2018 Ram 5500
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Ram 5500 has 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.2x the segment average of 21. The most common issue is brakes problems (49% of all complaints), specifically: at 95;000 miles abs and traction control lights going on and off on and off, now lights stays on brakes lock up when stopping quickly. speed control no longer works due to this problem. after a google search i found lots of the same problems with other years and model’s having the cummins 6.7 diesel. There are 8 recalls issued for this model year.
47
Total Complaints
8
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
2.2x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
BRAKES
23 complaints- • At 95;000 miles abs and traction control lights going on and off on and off, now lights stays on brakes lock up when stopping quickly. Speed control no longer works due to this problem. After a google search I found lots of the same problems with other years and model’s having the Cummins 6.7 diesel
- • ABS module has been replaced twice on this truck. The latest was two weeks ago. However the problem of service ABS and service electronic braking messages still appear randomly, killing the cruise control and dinging. The dealership who took 2 months to get the ABS module this time stated that the H
- • ABS TRACTION CONTROL VECHICLE INFO SCREEN SERVICE ABS SYSTEM EBS SYSTEM SERVICE HAVE HAD THE VECHICL FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES BY DEALERSHIP FIXED TEMPORARILY THAN ALL THE ALARMS GO BACK ON AFTER A SHORT TIME ITS BEEN FIXED MULTIPLE TIME PROBLEM ALWAYS RETURNS
“At 95;000 miles abs and traction control lights going on and off on and off, now lights stays on brakes lock up when stopping quickly. Speed control no longer works due to this problem. After a google search I found lots of the same problems with other years and model’s having the Cummins 6.7 diesel”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Ram 5500
Based on 20 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 74K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
BRAKES
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (8)
Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling one 2018 Dodge 5500-based fire truck equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Unruh Fire has notified the owner and will provide replacement brake lights, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Ram 5500
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Ram 5500 Service Intervals
5.7L HEMI: 8,000 mile oil intervals; EcoDiesel: shorter intervals for DEF and fuel filter. Towing usage requires severe service intervals.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Ram New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Ram. If you're buying a used 2018 5500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ram dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 47 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐BRAKES: At 95;000 miles abs and traction control lights going on and off on and off, now lights stays on brakes lock up when stopping quickly. Speed control no longer works due to this problem. After a google search I found lots of the same problems with other years and model’s having the Cummins 6.7 diesel
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐WHEELS: MY TRUCK FROM NEW GAD TURBO EXHAUST MANIFOLDS KEPT WARPING BREAKING BOLTS IN THE HEAD EVERYTIME MY RADIO QUITS AND REBOOTS AND GLITCHES AFTER TRUCK UPDATES RUNS POORLY WITH EXCESSIVE EGT AND DEALERS TEFUSED TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME KEPT TELLIN ME THEY DIDNT HAVE PROPER TECH OR TOOLS OR WAS TOLD ALL WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: MY TRUCK FROM NEW GAD TURBO EXHAUST MANIFOLDS KEPT WARPING BREAKING BOLTS IN THE HEAD EVERYTIME MY RADIO QUITS AND REBOOTS AND GLITCHES AFTER TRUCK UPDATES RUNS POORLY WITH EXCESSIVE EGT AND DEALERS TEFUSED TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME KEPT TELLIN ME THEY DIDNT HAVE PROPER TECH OR TOOLS OR WAS TOLD ALL WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SPEED CONTROL: ABS TRACTION CONTROL VECHICLE INFO SCREEN SERVICE ABS SYSTEM EBS SYSTEM SERVICE HAVE HAD THE VECHICL FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES BY DEALERSHIP FIXED TEMPORARILY THAN ALL THE ALARMS GO BACK ON AFTER A SHORT TIME ITS BEEN FIXED MULTIPLE TIME PROBLEM ALWAYS RETURNS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 8 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Ram 5500 — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 47
- Recalls
- 8
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 21
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Ram 5500