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2018 Ram 1500: won't start

8 of the 669 complaints about the 2018 Ram 1500 describe won't start.

owner complaints
8
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 71 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Transmission · UT

My 2018 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel failed during acceleration on a busy freeway at 70 mph. I was able to avoid traffic and coast to the right shoulder. After paying for a tow, my scan tool called out four permanent codes: P0336, P061C, P062B, and U1401, proving the unsafe stall was directly caused by a delaminated or broken tone wheel. This failure is the root cause behind my open safety recall 66A. However, recall 66A only calls for a software fix and does not address my hard no-start condition. Since my Ram 1500 was manufactured in April of 2018 and the X94 warranty extension cut off date is March 26, 2018, I have no recourse to force FCA to address my failed tone wheel related to and actually the root driver behind the 66A safety recall. I intend to request FCA perform a "Goodwill" repair of the tone wheel. My complaint is I do not have a way forward to get my truck road worthy and safe under recall 66A. FCA cannot perform 66A on my Ram since the software repair cannot be completed while the truck is in a hard no-start condition due to the root driver behind the 66A safety recall. I should not be required to pay for a component known by FCA and the federal safety agency to be the actual cause behind the safety recall.

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · PA

on or about 7/29/2025 while driving at approx 45 mph (2018 Dodge Ram Rebel) - multiple dash warning lights came on. Parked at safe location. Vehicle would not start and again multiple dash lights came on, steering wheel tight. Had vehicle towed to Reedman Dodge Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Service Rep said vehicles needs replaced drive train and other electrical work costing $5,000.00. Vehicle has less than 100,000 miles (original owner) serviced regularly. Reedman Dodge said no recalls for this but is aware of multiple complaints and "class action" lawsuit on this.

Filed Jul 29, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Crank no start and vehicle stops running.

Filed Jan 2, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · PA

Cam Shaft (RECALL) sensor failure / tone wheel per the dealership. Truck lost all power descending off a mountain / steep grade. Lost steering, brakes, engine power. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership. Truck will not start, even have installing new parts. It was towed in to the dealer on 12/2/23. I am not able to get a solid answer on what needs to be done. Communication has been very poor on the entire situation.

Filed Dec 23, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

When driving the check engine light came on, the car slowed up and would not start after. I had the truck towed to the dealership. The service manager told me the high pressure fuel pump shattered and shot metal debris through the system. The High Pressure Fuel Pump is not available even though it is on a recall list. I contacted Chrysler customer service, the representative essentially told me there was nothing they can do because the part was not available.

Filed Jul 19, 2023 · TX

OEM UConnect 8.5" screen delamination resulting in constant screen flashing due to "ghost touches" causing distractions to driver. Issue causes the inability to turn screen off when flashing and changing screens on its own which can be hazardous any time, especially at night; when phone is connected to vehicle bluetooth system, the UConnect screen makes random calls which also distracts driver due to having to end a call on the actual phone, otherwise the person called at random is constantly put on hold and resumed to the point it is impossible to speak (hands-free laws in my city create the necessity to be able to speak via bluetooth) and, in the event an emergency call to 911 has to be made while driving, it does not appear the screen malfunction will allow it; climate randomly switches from heat to cool and continuously adjusts fan speed; equalizer on audio system controls itself and prevents driver from altering; radio station changes constantly and back and forth between AM and FM; inability to change clock if necessary; inability to change screen settings whatsoever. This vehicle may be inspected at any time. Dodge dealership maintenance confirmed it is a known issue and recommends the system be replaces (at my expense), even though this exact issue can be found in online forums, etc. dating back to 2017. There were no warnings, only what looked to be a crack in the screen which was later found to be an air bubble under the lamination that continues to spread. My vehicle is very rarely left parked while uncovered and has only been used per the owner's manual. This issue was also not disclosed when the vehicle was bought. My screen in particular did not start having issues until the end of 2022, at approx. 46,000 miles. The manufacturer's warranty has lapsed and an extended warranty was not purchased. However, had I known this could be an issue the manufacturer would not take responsibility for, I would have purchased an extended warranty.

Filed Jul 7, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 20,060 miles · IN

Drove the vehicle about 4 hours to pick up my daughter. Had the vehicle idling for a while as I waited for her arrive since she was running late. Put the car in drive and started to head home and the service shifter message came on. Then the transmission warning came on as well as a message with the brake system. The service engine light came on as well as the lightening bolt in red. I stopped and turned everything off hoping to reset and when I turned the vehicle on everything disappeared until I got back on the highway and then I had problems accelerating as all of gages didn't seem to engage. I got to the next exit and pulled into the closest parking lot and turned the vehicle off. However, it did not turn off. All of my gages went bessel, the windshield wipers turned on, on their own, and then all the lights on the shifter turned red and flashed. The dashboard continued to light up like it was trying to reset. I tried to start the vehicle and it would not start. Once all the lights finally turned off I was able to start the vehicle but the check engine light is still coming on.

Filed Mar 30, 2019 · Electrical · 8,500 miles · MI

Vehicle has failed to start 3 times in 2 1/2 months. I required road service each time. This occurred on jan. 16, 2019, mar, 20, 2019 and mar. 23, 2019. Vehicle had been used for errands involving several stops with only a couple of miles in between, then it would not start and the battery was completely dead. Dealer has looked at vehicle and noted that there are scores of 'low voltage' codes in the computer. This problem matches those noted in the federal safety agency recall u87. The 'crew cab' version of the truck is included in the recall but the 'quad cab' version is not. I cannot get the vehicle repaired and do not feel safe driving it if it may not start, anywhere anytime.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported June 8, 2023 · 80,629 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V‑475.

Recall number 23V411000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported August 13, 2020 · 58,016 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.

Recall number 20V475000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported October 24, 2019 · 107,980 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.

Recall number 19V757000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Ram 1500 won't start

Is won't start a common problem on the 2018 Ram 1500?

8 of 669 owner complaints about the 2018 Ram 1500 (1%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 2019.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Ram 1500?

There are 3 recalls and 71 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Ram 1500

Backup camera 60ABS 38Loss of power 36Fuel pump 35Stalling 34Power steering loss 32Check engine light 30Adaptive cruise 20Engine failure 20Knocking 16No deployment 12Fire or smoke 12Wipers 11Overheating 10Screen failure 8Headlights 7Jerking 7Hesitation 6Won't shift 6Seat belt 5

All model years of the Ram 1500

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