Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Ram 3500
The 2018 Ram 3500 has a significant number of owner complaints, notably in the service brakes and electrical systems. There are multiple recalls, especially around airbag and brake issues, which require careful examination. While many issues are documented, the extent of problems may vary by vehicle condition and maintenance history.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Ram 3500 has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 809 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
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 #21V398000 Wheel Studs May Break 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 502 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 145 complaints
- Electrical System 137 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 108 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 60 complaints
- Unknown or Other 37 complaints
Of the 809 complaints on file, 16 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 809 complaints, owners report 6 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator rupture
How to check: Inspect for any recall work performed on airbags
Hydraulic control unit failure
How to check: Test ABS and ESC functions during drive
Wiring issues
How to check: Check for electrical system irregularities
Loosening drag link nut
How to check: Inspect steering components for tightness
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises during startup
Red flag: Loud knocking or rattling
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Persistent brake or airbag alerts
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Check for steering smoothness and control
Red flag: Heavy steering or looseness
- 04
Braking test
What to check: Feel for ABS activation on hard brake
Red flag: No ABS response or jittery brake
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for smooth power delivery
Red flag: Hesitation or unusual vibrations
- 06
Highway cruising
What to check: Check cruise control functionality
Red flag: Inability to maintain speed
- 07
Reverse parking
What to check: Test rearview camera functionality
Red flag: No camera image or delay
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any issues with the brake system recently?
- Has the electrical wiring been inspected?
- Are there records of completed recalls?
- Any problems with steering or handling?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Brake system service records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Ram 3500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Ram 3500? 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.