Ram150020183.6L/ram/1500/2018/3-6l/
DS platform

2018 Ram 1500 — 3.6L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 1500 3.6L.

Body TRUCKEngine 3.6LTransmission Automatic 8-spd

The 2018 Ram 1500 3.6L is a DS-platform truck powered by a 3.6-liter engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, carrying EPA ratings of 17/25/20 mpg. Owner-reported data records 642 total complaints and 15 recalls, with the electrical system identified as the top complaint area. Within the 2009–2021 model run, that complaint count sits below the 2014 peak of 1,734 and above the 2009 low of 37, placing the 2018 model year between those two extremes in the generation’s documented reliability history.

Model year20192018201720162014

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torqueCone Lug Nut: 130 ft-lbs; Flanged Lug Nut: 140 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/25/20 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04892339BE. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP265/70R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0; Optional: 8.0; Optional: 9.0 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04892339BE alt 68492616AA
Engine air filter68441763AA alt 68190705AB
Fuel filter68235275AB
Spark plugSP149125AF alt SP143877AB
BatteryBBH7F001AA alt BBH8A001AA
Front wiper blades55277446AC
Thermostat52028898AJ alt 68157217AA
Cabin air filter68535623AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 8-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length213 in
Overall width80.7 in
Overall height99.2 in
Wheelbase135.8 in
Curb weight4729 lb
Track (front / rear)71.3 / 70.5 in

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 25 / 20 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

No 2018 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.

7.5–8.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.50 sec — 2013 SLT 3.6L V6 Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed)
305 hpHorsepower (as tested)
269 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2013SLT 3.6L V6 Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed)7.50 sec15.80 sec305 hpRWD
2013SLT 3.6L V6 Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed)7.90 sec16.10 sec305 hp4x4
2013SLT 3.6L V6 Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed)8.50 sec16.70 sec305 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.0-7.5
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.2
Automatic Transmission FluidMopar ZF Automatic transmission fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.8-9.0
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil Capacity215FD Front Axle

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.8 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.6 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs84.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)22.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)37.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)16.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts70.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts8.8 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts130 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-6-5-4-3-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerRam
Spark Plug Gap.043 in
Spark Plug Torque13 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant CapacityR134a
Refrigerant CapacityR134a
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test15, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum56.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum60.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)56.0-60.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 31; Rear: 24
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 130; Rear: 132
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.039; Rear: .803
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation.0005
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
290.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 10530 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1025 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 9 stages

Prep If the threads of the old bolts are stretched or damaged, do not re-use old bolts. Do not apply additional oil to the bolt threads.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
233.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
333.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
4Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Turn bolts 125 degrees125 degrees
5Loosen all bolts completely in reverse order.
622.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
733.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
833.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
9Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Turn bolts 130 degrees.130 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 9 stages

Prep If the threads of the old bolts are stretched or damaged, do not re-use old bolts. Do not apply additional oil to the bolt threads.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
233.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
333.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
4Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Turn bolts 125 degrees125 degrees
5Loosen all bolts completely in reverse order.
622.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
733.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
833.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
9Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Turn bolts 130 degrees.130 degrees
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
111 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
230
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
118 ft. lbs.18 ft. lbs
218
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep M11 Inner bolts

115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
290 degrees; M8 Outer bolts90 degrees
116.0 ft. lbs.16 ft. lbs
290.0 degrees; M8 Side bolts90 degrees
122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 8,000 mi; coolant every 8,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 8,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 8,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (fill) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (fill) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 16,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
Every 20,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 100,000 miDrive Belt (replace)
At 150,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Ram 1500 represents a mid-cycle refinement within its generation, positioned between the higher complaint volumes of 2013–2016 and the sharp spike in recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs) seen in 2019. Complaints dropped significantly from 2017’s 859 to 642 in 2018, while recalls remained elevated at 15—consistent with the broader trend of increased regulatory scrutiny during this period. However, the 2018 model year avoids the extreme recall surge of 2019 (29 recalls) and the subsequent explosion in TSBs, suggesting fewer systemic issues than its immediate successor. Electrical system and steering complaints dominate, mirroring concerns across the generation, though fire-related incidents (8) and crash complaints (25) remain relatively low. This year’s data implies a more stable build quality than earlier high-complaint years or the problematic 2019 refresh, making the 2018 a comparatively sound choice for a used Ram 1500.

15
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
497
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
642
Owner complaints
25 involved a crash · 8 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 642 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System66
Steering56
Fuel/Propulsion System53
Unknown Or Other53
Engine49
Fuel System, Diesel33
Engine & Engine Cooling25
Power Train24

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 15 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V475000Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:DieselReported 13/08/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to… Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that…

19V347000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:LatchReported 09/05/2019

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… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 497 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S2208000045 REV.D2026-06-26StructureBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S1623000028 Rev. K2026-06-12Electrical SystemOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…
S1623000028 REV.J2026-06-05StructureOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…
S1623000028 REV.I2026-05-29Electrical SystemOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…
S26230000322026-04-30StructureSqueak Or Squawk Noise Coming From Either Side Door Of The Vehicle, It Could Be Just One…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific 1500. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 1500 3.6L take?

6.0 qt of 5W-20 Meeting Chrysler specification MS6395 or equivalent, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 1500 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.6L get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg.