The 2018 Ram 1500 lasts around 250,000 miles with some stereo system and fueling issues. At $23,612 to $47,231, it’s cheaper than many other large trucks, making it a good value for shoppers on a budget.
Is the 2018 Ram 1500 a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the 2018 Ram 1500 since it offers decent reliability paired with a nice cabin, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the passenger room, smooth suspension, as well as the quick V8 engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are more luxurious than other trucks on the market, the seats are very comfortable, there are also three bed lengths.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2018 Ram 1500. Avoid models from 2012–2015 which have engine problems, while 2016–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – The towing performance is lower than other full size trucks, while the V8 is quicker than many competitors.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2018 Ram 1500 is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Parking sensors are an optional upgrade.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 23 MPG, giving up to 598 miles of range from the 26 gallon tank. Gas costs are $45 cheaper than average at $254 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Ram 1500 is cheaper than many other full size trucks, while also holding value well, giving it a high overall score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ram 1500?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Ram 1500 offers a mix of luxury and practicality with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Ram 1500 at 4.3/5, praising the attractive interior materials, but doesn’t like that it’s missing some of the latest safety tech.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Ram 1500 a 4.6/5, enjoying the smooth suspension, but owners don’t like the lower towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Ram 1500 Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Ram 1500 include the Uconnect screen failing, difficulty refueling, as well as some A/C system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other large trucks, leading to average repair costs as the truck ages.
The Uconnect infotainment screen failing is the most widespread complaint at around 40,000 miles. Owners report that the screen separates from the rest of the stereo system as it gets older. This issue is more common in places with hotter summers, which allows the glue on the screen to melt. Replacing the entire screen assembly costs around $1,100, depending on local labor rates.
Difficulty refueling has also been mentioned by 2018 Ram 1500 owners in the first 20,000 miles. Usually, when it’s difficult to refuel there’s a venting issue on the gas tank or the fuel filler tube. Many owners refuel slower, while others have the fuel filler tube replaced, costing around $700.
A/C system issues with the main controller also show up on some Ram 1500 models in the first 30,000 miles. The electronic controller just fails as the truck gets older, and has to be replaced. Changing out the controller costs about $1,200.
There are 12 recalls on the 2018 Ram 1500, which is more than other trucks from the same year. The most serious recall covers the fuel pump which can fail, leading to a loss of power. Ram will replace the fuel pump on affected models for free. Another serious recall covers the driveshaft which can separate, fortunately it only is on 10,000 trucks. Other recalls cover the tailgate, and various software issues.
How Long Will the 2018 Ram 1500 Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Ram 1500 can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Tundra. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other full size trucks according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $539 per year.
As a used 2018 Ram 1500 ages and reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the ABS control module for $620, radiator costing $1,150, as well as the thermostat which costs around $600.
Yes very reliable and I have no problems with the truck whatsoever. Ima be keeping it forever. I love it.
I haven't had any issues with the truck so far, I just do regular maintenance and drive the truck, it works well.
The only problem and it is more of an annoyance than a problem is the sensors for the parking assist sometimes get covered in ice or bug residue which trip the sensors and the alarm stays on when backing up or when coming to a stop.
The 2018 ram 1500 slt has only had one issue. When I put gas in it the pump clicks off because the truck thinks it is full. The dodge place fixed so now everything is good. I would definitely say that this truck is reliable. My husband and I bought the same exact truck but different colors and he loves his also. He has not had any issues with his.
The ram I own has no known problems, that I know, this product is of excellent value, one of the most reliable trucks I have ever owned.
I have not had any problems with the Ram 1500. I trust Ram. I have had a few recalls that I had to take it to the dealership
No it has no prom is the best reliable vehicle I've ever had. He gets me around everywhere I go I have no problems with it best for a drive I have a half inch silver matches my camper and I
No problems at all. Great truck everything works well on the truck. If I had extra money would buy another one
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is okay in the base Ram 1500 compared to other trucks from 2018 with a standard 5-inch screen. The optional upgraded 8.4-inch Uconnect system is very good, offering full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well.
Safety technology is also lagging behind the competition, only offering a standard backup camera along with electronic stability control. Optional upgrades include front and rear parking sensors, as well as automatic high beams.
Is the 2018 Ram 1500 a Good Value?
Yes, the 208 Ram 1500 is a good value since it offers a decent interior paired with good reliability ratings. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,612 to $47,231, making it cheaper than a Ford F-150 or GMC Sierra 1500. When new, the price range was $27,295 to $53,995. Depreciation is similar to other large trucks, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ram 1500?
There are 10 main models of the Ram 1500 offered in 2018, from the base Tradesman all the way up to the luxurious Limited. It’s also offered with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Tradesman is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Vinyl Seats
- Cruise Control
- 5-Inch Infotainment Screen
- Six Speaker Stereo
- USB Port
- Rearview Camera
HFE EcoDiesel is an efficient model with:
- 20-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- More Efficient Diesel Engine
- Cloth Seating
Express is next in the lineup, adding:
- Unique 20-Inch Wheels
- Body-Colored Exterior Trim
- Carpeting
- Bedliner
Big Horn adds features such as:
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- 110-Volt Power Outlet
- 4-Inch Uconnect Touchscreen
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Sport and Night are similar and add:
- Black 20-Inch Wheels
- Front Bucket Seats
- LED Interior Lighting
- Sport Hood
- Blacked Out Front Grille
Laramie has upgrades such as:
- Auto-Dimming Mirrors
- Wood Trim
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- 10-Speaker Audio System
Laramie Longhorn offers luxury items including:
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Upgraded Leather Upholstery
- Remote Start
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Rebel is an off-road model with:
- 17-Inch Wheels
- All-Terrain Tires
- Black Fender Flares
- Bilstein Shocks
- Tow Hooks
- LED Foglights
Limited is the most luxurious model and has:
- Monotone Paint Scheme
- Premium Quilted Leather Upholstery
- Side-Step Bars
- Self-Leveling Air Suspension
What Engines Come In the Ram 1500?
- The base engine is an average 3.6L V6 which makes 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 20 MPG. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 7,600 pounds.
- A step up is the more efficient 3.0L turbodiesel V6, which produces 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 23 MPG. This engine also has an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine can tow up to 9,210 pounds.
- The flagship engine is the strong 5.7L V8 which generates 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 17 MPG. An eight-speed transmission is also found with this engine. The towing capacity is high at up to 10,620 pounds. Performance is good, taking only 6.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Ram 1500 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ram 1500?
The 2018 Ram 1500 is one of the most comfortable full size trucks with seating for up to six passengers. Seating is nice, offering high quality cloth and leather options paired with durable cushions which hold up well over time.
There are three cabin configurations offered including a 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and a larger 4-door crew cab which Ram calls the quad cab. Passenger room is cramped in the backseats of the extended cab, while the crew cab offers enough legroom for taller adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ram 1500 Have?
There are three bed lengths available on the 2018 Ram 1500. They are a 5-foot-7-inch short bed, a 6-foot-4-inch standard bed, along with the 8-foot extended bed.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Ram 1500 came out in 2009, and was replaced by the fifth generation in 2019.
2015: New R/T model which is based on the Sport model.
2016: Upgraded center console standard on all models, new colors offered.
2017: Six-speed automatic transmission discontinued, Outdoorsman model removed as well.
2018: New Tungsten edition model, standard rearview camera on all models, updated 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect system.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation, higher towing capacity, new interior, exterior, and engine choices.
2020: New 3.0L EcoDiesel engine offered, Night Edition packages available.
2021: New TRX high-performance model, optional heads-up display added.
How Does the Ram 1500 Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Ram 1500 is a very good truck since it offers a more upscale interior compared to the competition paired with a smooth suspension.
The Ford F-150 is another large truck which costs about $2,000 more. The towing capacity is higher on the Ford F-150, while the Ram 1500 has a more luxurious cabin for the money. We recommend the Ford F-150 since they last longer, although both are very good trucks for the 2018 model year.
The Toyota Tundra is another competitor which starts at nearly $5,000 more. Reliability ratings are better on the Toyota Tundra, while the Ram 1500 has a much smoother suspension, especially at highway speeds. We recommend the Toyota Tundra since it will last longer, and has a higher towing capacity.
Do Owners Recommend the Ram 1500?
Yes it is the best ever I love it a lot for sure. I will keep this truck which is not bad at all. Everything is the best on this truck.
It works well, gets good mileage, and gets me where I need to go without causing any problems. Has plenty of power and tows well.
It is an amazing truck with a lot of incredible features. It is pretty good on gas mileage as well, and one of my favorite features besides the 4x4 lock, auto, and low settings, you can turn your parking aid sensors on and off. It's very reliable in the snow, and I feel very secure while driving with the kids in the back.
I absolutely love my truck. The 2018 ram 1500 slt is great on gas. I drive one hour to work each way and it and it uses nowhere near the amount that my previous SUV took. It is reliable and safe. That is really important to me because I have kids.
A very good product, I have owned four of the same, it has all the futures that I wanted. Good smooth ride and drive. Have lots of power.
Yes the Ram 1500 is a very good vehicle. I will only drive a Ram truck. Out of all the years I have owned a Ram it has never let me down
It is the best vehicle I've ever had. It is a truck and a silver it holds my camper and does everything that I needed to do and then saw his 4 Wheel Dr. thank you
Yes! Ride great, sits up high inside is roomy, ac works really well. Great radio inside, XM radio, extra clean