Makes›Ram›1500›2018

2018 Ram 1500

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Ram 1500
Pictured: 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie, front 2.28.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, FFV, Midgrade Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
15 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2018 standard pickup truck (19.3 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 21.9% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Ram 1500 is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl and 5.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 19% better than the 2018 standard pickup truck average of 19.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 15 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 667 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 1500 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 1500 →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
1500 2WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+19%$4,150448
1500 4WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+21%$4,350465
1500 2WD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20+4%$3,350450
1500 4WD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19+4%$3,550475
1500 2WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-12%$4,450513
1500 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-7%$4,450527
1500 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 14-23%$5,450614
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.3 MPG2018 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
2018 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.9%
2018 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
2018 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.9%
2018 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
2018 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD
Side crash test — 2018 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Ram 1500 (this car)23 MPG★★★★★15
2018 Ford F-15025 MPGNot rated18
2018 Chevrolet Silverado20 MPG★★★★★12
2018 Toyota Tundra16 MPG★★★★★8
2018 Nissan Titan18 MPG★★★★★4
2018 GMC Sierra20 MPGNot rated12
2018 Roush Performance F15012 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (15)

Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Sep 11, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V592000 · 1,761 vehicles

Problem
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Jan 16, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V010000 · 6,066 vehicles

Problem
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 8, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V411000 · 80,629 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jun 9, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V406000 · 138,645 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Risk
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Aug 12, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V632000 · 212,373 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel · Aug 13, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V475000 · 58,016 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Oct 24, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V757000 · 107,980 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch · May 9, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · 1,103,209 vehicles

Problem
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.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Apr 25, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V324000 · 10,160 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.
Risk
A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.
Power Train › Axle Assembly · Aug 23, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V556000 · 4,171 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure.
Risk
If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U88.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood · Aug 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 12,779 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jun 14, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V398000 · 1,837 vehicles

Problem
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 › Software · May 17, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Problem
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · May 1, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V280000 · 71 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Feb 8, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V100000 · 180,462 vehicles

Problem
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Ram 1500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

667Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
25Involved a crash
8Involved a fire
25Injuries reported
33,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System153
Engine110
Unknown Or Other92
Steering88
Fuel/Propulsion System81
Power Train59
Fuel System, Diesel49
Service Brakes43
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 424/12: 825/01: 625/02: 925/03: 425/04: 1625/05: 625/06: 1025/07: 925/08: 725/09: 625/10: 425/11: 425/12: 826/01: 626/02: 626/03: 1226/04: 826/05: 526/06: 526/07: 426/08: 1226/09: 626/10: 524/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 16

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Ram 1500 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 153 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 110 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Steering — 88 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Ram 1500. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other 1500 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 150022–Not rated00
2026 150022233.1 inNot rated9103
2025 150023233.1 inNot rated8366
2024 150023233.1 inNot rated677
2023 150024233.1 inNot rated11203
2022 150026233.1 inNot rated16632
2021 150026233.1 in★★★★★15683
2020 150026233.1 in★★★★★14641
2019 150023233.1 in★★★★★291,495
2017 150023–★★★★★13884
2016 150024–★★★★★161,554
2015 150024–★★★★★171,459

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ram. How we calculate this →