2018 Ram 2500 Engine Problems

42 owners have reported engine & cooling problems with the 2018 Ram 2500 to NHTSA — 2% of all 2,606 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 65,000 miles. That ranks #5 of 15 2500 model years for engine complaints (a typical year has 34). No engine recall has been issued for this model year.

42complaints
65ktypical miles
0related recalls
2crashes
3fires
0injuries

Which parts fail

  • Cooling system › Radiator assembly
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    222%
  • 25k–50k
    111%
  • 50k–75k
    222%
  • 75k–100k
    222%
  • 100k–150k
    111%
  • 150k+
    111%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owned a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving and pulling a fifth wheel RV, the check engine warning light and another unknown red warning light were illuminated. The contact's husband stopped in the middle of the road and immediately exited the vehicle with the contact's nephews and dog, who were also occupying the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver then noticed that there was a fire underneath the hood. The contact stated that her husband attempted to open the hood to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, but the hood failed to open. The contact met her family at the scene. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle exploded, there were abnormal popping sounds, and fire projectiles coming out from underneath the hood. …

95,000 miles · Jul 2025 · fire

The contact owned a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated the vehicle was parked overnight on the street and unoccupied when a loud bang was heard and it was discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The fire department and police department arrived to inspect the vehicle where it was noticed the fire started on the passenger side of the engine however the exact origin could not be determined. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was consumed by the flames and there were only burnt framing remains of the vehicle. A police report was filed but the case number was not available. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle remained in the contact's possession. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

65,000 miles · May 2024 · fire

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control feature was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. …

15,000 miles · Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service ABS" was displayed. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated, and the ABS alarm chimed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

63,000 miles · Jun 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the diagnostic trouble codes P24B0, P24B5, and P25C9 were displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the diagnostic trouble codes were related to the smog and emissions system of the diesel engine. The contact stated that he occasionally towed an RV and was concerned about the towing load on the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Particulate Matter Sensor needed to be replaced; however, the part was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

75,000 miles · Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after two weeks of not driving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle and made an appointment with the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. However, the dealer replaced the battery. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer on two other occasions; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

19,000 miles · Jan 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH and depressing the brake, the vehicle slid in the rain. The ABS, traction control, and engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case The contact was unable to reach a supervisor to escalate the issue. The phone call was disconnected before the connection with the supervisor. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

150,000 miles · Jan 2025

Diesel truck computer system shuts down truck for minor def system error code to 5mph within 85 miles to get to a dealer to reset computer code. This will cause deaths from truck not going any faster than 5mph on freeway. Just because the def system sees an error and might cause a bit more exhaust, to shut down your truck in the middle of nowhere causing traffic nightmares and deaths is the most stupid rule the EPA and mfgs follow. Epa and mfg needs new computer programming on all diesel trucks that have this. If anything, make the derate to 65 mph for 500 miles, far enough so folks can get home safely.

Nov 2022 · crash · fire

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while towing a trailer at 55 MPH, the turbo actuator failed to operate with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin: 09-005-22 which linked the failure to the turbo actuator kit. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer to have a diagnostic test performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

130,000 miles · Feb 2024

Def warning light comes on for no reason and derates your speed to 5mph while traveling on interstate pulling trailer. You have only 85 miles to get to a dealer to erase codes. This is a very unsafe computer programing setting that the EPA states must be done. Going 5mph while on interstate pulling trailer will cause numerous deaths and accidents. 85 miles in nothing when your out in the middle of nowhere.

Sep 2022 · crash

Engine complaints in other 2500 years

’09’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26147633656474234342835129114
Engine complaints per model year, Ram 2500.

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2018 Ram 2500?

NHTSA has 42 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Ram 2500, 2% of the model year's 2,606 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › radiator assembly (1 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2018 Ram 2500 engine problems?

No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2018 Ram 2500, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.

At what mileage do 2018 Ram 2500 engine problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.