Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Ram 2500
The 2018 Ram 2500 has significant issues with brakes, electrical systems, and steering, with numerous complaints and several recalls related to these areas. There are also recalls for airbag inflators and transmission concerns. The complaint and recall data suggest it requires careful examination before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Ram 2500 has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,608 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V592000 Side Curtain Air Bag Inflators May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V010000 Side Curtain Air Bag Inflators May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V896000 Loss of ABS/Traction Control from Module Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V347000 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V021000 Steering Linkage May Separate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18E096000 Incorrectly Machined Steering Knuckle may Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V398000 Loss of Visibility in Backup Camera/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V100000 Vehicle May Rollaway NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V824000 Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes 1,842 complaints
- Electrical System 476 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 464 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 342 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 225 complaints
- Unknown or Other 103 complaints
Of the 2,608 complaints on file, 39 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 2,608 complaints, owners report 12 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
ABS system failure
How to check: Check for ABS warning light on the dashboard.
Wiring problems
How to check: Inspect for frayed wiring and faulty connections.
Linkage loosening
How to check: Test steering responsiveness and check for looseness.
Airbag inflator rupture
How to check: Ensure airbag recall service was completed.
BTSI pin sticking
How to check: Shift in and out of park smoothly.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal noises from the engine.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Notice warning lights on the dashboard.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
Low-speed brake test
What to check: Feel for ABS engagement and pedal response.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive pedal
- 04
City driving
What to check: Check electrical components and gauges.
Red flag: Non-functional dash gauges
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor transmission shifts for smoothness.
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifting
- 06
Braking from high speed
What to check: Feel for vibrations and ABS function.
Red flag: Vibration or lack of response
- 07
Turning
What to check: Evaluate steering responsiveness and alignment.
Red flag: Loose or drifting steering
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ABS system been serviced?
- Have airbags been recalled and repaired?
- Any issues with the electrical system?
- Are there any transmission problems?
- Has the steering linkage been inspected?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history
- Recall repair records
- Warranty information
- Previous owner history
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Ram 2500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Ram 2500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.