Ram350020186.7L Diesel/ram/3500/2018/6-7l-diesel/
D2 platform

2018 Ram 3500 — 6.7L Diesel

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 3500 6.7L Diesel.

Engine 6.7L Diesel

The 2018 Ram 3500, riding on the D2 platform, is powered by a 6.7L diesel engine that requires 12.0 quarts of 5W-40 or 15W-40 oil. With 777 total owner complaints and 11 recalls, its most common issue involves the service brakes, and this model year represents the highest complaint count in the model's 2007–2026 history—far exceeding the 3 complaints recorded for the 2009 model year, marking it as a low point in reliability for the generation.

Model year20192018201720162014

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity12.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-40 / 15W-40OEM · verified
Lug nut torque135 ft-lbs; DRW: 145 ft-lbsOEM · 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

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04892339BE alt 05083285AA
Engine air filter68441763AA alt 53034051AB
Fuel filter68157291AA alt 68197867AB
Spark plugSP138239AC alt SP143877AB
BatteryBBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades55277446AC
Serpentine belt68232297AA alt 04627751AA
Thermostat05086740AA alt 52028898AJ
Cabin air filter68535623AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length236.2 in
Overall width80.7 in
Overall height99.2 in
Wheelbase159.1 in
Curb weight4963 lb
Track (front / rear)71.3 / 70.5 in

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.

8.4–9.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.40 sec — 2011 Heavy Duty Laramie Longhorn 6.7L Crew Cab DRW (8.2 ft. Bed)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2016Heavy Duty Limited 6.7L Crew Cab DRW (8 ft Bed) 6.7L Turbo Diesel I-68.60 sec16.60 sec385 hp4x4
2016Heavy Duty Limited 6.7L Crew Cab DRW (8 ft Bed) 6.7L Turbo Diesel I-68.60 sec16.80 sec370 hp4x4
2014Heavy Duty Laramie Longhorn 6.7L Crew Cab DRW (8.2 ft Bed) 6.7L Turbo Diesel I-69.40 sec17.10 sec350 hp4x4
2013Heavy Duty Laramie Longhorn 6.7L Mega Cab DRW (6.4 ft. Bed) 6.7L Turbo Diesel I-68.90 sec16.80 sec350 hp4x4
2011Heavy Duty Laramie Longhorn 6.7L Crew Cab DRW (8.2 ft. Bed) 6.7L Turbo Diesel I-68.40 sec16.40 sec350 hp4x4
2011Heavy Duty Laramie Longhorn 6.7L Crew Cab DRW (8.2 ft. Bed) 6.7L Turbo Diesel I-69.30 sec16.90 sec350 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine holds 12.0 qt of 5W-40 / 15W-40 engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs; DRW: 145 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

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)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)72.0 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)13.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts101.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts39 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts9 ft-lbs
Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) Sensor Bolt(s)37.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)110.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket254.5 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle160.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket160.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts135 ft-lbs; DRW: 145 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-5-3-6-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant CapacityR134a
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.35-1.45 lbs
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 55; Rear: 27
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 260; Rear: 190
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 55; Rear: 27
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 260; Rear: 190
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.472; Rear: 1.275
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation.0004
Maximum Rotor Runout.0009
Maximum Drum DiameterParking Brake Drum: 8.157

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
244.0 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
360.0
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1025 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1025 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
152 ft. lbs.52 ft. lbs
2Back off 1 turn
377 ft. lbs.77 ft. lbs
4recheck torque, 77 ft. lbs.77 ft. lbs
5Turn 90
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages
112 ft. lbs.12 ft. lbs
222 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
322
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts

189.0 ft. lbs.89 ft. lbs
2Loosen all bolts completely
344.0 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
463.0 ft. lbs.63 ft. lbs
5120.0
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 3 stages
1Tighten all bolts finger tight
272.0 inch lbs.72 in
318.0

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 12,500 mi; coolant every 12,500 mi. The big-interval services (every 12,500 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 7,500 miDiesel Emissions Fluid (inspect fluid level) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 12,500 miDriveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miFuel Filter (replace) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 20,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect)
Every 22,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
At 30,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
Every 60,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 67,500 miEngine Breather Filter (replace)

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.

Federal data places the 2018 Ram 3500 at the peak of a generational complaint spike, with 777 complaints—more than double the 302 recorded in 2017 and nearly six times the 134 seen in 2019. Despite that volume, recalls dipped slightly to 11 from 13 the prior year and investigations held flat at 4, indicating the surge did not produce proportionally more federal safety actions. The broader arc shows volatile but rising complaint counts from 2013 into 2017, an extreme outlier spike in 2018, then a sharp correction in 2019 and relatively subdued levels through 2021, making 2018 the clear worst point of the cycle. The 2018 filings are heavily concentrated in brake-related complaint categories, though the data does not specify a root cause. The year also records 15 crash complaints and 2 fire complaints, adding severity context to the volume. Given that 2018 represents the absolute highest complaint point in the series with concentrated brake-related reports and elevated severity markers, it is not a good year to buy compared with 2017 or the post-2019 models.

11
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
441
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
4
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
777
Owner complaints
15 involved a crash · 2 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 777 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Service Brakes284
Service Brakes, Hydraulic117
Electrical System,Service Brakes48
Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes37
Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes33
Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance25
Electrical System20
Steering20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 11 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18E096000Steering:LinkagesReported 16/10/2018

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… Remedy: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer…

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 441 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S2208000045 REV.D2026-06-26StructureBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S1203000003 REV.A2026-06-26Service BrakesTrac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
1129062026-06-17EngineBEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
1129062026-06-17EngineBEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
S1623000028 Rev. K2026-06-12Electrical SystemOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…

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.

P2002
Diesel particulate filter efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0401
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow insufficient
P20EE
SCR NOx catalyst efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0087
Fuel rail / system pressure too low
P0299
Turbocharger / supercharger underboost condition

VIN tools

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VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific 3500. 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 3500 6.7L Diesel take?

12.0 qt of Below 0 degreesF 5W-40, Above 0 degreesF: 15W-40 Use oil meeting Chrysler standard MS-10902 or equivalent, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 3500 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.