Recall 18V398 covers 1,837 2018 Ram 3500, 1500, 2500, and Journey vehicles for backup camera image loss. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 1,837 2018 1500, 2500, 3500, and Journey vehicles because the backup camera can lose its image while backing up. A blank rearview camera image can raise the risk of a crash, and Ram dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rearview camera system on these 2018 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, and Journey vehicles uses a camera at the rear of the vehicle and a display built into the rearview mirror. When reverse is selected, the mirror display is supposed to show the area behind the vehicle so the driver has an added view while backing up.
The defect is inside the mirror software, not the outside camera lens. The filing describes a loss of synchronization between internal software signals and the communication speed used to display the image. When that happens, the mirror display does not show the rearview image at the start of a backing event, even though the driver has selected reverse.
What you notice is direct: the rearview image is not available when backing begins. The regular mirrors still matter, but the required camera view is missing, which reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Covers 4 model lines from the 2018 model year, all tied to the same backup-camera component.
| 2018 Ram 3500 | Camera |
|---|---|
| 2018 Ram 1500 | Camera |
| 2018 Ram 2500 | Camera |
| 2018 Dodge Journey | Camera |
| Units affected | 1,837 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2018 model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the rearview camera image is missing at the start of backing up, you lose a key view behind the vehicle and the risk of a crash increases. Check mirrors carefully, turn to look behind you, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Ram 3500, 1500, 2500, or Journey is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free rearview mirror replacement that fixes the backup camera image loss.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V398 when you call.
- Use extra care when backing up until the repair is complete; check mirrors and look behind the vehicle before moving.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician replaces the rearview mirror assembly tied to the backup camera display problem. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related rearview mirror or camera display repair, Ram's reimbursement process asks you to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company for expense confirmation. Keep copies of anything you submit and bring prior repair paperwork when you schedule the recall work.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 14, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 2, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 3, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 3, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 3, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V398?
Recall 18V398 covers 1,837 2018 Ram 3500, 1500, 2500, and Journey vehicles with a rearview camera display defect. The image display can go blank while backing up, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the rearview mirror for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Ram 3500, 1500, 2500, or Journey is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V398. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free rearview mirror replacement. Reference recall number 18V398 and Ram recall number U56 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost, and the manufacturer remedy says dealers will replace the rearview mirror free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Ram dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of the rearview camera image while backing up. That missing image reduces the driver's rear visibility and increases crash risk, especially around people, vehicles, or objects behind the vehicle. The free repair replaces the rearview mirror to restore the display.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair became available when owner notifications began on August 2, 2018. If your VIN is included and the repair has not been completed, call a franchised Ram dealer and ask for recall 18V398 or Ram recall U56.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V398000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V398 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V398000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →