Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 Ram 2500
The 2018 Ram 2500 is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 6.9/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 7.9/10, while Reliability at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.8/10 for reliability, this truck trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.6/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.2/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.9/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $34,185–$40,421, 10 MPG, seating 5, the Ram 2500 sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.6/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2018 Ram 2500 sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2018 Ram 2500 ranks #457 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 11% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,185 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.
$0 — 10 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which 2500 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Ram 2500 scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 6.9 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Ram 2500 (10 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Steering / Linkages 16/10/2018 · 18E096000
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and…
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April…
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 14/06/2018 · 18V398000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…
Electrical system / Wiring 17/05/2018 · 18V332000
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,…
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Showing 5 of 10 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2018 Ram 2500 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2018 Ram 2500
Is the 2018 Ram 2500 reliable?
We rate the 2018 Ram 2500's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2018 Ram 2500 have?
10 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2018 Ram 2500 worth buying?
It scores 6.9/10 overall, ranking #457 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 11% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2018 Ram 2500 cost?
The 2018 Ram 2500 starts at $34,185 and ranges up to $40,421 across trims (MSRP when new). At 10 MPG, expect roughly $5,250/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which 2500 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest 2500 years we've rated are 2016 (6.8/10), 2015 (6.8/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.3/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2018 Ram 2500 have?
The documented issues for the 2018 Ram 2500 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Steering, Latches/locks/linkages, Back over prevention, Electrical system (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Ram 2500
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Similar Truck to Consider
Other trucks at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
