2018 Ram 3500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Ram 3500, about 3% of all 802 complaints filed for the year. Median reported mileage at failure is 1,000 miles, and a related recall (18V100000) covers a brake-shifter interlock issue.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 23
- 3% of 802
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 1,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report shuddering or shaking felt through the truck when shifting between 4x4 lock, drive, and reverse at low speed.
- Some describe a hard shudder or shake in the dash while the transmission shifts between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear, especially while towing.
- A whining noise during the first three gear shifts was reported, with one dealer telling the owner it was normal.
- Several owners say the shift arm would not release from park even with the brake pedal depressed, requiring the truck to be shut off and restarted.
- Some report the transmission throwing a repeat fault code after a solenoid replacement and software update, with the issue unresolved by the dealer.
- One owner describes a loud bang from the rear end when shifting between drive and reverse, later traced to a short in the transmission wiring harness.
When 2018 Ram 3500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 27, 2018, latest Jun 10, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Ram 3500
- 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 3500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Ram 3500?
- NHTSA lists 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Ram 3500, which is about 3% of the 802 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission-related recall for the 2018 Ram 3500?
- Yes. Recall 18V100000, reported February 8, 2018, covers vehicles with a column shifter where prolonged brake pedal use could cause an issue; dealers update the Body Control Module software and test the brake-shift interlock.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2018 Ram 3500?
- The median mileage at failure reported in these complaints is 1,000 miles.
- Did any 2018 Ram 3500 transmission complaints involve a crash or injury?
- Yes, among the 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints, NHTSA records 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires reported.