FaultScore

2018 RAM 2500 brake problems

2,314 of the 3,782 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 57,103 miles.

F

2,314

Complaints

28

Crashes

1

Fires

2

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Service Brakes 1,817 78.5%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 386 16.7%
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 506 17.0%
2018 2,314 77.5%
2019 16 0.5%
2020 14 0.5%
2021 10 0.3%
2022 22 0.7%
2024 13 0.4%
2026 12 0.4%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

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.

at 47,000 miles Mount Ida, AR Fire

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owned 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an ABS module failure, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had progressed with several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle caught on fire while parked in the driveway. The contact was able to control the fire from spreading with a nearby water hose. The local Fire Department arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The source of the fire was unknown and possibly was caused by an electrical failure underneath the dashboard. A Fire report was filed; however, it was not available. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed away to a nearby lot and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA complaint #11757389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Harrisonville, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated with an audible chime. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11757417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Carlisle, PA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into 4WD Low. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety while driving the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was on back order. The dealer added the contact to a waiting list. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Antonio, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

Abs light flashing on and off,

NHTSA complaint #11756513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burlington, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

In February, 2023 I bought a 2018 Dodge Ram Big Horn to pull my 30 foot travel trailer. This truck is used for towing approximately 4 times a year pulling a travel trailer to and from the beach/mountains. In May of this year, we were at the beach and the ABS light came on. Since we were coming home the next day, I figured it was something simple and, once home, we would have it checked out which was done by our personal mechanic. He informed us of the problem and explained about the recall on the HCU unit. To this day, I have never received anything about this recall from Stellantis. He advised we take the truck to the dealership and have the recall fixed. We did as he suggested. It was confirmed by the dealership that it was the HCU and the part to fix it is unavailable. The service department technician gave me a phone # to Stellantis to call which I did the next day. Stellantis employee was extremely nice and explained to me that the parts were not available at this time and I could check back with the dealership for a loaner or I could rent a vehicle at no cost to me. According to the dealership, no 2500 trucks are loaned out. So I asked about renting one. I was told to call and see if I could rent a truck for towing but it had to be from a reputable company like Hertz, etc. I did find a truck and the cost was $89.28 per day. Stellantis only approves $60.00 per day and the remainder I am responsible for paying. Now, not only am I paying for a vehicle that I'm afraid to drive, I'm expected to pay part of the rent on a vehicle to tow my travel trailer so my family and I can go on vacation. This is unacceptable to me. I feel I have been given a run around from everyone who I have talked to. And, I'm not any closer to getting this issue resolved.

NHTSA complaint #11756195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

White Bear Lake, MN

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 not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bald Knob, AR

SERVICE BRAKES

I own a 2018 Ram 2500 4x4 diesel, VIN [XXX], affected by FCA/Stellantis Safety Recall C4B / NHTSA 24V-896 involving the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). My truck is now experiencing the problem. The ABS warning light comes on and the cruise control becomes unavailable. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request. I am concerned about safety because this malfunction affects the ABS system and could affect braking performance, particularly during emergency braking or on wet or slippery roads. I contacted my Ram dealer the week of June 15, 2026. I was told this was a recall issue and that although the permanent remedy was not available, Chrysler was allowing dealers to replace the part with the existing-style part at Chrysler's expense. I was told a part would be ordered and I would be contacted, but I never heard back. I contacted the dealer again the week of July 13. They could not find the previous order but again told me they would order the part and that it would be covered. I received no follow-up. On July 27, I called again and was told Chrysler/Stellantis was no longer paying for this replacement and I would have to pay for the repair myself. NHTSA's VIN lookup currently shows the C4B recall on my truck as "Remedy Not Yet Available." To my knowledge, the truck has not been physically inspected by Stellantis or an independent shop for this complaint. My concern is that Stellantis acknowledges a safety defect in the ABS system, my truck is experiencing the malfunction, yet no permanent remedy is available and I am being told I must pay for an interim repair myself. I am asking NHTSA to review this situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11755749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Fuquay-Varina, NC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive and premature front tire tread wear. The vehicle was taken to Discount Tire, and the contact was informed that the front-end alignment mechanism was welded, which prevented an alignment from being performed, which caused the premature tread wear. The technician associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering). Additionally, the contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated, followed by a continuous warning chime while driving. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 dealer was contacted and associated the warning light with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boise, ID

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 not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,600 miles Kewanee, IL

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the messages to “Service ABS” and the electronic braking system was displayed, followed by a continuous chime. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was associated with the recall; however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,600.

NHTSA complaint #11755516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Linn, OR

SERVICE BRAKES

RAM 2018 2500 - following up - now my car shakes a little when I brake. I have been getting a Ping on my dash regarding the brake system - an item that is in recall but "no remedy has been created" for the last few years - ABS and Electronic Brakes System errors on my dash. Relentless pings while I am driving can't get it to stop. Authorized RAM dealers tell me contradictory things. One said I should replace the HCU unit - WHICH IS THE PART THEY ARE RECALLING - in order to get rid of the ding and then HOPE I get reimbursed. One said "parts should be coming out in September..." I've heard that for a few years now. This is the brake system. I need to please know what I should do about this. Getting ZERO help from the three Authorized RAM service places.

NHTSA complaint #11755526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,000 miles Lawton, OK

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 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 issue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light remained illuminated, and the traction control and cruise control features were inoperable. The failure mileage was 52,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles West Grove, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control warning lights were intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was sliding while hard braking and while hauling a load. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle would be added to a waiting list. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Washington, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the ABS and ESC warning lights illuminated. 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. 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 48,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Etters, PA

SERVICE BRAKES

Nearly two years ago our truck starting constantly displaying/beeping to service our ABS system. We got the C4B recall in the mail informing us that a remedy was in the process. It has been too long driving an unsafe vehicle. We can’t sell it, nor can we safely haul our camper. Ram/Stellantis keeps telling us over repeated calls to them that the remedy is not ready. We finally found a dealer that has a replacement part, and we got it fixed, but had to pay out of our own pocket so we could drive our truck. Stellantis assured us that prior to repair that we would be reimbursed. The dealership agreed it was a problem, and did the work. Now Stellantis and Ram are saying we have to wait to get our money back once they get the remedy for the recall. It’s already been two years! Unacceptable! This vehicle is unsafe to drive due to this recall! Please make them fix this! Thank you

NHTSA complaint #11755115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Wasilla, AK

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the message “Service ABS” was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted, who offered to replace the part with a part from a 3500 Ram vehicle, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Horse Cave, KY

SERVICE BRAKES

I received the ABS recall letter in 2024 and periodically since. I have contacted RAM after 2 years with no remedy and because I complained they have since blocked me. This is an unacceptable safety issue they should be addressing but are not. Please help. My truck only has a little over 100k miles on it. I deserve help with this EXPENSIVE purchase as I bought it new!

NHTSA complaint #11754826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Madisonville, KY

SERVICE BRAKES

Hcu abs failed almost 2 years ago. Recall issued a year and half ago. Still no fix. This is ridiculous.

NHTSA complaint #11754105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marlborough, NH

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS, Traction controle and 4 wheel drive system shut down. the truck is sending code- C0031-1D directly related to C4B recall. The dealerships have no fix and offered no support or guidance but did agree that the truck is unsafe to drive as is.

NHTSA complaint #11754147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Linn, OR

SERVICE BRAKES

There has been a recall for the HCU unit for years. The message for this issue comes up on my dashboard every 10 seconds while I drive. Stellantis says there is no remedy. What XXX am I supposed to do?

NHTSA complaint #11754208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Oxnard, CA

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 and the vehicle skidded and was shaking. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was contacted; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to provide a date when the parts would be available. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 43,000 miles Auburn, KS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and hauling a camper during windy conditions, the vehicle lost stability, and the rear end of the trailer started swaying. Despite the trailer being equipped with an anti-sway system, the entire vehicle shook violently before the contact was able to regain control. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the local dealer stated that the replacement 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 issue. The failure mileage was 43,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Warren, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the ABS, traction control, and cruise control were inoperable. The contact stated that the lights were flashing on the instrument panel. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Another local dealer was contacted, Dick Huvaere's Richmond Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM (67567 Main St., Richmond, MI 48062); and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2018 RAM 2500 problems

← Full 2018 RAM 2500 report