2018 Ram 3500 engine problems

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 23,000 miles · OR · fire

The contact owns a 2018 RAM 3500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal cracking sound and smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact inspected and used a fire extinguisher to slow the smoke and electrical sparks down. The contact did not notice any fire. The fire department arrived and disconnected the electrical cables to prevent further damage. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was traveling on vacation. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was later towed to an RV service center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

Recall C4B with known issue and known remedy but “no parts available.” Contacted RAM and with no parts they have no solution. You can rent an auto out of pocket and possibly be reimbursed. No option for buyback or solution. Recall came out 12/5/2024.

Filed May 9, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · SC

On May 3, 2025, while driving my 2018 RAM 2500 with approximately 46,000 miles, the check engine light came on and the engine immediately experienced a significant loss of power. The vehicle entered a limp mode condition, drastically reducing speed and acceleration. I was forced to pull into a nearby business as the truck could not maintain safe highway speeds, creating a traffic hazard and contributing to congestion. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility as having a failed turbo actuator, a critical component in regulating turbo boost and engine power delivery. After researching this issue, I have found numerous similar complaints and reports from other RAM truck owners on various owner forums and websites, indicating this may be a recurring and potentially widespread defect in these vehicles. Given that this failure occurred at relatively low mileage, caused a hazardous driving condition, and seems to be a commonly reported problem, I believe this issue warrants investigation by the federal safety agency for potential safety risks and manufacturer accountability. No injuries or property damage occurred, but the incident posed a significant safety risk to myself and other drivers.

Filed Apr 20, 2025 · Engine · OK

The turbo actuator quit working at 103,000 miles. Loss of power. Took to Dodge dealer in Bartlesville Oklahoma to fix. I bought an extended warranty but it wouldn’t cover the cost because I have a flatbed. Out $7,500. I noticed they recalled this part on the 2015 and they need to on the 2018.

Filed May 3, 2024 · Engine · FL

I was pulling my 5th wheel trailer down the interstate, and my engine fan came on "hi". The suction from the fan caused the rubber fan shroud to become sucked into my fan and it cut it into large pieces. Those pieces were then violently thrown into the radiator and punctured it resulting in loss of all engine coolant. This is a known and documented manufacturer defect ranging from 2014 to 2018.

Filed Mar 2, 2024 · Engine · KY

67A recall was not performed on my vehicle nor was I notified of it. I have had SCR catalyst issues and def issues and my vehicles constantly fails emissions. Ram and Cummins have stated that my vehicle is not included in the recall but I am having the same issues as the 67A recall.

Filed Aug 29, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · ID

Since purchasing this truck brand new in 2018 we have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. Dodge Ram failed us every time. They failed to work with the dealer and ignored every attempt to find solutions. It started with vehicle loosing power on very dangerous locations a specially freeway located in curves in the middle of nowhere. It took years to fix that problem. Multiple times we drove from the shop being told that it was fixed and it wasn't. We would drive right back in after 15 min. It took over 3 years to get dodge and dealer to replace the transmission and all electrical issues. The other problem that we have had since buying this truck is the AC. Its been always a problem we are continuously trying to fix it and its been very hard. This entire summer my children have been suffering. We are driving in extreme heat with zero ac and Dodge Ram can not produce part for the dealership to fix it. What is really unfair that original dealer tried again to charge us for something that it waste the problem. We would have paid for it and would have been back within an hour. The new dealer Peterson Dodge understood the problem and was honest with us that there is a lot more then a filter. It was me who requested to get a second opinion and get a way from Larry H Miller Dodge.

Filed Jun 12, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 112,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at high speeds, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and the ABS warning light, electronic stability control warning light, and the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated but remained illuminated. The contact stated that prior to driving over the bump, the cruise control operated as designed; however, after driving over the bump, the cruise control failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that several unknown codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Filed Apr 5, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · 61,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while towing a trailer full of horses, the traction control and the ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the turbo and the ECU to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer: Jacksonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Arlington (9600 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225: (877) 677-5782), where it was diagnosed with needing the turbo and the ECU to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · FL

I had a warning message to service my DEF system. I had the truck checked at a RAM dealer who reported i need a new exhaust system. They had me wait a few days while they ordered parts. The message never reappeared and the truck is running fine. I dont understand why the dealer wanted me to replace my exhaust system when it apparently doesn't need one. The 2018 truck has only 18K miles on it.