2018 RAM 2500 transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

My family and I tow a 45 foot RV Toy Howler Fifth Wheel with the truck and the ABS and Traction control lights keep coming on. The RAM Dealer (Aventura) has been telling me for over a year that the parts are on back-order. I've tried to trade it in but the trade in offers have been very low since they know there's no repair parts. I'm very concerned about our safety since we take long trips into the mountains and this is constantly going on.

NHTSA complaint #11758292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into 4WD Low. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety while driving the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was on back order. The dealer added the contact to a waiting list. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

ABS, Traction controle and 4 wheel drive system shut down. the truck is sending code- C0031-1D directly related to C4B recall. The dealerships have no fix and offered no support or guidance but did agree that the truck is unsafe to drive as is.

NHTSA complaint #11754147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The vehicle has experienced repeated failures of the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) electronic actuator. The actuator intermittently fails to move the turbo vanes to their commanded position, resulting in fault codes related to turbocharger performance and actuator position. The failed actuator is currently installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a significant safety concern because the engine can suddenly lose turbocharger performance and enter a reduced-power or "limp mode" condition without warning. During these events, the vehicle experiences a substantial loss of acceleration and power, making it difficult to safely merge onto highways, pass slower traffic, or maintain speed while towing or traveling on grades. This unexpected reduction in power increases the risk of a rear-end collision or other traffic incident, particularly when operating in normal highway traffic. The condition has been reproduced multiple times and confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes. The issue is consistent with a malfunctioning VGT electronic actuator. Numerous other owners of 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine have reported similar failures involving the electronic actuator, suggesting this is not an isolated incident. Prior to complete failure, the vehicle displayed intermittent warning symptoms including a Check Engine Light, reduced exhaust brake performance, and occasional turbocharger-related diagnostic trouble codes. The symptoms became progressively more frequent before the actuator ultimately failed to operate reliably. In some cases, cycling the exhaust brake temporarily restored operation, but the problem continued to return and worsened over time. The vehicle has been diagnosed using standard diagnostic equipment, and the fault has been confirmed through the presence of turbocharger actuator-related diagnostic codes.

NHTSA complaint #11749516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle has not has cruise control, abs, traction/stability control for over 2 years. No traction control or stability in the winter is horrible. Not being able to control speed when traveling is inconvenient. The warning lamps illuminated and went away for weeks. Then randomly just stayed illuminated. Abs hydraulic pump has failed. The recall has been open for over a year and a half and no parts or remedy to fix it.

NHTSA complaint #11749276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The ABS/HCU module failed. There is recall but no fix. There are no aftermarket parts available. This has been 2 years . I cannot use 4 wheel drive or cruise control. I cannot trade the truck in. Help I am stuck with no recourse. This is a safety Issue!

NHTSA complaint #11746762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Component or system that failed or malfunctioned The issue involves a safety recall‑related system on my Ram truck that remains open with no available remedy for over one year. The vehicle is now experiencing traction loss while pulling and during normal driving, along with multiple failure/warning lights activating on the dashboard. How my safety or the safety of others was put at risk While driving and when pulling/accelerating, the vehicle unexpectedly loses traction, which creates a risk of loss of control, especially during traffic, turns, or acceleration from a stop. The appearance of failure lights combined with traction loss presents a serious safety risk to myself, my passengers, and other motorists, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Whether the problem has been reproduced or confirmed The safety defect is confirmed by the open NHTSA recall associated with my VIN. The traction loss and failure lights have occurred during normal vehicle operation and continue to reappear. The issue has not been repaired due to the manufacturer stating that no recall remedy is currently available. Inspections by dealer, manufacturer, or others Authorized Ram/Dodge dealers have confirmed that the recall remains open with no repair solution available from the manufacturer. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by police or insurance representatives, but it remains available for inspection. Warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms Failure and warning indicator lights have appeared on the dashboard and remain present. These symptoms began while the recall was still unresolved and now occur in conjunction with traction loss during driving and pulling, indicating the defect may be actively affecting vehicle safety.

NHTSA complaint #11731489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. 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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages "Check ABS" and "ABS not Engaging" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted hard and made abnormal sounds. The contact stated that upon coming to a stop, the vehicle unintendedly shifted to 4th gear. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle on an inclined driveway, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact was able to successfully park the vehicle upon shifting in and out of park(P) several times. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11731511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission failure at 125,000 miles. Vehicle has been used minimally for towing. Mainly highway driving. Looking at a $10,000 repair bill.

NHTSA complaint #11721905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer and local dealer were not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure related to the recall; however, the 4WD option was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11720625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and the 4WD features were inoperable. 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11720440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to shift into gear. The traction control warning light was illuminated, and the message to shift into 4WD was displayed. Additionally, the brake light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed of hydraulic pump failure, control 68143-part 491AA, control panel 08035030, module 08035030, brake fluid, ABS module, and a HECU internal failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed that the contact parts for the recall repair were not available. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA complaint #11716960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

CB4 Recall Some (2017-2018 MY Ram xxx) vehicles may have been built with a brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU") that is susceptible to failure or malfunction which may result in a reduction or change of Anti-Lock Brake System ("ABS")/Electronic Stability Control ("ESC") /Traction Control performance. A failing HCU will initially result in the intermittent loss of ABS/Traction control progressing to permanent loss. Been dealing with this issue since the recall got initiated back in November 2024. I call Mopar every month to check on the status and still no parts available. I haven't had any brake failures in my truck or scares, but whoever has this issue has to understand how annoying the constant chime is. Can't use cruise control and worst thing is if you are considering selling your truck outside of a Ram dealer, they won't take it in because of the open recall and privately, who would really consider buying a truck with this issue. My fear is that Mopar (Stellantis) is just putting this in the backburner with no plans on fixing it.

NHTSA complaint #11714840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

ABS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT HAS BEEN ON/OFF SINCE 2020. Can't drive on snow ice due to traction control abs 4-wheel drive doesn't work correct. I almost hit the divider/wall on Interstate 30 on 01/28/26 due from poor braking.

NHTSA complaint #11714459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission is slipping and making clunking noises and I'm worried it fails while driving it could be a safety issue. I noticed other people online mention the same problem. This should be a manufacture recall to get repaired not a consumer.

NHTSA complaint #11711397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the vehicle unintendedly shifted out of park(P) while the key was not in the ignition switch. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the parking brake was engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the recall remedy parts were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall remedy parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure related to the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

NHTSA complaint #11707838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Constant cycling of ABS and Traction Control lights with tones. Causes ABS, Traction Control and cruise control failures with persistent tones and lights. Parts not available after 12 months of open recall.

NHTSA complaint #11703658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 #11681078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

On the highway towing a horse and the transmission stopped working right. Couldn’t keep up to traffic only had one gear.

NHTSA complaint #11678088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving the truck seems to jolt when trying to get into the next gear or it seems to be slipping a gear. At times the truck will stay in a gear too long and not switch over in a timely manner or it it will switch gears too quickly. The dealership and another quote says it seems it could be the transmission valve plate and solenoid all the way up to a new transmission is needed. The truck has only 53,000 miles and maintained routine oil Changes and maintenance. I would like to see if there is a recall or one needed because I have never owned vehicle that needed a transmission at 53,000. That’s insane.

NHTSA complaint #11676861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

If I hit a bump it sets off the lights for the abs and the traction control and I have to run my truck with the traction control off if not my truck won’t shift right if I’m going 60 or above also had to get the transmission replaced

NHTSA complaint #11677075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving and attempting to shift from third gear to a higher gear, the engine revved and the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, 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 contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11671990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Towing my camper with my family in the mountains during Memorial Day weekend. It was rainy. My brakes failed me SEVERAL times as well as my traction control. To say it was scary is an understatement. I don’t even want to use the truck anymore. I have had several chats with ramcare as well as a call to my dealership with zero resolutions. Someone is going to get hurt or worse. The HCU no longer works.

NHTSA complaint #11665686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes were making abnormal clunking sounds. The contact stated that the traction control, 4WD, and cruise control were inoperable. 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The approximate failure mileage 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11665730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While towing a heavy load of approx. 16,000 Lbs. uphill steep grade during 100 degree temperature at low travel speed but high engine RPM a load boom came from the engine compartment. Upon inspection the fan shroud had made contact to the fan and caused severe damaged to the cooling system rendering the vehicle disabled until repairs could be made. This occurred about 30,000 miles ago however the current fan shroud has also failed under normal use. If the failed shroud damages the serpentine belt steering and breaking will be jeopardized which could lead to an accident!

NHTSA complaint #11651075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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

NHTSA complaint #11649924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The ABS brake warning lights are on all the time. I have no cruise control. There are times when I can't even shift my vehicle into gear. I will be checking to see if I even have 4wd with this light on. But, haven't tried it since the lights have been on.

NHTSA complaint #11641490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact’s husband owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle started shaking and lost motive power. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Hot" was displayed and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,790.

NHTSA complaint #11640582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Timely as my 2018 2500 seems affected. I've performed no troubleshooting but it is extremely intermittent, either the Service the ABS or Service the Electronic Braking System(s). Usually, a bump in the road makes it come and another turns it off. Sometimes it happens so quickly, only the message and traction control disabled light comes on, sometimes only the chime comes in. Sometimes the message stays up and the brake warning and traction control light comes on, sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes a couple of seconds. Always goes away with an ignition cycle. If it's on long enough. For some period of time, it came in when I turned the truck on and off when I released the parking brake. Annoying.

NHTSA complaint #11623908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The abs module has gave me issues and now has gone completely out causing no brakes and while it was having intermittent issues causes no cruise control and causes transmission issues which is another thing the transmission has went out again after this is the 3rd time replacing at around 10k everytime

NHTSA complaint #11623676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.