repaired · 2026 Q3
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Risk. A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
2018 Ram 5500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 40 owner complaints about the 2018 Ram 5500, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-896 the manufacturer reports only 17% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Ram 5500 has problems
40 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
14Service brakes, hydraulic
13Service brakes
5Wheels
5Vehicle speed control
4Power train
3Electrical system
2Suspension
2Steering
1Forward collision avoidance
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 14 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 13 | 0 |
| Wheels | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2018 Ram 5500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q4
Electrical system: software
Risk. If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle…
repaired · 2019 Q2
Equipment
Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ram.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other 5500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 5500 median. How we score
'08'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Ram 5500, and the recalls they led to.
- Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) FailureOpen
In owners' words
What 5500 owners report
Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the hydraulic brake warning light, ABS warning light, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the stopping distance increased. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number:…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…
Own a 2018 5500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.