What 641 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab

Subject: Formal Complaint – 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Engine Failure at 11,900 Miles To Whom It May Concern at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am filing a formal complaint regarding a major mechanical failure in my 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. Despite all scheduled maintenance being performed and documented, the engine failed at just 11,900 miles — a clear indication of a serious defect or flaw in manufacturing. Vehicle Information: - Year/Make/Model: 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel - VIN: [XXX] - Dealer: Elk Grove Dodge - Mileage at Failure: 11,900 miles I have researched and documented similar cases involving this engine model, pointing to a larger, systemic issue that warrants investigation. This premature engine failure poses a significant safety risk, especially if it were to occur while driving at highway speeds or in traffic. I am requesting a formal safety defect investigation and consideration for recall. What I Am Requesting: - Investigation into systemic engine issues affecting 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel vehicles - Manufacturer accountability for premature failures under warranty - Consumer assistance in repair, buyback, or replacement under applicable laws or enforcement programs I am providing this documentation in the interest of resolving this matter through the proper regulatory channels. I respectfully request follow-up contact regarding next steps or findings. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11673555

I have a 2018 RAM 1500 that keeps flashing for the code for the ABS module. This malfunction has completely disabled the ABS system. My mechanic feels that this is a genuine safety hazard and the module needs to be replaced. RAM says the parts have been on back order for over a year. I'm on several different RAM/DOGE message boards and there are plenty of trucks that are having this issue and are told the same that the part is on back order for over a year. Please hold RAM/DODGE accountable for this obvious defect. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ODI 11673458

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11672506

Since purchasing my 2018 Dodge Ram brand new, I have experienced consistent issues while refueling. From day one, the fuel pump at gas stations would shut off multiple times during a fill-up, even when the tank was far from full. Initially, I believed this was an issue with individual gas stations or pumps. However, the problem has progressively worsened over time. At this point, the fuel pump shuts off more than 50 times during a single refueling attempt. It has become extremely difficult to fill the tank properly, and I have no reliable way of knowing when the tank is full. This issue frequently results in gasoline overflowing and spilling onto the ground, posing a serious safety hazard to myself and others, as well as an environmental concern. It also causes unnecessary fuel waste and stress during every refueling. After some research, I have learned that this issue may be related to the vapor canister or fuel system design, which has reportedly affected other Ram truck owners as well. I am filing this complaint to formally report the defect, urge investigation, and ensure Chrysler/Stellantis is held accountable for a resolution. This is a significant safety and environmental issue that should not be ignored.

NHTSA ODI 11672021

The front fuel tank strap fell off and tank is now hanging. When looking at strap, I noticed the frame mount that holds strap was corroded/rusted and had snapped, causing strap to let go. This was a recall back in 2009-2012 on this same vehicle. This should be looked at ASAP and recalled. This is a safety issue. Thankfully I found this before tank dropped out while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11671309

The uconnect 8.4 radio screen started delaminating. The delamination caused the screen to randomly turn things on/off, call random people including the emergency number, radio switching channels and changing volume, park assist warning buzzer to stop working, back-up camera ceased working and numerous other symptoms. Any, or all of these symptoms, will distract a driver to the point where an accident could occur. This has not only happened to me but thousands of other owners who own uconnect radios in their vehicles. The company, in my case FCA, has ignored this problem and has refused to repair or replace the radio. Clearly this is a faulty part that needs to be replaced before someone gets seriously injured or killed.

NHTSA ODI 11671098

Steering Gear Rack - Steering control rapidly diminished over a short amount of time. Initially was okay but steering began to intermittently stick and wouldn’t self-center. Issue became nearly full-time within a month. Got to the point that it required a ‘tug’ to re-center. Took to a shop to additionally find that the boot clamps had broke themselves loose, causing the boots to separate and freely slide around. Driver seat airbag - service airbag system (?) warning on dash. Loose/bad connector in center console according to a mechanic leading to potential airbag deployment failure. Both of these issues are reportedly exceedingly common among RAMs, with steering gear racks extending as far back as 2013, and the airbag situation commonly effecting at least the ‘18 models. Additionally, Rear axle (passenger-side) - Shop discovered at the same time a seal had failed causing axle lubricant to spray onto hub causing extreme risk to breaking system due to the spray. Potentially lead to corrosion of caliper and caused advanced rusting resulting in wheel not spinning freely/easily. Driver side works as should. Warranty refused coverage of steering gear rack due to ‘improper installation’, as they claim, due to boots having separated from their respective mount points and loose clamps. Dates and mileage are rough estimates at time of on-set.

NHTSA ODI 11669917

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving on the freeway and over a bridge at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several dealers were contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11668651

The backup camera periodically makfunctions. I have dealth with a dealer concerning this problem and was told this year model has not been recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11668042

The infotainment screen on my ram 1500 is delaminating causing it to ghost press functions. This is resulting it starting and stopping music, phone calls, voice prompts, backup camera, mirror dimmer, etc. it has started doing this in the last month. It distracts the driver because the screen requires constant attention and can’t be turned off.

NHTSA ODI 11668242

THE U CONNECT SCREEN KEEPS ASKING TO UPDATE THE CLOCK WHEN THE CLOCK IS ACCURATE, LOCKS OUT ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS UNTIL I HIT THE X, THEN ALL GOES AWAY, THEN THE MESSAGE RETURNS.

NHTSA ODI 11666500

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake, traction control, and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,137. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11665768

ABS control module is out with under 50k miles on it. Dealers in the area mention it's a common issue with this model and shared that the 2500 models have the same issue and had a recall issued.

NHTSA ODI 11665475

Steering is going in and out, mechanic thinks it's our module that should be part of this major recall.

NHTSA ODI 11665419

High pressure fuel pump failure while driving. This vehicle shows potential recall for this part but for some reason my vehicle is not listed in the system for this recall. I have a 2018 ecodiesel with the 3.0

NHTSA ODI 11664380

My ABS and anti swerve systems have gone bad are not operational. There has been a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer for the 2500 & 3500. My local dealer in Melbourne Fl has said the module has been on back order for some time now! No clue if anything can be done but I don't feel safe driving in the rain, which it does most days here.

NHTSA ODI 11664404

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11664033

While driving through a hard rain and some standing water (which was totally unavoidable)one afternoon, I began having Electric power steering problems. It stared off with grinding noises for a couple days and on the day i took it to be checked is when I loss all power steering with EPS warning light engaged. After searching for the part continuously, through manufacturers and auto parts dealers, I was told countless times that it was on national back order. So, weeks passed with no luck and finally found one from a used auto parts which cost me 1k plus labor. About 2 months later, almost same scenario all over again. Loss power steering while driving. Now im back in the same situation again but this time different mechanic has one on order for me but a new steering rack which is now costing me $3000 for parts labor programing and wheel alignment which is needed after replacing rack. Now the insurance adjuster is telling me that from his research this is a huge ongoing problem with RAM trucks. Since 2018 when I got my truck i haven't had any issues until now twice within two months with this EPS rack.Ram needs this fixed immediately. It is a major safety hazard, inconvenience, and a big financial burden that insurance won't cover

NHTSA ODI 11663582

Recall Z46 for the High Pressure Fuel Rail. Truck has been down for a month and was told today my truck is still not fixed and they have no clue when the parts will be coming in for the to get my truck done.

NHTSA ODI 11663237

Failure of ABS control module with loss of traction control. After researching this issue shortly after having the ABS control module fail on my vehicle I found numerous posts about a faulty ABS module and hydraulic control module ending in part AA. This appears to be a widespread issue with the Ram 1500 pickups warranting a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11662131

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was unidentified. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included, and the parts for the repair was not available. Another local dealer, Rainbow Chrysler Dodge Jeep (301 River Highland Blvd, Covington, LA 70433) was contacted about the repair; however, parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ODI 11660432

The vehicle started rattling currently its not starting i almost crashed a car in front of me, the truck is in jordan am not in the usa and the dodge local dealership refused to do the recalls stating that there is no support for diesel rams they even refused to provide the parts or the software… If this truck is not supported world wide why did they allowed its exportation kindly help me with this

NHTSA ODI 11660117

Unconnect / head unit malfuctions in a way that makes driving unsafe. Climate control is unusable, gps malfuctions, radio stations change, phone calls people, mutes/unmutes, hangs up. AC/Heat alternates and turns on and off on it's own. It's incredibly distracting.

NHTSA ODI 11657943

Engine failed at 142,000 miles. No prior indications or warning lights. Cam roller failed on cylinder #7 intake causing rod to throw through head cover, and valve to drop into cylinder #7 piston which damaged piston and disable engine. I have been advised that this was caused by the Variable Displacement mode the engine goes into when not under load, for better fuel economy. I have also been advised that this issue is not uncommon for these 5.7 Hemi engines which are advertised to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. I had to replace engine and loss of use for 4 weeks. Not happy with Chrysler/Ram/Stellantis. I feel mislead/cheated.

NHTSA ODI 11657422

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel. The contact was informed that the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel had delaminated. No warning lights were illuminated. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11657234