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

Dash mounted control screen malfunctions, and the heater will switch back and forth randomly the radio doesn't function properly, can't control heater or defrosters. If using navigation, it will malfunction and flicker on and off.

NHTSA ODI 11641588

The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is malfunctioning and causing the ABS light, Electronic Stability Control and other warning lights to be triggered. The failing HCU initially resulted in loss of ABS and traction control. There has been a recall of 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 & 5500 trucks and the recall addresses a defect in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) that could lead to the failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems. Below is the link to the 24V-896 Safety Recall Report: [XXX] This HCU failure causes the Anti-lock braking system and Traction control system to no longer function limiting function under wet or slippery conditions. This puts the driver and others at risk. Ram settled a class action lawsuit addressing this issue for the above-mentioned vehicles but left out the 1500 series. This is a $2,000 repair that should be a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11639953

My 2018 ram 1500 big horn, began showing lights on dash to fix the trailer brakes, and ABS. The sensors was replaced yet the problem persists. When I called RAM they stated the recall was vin specific. Yet the 2018 ram 2500-5500 were recalled for bad abs system, the 2019 rams 1500s were recalled for the same issue. Ram told me that my truck did display all the issues their recall is doing. That was 3 weeks ago and never heard back from them.

NHTSA ODI 11639120

We may have started a claim already reference number 1592940, this is the first I've been able to write out the details. On [XXX] we were driving through South Dakota on the freeway; which was cold but dry and clear with no hazards and within a mile everything happened or about 45-60 seconds First, it was like the gas wasn't getting through because RPMS went from normal to almost 5000. From there, my husband started losing driving power, so he started trying to pull over. Within seconds it seemed to lose engine power as were were pulling over to the shoulder. As we were pulling over the truck gave "loss oil pressure" and then died luckily as we just made it to the shoulder. If my husband had hesitated longer we would have been stalled on the freeway not able to start the truck again. The truck was towed to a local Ford dealership. The Mechanic said it may be a Ram recall but dropped it there and did not continue researching. We called the nearby Ram dealership where the mechanic said over the phone with out actually seeing the truck that is was not a recall. No one else has yet inspected the truck. I first need to know where I'm allowed to go to find an unbiased diagnoses and fair assessment. This was and is the only issue we have ever had with this truck. Maintenance was scheduled regularly, it was well taken care of and only had 110,000 miles on it. We have already had to pay for the towing to the dealership and also the towing from the dealership in South Dakota to home in Washington State to try and get this figured out. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11637524

Rear backup camera freezes the display or displays blue screen while backing up. Open recall on the year of vehicle but not under this VIN. Vehicle has been doing this for a long time and seems just recently the recall was started. A possibly unrelated issue is happening where the uconnect does “ghost button pressing” cuts heat, turns on ac, changes clock, settings etc. very unsafe as youre forced to turn heat or ac back on while driving multiple times in a short session of driving

NHTSA ODI 11637064

The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is malfunctioning and causing the ABS light, Electronic Stability Control and other warning lights to be triggered. The failing HCU initially resulted in intermittent loss of ABS and traction control but now it is a constant issue. There has been a recall of 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 & 5500 trucks and the recall addresses a defect in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) that could lead to the failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems. Below is the link to the 24V-896 Safety Recall Report: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V896-3848.PDF This HCU failure causes the Anti-lock braking system and Traction control system to no longer function limiting function under wet or slippery conditions. This puts the driver and others at risk. Please have the 2017-2018 Ram 1500 included to this recall.

NHTSA ODI 11634521

my vehicle started knocking loudly, the all of a sudden I lost power on a 4 lane highway causeing other vehicles to swerve around me. this could have been a accident if the road conditions were icy such as they are in Alberta. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership, the connecting Rods were in the bottom of the oil pan. since this incident I have learned of 2 other Eco diesels that had the same thing happen to them. These people are my friends and close aqauintences. So there must be more if I know 3 Eco diesels personally on my town.

NHTSA ODI 11633573

Engine started knocking at 65mph. Slowed to find a safe place to pull out of traffic lane. Before pulling over engine stopped but was able to get completely off the road. My safety was not directly at risk but had to wait at the side of the road for 4 hours waiting for tow. The dealer stated they have no idea what failed. The engine has not been inspected. The dealer told me I would have to pay to have it torn apart to find out what failed. There were no warnings except the engine knock. Oil pressure was normal, was not overheating and no check engine light. My safety could have been at risk had I been trying to pull out into traffic. Dealer has been doing all of the scheduled oil changes and inspections. I thought this may have something to do with recall 66A/NHTSA 23V-411. Dealer stated that could not be the reason as that recall fix is a software update?

NHTSA ODI 11633278

I was driving this [XXX] ecodiesel truck and it threw a rod on a sketchy windy road on a mountain pass. I was told 65 mile tow one way, 90 the other; I chose the former (Liberty Mutual said they’d reimburse $20 of my over $250 tow) thanks again! Not.)). Brought it to Ram in Show Low Arizona, Eric McGraw the service manager was terrific and communicated with me as much as he could. Unfortunately, they said the engine was out of power train warranty (I was at 99,840 miles at time of engine failure), “by time not miles.” I had to call FCA directly and get a [XXX] case manager, Josh who was also stellar in my opinion. 9 weeks; 9 weeks without my truck. That’s 7 total payments for it to what? Sit unfixed while FCA struggled with their top leadership? I bought this [XXX] ecodiesel engine because it was a diesel and diesels are notorious for having higher mileage capability; AND THEN to have everyone at Ram to FCA point fingers, shrug shoulders, and keep me waiting at my own expense; was simply intolerable to me. Luckily, FCA told me Ram would cover %65 of the repair (which is generous, but a slap in the face when I bought a supposed long life diesel from one of the top diesel companies in this country, and then to not cover the whole thing? BEFORE 100k miles?! So I paid $7000 out of pocket for this new engine. There was a lawsuit earlier which details how FCA settled in court over this same model “only 2014-2016 models” supposedly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11630718

The HVAC controls are part of the radio unit. The radio unit locks up, requiring the battery to be pulled to reset most of the time. When you dont have the radio working you cannot control the HVAC controls including Defrost which can cause a dangerous driving situation or not be able to drive due to fogged up windows. Also many of the vehicle functions such as the auto dim mirror are inoperative when the radio locks up or doesnt not work (black screen) causing a dangerous night situation. lastly, the reversing camera will not work with a non functioning radio display causing a hazard with a full size pickup backing up to others.

NHTSA ODI 11630767

2018 Dodge Ram Rebel won't take gas. Keeps shutting off at pump without filling (30 gal tank) took to dealer was told vapor/gas sensor issue - need to replace gas tank $3500 repair! Vehicle has 88000 miles no accidents. I am the original owner of this vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11630499

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in rainy weather, the brake pedal was firmly depressed to stop at a traffic light, but the rear brakes seized, causing the vehicle to hydroplane into the middle of an intersection. The contact made a U-turn and continued driving. The ABS, traction control, and brake system warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11629726

I have a 2018 Ram, with the 5.7 hemi. I purchased it new in November 2017. I currently have just over 53,000 miles and began to hear a ticking sound on startup that lessened upon driving but never completely gone and could smell exhaust fumes in the passenger compartment. I took this to an independent service center and they reported that two or the rear bolts have broken off that secure the exhaust manifold and the gasket has been damaged. The mechanic states that this is quite common but not a recalled area from the manufacturer. The repair will cost close to $1,000.00 to repair. I do not understand that if this is a common and well known and documented problem and can be a huge safety risk due to the leaking of carbon monoxide into the passenger compartment, why hasn't this t been listed as a safety recall. I now understand that RAM is also discontinuing the production of the 5.7 hemi engine, are these type problems related?

NHTSA ODI 11629248

The backup camera randomly loses the image when backing up. It has happened many times, unpredictable, beginning in October. Then had a period of it happening quite often, now it's only been twice in the last couple of weeks. I have a couple of photos of the screen, but this app won't let me paste them in. I request my VIN be added to the recall for this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11628799

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer where an unknown recall for the fuel pump was performed. The contact stated that while driving out of the dealer parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered over to the side of the road and was not able to be restarted. The keys were turned over to the dealer and it was determined that the part was defective. The contact had been waiting on the manufacturer to provide additional steps for four days. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA ODI 11628525

When fueling my vehicle, whether my tank is empty or half full, the pump clicks off as it would if my tank was full. It can take 1/2 hour to get $10.00 worth of gas in my 33 gallon tank. The pump either stops or the gas bubbles up and spills all over my truck, on me and on the ground. If this were to happen and there was a lit cigarette on the ground or an open flame, a serious life threatening incident could occur. I spoke with someone in the parts department at Bedard Brothers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and he informed me that it’s on “The Bulletin” of potential problems with this vehicle but there’s no recall for it and there should be. I bought my truck in April 2024 and was not informed of this issue and now, as I live in New England where the winters are harsh, I find myself standing in the freezing cold trying to fuel my truck and my family is in the vehicle freezing because it it unsafe and illegal to let it run while I'm fueling it.

NHTSA ODI 11627544

Cannot put fuel in tank… when trying to fill at gas station, the pump keeps kicking off and gas spills out the filler neck. This is a common and known issue with RAM trucks and the tanks should have been recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11625973

Power steering intermittently stops working while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11624282

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The high-pressure fuel pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11623848

Chrysler's 3.0L diesel engine have a high-pressure fuel pump with an open recall on them. A HPFP failure may introduce internally failed component debris into the fuel system and cause potential fuel starvation. In January of 2023, I attempted to remedy the situation with a RAM dealership in Aptos, California. The attached email chain shows that for 6 months, I was unable to receive parts for my 3.0L diesel engine. After a change in job opportunities, I ended up in Palmdale late November 2023, where I continued to pursue remediation at the RAM of the West Dealership in Lancaster. While I do not have a email thread on this, if you visit their store on 43226 10th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534, you find that they have an open ticket for this same recall that has been open since February 2024. I have had an open recall for 2 years now, which has prevented me from receiving a new registration sticker. My current RAM 1500, still has a sticker from 2022 despite me paying for all of my registration requirements. This has led to 3 tickets and a threat from law enforcement that they can take my truck. This has gone on long enough and I am demanded a solution.

NHTSA ODI 11621781

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen was delaminating, causing the touch screen function to engage different systems independently. The contact was concerned for his safety. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the infotainment system was rebooted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was charged a fee for the infotainment system replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ODI 11621186

On [XXX], at [XXX], my 2018 Dodge Ram Eco diesel engaged in fire. At this time, I called 911 and the Fire Department from which I obtained the fire report from respond and extinguish the fire. No police were ever dispatched. After exiting the vehicle, it seems like the vehicle was already on fire due to the progression of the fire already. I recently got the truck back from a local Dodge Dealership Cannon in Westpoint MS due to a high-pressure fuel pump recall. The truck also had another recall for failure of the EGR cooler. Which will result in possible fire according to their recall. Dodge motor company sent out an inspector who took numerous pictures and later determined by Dodge they were not at any negligence due to manufacturing of the vehicle, but unfortunately, I strongly disagree with their conclusion due to the numerous of incidents involving fire reported with the same particular make and model of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11621315

While driving the power steering stopped working causing the vehicle to become very difficult to steer. Fortunately this happened while traveling in a straight line and I was able to maintain control of the vehicle, but if it had happened in a curve, or leading into a corner, it would have been difficult to maintain lane control. After letting the vehicle sit for 8 hours, I was able to start the vehicle and drive it a short distance before the fault reoccurred. The vehicle sat for two days and after a few minutes of driving the power steering went out again. All fuses on the power connections test as properly functioning. There is a recall covering RAM 1500 trucks from 2013 - 2019 for this exact problem definition, but multiple RAM dealerships that I have contacted state my vehicle does not fall under the recall (per VIN). The NHTSA needs to investigate this complaint and hold RAM accountable to fix the known issue on all RAM trucks. It is not a matter of if, but a matter of when. Loss of power steering can lead to a serious accident. My wife or daughter would not have been able to turn the vehicle had this occurred while they were operating a vehicle in a turn.

NHTSA ODI 11620305

The engine ticking constantly as well as an electrical issue with the radio, heating, ac unit, control panel in dash that has all of this in it constantly changes goes haywire, won't let you do anything to fix it. It flips from setting to setting as well as different screens and the cargo lights have a habit of staying on an draining the battery. The engine tick has been like that for i dont know how long but it seems all the ram 1500s have that same tick, the control panel started acting crazy about 2 months ago, the battery being drained this is the 2nd battery I bought in 2 yrs due to this issue. Not sure about the cargo light when that started. It's pretty crappy we use out hard earned money to purchase what we believe to be a great vehicle only to find its made so bad to have all these issues and no recalls on them. I'm sure I speak for all ram 1500 owners ram should take better care of their customers and the issues in which their products malfunction and fix the issue instead of leaving us high an dry, broke down along the road due to poor production. I'd like to see these issues fixed but not on my experience since the issue comes straight from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI 11620144

I took my truck in because i have a tone wheel that needs to be replaced. my truck is getting recall 66a where the remedy is just a flash of the ecu. my tone wheel needs to be replaced and is covered under recall 73a. ram is not going to cover replacing this known issue because according to them my vin is only getting the code 66a, a known issue for this year truck and motor.

NHTSA ODI 11620169