How many electrical complaints does the 2018 Ram 3500 have?

NHTSA lists 137 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Ram 3500, making up 17% of all 802 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2018 Ram 3500?

There is one related recall, campaign 18V332000, covering a software flash on the engine or powertrain, but it is not specifically issued for the electrical failures described in complaints.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2018 Ram 3500?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 43,000 at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2018 Ram 3500.

Are the 2018 Ram 3500 electrical issues dangerous?

NHTSA records include 1 fire and 1 crash among the 137 Electrical System complaints for this model year, with no reported injuries.

2018 Ram 3500 Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 137 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Ram 3500, 17% of its 802 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 43,000. One related recall (18V332000) covers a software flash but does not directly target these electrical failures.

Electrical System complaints: 137; 17% of 802
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 43,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report smoke and electrical sparks near the engine compartment when starting the truck, in one case involving fire.
Some describe an open circuit in the brake lamp switch that triggered the hill assist warning and affected braking response.
The integrated trailer brake system (ITBS) reportedly fails to slow the truck adequately when towing heavy fifth-wheel trailers.
Several owners report the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen delaminating, causing unresponsive or ghost touch inputs that affect the backup camera and climate controls.
A few complaints mention a multi-second delay between pressing the accelerator and the truck responding, which owners describe as dangerous during lane changes.
Some drivers noticed white powder coming from the vents, linked to a failed evaporator coil.

When 2018 Ram 3500 electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 23, 2018, latest Aug 6, 2026.

137 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q4 (21).

Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Ram 3500

NHTSA 18V332000May 17, 2018Electrical System4,815,661 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
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.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Electrical System complaints by 3500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201317 (15%)
201427 (13%)
201522 (16%)
201612 (9%)
201733 (11%)
2018137 (17%)
201921 (16%)
20209 (8%)
202118 (29%)
202226 (14%)
20235 (29%)
202413 (30%)
202529 (69%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2018 Ram 3500 have?: NHTSA lists 137 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Ram 3500, making up 17% of all 802 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2018 Ram 3500?: There is one related recall, campaign 18V332000, covering a software flash on the engine or powertrain, but it is not specifically issued for the electrical failures described in complaints.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2018 Ram 3500?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 43,000 at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2018 Ram 3500.
Are the 2018 Ram 3500 electrical issues dangerous?: NHTSA records include 1 fire and 1 crash among the 137 Electrical System complaints for this model year, with no reported injuries.