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2018 RAM 5500

8 recalls Risk Grade: A Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #24V896000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
What Happened
The control unit in your vehicle's brakes is the brain that helps you stop safely. In certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 models, this unit can fail without warning.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, your brakes could fail to work properly, and you could lose traction or skid. This could cause a serious accident.
Free Fix
Your Ram dealer will replace the faulty brake control unit, or the motor inside it, at no cost to you. This is a free repair, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Original — 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 July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #19V359000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Manufacturer
Unruh Fire, Inc.
What Happened
Your vehicle's brake lights are the lights at the back that signal to other drivers when you're slowing down. The brake lights on your 2018 Dodge 5500 fire truck might be connected to the wiring in a way that causes them to turn on even when you're not pressing the brake pedal.
Risk if Unfixed
If the brake lights turn on unexpectedly, other drivers might think you're slowing down when you're not, which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty brake lights with new ones, and this repair is completely free. You'll be notified with a recall notice, and you should contact Unruh Fire's customer service at 1-800-856-7080 to schedule the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling one 2018 Dodge 5500-based fire truck equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Unruh Fire has notified the owner and will provide replacement brake lights, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #19V255000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Manufacturer
Blanchat Mfg., Inc.
What Happened
The brake lights on your B-27 Minuteman are designed to turn on when you press the brake pedal. However, in your vehicle, the lights might come on even when the pedal hasn't been pressed.
Risk if Unfixed
If your brake lights are on when they shouldn't be, other drivers might think you're braking, which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealership will swap out the incorrect brake lights for new ones, and this repair is completely free. You should schedule the fix as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Blanchat Mfg., Inc. (Blanchat) is recalling one 2018 B-27 Minuteman vehicle built on a RAM 5500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Blanchat has notified the owner, and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #18V277000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The brake hoses in your RAM 4500 or 5500 cab chassis truck are the tubes that connect the brake master cylinder to the brake system. They might not have a protective coating, which could let corrosion damage them.
Risk if Unfixed
If the brake hoses corrode, brake fluid could leak out, causing your brakes to fail. This means you might not be able to stop your truck in time, increasing the risk of a serious crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect the brake hoses and replace them if they're damaged, all at no cost to you. You should schedule this repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks. The primary and secondary brake hoses located between the brake master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured without anti-corrosion plating on the ferrules, which can allow the ferrules to corrode.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U41.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #18V100000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) is a safety feature in your vehicle that prevents you from shifting the transmission out of PARK without pressing the brake pedal or turning the key. In some 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, and other models, the BTSI pin can stick in the open position, allowing you to shift the transmission without the brake pedal or key.
Risk if Unfixed
If the BTSI pin sticks, you could accidentally shift your transmission out of PARK without pressing the brake pedal or turning the key. This could cause your vehicle to roll away unexpectedly, potentially leading to a crash or injury.
Free Fix
Your Chrysler dealer will update the Body Control Module software and test the BTSI operation. If necessary, they'll replace the solenoid. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V398000 Plain English
Component

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
What Happened
The lug nuts on your RAM truck are secured by wheel studs. If the owner's manual and service information say to tighten them too much, the studs could break, and the wheel could come loose.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wheel comes loose, it could fly off while you're driving, causing a serious accident and potentially injuring you or others on the road.
Free Fix
Your dealer will update the owner's manual to show the correct tightening specs, and they'll inspect your wheel studs for any damage. If they need to be replaced, they'll do it at no cost to you – just schedule the repair when you get your recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #18V332000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The wiring in your vehicle is like the nervous system that helps the cruise control work properly. In some models, the wiring could develop a short circuit, making it difficult to turn off the cruise control.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens while you're using cruise control, your vehicle could keep going at the same speed or even speed up, even if you press the brake pedal or try to turn off the system. This increases the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Chrysler dealer will update the software in your vehicle's engine or powertrain control module for free. They'll also check the software to make sure it's working correctly. You'll receive a notification letter, and in the meantime, it's best to avoid using cruise control until the update is done.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #17V824000 Plain English
Component

EQUIPMENT

Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
What Happened
The fire extinguisher in your vehicle is designed to quickly put out small fires. In some cases, the extinguisher's nozzle may detach, or the extinguisher might not work properly, requiring you to use excessive force to activate it.
Risk if Unfixed
If the fire extinguisher fails to work correctly, you could be injured in the event of a fire, which is a serious safety risk.
Free Fix
Your owner will be notified to contact Kidde for a free replacement fire extinguisher. The dealer won't do the replacement directly, but it will be free and you should schedule it as soon as possible by calling 1-855-262-3540 or visiting www.kidde.com and clicking on 'Product Safety Recall'.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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