2018 Ram 1500
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2018 Ram 1500.
What to watch for on the 2018 Ram 1500
Hemi MDS Lifter Failure
Multi-Displacement System lifters can collapse, scoring the camshaft. Affects 5.7L Hemi. An MDS delete tune is a common preventative measure. Listen for ticking on cold start.
Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage
The iconic 'Hemi tick' — exhaust manifold bolts snap, creating a ticking noise on cold start. Common across all Hemi years. Broken bolts must be drilled out — labor-intensive.
3 more known problems on the 2018 1500
Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
2018 Ram 1500 price ranges
2015+ models have the best reliability and the updated interior. The Rebel holds value well. EcoDiesel is great for towing MPG but has emissions-system costs. The ZF 8-speed is a huge selling point over older competitors.
Recalls on the 2018 Ram 1500
Engine and engine cooling: diesel
0L diesel engines.
Latches/locks/linkages: latch
Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed…
Back over prevention: camera
The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up.
12 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 667 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2018 Ram 1500 at a glance
- Trims
- Big HornExpressHFELaramieLaramie LonghornLimitedLone StarOutdoorsman
- Engine
- 3.6L 6-Cylinder, 5.7L 8-Cylinder, 3.0L 6-Cylinder Turbo Diesel
- Transmission
- Automatic 8-spd, Automatic 6-spd
- Drivetrain
- 4WD, RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline, Diesel
- Body style
- Truck
Ram 1500 (DS) Buyer's Guide
Hemi V8, ZF 8-Speed, and Air Suspension
The DS Ram 1500 (2013-2018) was a game-changer — the first Ram with the now-legendary ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic and available air suspension. It transformed Ram from a truck also-ran into a legitimate contender, winning MotorTrend Truck of the Year in 2013 and 2014.
Powertrain: The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (305 hp) with 8-speed is the efficient choice. The 5.7L Hemi V8 (395 hp) with cylinder deactivation (MDS) is the volume leader. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (240 hp, 420 lb-ft) was available 2014-2018. The 8-speed ZF transmission is one of the best truck transmissions ever made.
What to look for: The ZF 8-speed is excellent and reliable. The Hemi's MDS lifters and exhaust manifold bolts are the main concerns. The air suspension (optional, RAM 1500 only tested — not DS) provides a great ride but costly repairs. The EcoDiesel had EGR cooler and emissions system issues. 2015+ models have the best reliability.
About the DS
The 2013-2018 Ram 1500, known internally as the DS generation, marked a significant shift for the model with the introduction of a coil-spring rear suspension, greatly improving ride quality and handling over its predecessor. This generation offered a choice of three gasoline engines: a 3.6-liter V-6, a 4.7-liter V-8, and the popular 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 was also available, making this the first half-ton pickup to offer a diesel option in decades. Transmissions included a six-speed automatic with the 4.7-liter engine and an eight-speed automatic paired with the 3.6-liter, 5.7-liter, and diesel engines. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available across the lineup.
Body configurations included Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, offered with either a short or long bed. The Ram 1500 DS is well-suited for used buyers seeking a comfortable daily driver or light-duty hauler, as its reputation for a smooth ride and strong powertrain options remains strong. The addition of the EcoDiesel provides exceptional fuel economy for a full-size truck, while the HEMI V-8 delivers proven towing capability. This generation represents a refined, capable platform that holds up well in the used market.
In-depth generation guide
We've written a detailed buyer's guide covering this generation's known issues, engine variants, and what to inspect.
Ram 1500 (DS) Buyer's Guide — 2014-2018→Other Ram 1500 years
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Frequently asked questions
Is the DS Ram 1500 more reliable than the DT?
The ZF 8-speed is the same in both, which is excellent. The DS Hemi has the same MDS and exhaust manifold issues as the DT. The DS is simpler overall (less electronics). Both are good, but the DT has a nicer interior.
Should I buy the EcoDiesel?
Only if you tow regularly. The 3.0L gets 27 MPG highway — excellent for a truck. But EGR coolers, DEF systems, and emissions components add maintenance costs. The Hemi is simpler and cheaper to maintain.
Is air suspension worth it on the Ram 1500?
The ride quality is genuinely better than leaf springs, especially unloaded. But the compressor will fail eventually. Budget $1,200-2,000 for a replacement. Many owners prefer coil springs for peace of mind.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.