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

We have noticed for more than a year that the main touch screen of our 2018 Ram 1500 has screen delamination, and, with it, ghosting; i.e., it appears a ghost is touching buttons, as even though we are not touching buttons on the screen, buttons are being pushed all over the screen. We are happy to make the vehicle available for inspection or provide videos upon request. If we have Bluetooth on, and our phone contact list is up, multiple people are called (we have to make sure we do not have Bluetooth enabled when we are in the vehicle). Sometimes, when we are driving, the rearview camera will turn on. We no longer listen to the radio, as it is impossible to keep the same station -- the ghosting jumps from station to station. In addition to being extremely distracting, it recently became a safety issue. We live in Wisconsin, and in July 2024, we were driving on the interstate during a pop-up thunderstorm. We had the defrost on because the windshield was fogging up, and suddenly, the touchscreen went crazy. It turned the defrost off, flipped to the radio screen, and then switched to the rear camera, all while the windshield quickly fogged up. It was at this moment that we realized this was now a safety issue, as we were in heavy traffic on the highway during a thunderstorm, and we couldn't see anything. Our dealer is aware of the issue, as multiple other Ram trucks have experienced similar issues. A simple Google search of "Ram screen ghosting" leads to hundreds, if not thousands, of posts about the same issue. The issue first appeared about 18 months ago, in February 2023, when the truck had approximately 45000 miles on it. It now has about 60000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11620126

Electric power steering rack and pinion failed during Hurricane Helene leaving my wife, [XXX] , my mother-in-law, and myself stranded on the side of the road. Thankfully it failed while we were stopped waiting to cross a flooded bridge rather than while driving down the road. Truck was towed after sitting for 2 weeks. Rack and pinion was disassembled and inner belt that connects the electric motor to the steering gear was found to be destroyed. Research shows that electric power steering issues are not uncommon on Ram 1500 trucks manufactured since 2013. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11620143

The radio/HVAC screen is malfunctioning. It still works but the screen is delaminating and the screen thinks that someone is touching the screen and there is no control over what it touches or controls. Radio is working but the channels change so fast by themselves that you cannot listen to anything. Cannot change any vehicle settings - such as lighting. Same with the HVAC system. When i click into the climate controls, the screen controls itseld doing whatever it wants. I have no control over the climate. THIS IS THE SAFETY ISSUE. If i am driving my vehicle and my windshield starts to fog up, my defroster is not accessible. I can hit the physical defrost button but there is no saying if the screen will not click the defroster off by itself. This puts myself and all motorists around me at risk if I cannot control a fogged windshield. I get distracted while driving trying to force the climae control to stay on my selected setting when it is to no success. I brought this into MIG Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram in Bellefontaine Ohio and they confirmed the problem and quoted me saying, "vehicle needs a replacement radio". I will upload a copy of this quote. We have police in the family that has seen the issue and they are also concerned of the safety hazard this presents. I would be happy to obtain a letter from the local PD and my insurance about this matter. No warning lamps or messages. I noticed a while ago that my screen looked like it was bubbling or delaminating but it never caused issue until one day the screen started clicking around like crazy on its own and has done it ever since. I started to look up forums for this issue and this sounds to be an extremely common issue in 2018 Ram's. My good buddy also has an 18 Ram and has the same issue, although, not as severe.

NHTSA ODI 11620198

My 2018 Ram rear turn signals intermittently work. They can be working and the in the middle of a turn stop working. They may not work at all on any given day. They may work all day. Has been looked at. Not short in wiring, has good solid connection, just intermittent working

NHTSA ODI 11619606

Due to screen delamination - While operating the vehicle, the central monitor cycles repeatedly through different functions, and actions, including but not limited to: calling multiple people using phone connected to vehicle by Bluetooth, changing the directions/stopping navigation, showing the back up camera, changing radio stations, change environmental controls. This is a significant safety issue as it is very distracting to the driver of the vehicle. Solutions like turning off the screen are not effective due to screen delamination - it prevents the screen from fully turning off as the trips the touch screen function restarting the screen. When the issue was raised with the delearship and noted as a significant safety issue - the dealership advised that it was not a safety issue and identified it as "the radio needing to be replaced". This is a known and documented issue with this year, make and model of vehicle. This is an ongoing issue.

NHTSA ODI 11619357

Electronic rack and pinion failed with 128,922 miles. From what I have read online that is too low of mileage for electrical rack failure.

NHTSA ODI 11618725

DODGE IS NOT SUPPORTING THEIR 2018 RAM 1500 ABS CONTROL MODULE. Once the warning light appeared the vehicle becomes unsafe to operate as the brake fluid distribution is compromised. The Dodge dealers do not have the replacement part and don't expect the part until later in the year. A call to MOPAR resulted in finding out their are 're-engineering' the module and replacement parts are not available until 4th quarter of this year. My vehicle is inoperable and the manufacturer cannot supply the required part, but no RECALL has been issued, although there is a recall for 2019-2022. RAM trucks are non-operable all over America and Dodge is not supporting their customers, nor seem to care.

NHTSA ODI 11617587

My truck only has 89,000 miles on it and yet it sustained a $5,000 engine malfunction. The engine was overheating and it turns out, that the cylinder heads failed. I have found this to be common with the 3.6 L engine that I have. This problem also led to the water pump failing and cylinder heads to need repaired. Basically the entire engine except the engine block is being repaired. The engine overheated multiple times. The first time I had the thermostat replaced. The second time it was low on coolant and topped off. Bu the 3rd time, they were able to diagnose this hiding problem that they said is extremely common in ram trucks with the 3.6 liter engine.

NHTSA ODI 11616003

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the ABS warning light along with several other unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front wheel hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.

NHTSA ODI 11615287

The UCONNECT touch screen began de-laminating several years ago and was reported to the local dealership that services my vehicle, but they discarded due to warranty status. However now it is randomly detecting a 'touch' on the screen. While this is somewhat just an annoyance when using the radio, nav or apple car play, this is also used to control the vehicle settings including many of the safety features making this a critical component of the safety system of the vehicle. A malfunctioning touch screen should be considered a critical defect in terms of safety in most modern vehicles. I have noticed there are other complaints about this as well in public forums and on the NHTSA site.

NHTSA ODI 11615157

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that water was leaking into the cabin from the rear center 3rd brake light. In addition, the contact stated that the moisture from the leaking from the 3rd brake light caused the front windshield to fog up and obstruct the view while driving. The contact stated that the screws used to hold the seat down was rusted due to the leak. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA ODI 11614143

With in only a month and a half of buying the vehicle the suspension system goes to exit/entry height and will not increase in height even though the compressor is on

NHTSA ODI 11613854

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a cracked particulate filter. The contact was advised that the particulate filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the part to complete the repair was on backorder. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. The contact stated that the coolant level was over one gallon low within a two-week period. The vehicle was inspected for leaks, and it was confirmed that there were no leaks found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11612765

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon inspection it was discovered that the plastic components inside the headlight housing had melted in the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlight assemblies. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine what caused the components to melt. The contact was informed that the driver's and passenger’s side headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 50,300.

NHTSA ODI 11612507

Infotainment system within the car will randomly touch the screen and make distinctive changes that alter the cars driving state. Has called SOS system multiple times. Changed climate control settings and opens up backup cam while traveling forward and not in a parking state. Causes a distraction within the car for the driver and the passengers, and could potentially have harmful driving effects, including switching transmission settings or changing driving at all. I have a video that shows what is happening. No picture will do it justice.

NHTSA ODI 11612265

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 80 MPH, the vehicle started to shake, the engine overheated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a faulty battery. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA ODI 11611197

My warranty work is being delayed until my warranty expires. The dealership said I could take my vehicle to another location, but that would mean leaving it there for several weeks just to get it inspected. This other dealership is about an hour away, and I live alone, so this isn't feasible. Am I really expected to accommodate the dealership just to get them to honor my warranty? The engine is ticking at idle, which I understand could indicate a failing engine. My truck also has a transmission issue—it slams into first gear when coming to a stop. The dealership looked at it early this summer but said I’d be without a vehicle for a significant amount of time if I left it, and they didn’t offer a loaner. This truck was originally purchased for $38,000 and came with a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty. Additionally, the headliner leaked within the first few months of ownership. The dealership (Champion Ram of Athens, Alabama) tried to get me to pay a third-party contractor for the repair, but it was clear they were trying to sell me unnecessary services, so I declined. I took it to a body shop friend, who found that the cab seams were leaking due to what seemed to be a manufacturing defect. This issue causes moisture to affect the 10-inch Uconnect system, which malfunctions when exposed to water. My warranty expires very soon, and it feels like they're just trying to avoid fixing these issues. The truck currently has around 93,000 miles on it. Please help in any way you can, because getting help from Ram has been like chasing a chipmunk!

NHTSA ODI 11610595

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while changing the passenger's side rear wheel, the vehicle was lifted by the jack. The contact stated that the gear shifter independently shifted out of gear, and the vehicle moved forward and fell off the jack. The contact stated that he was underneath the vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact stated that the tire stopped the vehicle from falling to the ground. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked for two days and sitting on a flat tire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,130.

NHTSA ODI 11608815

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated when he first started the vehicle he observed that a red steering wheel with an exclamation point was flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that when he had shifted the vehicle into drive (D) and was turning the steering wheel to drive onto a street onto the street the steering wheel was locked. The contact turned the vehicle off and on several times and was able to regain power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was now an ongoing failure. The red steering wheel warning was no longer flashing as was constantly illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering gear and a printed circuit card needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched on line and related the failure to manufacturer recall number: VB9 - Electric Power Steering Gear (Steering) The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,825.

NHTSA ODI 11607898

Intermittently loses ABS, traction control, and cruise control. Now throwing multiple error codes but does not "store" any codes. Lights/warnings/chimes are intermittent and random. Windshield wipers will intermittently come on as well. This is a known problem with these vehicles. Most recently randomly throws service shifter codes and vehicle shifts into neutral with no warning. The shifter has been replaced with no remedy to the problem.

NHTSA ODI 11608077

Our truck only has 70,000 miles on it. My husband is a mechanic and has taken very good care of the truck. While traveling a few weeks ago the truck just started to miss and died. We lost all power. I am still under warranty thankfully. But I have read about all of the engines issues that are happening with this year and model. When is something going to be done about the engine failure? We could have died if we were on a busy highway. This is a very dangerous issue. I won’t know what the issue is until I get it to the dealer. The issue is not coming up on the scanner that is used by the automotive shop that my husband works at. I really think that is an issue within itself also. Does someone have to die to be able to get this resolved? I am now thinking I will sale my vehicle when it gets fixed. I can’t take any chances as we just bought a camping trailer and I can’t imagine breaking down towing that. I’m going to be the big loser in this situation as I will probably lose money selling it. Please step up and help us owners out with the known issues about this vehicle engine issues and issues the proper recall.

NHTSA ODI 11606180

Intermittently loses ABS, traction control, and cruise control. Now throwing multiple error codes but does not "store" any codes. Lights/warnings/chimes are intermittent and random. Upgraded parts to repair are unavailable. This is a known problem with these vehicles. Most recently randomly throws service shifter codes and vehicle shifts into neutral with no warning. Main vehicle computer has been replaced, did not remedy the problem(s).

NHTSA ODI 11605648

Crank no start and vehicle stops running.

NHTSA ODI 11605116

Radio Delamination, safety issue, loss of control features, backup camera turns on, making unwanted phone calls

NHTSA ODI 11605024

I bought my ram 1500 in January 2019 brand new from the Sahara Dodge in Las Vegas. I have been up to date on my services and have brought the vehicle in to a Dodge dealership if i ever had an issue. It currently has approx 78k miles on it. ON [XXX] I was driving on the freeway going approximate 65MPH and my truck started shaking really bad. While it was shaking I started to see oil spraying from my engine. As I was trying to slow down my truck just shut off in a travel lane and NHP troopers had to push me out of oncoming traffic… thankfully no one was Injured. I had the vehicle towed to desert 215 superstore dealership located at 8030 Rafael Rivera Way, Las Vegas, NV 89113. The service advisor did not call for several days, so I contacted the manager Derek Davis. Derek advised me that my crankshaft had snapped in half, causing a piston rod to snap, which poked a hole through my engine. I need an entire new engine. I do have a recall on my vehicle 66A (reference the crankshaft sensor) which i tried to get repaired but I was told to wait by the prestidge Dodge dealership in Las Vegas because i had two recalls on my vehicle and they had to order the parts. This power train failure is directly related to the recall I had with the crankshaft sensor. With several weeks of me calling for updates, the service advisor asked me to provide service records to provide to “corporate” to see if they will cover the repairs. On 7/23/24, service advisor James Cruz called and told me that they are not going to cover it. I asked “even though I need a repair directly related to the recall” and he said yes. He then provided me the phone number to ram cares to call them directly. On 7/24/23, I received a phone call from Chrysler corporate and provided all the information to them, but they are telling me the dealership knows what to do with “recall repairs” but she is still trying to find out… The dealership is extremely hard to get information or help from. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11604409