2018 Ram 4500

2018 Ram 4500

Overview

The 2018 Ram 4500 is a heavy-duty truck designed for commercial and demanding vocational use. Its reliability is generally considered robust, particularly concerning its powertrain, which is built for durability under load. However, like any complex vehicle, specific components can experience issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance, examining common problem areas across its available configurations. Owners can expect a dependable platform, but awareness of potential issues can aid in proactive maintenance and informed repairs.

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Engine

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel

Fuel Injector Issues

• Symptoms: Rough idling, reduced power, increased exhaust smoke, check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injectors.
• Cost: $800 - $1500

EGR Cooler Failure

• Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, overheating.
• Solution: Replacement of the EGR cooler assembly.
• Cost: $700 - $1200

Transmission

AISIN AS69RC (6-Speed Automatic)

Torque Converter Issues

• Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping gears, delayed engagement.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of the torque converter.
• Cost: $1200 - $2500

G56 (6-Speed Manual)

Clutch Wear

• Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, burning smell.
• Solution: Replacement of clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing).
• Cost: $900 - $1800

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Leaf Spring Issues

• Symptoms: Sagging rear end, uneven ride height, clunking noises over bumps.
• Solution: Replacement of broken or worn leaf springs.
• Cost: $500 - $1000

Electrical

Body Control Module (BCM)

Intermittent Electrical Malfunctions

• Symptoms: Random warning lights, non-functional accessories (lights, wipers), power window issues.
• Solution: Diagnosis and reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
• Cost: $600 - $1100

Exterior

Body Panels

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

Interior

Infotainment System

Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness

• Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system freezes, audio issues.
• Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment unit.
• Cost: $500 - $1000

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Summary Verdict

The 2018 Ram 4500 demonstrates solid reliability, especially with its robust 6.7L Cummins diesel engine. The primary areas of concern tend to be related to specific powertrain components like fuel injectors and EGR coolers, and potential issues with the automatic transmission’s torque converter. Manual transmission clutches are subject to wear, as expected. Suspension leaf springs can also require attention under heavy use. Electrical gremlins, often traced to the BCM, and occasional infotainment system glitches are noted. Overall, for a heavy-duty commercial vehicle, the 2018 Ram 4500 offers dependable performance with manageable potential repair costs for its class.