2018 Ram 1500: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Final, most-refined fourth-gen Ram; smooth ride and a nice cabin, but the 5.7L HEMI tick/exhaust-manifold and EcoDiesel emissions repairs remain known risks. Strongest year of the generation. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Ram 1500 ranged from $27,295 to $53,295 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Final, most-refined fourth-gen Ram; smooth ride and a nice cabin, but the 5.7L HEMI tick/exhaust-manifold and EcoDiesel emissions repairs remain known risks. Strongest year of the generation.
Sources (1)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ram/1500
Known issues
-
5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time.
commonly reported · 42 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–150k miles · engine
-
3.0L EcoDiesel models add emissions-system (EGR/exhaust-treatment) and fuel-system repair risk.
occasional · fuel
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (7)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=ram%201…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ram&model=1500&mode…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ram&model=1500&mode…
- classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/dodge-ram
- forthepeople.comhttps://www.forthepeople.com/blog/nhtsa-investigates-11m-dodge-ram-1500-truck…
- m.carcomplaints.comhttps://m.carcomplaints.com/Ram/1500/2012/electrical/electrical_system.shtml
- circuitboardmedics.comhttps://circuitboardmedics.com/blog/dodge-ram-tipm-failure-symptoms-repair-an…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, composed ride; the coil-spring rear suspension rides better than most leaf-sprung rivals of its era.
- Roomy, well-finished cabin that felt upscale for its class.
- Strong 5.7L HEMI V8 power; the later eight-speed automatic and available 3.0L EcoDiesel improved drivability and efficiency.
- Good resale value and a top reliability rating within the full-size truck class on RepairPal.
Cons
- Higher running costs and weaker fuel economy than rival half-tons of the period.
- TIPM electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling and fuel-pump problems, especially on 2010-2012 trucks.
- Steering complaints including the tie-rod death-wobble recall and electric-power-steering loss of assist (NHTSA investigated 2013-2016 trucks).
- 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; 3.0L EcoDiesel models add emissions-system repair risk.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman | $27,295 | $42,025 | — | — |
| Express | $28,795 | $44,150 | — | — |
| SLT | $31,395 | discontinued | — | — |
| Lone Star | $31,695 | $47,280 | — | — |
| Big Horn | $33,695 | $47,280 | — | — |
| Sport | $37,095 | discontinued | — | — |
| Night | $37,490 | discontinued | — | — |
| Laramie | $40,345 | $61,480 | — | — |
| Rebel | $45,495 | $65,445 | — | — |
| Laramie Longhorn | $50,095 | $76,405 | — | — |
| Laramie Limited | $53,295 | $76,405 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-ram-ram_pickup_1500-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ram-ram-pickup-1500-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($27,295). Higher trims started higher (up to $53,295), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ram-ram-pickup-1500/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $650–700/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,900–2,000/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ram/1500
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/ram-1500-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Ram 1500 have?
Documented issue patterns include: 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time; 3.0L EcoDiesel models add emissions-system (EGR/exhaust-treatment) and fuel-system repair risk. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2018 Ram 1500 reliable?
Final, most-refined fourth-gen Ram; smooth ride and a nice cabin, but the 5.7L HEMI tick/exhaust-manifold and EcoDiesel emissions repairs remain known risks. Strongest year of the generation.
How much did the 2018 Ram 1500 cost new?
Between $27,295 and $53,295 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Ram 1500 expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.