2018 RAM 3500 electrical system problems
135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2018 RAM 3500 — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ram 3500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 78,546 and at the time of a Carfax report check, it was discovered that the mileage was 699,573.”
filed Aug 3, 2026
“The contact owns a 2018 RAM 3500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal cracking sound and smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact inspected and used a fire extinguisher to slow the smoke and electrical sparks down. The contact did…”
filed Jul 7, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise…Campaign 18V332000 · May 17, 2018
Related service bulletins
Sensor - turbocharger speed
113742 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 29, 2026Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
S1623000028 Rev. K · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 12, 2026
Electrical System problems in other 3500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 3500 | 15 | 68% |
| 2025 3500 | 23 | 66% |
| 2024 3500 | 10 | 25% |
| 2022 3500 | 22 | 12% |
| 2021 3500 | 17 | 27% |
| 2020 3500 | 9 | 8% |
| 2019 3500 | 20 | 15% |
| 2017 3500 | 33 | 11% |
| 2016 3500 | 10 | 8% |
| 2015 3500 | 19 | 14% |
| 2014 3500 | 25 | 12% |
| 2013 3500 | 17 | 15% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 RAM 3500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.