FaultScore

2018 RAM 1500 brake problems

45 of the 898 complaints about the 2018 RAM 1500 are about the braking system — 5% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 30,500 miles.

C

45

Complaints

5

Crashes

0

Fires

2

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Service Brakes 41 91.1%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 4 8.9%

Brakes across every RAM 1500 year

2013 79 6.4%
2014 178 14.4%
2015 152 12.3%
2016 275 22.3%
2017 97 7.9%
2018 45 3.6%
2019 130 10.5%
2020 42 3.4%
2021 76 6.2%
2022 70 5.7%
2023 37 3.0%
2024 13 1.1%
2025 41 3.3%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Sebastian, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

I have a 2018 RAM 1500 Tradesman 2WD truck that the the ABS warning ligh as well as check engine, brakes warning light keeps staying on. I am very concerned about this as it may cause me to NOT be able to brake in time to. Also the cruise control does not work. I've taken it to several different mechanics as well as Autozone and I'm told the error code is C2200-49 which is the Anti-lock Brake Module Internal- Internal Electronic Failure. My mechanic has told me there is NO PART available and has been on back order for the past year. My only recourse is to locate one from a junk yard and hope that it will work. I've done an exhaustive on-line search and haven't been able to locate the module for my year and model truck through any RAM 'MOPAR' dealership. I've been on several different message boards and have been told there are thousands of trucks out there with this issues. Please, help us by making RAM do a recall on this vehicle. Sincerely, [XXX] ATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11729102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baytown, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

My ABS is not working due to a faulty ABS module or hydraulic control unit this has caused my truck to lock up the brakes during a hard stop instead of the ABS working it also has affected the cruise control. It no longer works. This is not an issue just with the 2500,3500 let’s get 1500 on board.

NHTSA complaint #11723238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Donnelsville, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

Failure of the ABS control module. Scanning of the trouble code shows internal electronic failure code C2200-49. Loss of ABS on vehicle, decreased stability on wet surfaces. Appears to be a known issue with Rams, my vehicle is not on the recall list for this issue but should be there should be a wider recall forced on Ram for this issue. Loss of ABS and traction control, Loss of cruise control, and increased risk of transmission damage that may result in loss of drive at wheels during operation that may result in an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11723395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orange Park, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

UNKNOWN. 2018 RAM 1500 5.7 ABS CONTROL MODULE internal malfunction code C2200-49. A known malfunction in many ram 1500. Already recalled in RAM 2500 to 5500. Part is on Back order with no known eta. Why is the 1500 excluded from the recall...

NHTSA complaint #11720627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Harrodsburg, KY

SERVICE BRAKES

Ram needs to look int the abs faliure on 1500 modals just like 2500 and 3500 modals , my abs appears to be failing as well just as the some symptoms for 2500 and others

NHTSA complaint #11711627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Range, WI

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS light and traction control lights on, on dash. With these lights on, the cruise control and 4x4 do not work. One garage replaced front right axle, wheel bearing, brake rotor, brake pads, and ABS sensor. Lights were then out for a day but then came back. Took to a second garage and they replaced right rear ABS sensor. Lights went out for another day and then came back. They are still on. Because of Christmas it's been hard to get anyone to look at it. Also they say this is a known problem without any definite solution.

NHTSA complaint #11707400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Fe, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

I am writing to your Company regarding the unavailability of the ABS Control Module for 2017 Ram 1500 trucks. My truck, like those of numerous other Ram owners, has a malfunctioning ABS Control Module. Because of this malfunction, the ABS and cruise control do not work. In turn, this places me and other owners of this vehicle in an unsafe situation, in that the lack of an operating ABS system is conducive to skidding and accidents. Some owners have even reported that they cannot drive their vehicles due to locked brakes resulting from this malfunction. I have tried every source in existence in my efforts to find a replacement module, but I have been totally unsuccessful. I have been told by one of your Customer Service representatives that your Company is “…unable to maintain a complete inventory for an indefinite period and the lower the demand, the less likely it is we will have stocked parts. As such, the part you are requesting is no longer in our inventory.” I am aware of a current class action suit against your company for the RAM 2500 & 3500 for the same issue. I guess the owners’ lives of the Ram 1500 are not as important. Wilson, et al. v. FCA US LLC Case No. 4:22-cv-0044 This is absolutely appalling. Apparently, several thousand Ram owners who paid tens of thousands of dollars for their trucks are not important enough to your Company to warrant providing the necessary support for their products. I am thoroughly disgusted with the disrespect and value you place on the safety and lives of your truck owners and the other drivers on the road who are in danger due to the lack of support or concern you have for your “valued? owners”.

NHTSA complaint #11695759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

There are countless number of individuals like myself who have paid good hard earned money to own these trucks only to find out that everyone I know has endured the issue with the ABS module it seems. And online that's all you can find now me owning other manufactured vehicles I've never encountered this issue before. But I don't understand how this is a known part that will fail and when it does fail it's up to the owners of the truck to have to pay out of pocket thousands of dollars to get it repaired after spending more than $50,000 to be able to own the truck. I can't imagine the other owners who are not able to afford these costly expenses to get repaired immediately and are forced to continue driving on the road ways endangering themselves and other innocent lives on the road ways

NHTSA complaint #11680748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sebastian, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

I have a 2018 RAM 1500 that keeps flashing for the code for the ABS module. This malfunction has completely disabled the ABS system. My mechanic feels that this is a genuine safety hazard and the module needs to be replaced. RAM says the parts have been on back order for over a year. I'm on several different RAM/DOGE message boards and there are plenty of trucks that are having this issue and are told the same that the part is on back order for over a year. Please hold RAM/DODGE accountable for this obvious defect. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA complaint #11673458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,137 miles Sarasota, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake, traction control, and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,137. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11665768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Keller, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS control module is out with under 50k miles on it. Dealers in the area mention it's a common issue with this model and shared that the 2500 models have the same issue and had a recall issued.

NHTSA complaint #11665475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palm Bay, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

My ABS and anti swerve systems have gone bad are not operational. There has been a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer for the 2500 & 3500. My local dealer in Melbourne Fl has said the module has been on back order for some time now! No clue if anything can be done but I don't feel safe driving in the rain, which it does most days here.

NHTSA complaint #11664404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Donnelsville, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

Failure of ABS control module with loss of traction control. After researching this issue shortly after having the ABS control module fail on my vehicle I found numerous posts about a faulty ABS module and hydraulic control module ending in part AA. This appears to be a widespread issue with the Ram 1500 pickups warranting a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11662131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 25,000 miles Slidell, LA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was unidentified. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included, and the parts for the repair was not available. Another local dealer, Rainbow Chrysler Dodge Jeep (301 River Highland Blvd, Covington, LA 70433) was contacted about the repair; however, parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA complaint #11660432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ridgeville, SC

SERVICE BRAKES

The antilock brake light and traction control light is on. also check trailer brake message comes on the vehicle display. I brought it to the dealer and there is no fix for the problem. There were 12 codes related to this issue and the speedometer goes to zero occasionally.

NHTSA complaint #11655797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Humacao, PR

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS CONTROL PUMP STOP WORKING DUE TO SEIZED ELECTRIC MOTOR BRUSHES ON CARRIERS. NO INCIDENTS HAPPENED BUT IT IS A COMMON FAIL ON THIS YEAR MODEL TRUCKS THAT CAN LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. AT THE BEGINNING START DOING IT INTERMITTENLY WHILE DRIVING IT TO THE POINT WHERE IT COMPLTELY STOP WORKING AT ALL. DISABLING ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM.

NHTSA complaint #11653756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Youngstown, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

The abs keeps randomly disabling and then coming back on. When this happens, the cruise control is canceled which causes a sudden change in speed unexpectedly. Also, the 4x4 gets disabled. I believe the issue is this: hydraulic control unit can malfunction, impacting ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control performance software issue in the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control module that can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. 

NHTSA complaint #11652850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Katy, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

The electronic trailer brake system, anti-lock braking system, and electronics traction control system lights activate upon driving the vehicle. The cruise control is disabled when these warning lights come on as well. I've been informed by an ASE certified mechanic that the abs control module needs replacement. I've learned this is a known issue for my and similar Ram trucks and that Stellantis has the part on back order while it is in "engineering review". If my traction control, anti-lock brake system, and electronic trailer braking system is affected by a failed abs control module and it is a known issue across many vehicles and the part is in "engineering review" I belief this should be covered by Ram under a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11644776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kingwood, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

my 2018 Ram Limited 1500 ABS control Module has FAILED at 72045 miles; Dealer tried to order new one and dealer told me that NONE are available and he was told to call back March 20 and they would let him know if any available; Dealer was unable to get a new ABS module AND dealer was not able to put me on a list when new and IF new module comes available; This is a very UNSAFE condition in rainey Houston Tx; I went to brake servicer and he ordered me a remanufactured module; Brake company was unable to install remanufactured because it would NOT accept my VIN during programming;; I think all Ram's need to have a SAFETY recall on this Abs MODULE Problem ! I noticed the ABS module has been recalled on the deisal RAM's

NHTSA complaint #11644894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anasco, PR

SERVICE BRAKES

The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is malfunctioning and causing the ABS light, Electronic Stability Control and other warning lights to be triggered. The failing HCU initially resulted in loss of ABS and traction control. There has been a recall of 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 & 5500 trucks and the recall addresses a defect in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) that could lead to the failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems. Below is the link to the 24V-896 Safety Recall Report: [XXX] This HCU failure causes the Anti-lock braking system and Traction control system to no longer function limiting function under wet or slippery conditions. This puts the driver and others at risk. Ram settled a class action lawsuit addressing this issue for the above-mentioned vehicles but left out the 1500 series. This is a $2,000 repair that should be a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11639953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Summerville, SC

SERVICE BRAKES

My 2018 ram 1500 big horn, began showing lights on dash to fix the trailer brakes, and ABS. The sensors was replaced yet the problem persists. When I called RAM they stated the recall was vin specific. Yet the 2018 ram 2500-5500 were recalled for bad abs system, the 2019 rams 1500s were recalled for the same issue. Ram told me that my truck did display all the issues their recall is doing. That was 3 weeks ago and never heard back from them.

NHTSA complaint #11639120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Erie, PA

SERVICE BRAKES

The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is malfunctioning and causing the ABS light, Electronic Stability Control and other warning lights to be triggered. The failing HCU initially resulted in intermittent loss of ABS and traction control but now it is a constant issue. There has been a recall of 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 & 5500 trucks and the recall addresses a defect in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) that could lead to the failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems. Below is the link to the 24V-896 Safety Recall Report: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V896-3848.PDF This HCU failure causes the Anti-lock braking system and Traction control system to no longer function limiting function under wet or slippery conditions. This puts the driver and others at risk. Please have the 2017-2018 Ram 1500 included to this recall.

NHTSA complaint #11634521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,000 miles Celina, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in rainy weather, the brake pedal was firmly depressed to stop at a traffic light, but the rear brakes seized, causing the vehicle to hydroplane into the middle of an intersection. The contact made a U-turn and continued driving. The ABS, traction control, and brake system warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA complaint #11629726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roseburg, OR

SERVICE BRAKES

DODGE IS NOT SUPPORTING THEIR 2018 RAM 1500 ABS CONTROL MODULE. Once the warning light appeared the vehicle becomes unsafe to operate as the brake fluid distribution is compromised. The Dodge dealers do not have the replacement part and don't expect the part until later in the year. A call to MOPAR resulted in finding out their are 're-engineering' the module and replacement parts are not available until 4th quarter of this year. My vehicle is inoperable and the manufacturer cannot supply the required part, but no RECALL has been issued, although there is a recall for 2019-2022. RAM trucks are non-operable all over America and Dodge is not supporting their customers, nor seem to care.

NHTSA complaint #11617587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 141,000 miles Inola, OK

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the ABS warning light along with several other unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front wheel hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.

NHTSA complaint #11615287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Paradise, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

Intermittently loses ABS, traction control, and cruise control. Now throwing multiple error codes but does not "store" any codes. Lights/warnings/chimes are intermittent and random. Windshield wipers will intermittently come on as well. This is a known problem with these vehicles. Most recently randomly throws service shifter codes and vehicle shifts into neutral with no warning. The shifter has been replaced with no remedy to the problem.

NHTSA complaint #11608077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ocala, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

Intermittently loses ABS, traction control, and cruise control. Now throwing multiple error codes but does not "store" any codes. Lights/warnings/chimes are intermittent and random. Upgraded parts to repair are unavailable. This is a known problem with these vehicles. Most recently randomly throws service shifter codes and vehicle shifts into neutral with no warning. Main vehicle computer has been replaced, did not remedy the problem(s).

NHTSA complaint #11605648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flanders, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES

Abs and traction control lights on and stop working

NHTSA complaint #11587021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, MO

SERVICE BRAKES

Occasionally after driving 15-30 minutes my dash gives me a quick "auto park brake disengaged" notification and my speedometer goes to 0 while I'm driving, then everything goes back to normal. (Event happens approximately every 3rd to 5th time I drive the vehicle) An additional event has occurred after driving a while my entire dash and screen will blackout as well. I've researched the internet and found that numerous people have the same issue or similar. I've gone to Dealerships and get no help whatsoever, they act like I'm wasting there time and basically ignore me, they said since I can't make the issue happen they can't look at it. I've read the same responses across the internet by other 2018 Ram 1500 owners, it's obvious we don't have a voice to this safety concern. Please look into this matter before someone gets hurt. I've owned the truck for approximately 2 months, I bought it from a dealership, the truck is in excellent condition with no major repairs. Definitely an electrical/computer issue.

NHTSA complaint #11587085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alpine, WY

SERVICE BRAKES

Our ABS Traction control light as well as the emergency brake light are illuminated at all times. Along with the traction control. The message states to service braking system - service trailer braking system with an audible ongoing chime. Dealership won’t fix this stating dodge will not sell them the necessary part because it is a faulty part. This is a safety issue. We live in Wyoming where we get an incredible amount of snow. After researching this issue it has become apparent we are not in a minority - there seems to be dodge owners across the county experiencing this exact issue to no avail. No recalls for this very prevalent issue. I have filed a case with dodge cares and I have had no contact.

NHTSA complaint #11572607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2018 RAM 1500 problems

← Full 2018 RAM 1500 report