Car Defect Radar
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Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 10 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Before you buy

  1. ABS hydraulic control unit failure: about 86% of complaints.
  2. Transmission slipping and not engaging: about 1% of complaints. Ask about any transmission replacements and watch for slipping, flaring revs or harsh engagement on a test drive.
  3. Infotainment screen delamination: about 1% of complaints.
  4. Run the free VIN recall check for the 10 recalls to confirm on this model, starting with the airbags recall (25V592000).

Based on a random sample of 300 of the 2,576 complaints filed with NHTSA for this model, read and summarized with AI. 280 of them describe a failure the owner experienced; the rest (recall notices, parts delays, worries) are left out of these counts. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Known problems

16 found · 300 complaints read

What owners report most often, grouped into named problems. Summaries are written by AI from the complaints; open a problem to read the owners' own words.

ABS hydraulic control unit failure

Reduced safety margin: 211 of 257 reports

Owners report the ABS module and hydraulic control unit failing, turning on ABS, traction control and electronic braking warning lights with chimes while disabling ABS, traction control and cruise control. Some describe longer stopping distances, brakes locking or losing pressure, and long waits for recall repair parts, with repeat failures after replacement.

How common
257 of the 300 complaints we read (86%), roughly 2,207 of all 2,576 on file
Safety
Reduced safety margin: 211 of 257 reports; 2 reports mention a crash; 1 report mentions an injury
Related recalls
Owners mention 24V896000. Check the VIN for it.
  • Owner says ABS, traction control, and stability control warnings stay on constantly and cruise control shuts off while driving because the recalled hydraulic control unit has not been replaced due to a parts shortage. · filed Sep 2026
    Read the owner's complaint

    My 2018 Ram 2500 has a continuous ABS/ESC/Traction Control failure related to recall C4B (NHTSA 24V‑896). The hydraulic control unit (HCU) is failing exactly as described in the recall. The ABS light, traction control light, and stability control warnings come on constantly, and the cruise control shuts off while driving. This is a safety‑critical defect that increases the risk of a crash, as NHTSA states in campaign 24V‑896. My dealer confirmed the recall but says the remedy parts are unavailable and may take months. I am driving a vehicle with disabled ABS and stability control because Stellantis cannot supply the required HCU replacement. I am requesting NHTSA assistance because the manufacturer cannot provide a timely safety repair. I also have a bad knee and can NOT drive without cruise control.

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11763921

  • While driving, the ABS warning light illuminated; the dealer diagnosed a hydraulic control unit failure but could not repair it because recall parts were unavailable. · filed Aug 2026
    Read the owner's complaint

    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with HCU failure. The contact was informed that the HCU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11759028

  • The ABS warning light activates intermittently; owner says the recall's only remedy is replacing the part with the same defective part at owner expense, with no permanent fix after 20 months. · filed Aug 2026
    Read the owner's complaint

    My 2018 2500 Ram trucks ABS warning light "ABS system needs maintenance" is activating intermittently. I took the truck for maintenance and was told that there is a recall on the defective part (Recall C4B) since end of 2024, with the only remedy being to replace this defective part failure with the same defective part, installed at my cost of between $1200 to $2500. Twenty months into this recall, I have 4 alternatives: 1. Pay to have a defective part installed which will eventually fail again. 2. Drive the truck taking a chance that the recalled part or newly installed recalled part will not fail, OR crash because the part has a complete failure (without notice) and have no brakes when needed to stop my vehicle. 3. Park my truck and not drive it. 4. Spend tens of thousands of dollars by either trading it in or selling it and purchasing a vehicle which is safe to drive. All of the above choices except #2 create a financial hardship in one way or another and choice #2 could be life ending for me and whomever I hit when I have no brakes without notice. Please help me understand how this dangerous and potentially life-threatening recall has not been escalated by the NHTSA to FCA as a high-priority emergency in the last 20 months to get a timely remedy from FCA and to start repairing this dangerous situation. This is America, we are better than this. FCA needs to be held accountable by the NHTSA to protect the consumer from these non-compliant manufacturers. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11757950

Transmission slipping and not engaging

Can affect control: 4 of 4 reports

Owners report the transmission slipping, dropping out of drive, or revving without engaging, leaving the truck without power; one owner had it replaced repeatedly.

How common
4 of the 300 complaints we read (1%), roughly 34 of all 2,576 on file
Safety
Can affect control: 4 of 4 reports

Before you buy: Ask about any transmission replacements and watch for slipping, flaring revs or harsh engagement on a test drive.

  • Transmission showed signs of failing, revving up and then engaging abruptly when the owner tried to increase speed. · filed Aug 2025
    Read the owner's complaint

    unknown my brakes had a recall on it for the hydraulic system my transmission gave signs of going out while i was driving it would rev up and then would go when i would increase speeds

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11681078

  • Transmission fails to shift and drops out of drive, leaving the driver without power. · filed Mar 2025
    Read the owner's complaint

    Truck will not shift and drops out of drive leaving you helpless

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11649924

  • Transmission has slipped and needed replacement four times since mid-2022; owner says the dealer found no recall and offered to buy back the truck for far less than was paid. · filed Dec 2023
    Read the owner's complaint

    Bought secondhand at auction with low mileage. Had checked outbytrusted mechanic, all was well. Vehicle records showed brand new transmission on truck. Transmission slipped after service. From July 2022 to today (December 2023) have had to replace transmission FOUR TIMES at great expense. Went to dealership and found no recall notice, they are offering to purchase truck for $7500 cash. Purchase price was approximately $33000 plus about $15,000 in repairs/new transmission replacements and cost of rental vehicle in the thousands as this was a truck purchased for a business. Please issue a recall for this vehicle! This has put a huge dent in our small business and we still don’t have a functional truck!

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11560327

Infotainment screen delamination

Not a safety issue

Owners report the Uconnect touchscreen delaminating, pixelating or flashing, causing ghost touches, a disabled backup camera, and radio and climate controls switching on and off.

How common
3 of the 300 complaints we read (1%), roughly 26 of all 2,576 on file
Safety
Not a safety issue
  • Infotainment head unit became pixelated and the radio, A/C, and phone turned on and off on their own while driving; dealer found the head unit was separating and needs replacement. · filed Apr 2024
    Read the owner's complaint

    The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), and while driving at various speeds, the head unit became pixelated and would appear and disappear without warning. Additionally, on several occasions, while driving at various speeds the radio, A/C, and car phone were turned on and off inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the head unit needed to be replaced due to it separating. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60, 000.

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11581156

  • Infotainment screen appeared delaminated, then began flashing, and the vehicle later lost all power and had to be towed. · filed Dec 2022
    Read the owner's complaint

    In February of 2022 the radio console screen looked odd. It was very subtle and we weren’t sure what if anything we were seeing. The function was normal at that time. At this time the vehicle was under warranty and had less than 28,000 miles. It was having an intermittent check engine light in July and was due for service so we took it to the dealer. I told them about the console screen appearance and they said it was delaminating which they were seeing in these trucks. They did not say it was a recall issue. Since the replacement unit was over $1,000 and appeared to function otherwise we opted not to change it. In December the screen began to flash and act strangely. When we tried to start it the next day to take to the dealer, it had no power. We had it towed to the dealer The service advisor told us to speak to Chrysler RAM customer service as this was an unexpected failure in a vehicle with less than 30,000 miles. Our concern is the console unit is being replaced but with what. Has the flaw in the unit been identified and the replacement parts modified to eliminate the problem? Is the replacement part going to have the same problem? If we lost electrical power while driving it could have catastrophic consequences.

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11497726

  • Touchscreen delamination causes ghost touches that disable the backup camera and trigger random phone calls, and the dealer won't replace it outside warranty. · filed Nov 2021
    Read the owner's complaint

    8.4 Uconnect (media center) screen delamination causing "ghost touches"/glitches on the touchscreen, which prevent backup camera from functioning. While backing up, camera randomly turns off or switches to a separate cargo camera. Backup camera often remains on while driving forward. Ghost touching also cause random phone calls and emergency phone calls, which cause a distraction to driving. According to simple Google search, 8.4 Uconnect screen delamination appears to be a common problem even on low-mileage vehicles. Manufacturer/dealer will not replace outside of warranty.

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11439861

Steering drag link problems

Safety impact unclear

Owners say the steering drag link throws the steering off, and that the recall fix of welding its jam nuts prevents proper alignment.

How common
3 of the 300 complaints we read (1%), roughly 26 of all 2,576 on file
Safety
Safety impact unclear
Related recalls
Owners mention 19V021000. Check the VIN for it.
  • After the recall weld repair to the steering drag link, the shop could only partially align the truck, causing the right front tire to wear unevenly and blow out on the highway. · filed Jun 2023
    Read the owner's complaint

    Ive purchased this truck from the dealer with the remedy Recall 19V-021 back in 2019. my front right tire went bald after 3000 miles. driven. I purchased new tires and got an alignment. the Auto shop told me the could only adjust the to there best ability due to the welded nut on one of the parts on the steering parts. I went for a 600 mile trip and right as i got on the highway the front right tire blew out. I either need the drag link replaced or a better remedy the front right tire is wearing faster then the other three.

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11529000

  • Owner says the recall remedy of welding the steering drag link's jam nuts now prevents the truck from being properly aligned, creating a risk while towing. · filed May 2023
    Read the owner's complaint

    Dodge had a recall on the drag link. Their remedy was to weld the jam nuts. This causes issues when you need to get an alignment. My truck currently needs an alignment and the steering wheel recentered and no shops are willing to complete it. This causes a huge safety risk while driving and pulling my trailer. The remedy should be for dodge to replace the part as they know it is faulty and unsafe. I would like them to replace the drag link with the new updated part and return my truck to a safe vehicle for my family and I to drive.

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11522744

  • After the recall weld repair, the steering drag link still throws the steering off; owner says it isn't safe. · filed Jul 2021
    Read the owner's complaint

    Drag link even welded on is throwing my steering off bad. It’s not safe and they should just put an aftermarket or better drag link on.

    NHTSA complaint ODI #11425405

Less common problems (complaints in the sample)

  • Turbo actuator failure (2)
  • Crash sensor warning light (1)
  • EGR valve stalling (1)
  • Engine compartment fire (1)
  • Four-wheel drive not working (1)
  • Front end death wobble (1)
  • Front wheel coming off (1)
  • Oil pressure loss and stalling (1)
  • Stabilizer bar failure (1)
  • Trailer connector corrosion (1)
  • Transmission fluid line fire (1)
  • Truck fails to start (1)

Recalls

10 total · 10 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 25V592000 · Sep 2025

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Remedy
Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 25V010000 · Jan 2025

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Remedy
Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Brakes recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 24V896000 · Nov 2024

A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 19V347000 · May 2019

If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Steering recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 19V021000 · Jan 2019

A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Steering recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 18E096000 · Oct 2018

The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 18V398000 · Jun 2018

A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U56.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Electrical system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 18V332000 · May 2018

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Transmission recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 18V100000 · Feb 2018

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 17V824000 · Dec 2017

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Is 2,576 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2018 and 2026, roughly 314 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2018 has 2,576 complaints on file, more than the 2017 (692) and more than the 2019 (193). That is the most of the 16 model years of the Ram 2500 we cover. Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.