NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10175723: 2018 Ram 2500

Official manufacturer communication context for 2018 Ram 2500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10175723 summary graphic for 2018 Ram 2500
10175723NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
4affected product rows
4source rows grouped

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. This bulletin fixes all vehicles listed and also contains an optional software path for situations where the customer is specifically complaining of a drone noise, shudder, pulsation, or vibration under light throttle applications, while vehicle is operating in Multi Displacement System/Economics (MDS/ECO) mode (optionalsoftware available for D2&DJ vehicles).There will be two separate software options displayed on the wiTECH flash tab. The software file released for this condition contains the verbiage ?MDS NOISE?. The other file is the standard software that does not contain improvements for the drone/shudder concern. If for some reason the customer finds this shudder improvementobjectionable, the PCM software may be returned/reflashed to the standard version.Both software versions will address the remaining conditions noted in the bulletin.The customer may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):P3402 - Cylinder 1 Deactivation Control Performance. P3426 - Cylinder 4 Deactivation Control Performance. P3442 - Cylinder 6 Deactivation Control Performance. P3450 - Cylinder 7 Deactivation Control Performance. P0128 - Thermostat Rationality. Customers may also describe the following condition:Heater not warming cabin sufficiently and engine slow to warm up. This condition could be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat which is not associated with an HVAC issue.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
Ram25002018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Ram35002018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Ram45002018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Ram55002018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10175723?

Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. This bulletin fixes all vehicles listed and also contains an optional software path for situations where the customer is specifically complaining of a drone noise, shudder, pulsation, or vibration under light throttle applications, while vehicle is operating in Multi Displacement.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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