2018 Ram 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 3%of 808 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Ram 3500, 3% of the 808 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicle was parked at operating temperatures and I switched to 4x4 lock. As I accelerated slightly at 3 miles an hour in reverse while turning the steering column clockwise the truck began to shake while in motion for roughly 7 feet. It also shook as I accelerated in drive slightly at 3 miles an hour while turning the steering column counter clockwise. It had the same shake in 4x4 low.”
NHTSA complaint #11090380, filed 2018-04, 1,000 miles“On multiple occasions the shift arm would not move while vehicle was in park and foot brake was depressed. Seemed like the safety device that prevents an automatic shifting arm from slipping out of park without brake depressed did not release. Vehicle was on flat level ground, the only way to correct problem required shutting vehicle off and then restarting. Once this process was conducted the safety device operated normally. In the three years of ownership this has happened three times and each time my resolution worked.”
NHTSA complaint #11326611, filed 2020-05, 34,000 miles“Truck shudders while shifting between 1st and 2nd and again from 2nd to third . Shudder hard enough to see to dash shack. Shifting shudder hard while towing. Blue tooth cuts out while streaming music”
NHTSA complaint #11151363, filed 2018-11, 1,800 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11483727, filed 2022-09“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11537178, filed 2023-08Related recalls
- 18V100000Feb 8, 2018Chrysler (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…Covers: Ram 3500 2017–2018, 1500 2017–2018, 2500 2017–2018 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 11012318Dec 19, 2024Seal - output shaft
- 11012314Dec 19, 2024Seal - output shaft
- 11012351Dec 17, 2024Gear - reaction sun
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10234438Feb 28, 2023CEL (Check Engine Lamp) Illuminates, Recent PCM Replace or Flash Update Performed, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P057B Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Performance, P1572…
- 10231735Jan 23, 2023Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
- 10230334Jul 9, 2022Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator…
- 10223798Jul 9, 2022Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator…
- 10223097Mar 17, 2022No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
- 10222880Jan 5, 2022Transfer Case Shift Lever Design Change
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 18% |
| 2025 | 8 | 19% |
| 2024 | 6 | 13% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 114 | 60% |
| 2021 | 11 | 18% |
| 2020 | 12 | 10% |
| 2019 | 18 | 13% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 27 | 9% |
| 2016 | 19 | 14% |
| 2015 | 32 | 23% |
| 2014 | 39 | 19% |
| 2013 | 12 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2018 Ram 3500
668 complaintsElectrical system
137 complaintsVehicle speed control
108 complaintsForward collision avoidance
60 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsWheels
24 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsTires
10 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Ram 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology