2018 RAM 2500 brake problems

2,337 of the 3,811 complaints about the 2018 RAM 2500 are about the braking system — 61% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 58,000 miles.

F

2,337

Complaints

28

Crashes

1

Fires

2

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Service Brakes 1,827 78.2%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 399 17.1%
ABS Warning Light 55 2.4%
ABS Warning Light 31 1.3%
Control Unit/Module 11 0.5%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 5 0.2%
Control Unit/Module 5 0.2%
Service Brakes, Electric 2 0.1%
Antilock 1 0.0%
Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring 1 0.0%

Brakes across every RAM 2500 year

2014 22 0.7%
2015 20 0.7%
2016 35 1.2%
2017 515 17.1%
2018 2,337 77.4%
2019 16 0.5%
2020 14 0.5%
2021 10 0.3%
2022 22 0.7%
2024 15 0.5%
2026 13 0.4%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Aumsville, OR

SERVICE BRAKES

The abs and traction control intermittently is unavailable making my cruise control unavailable...this is all due to a recall that the dealerships keep telling me they cant get the part to fix and hasnt been fixed...pay 57,000 dollars for a truck back in 2019 and cant hardly drive it cause its unsafe and gives me anxiety everytime it goes off

NHTSA complaint #11764057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burnet, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

My 2018 Ram 2500 has a continuous ABS/ESC/Traction Control failure related to recall C4B (NHTSA 24V‑896). The hydraulic control unit (HCU) is failing exactly as described in the recall. The ABS light, traction control light, and stability control warnings come on constantly, and the cruise control shuts off while driving. This is a safety‑critical defect that increases the risk of a crash, as NHTSA states in campaign 24V‑896. My dealer confirmed the recall but says the remedy parts are unavailable and may take months. I am driving a vehicle with disabled ABS and stability control because Stellantis cannot supply the required HCU replacement. I am requesting NHTSA assistance because the manufacturer cannot provide a timely safety repair. I also have a bad knee and can NOT drive without cruise control.

NHTSA complaint #11763921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Carthage, NC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the failure had occurred and an audible alarm activated while driving. The ABS and Auto braking messages were displayed. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA complaint #11763589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St. Paul, MN

SERVICE BRAKES

My 2018 Ram 2500 has a safety recall (C4B/NHTSA 24V - 896) for BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL and the remedy for this condition is "NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE" ??? I have contacted FCA recall assistance center and 2 different dealers and they all are "SORRY" but say there is nothing they can or will do. One dealer offered to replace the defective part with another defective part if I was willing to pay for it and said that it would probably fail again. How can the US Dept. of Transportation allow a "US auto manufacturer" to sell a defective heavy duty vehicle used to transport loved ones and haul heavy loads with DEFECTIVE BRAKES? To add insult to injury Rams new promotional add states "Nothing Stops Ram" (True statement - Not even the BRAKES)... I'm happy to report there has not been a serious accident to date but the driver and passengers do not feel safe when the bells go off and warning messages appear on the dashboard... Thanks.

NHTSA complaint #11763029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 15,000 miles White Lake, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system error message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was inspected, and the dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with an unrepaired recall repair. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted every other month to check on the availability of the parts. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

NHTSA complaint #11762826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Worden, IL

SERVICE BRAKES

I have the active recall associated with the vehicle listed. It’s been nearly 2 years with the active abs service light, traction control light, and inoperative cruise control due to those lights. Stelantis is not very helpful. Will not fixit yet. But says I can pay myself and some or all may be reimbursed. There is no reason it should take this long. Endangering lives potentially. I sent truck pulling all the time. And you buy these things with these safety options that should work. To be taking this long to remedy this. Is unacceptable

NHTSA complaint #11762373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Midlothian, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, excessive force was needed on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the HCU unit was replaced with an identical unit. However, the failure reoccurred while driving 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal and the wheels locked up. The contact stated that excessive force was needed on the brake pedal while stopping the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11762196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,500 miles Lewistown, PA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the Forward Drive Assist and the Park Assist were disengaged. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. A second dealer was contacted, John H Sheaffer Incorporation (6430 William Penn Hwy, Mifflintown, PA 17059)’ and the same was confirmed: the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,500.

NHTSA complaint #11761823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Monterey, TN

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control functions became inoperable, and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. There was an audible chime during the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA complaint #11761417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 18,000 miles Sheridan, AR

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control feature failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the cruise control was activated; however, the cruise control independently deactivated. The system independently switched over to full exhaust mode. In addition, an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an HCU failure. The contact was informed that the HCU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA complaint #11761017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Albion, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

I am filing a formal complaint regarding m y 2018 Ram 2500 which is subject to safety recall 24V-896 for a defective anti-lock brake system module and hydraulic control unit. This critical safety recall was issued in November 2024 and as of today 8/29/2026 it has been nearly two years, and the manufacturer (Stellantis/FCA) has failed to provide a remedy. My vehicle currently displays warning lights for the ABS, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control Systems indicating that these vital safety features are entirely disabled. Driving a heavy-duty truck without functioning ABS or stability control poses an immediate safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and others on the road, especially when towing or diving in inclement weather. Because the manufacturer has failed to provide a remedy within a reasonable timeframe, I am requesting that the NHTSA intervene to compel Stellantis to expedite parts distribution or provide immediate alternative transportation (loner/rental vehicle) at their expense until my vehicle is repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11760638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hillsborough, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES

There is an active recall on my vehicle related to anti-lock brake system with no remediation plan at the moment due to a part shortage. My vehicle is displaying anti-lock brake service warnings several times during drives which ultimately go away. I'm being told that the warnings are tied to the recall. How can I get the issue remediated without any support from the recall? This seems very dangerous to have customers with impacted vehicles but no support to remediate the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11760288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 145,000 miles Canton, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and flashed, accompanied by an audible chime, which disabled the cruise control feature. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic control unit (HCU) needed to be replaced. Additionally, a software update was performed for the rearview camera. The vehicle was not repaired for the HCU failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the VIN was included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that parts would not be available until Phase 4, as the recall was currently in Phase 2. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11760380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Cape Girardeau, MO

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the traction control and anti-lock braking system warning lights illuminated, and warning chimes sounded intermittently. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,000 miles Damariscotta, ME

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 RAM 2500. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving, the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated due to an ABS failure, causing the brakes to seize. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who confirmed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was then taken to a second dealer, Shepard Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (178 New County Rd, Thomaston, ME 04861), who also confirmed that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA complaint #11760059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wolcottville, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

I have been waiting on the C4B recall for nearly two years with no parts available still. My truck has no ABS, traction control, or 4WD. This is a 2500 heavy duty truck meant for pulling trailers and heavy payloads. This recall has rendered the vehicle useless. I can't trade it in due to the ongoing recall, it is not safe to drive, I am at an extreme financial loss due to Stellantis' negligence. How has the US government allowed this issue to last for so long? How many unsafe vehicles are currently driving down the road with compromised brakes?

NHTSA complaint #11760060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,300 miles Hempstead, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but was not as firm as normal. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The message "Service ABS " was displayed. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,300.

NHTSA complaint #11759650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elizabethtown, PA

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS system failure. This is due to recall # 24v-896. This recall has been active for nearly 2 years and it appears the manufacturer has no intent on ever developing the parts to repair the issue. However the manufacturer states that customers can have the repair completed on their own at authorized dealership and possibly be reimbursed. So if customers can opt to pay out of pocket for the repair the parts must be available. So it seems the manufacturer is just trying to avoid paying the cost of this safety issue repair.

NHTSA complaint #11759353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marlinton, WV

SERVICE BRAKES

My ABS HCU unit is failing. Getting ABS warning lights and messages on my dash display to Service Electronic Braking System. I called dealer and they said they don't have a solution to fix this open recall. How long does it take and how long is the manufacturer allowed to let this go on? Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11759550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Elburn, IL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with HCU failure. The contact was informed that the HCU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burnet, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS module failure is continuous Cruise control is disabled Stability control is disabled Dealer states months-long delay Towing is risky but necessary Recall 24V‑896 / C4B

NHTSA complaint #11759059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Cropwell, AL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH and depressing the brake, the vehicle slid in the rain. The ABS, traction control, and engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case The contact was unable to reach a supervisor to escalate the issue. The phone call was disconnected before the connection with the supervisor. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Acworth, GA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact drove onto the grass, and the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The message “Service Electronic Braking System” warning light was illuminated. There were several unknown trouble codes displayed. There was an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but upon arrival, the contact was informed that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bellingham, WA

SERVICE BRAKES

I haven’t experienced an issue yet. A safety recall was finally issued to my 2018 Ram 2500 pickup truck in 2024. I had taken it to the local Ram dealership (Rairdon’s Ram, Bellingham, WA). On two separate occasions for my truck throwing the following warning light, “Check Electronic Braking System”. At the same time, traction control is deactivated, and cruiser control turns off, so if you have cruise control set, the warning light causes the cruise control to deactivate, and the truck immediately starts to slow down. This is a problem at highway speeds. The warning light also activates a chime that pings incessantly for several minutes and will continue to sound every 30 minutes while driving. Ram finally identified it as a safety issue, and issued a recall. However they stipulated there was no fix identified yet. It has been going on two years since being notified, and I have checked with my local dealership, and no fix has been identified still. My complaint is that Ram is dragging its feet with this recall repair.

NHTSA complaint #11758743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

KEY Largo, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS, Traction Control warning lights on dash and loss of cruise control function causing sudden deceleration on highway. The dash warning includes incessant dinging. This manufacturer has been NEGLIGENT AND INCOMPETENT in providing resolution.

NHTSA complaint #11758420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cheyenne, WY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11758529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami Shores, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

My family and I tow a 45 foot RV Toy Howler Fifth Wheel with the truck and the ABS and Traction control lights keep coming on. The RAM Dealer (Aventura) has been telling me for over a year that the parts are on back-order. I've tried to trade it in but the trade in offers have been very low since they know there's no repair parts. I'm very concerned about our safety since we take long trips into the mountains and this is constantly going on.

NHTSA complaint #11758292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stony Point, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

The Hydro Boost Pump Port Tube Assembly (Mopar P/N 04581758AA / 4581758AA) on my 2018 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins has failed and requires replacement. My concern is that this component is part of the hydraulic assist system supporting critical steering/braking functions. A failure or loss of hydraulic pressure could result in significantly increased steering or braking effort and create a serious safety hazard, particularly while towing, carrying a load, or traveling at highway speeds. I am requesting NHTSA review this component and determine whether similar failures have been reported on Ram 2500 vehicles and whether further investigation or manufacturer action is warranted.

NHTSA complaint #11757926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Salem, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

My 2018 2500 Ram trucks ABS warning light "ABS system needs maintenance" is activating intermittently. I took the truck for maintenance and was told that there is a recall on the defective part (Recall C4B) since end of 2024, with the only remedy being to replace this defective part failure with the same defective part, installed at my cost of between $1200 to $2500. Twenty months into this recall, I have 4 alternatives: 1. Pay to have a defective part installed which will eventually fail again. 2. Drive the truck taking a chance that the recalled part or newly installed recalled part will not fail, OR crash because the part has a complete failure (without notice) and have no brakes when needed to stop my vehicle. 3. Park my truck and not drive it. 4. Spend tens of thousands of dollars by either trading it in or selling it and purchasing a vehicle which is safe to drive. All of the above choices except #2 create a financial hardship in one way or another and choice #2 could be life ending for me and whomever I hit when I have no brakes without notice. Please help me understand how this dangerous and potentially life-threatening recall has not been escalated by the NHTSA to FCA as a high-priority emergency in the last 20 months to get a timely remedy from FCA and to start repairing this dangerous situation. This is America, we are better than this. FCA needs to be held accountable by the NHTSA to protect the consumer from these non-compliant manufacturers. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11757950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Yadkinville, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

This truck has been built with a brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU") that is susceptible to failure or malfunction which may result in a reduction or change of Anti-Lock Brake System ("ABS")/Electronic Stability Control ("ESC") /Traction Control performance. A failing HCU will initially result in the intermittent loss of ABS/Traction control progressing to permanent loss. Safety Risk The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.

NHTSA complaint #11757642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2018 RAM 2500 problems

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