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2018 Ram 2500 Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals for the Oil Change Indicator and open recall alerts for your 2018 Ram 2500.

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Recalls10Full scheduleKnown issues7

How Ram schedules service: Oil Change Indicator

Ram trucks use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal oil service based on driving conditions. The Ram 1500 (HEMI 5.7L, eTorque mild-hybrid, EcoDiesel 3.0L) and Ram 2500/3500 (Cummins 6.7L turbo-diesel) have markedly different intervals — the schedule below covers Ram 1500 gas. Cummins-equipped HD trucks have separate oil, fuel filter, and DEF service requirements.

⚠️

10 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING:LINKAGES

Campaign #18E096000 · Oct 16, 2018

Issue: Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.

Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

Campaign #19V347000 · Sep 5, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

Risk: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #18V398000 · Jun 14, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Risk: A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U56.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #18V332000 · May 17, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

Campaign #19V021000 · Jan 25, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.

Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #17V824000 · Dec 21, 2017

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #18V100000 · Aug 2, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Risk: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #24V896000 · Nov 27, 2024

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.

Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #25V010000 · Jan 16, 2025

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #25V592000 · Nov 9, 2025

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.

Recall data refreshed Jul 19, 2026.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

🛢️

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles per Oil Change Indicator. Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20. EcoDiesel 3.0L: full synthetic 5W-30, every 10,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L (HD): 15W-40 every 15,000 miles or 6 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

🔄

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. 4WD models towing or hauling regularly: rotate every 5,000 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

🛑

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Ram 1500 front pads typically last 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use; cut by 30-50% if towing heavily.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

⛽

Fuel Filter (EcoDiesel + Cummins)

Every 30,000 mi

EcoDiesel 3.0L: dual fuel filters (under hood + frame-mounted) replace every 30,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L: replace at 30,000 miles or sooner if water-in-fuel light triggers.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$250

Shop

~$135–$175

DIY

~$20–$60

On many modern cars the filter lives inside the fuel tank and is lifetime — verify before paying for a 'service'.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

💨

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 40,000 miles. Trucks driven on construction sites or unpaved roads should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

⚙️

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP70 / 8HP75)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service (towing, plowing): replace ATF every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — substitutes cause harsh 3-4 and 5-6 shifts.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

🔩

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Ram 1500 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for the BorgWarner 44-44 transfer case.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

🔧

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 60,000 mi

Front and rear axle fluid: replace every 60,000 miles, or 30,000 miles if towing 6,000+ lbs regularly. Limited-slip rears require Mopar friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

⚡

Spark Plugs (HEMI — 16 plugs)

Every 100,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L runs two spark plugs per cylinder (16 total) — replace at 100,000 miles. Pentastar 3.6L: standard 6 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection at 100,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

🌡️

MS-12106 Coolant (Mopar HOAT)

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple): first change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. EcoDiesel uses a different OAT formulation — do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

🌬️

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Ram 1500.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Ram 2500.

🔎

2 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA
  • Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

    Action #RQ25003 · opened Jul 3, 2025

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM picku…

    View on NHTSA →

  • Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

    Action #RQ25003 · opened Jul 3, 2025

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM picku…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

ABS and traction control warning lights with chime

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

79 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01 → 2026-05 (sample of 200 most-recent of 2454 total)

“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS warning light, traction control system warning…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724971
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated, with an audible…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718752
“Hydraulic Brake Unit constantly throwing warnings for over a year now.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739791
“Service ABS light constantly alerting, every time I touch brakes. Loses cruise control. I called two local dealerships who tell me parts are unavailable. This is on recall, why aren’t parts available?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11709673

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake recall 24V896 repair parts unavailable

SERVICE BRAKES

70 NHTSA complaints · 2026-02 → 2026-05 (sample of 200 most-recent of 2454 total)

“2018 Ram 2500 — Hydraulic Control Unit recall number C4B that was issued on November 27, 2024. Multiple dealers have repeatedly stated “no parts available” for over 1 year and 6 months. Recall affects braking safety. I am active duty military and rely on this vehicle for…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11740782
“The hydraulic control unit (HCU) ABS went out on my 2018 Dodge 2500 truck late summer of 2024. I took it to the dealership and they told me it would cost over $2000 to fix but they couldn't get the part and that I should drive carefully. Then in January 2025 I received the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11731507
“ABS HCU recall has not been rectified. This recall is now over 15 months old, and the problem has been known for over 3 years (see class action lawsuit) without a foreseeable remedy. This results in a major safety issue and driving performance issue not being addressed and…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724987
“Have had an open Recall since December 2024. To date 2/17/2026 I just confirmed that the dealer has no current repair options for the recall: The Warning light came on November 1,2024. Manufacturer Recall NumberC4B NHTSA Recall Number24V-896 Recall Status Recall Incomplete…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718582

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Reduced braking and wheel lock-up when stopping

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

22 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01 → 2026-03 (sample of 200 most-recent of 2454 total)

“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, the brakes and steering became inoperable, causing him to crash into an unknown vehicle. The air bags in the other vehicle did deploy. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployments, or…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725478
“The contact's son owns a 2018 Ram 2500. While the son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle eventually slowed down and came to a complete stop. The contact stated that several warning…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711468
“The contact owns 2018 RAM 2500. The contact received notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH in inclement weather, while making a right turn, the brake pedal pulsated, and the vehicle…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714013
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving in the rain at 60 MPH, the brakes failed…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719066

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake loss while towing

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

9 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01 → 2026-03 (sample of 200 most-recent of 2454 total)

“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while attempting to tow a trailer, the electronic braking system became inoperable with the ABS, ESC, and EBS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the electric braking system failed to function properly…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11728034
“My 2018 Ram 2500 has an active safety recall for the ABS/EBS system that has been open for over two years with no remedy or parts available. The issue was first noticed in August of 2023. I contacted CDJR dealership on how to repair this issue. This is a serious safety defect…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717777
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and hauling an RV, the trailer brakes intermittently became inoperable. The message "Trailer Brakes Disconnected - Check Trailer Wiring" was displayed. The contact replaced the trailer…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11709365
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719344

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Traction control and 4WD loss on snow and ice

POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES

12 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01 → 2026-02 (sample of 200 most-recent of 2454 total)

“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the ABS and ESC warning lights were illuminated. The contact notified a local dealer of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) in 2024. The contact…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11712505
“ABS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT HAS BEEN ON/OFF SINCE 2020. Can't drive on snow ice due to traction control abs 4-wheel drive doesn't work correct. I almost hit the divider/wall on Interstate 30 on 01/28/26 due from poor braking.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714459
“It has been 7months since I bought my truck. STILL I have an open safety recall that hasn’t been fixed since no parts are available. I live in the Midwest and bought a ram truck just for the snow and conditions. I’ve been stuck more this winter than ever due to this abs…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714863
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning lights were…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11713376

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering drag link jam nut after recall repair

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01 → 2026-03 (sample of 200 most-recent of 2454 total)

“Subject: Safety Defect / Recall Not Properly Completed – 2018 Ram 2500 Steering Drag Link Vehicle: 2018 Ram 2500 VIN: [XXX] Recall Campaign: 19V‑021 / V06 – Steering Drag Link Jam Nut Complaint Description: I am filing a safety complaint regarding a potential unresolved defect…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723366
“My VIN had the steering recall performed, but the welded drag link, which was the "remedy." At the time, it prevents alignment. The vehicle is now non-serviceable. I called Dodge requesting authorization for the updated adjustable drag link and alignment under recall…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711531
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the locking bolts on the steering linkage had damaged the tires. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under a related recall. The vehicle was repaired; however, additional failure occurred…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711179

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shifting and failure

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01 → 2026-04 (sample of 200 most-recent of 2454 total)

“Transmission failure at 125,000 miles. Vehicle has been used minimally for towing. Mainly highway driving. Looking at a $10,000 repair bill.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721905
“The transmission is slipping and making clunking noises and I'm worried it fails while driving it could be a safety issue. I noticed other people online mention the same problem. This should be a manufacture recall to get repaired not a consumer.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711397
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages "Check…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11731511

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 6 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

  • 2015 Ram 2500 →
  • 2016 Ram 2500 →
  • 2017 Ram 2500 →
  • 2019 Ram 2500 →
  • 2020 Ram 2500 →
  • 2021 Ram 2500 →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jul 21, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jul 21, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Ram 2500 reflects Ram's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →