver assistance 30Suspension 22Airbags 19Visibility 17Body 15Lights 10Seat belts 8Seats 7Wheels 6Locks 4Tires 3

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