2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Warranty: What 2018 Owners Need to Know
The 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 — fourth-generation Ram 1500 — TIPM and transfer case failures are increasingly reported past 90,000 miles; factory bumper-to-bumper expired in 2021 — is now at typical current mileage of 90,000–115,000 miles. 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 owners are in or approaching the window where major mechanical repairs become statistically likely. Understanding the known failure patterns and warranty coverage status is critical before an expensive breakdown occurs.
Quick Answer
The 2018 Dodge Ram 1500's primary risk is Transfer Case Failure ($2,500–$4,500). The factory 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty expired in 2021. At current mileage, 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 owners without coverage face potentially large out-of-pocket repair bills. Athena Auto Protection covers this vehicle with a $100 deductible.
Key Takeaways
- 1Transfer Case Failure is the primary cost risk at $2,500–$4,500.
- 2TIPM Electrical Module Failure adds additional repair exposure at $800–$2,500.
- 3Factory bumper-to-bumper warranty expired in 2021 for most 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 owners.
- 4At 90,000–115,000 typical miles, this vehicle is in a significant repair risk window.
- 5Athena plans cover all three major risk areas with a $100 deductible per repair visit.
2018 Dodge Ram 1500: Model Year Overview
The 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 — fourth-generation Ram 1500 — TIPM and transfer case failures are increasingly reported past 90,000 miles; factory bumper-to-bumper expired in 2021. By 2026, with approximately 90,000–115,000 miles, this vehicle has moved into the window where deferred maintenance and accumulated wear generate significant repair bills — especially on powertrain and A/C components that are most expensive to address.
Known Issues on the 2018 Dodge Ram 1500
Transfer Case Failure
Transfer Case Failure is the most expensive and widely reported failure on the 2018 Dodge Ram 1500. Owners report costs of $2,500–$4,500 for this repair. By the time noticeable symptoms appear, damage is often already extensive — making proactive coverage the most cost-effective approach.
Ram 1500 transfer case failures — often presenting as grinding noises, 4WD engagement problems, or complete loss of 4-wheel drive — are among the most frequently cited costly repairs in owner forums and NHTSA complaint data. At $2,500–$4,500 per repair, this is the single most important powertrain item to protect against for Ram 1500 owners.
TIPM Electrical Module Failure
TIPM Electrical Module Failure is the second most commonly reported failure on the 2018 Dodge Ram 1500. Repair or replacement costs run $800–$2,500. This failure can occur without significant warning and may leave the vehicle undrivable until repaired.
8-Speed Transmission Failure (8HP70)
8-Speed Transmission Failure (8HP70) is a third area of concern for 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 owners. Repair costs typically run $2,800–$4,800. While less catastrophic than powertrain failures, these repairs accumulate and are not covered by standard auto insurance.
Factory Warranty Status for the 2018 Dodge Ram 1500
Athena Auto Protection
Cap Your Repair Risk at $100
- $100 flat deductible — every repair, every time
- Claims paid directly to the shop within 48 hours
- Coverage available in 48 states
- 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper — expired in 2021
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain — expired in 2023
Most 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 owners are now fully outside factory warranty coverage. This is a critical window to secure extended warranty protection before a major failure occurs.
Typical Repair Costs for the 2018 Dodge Ram 1500
- Transfer Case Failure: $2,500–$4,500
- TIPM Electrical Module Failure: $800–$2,500
- 8-Speed Transmission Failure (8HP70): $2,800–$4,800
Recommended Coverage Tier for the 2018 Dodge Ram 1500
- Deluxe Coverage — Covers powertrain internals, transmission, A/C, electrical, steering, and suspension. The best all-around option for 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 owners.
- New Car Coverage — Near-complete exclusionary protection. Recommended for 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 owners with documented early-warning symptoms or high-risk usage.
Full Coverage Guide and Vehicle Warranty Page
See the full Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Warranty guide and the Dodge Ram 1500 vehicle page for complete coverage details.
Sources & Methodology
Last Updated: June 2026
RepairPal: 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 repair cost estimates and reliability data
NHTSA: 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 technical service bulletins and owner complaint records
Consumer Reports: 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 reliability ratings and owner survey data
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- $100 flat deductible — every repair, every time
- Claims paid directly to the shop within 48 hours
- Coverage available in 48 states
About the Article Author
Danielle Gougion
Director of Operations
Danielle leads Athena's customer experience and fulfillment operations, translating policy language into real outcomes for drivers. With a background in consumer advocacy and contract compliance, she ensures every customer fully understands their coverage before they ever need to use it.