2018 Ram 2500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 75 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Ram 2500, about 3% of its 2,590 total complaints. Median mileage at failure was 30,000 miles, with 2 crashes and 1 fire reported. One related recall (18V100000) covers the column shifter and brake-shift interlock.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 75
- 3% of 2,590
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 30,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Some trucks unexpectedly shifted into neutral or rolled away while parked, in one case rolling into a pond.
- Owners report the transmission suddenly refusing to move forward or reverse while driving, requiring a tow.
- Several trucks stalled or shut off without warning while driving, then restarted after multiple attempts.
- A 4x4 system warning appeared on the dash along with the 4x4 refusing to engage, even on trucks with low mileage.
- One owner reported a fire linked to the powertrain area shortly after purchase while towing on the freeway.
When 2018 Ram 2500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 6, 2018, latest Sep 9, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Ram 2500
- NHTSA 18V100000Feb 8, 2018Transmission & Powertrain180,462 vehicles
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 stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
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 rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 2500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2018 Ram 2500 have?
- NHTSA lists 75 complaints in this category for the 2018 Ram 2500, which is about 3% of the 2,590 total complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do 2018 Ram 2500 transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 30,000 miles.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Ram 2500?
- Yes. Recall campaign 18V100000 covers 2017-2018 Ram trucks with a column shifter, addressing an issue where holding the brake pedal for a long time can affect the brake-shift interlock; a Body Control Module software update is the remedy.
- Did the transmission or powertrain problems cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2018 Ram 2500 shows 2 crashes and 1 fire, with 0 injuries reported.
- How does 2018 compare to other Ram 2500 years for this problem area?
- The 2018 model year has the highest raw complaint count in this category among the years listed, 75, but its 3% share of total complaints for that year is lower than most other years, which range from 6% to 28%.