AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data
Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2018 Ram 2500
Overall rating NHTSA-grounded
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $8,500–$15,000
The 2018 Ram 2500 has significant issues with brakes, electrical, and steering systems, with high recall and complaint counts in these areas. Mechanical problems can be costly and frequent.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage | Cost range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| service brakes | 30,000–60,000 miles | $400–$1,200 | very common |
| electrical system | 40,000–70,000 miles | $300–$1,000 | common |
| steering linkage | 50,000–80,000 miles | $500–$1,500 | common |
| hydraulic system | 60,000–90,000 miles | $700–$2,000 | occasional |
| power train | 70,000–100,000 miles | $1,000–$3,500 | occasional |
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil change every 5,000 miles
- Replace brake pads every 30,000 miles
- Inspect suspension annually
- Change transmission fluid every 60,000 miles
- Replace air filters every 20,000 miles
- Rotate tires every 10,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Brake pedal feels spongy
- Unresponsive or flickering electronics
- Steering feels loose
- Clunking sound in front end
- Transmission fails to engage promptly
Generated by gpt-4o on 8/19/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.