Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Since purchasing this truck brand new in 2018 we have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. Dodge Ram failed us every time. They failed to work with the dealer and ignored every attempt to find solutions. It started with vehicle loosing power on very dangerous locations a specially freeway located in curves in the middle of nowhere. It took years to fix that problem. Multiple times we drove from the shop being told that it was fixed and it wasn't. We would drive right back in after 15 min. It took over 3 years to get dodge and dealer to replace the transmission and all electrical issues. The other problem that we have had since buying this truck is the AC. Its been always a problem we are continuously trying to fix it and its been very hard. This entire summer my children have been suffering. …
1. The specified vehicle has intermittent ABS/ Brake Hydraulic Control module error. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. Error causes ABS and Cruise Control to be disabled while in motion as per warning messages displayed on instrument cluser and audio annunciation. 3. Driver and passenger were endangered due to ABS malfunctioning intermittently **while in motion**. I have reproduced the problem by causing a wheel slippage on wet pavement. This will cause the otherwise intermittent problem to be asserted with corresponding error messages/notifications to be displayed on instrument cluster. 4. The specified vehicle has NOT been inspected at a Ram dealer; however, the problem seems to be well-known on 2017-18 Ram 2500's and 3500's given the amount of Youtube videos on the topic as well as the amount of discussion on online forums such as [redacted] . 5. …
12/19/2022: While driving, brakes were not working properly. Depressed fully to floor or pumped to try to stop. Check engine lights coming on and off. PERFORM SERVICE, SERVICE DPF SYSTEM, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. Perform service light prior to failure and taken to dodge dealership. Vehicle was inspected by 2 Dodge Dealerships. Extended warranty company National AutoCare failed to show to inspect vehicle both times at Dodge Dealership. Problem was diagnosed by dodge but never fixed.... Safety is at risk when driving vehicle and is available upon request any help is appreciated!
The transmission in my truck has been having problems starting on 9/25/18. On 7/21/22, Grey Chrysler replaced the solenoid in the trans and also did an update. When I brought truck back after the same code, PO871, was thrown again on 08/30/22, I was told the warranty company couldn't recreate the problem so they would not be fixing my trans. This is the same trans that is in the 2019-2022 Ram 2500 trucks and has a recall on it for the SAME problem.
vehicle intermittently sets check engine light for code p0871 and causes truck to go into a limp mode and a 4th gear start only. I have notice online this issue going on for years on Ram trucks with no recall. The light will go off and store code but dealers will not address if light is not on. If truck set code with not at moment effect I could see, however what happens can occur during driving and feel it creates an unsafe condition.
frequently when shifting from D to R or any combination, all selections light up followed a loud bang from rearend. sometimes it correctes itself, other times engine must be shut down. dealer has diagnosed problem. Its a short in transmision wiring harness as they performed a rigorous, multipoint "wiggle test". its been in shop 4+ times to no avail.
[redacted] - I have called the Dealer numerous times and even Stelatis for 2 years and I keep getting the SORRY there are no parts to fix your vehicle. PLEASE help me with this non stop run around.
No anti lock brakes which causes unsafe braking in acclimate weather which slid sideways as well as almost rear end vehicles ,also causes multiple functions to not work like exhaust brake and transmission issues !
I have a 2018 Dodge 3500 with 9800 miles on it.. The ABS light has come on reflecting a braking and control problem. This also shuts down the safety system within the brakes, shuts down the 4 wheel drive and cruise controls also. It is my understanding from the dealership, there is a problem with the parts within this system, and they can not get any parts released to them for repair. They also don't want to use the same parts, knowing they will only fail again. Which would fall back on them, as a repair faciality. Why hasn't the NHTSA ordered a recall on these vehicles. There are Law Suites also addressing the ABS failure and many complain on this safety failure. I see there is a recall regarding tailgates issue on some of the dodge products. Clearly the braking systems must a higher priority. We should not be required to pay for these repairs. I paid $ 70,000.00 plus for my truck!!! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. While the vehicle was in park, it automatically shifted into reverse and collided with a fence. The vehicle sustained rear end damage. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact suffered minor injures that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 300. We ran the tests as requested. With the first 2 tests, the shift lever would not move from park without having your foot on the brake. The 3rd test determined there is no indicator chime or message if you leave the vehicle with it running whether the parking brake is on or not. We also tested to see what the truck would do if we put it in neutral in the position he had the truck at the time of the accident, it immediately went forward. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018.
NHTSA investigations
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures…
Transmission complaints in other 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2018 Ram 3500, 3% of the model year's 807 complaints. The component named most often is axle assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Ram 3500 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-100 (automatic transmission, Feb 8, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Ram 3500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 1,000 miles, and 80% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.