10 of the
49 complaints about the 2026 RAM 3500 are about the
braking system — 20% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
458 miles.
2026 Ram 3500 with <2700 miles. The trailer brakes are not applied appropriately when using the brake pedal, even though it will brake appropriately (with 1 of 3 trailers) while squeezing the manual override. This includes all brake levels (1-10 gain). When the trailer is disconnected, the truck will brake and show the appropriate level of pressure on the dash, though when the trailers are connected, one might press their foot 50% of the way down on the pedal while only 5% of the pressure is displayed on the dash and applied to the trailer brakes. This has nearly caused 3 separate accidents while towing (16,600 pounds total) when people merged and braked hard in traffic. Ram dealership initially refused to investigate until persisting and becoming very angry. At that point, the issue was confirmed. Brake module parts are pending replacement at this time. Their current "test methods" don't include an actual trailer and are insufficient to diagnose and identify the issue. There is no doubt that this will kill someone at some point. There was eventually a service trailer brake system message that popped up, though this wasn't persistent and went away automatically, not stored permanently, when the trailer disconnected. This message appeared previously approx 3 times, though there was no trailer connected to the truck at the time. Proximity sensors in the front and rear are also faulty, delaying notification of item in proximity, not displaying at all, or randomly being accurate. It also detects traffic that is a significant distance away. The same Ram dealership repeated the issue and called this "normal or expected behavior". It is, most definitely, not, and may present a danger to small children walking around the vehicle, pets, or potentially property due to the lack of notification of objects present.
NHTSA complaint #11758110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minot, ND
SERVICE BRAKES
Just driving down the road and abs service, traction control service, 4wd service, automatic emergency brake disabled front and rear sensor service lights come on then go off and come back on later with a check engine light vehicle has less than. 500 miles
NHTSA complaint #11745440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Las Vegas, NVCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Hello, I am formally documenting a serious safety incident involving my recently purchased 2026 Dodge Ram 3500 Tradesman 6.7L dually, purchased from Towbin Dodge in [XXX] , on May 9, 2026. On May 13, 2026—only five days after purchase—we were operating the truck for our dumpster business while towing a GN trailer loaded with approximately 5 tons. We were traveling down Mount Charleston after a pickup when a critical brake failure occurred. While descending the mountain grade, the truck’s braking system failed to respond. A warning light appeared on the dashboard indicating an issue with the electric brake system. We had tow/haul mode and exhaust braking engaged, but neither system functioned properly. When my father pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow down. With a steep descent ahead and no effective braking response, my father was forced to steer the vehicle off the road into a ditch to avoid a direct impact with the mountain, which could have resulted in a fatal collision. After stopping, we noticed signs of extreme brake overheating, and the system appeared to be close to catching fire. I have video and other documentation of the incident. The vehicle is currently in the dealer’s possession. This is a major safety failure occurring within days of purchase, and I am requesting a full investigation into the brake system and all related components, including any recalls, defects, or electronic braking malfunctions. I do not want the truck anymore! Given the severity and risk to life involved, I am requesting immediate action and a full resolution regarding this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crestview, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
This is related to the 2025/2026 Ram 3500 U1412 code relating to anti lock brake system. On this date I got an ABS warning light and check engine light. The vehicle would not turn off, was not sure if it was in gear or not, and multiple other lights came on the dash. Vehicle towed to dealership. They said they could not reproduce the error and that all the codes disappeared due to the batteries dying overnight. They replaced both batteries and returned vehicle. Have since had same problem twice more with one requiring towing again. If this problem happens on roadway while being operated it would be very dangerous on roadway.
NHTSA complaint #11732293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crestview, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Second incident relating to U1412 code where ABS related warning lights coming on. On 1/19/26 it had the same issue but was towed due to undriveable and would turn off. This time I drove straight to Dodge dealership where they got the codes, unlike last time due to batteries dead. Ram performed two flash updates and felt issue was fixed. Car is currently at dealership for third incident of same nature and had to be towed exactly same as first time on 1/19/26. Towed in on 4/16/2026. Three times when new truck less than 6 months old and 10k miles. Unsafe as mentioned on other report.
NHTSA complaint #11732296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crestview, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle at dealership a third time for same issue relating to U1412 code associated with ABS system. First time it was towed on 1/19/2026 and second time I took it to the dealership before it required towing on 3/26/2026. This time the truck required towing again after not being able to go into gear or being able to turn it off. Multiple warning lights on the dash. Still waiting for diagnosis but service department knew this problem from other vehicles and said manufacturer isn’t sure of cause.
NHTSA complaint #11732297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harvest, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
Shortly after purchasing a new 2026 Ram 3500 in January 2026, the vehicle began displaying multiple safety warnings simultaneously while driving. Warning indicators included Check Engine, ABS, Brake, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking, along with a “Service Electronic Stability Control” message. The vehicle had very low mileage when the issue first occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for diagnosis and repair. The dealership indicated the concern involved rear wheel speed sensor(s) and the vehicle’s electronic control systems (including a Body Control Module software update). Multiple repair attempts were required, including sensor replacement(s) and software updates, with manufacturer engineering involvement. The dealership and engineering instructed extended test driving (hundreds of miles total) to verify the repair. A particularly concerning element is that a replacement sensor reportedly failed without producing a diagnostic code, meaning the driver may have no warning that a critical component failed until safety systems disable or the vehicle behaves erratically. When the issue occurs, multiple safety systems are impacted at the same time, including ABS braking, stability control, traction control, and AEB/forward collision systems. Multiple safety systems disabled simultaneously. Dealership personnel also indicated that these wheel speed sensors are experiencing widespread failures and that replacement sensors can fail again shortly after installation as they have a 67% failure rate, which raises concern that this may represent a broader manufacturing or component defect affecting multiple vehicles. This complaint is submitted to document a potential safety defect affecting braking, stability control, and driver assistance systems.
NHTSA complaint #11722335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Angeles, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message "DANGER" warning light flashed repeatedly and extremely fast on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. An engineer inspected the vehicle; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced a recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11717658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I made appointment online at Hadadd Dodge to repair this. They said they could only order 1 set if parts per week and they have to repair the trucks on the lot first then will get to us. They canceled the appointment and put us on a waiting list. I made them aware we tow a 5th wheel trailer frequently with this truck.
NHTSA complaint #11717235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 458 milesColeraine, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, 4WD, ABS, park sensors, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the speed sensor for the rear wheels; however, the failure persisted, and the transmission failed to recognize that the gear selector was in park(P). Roadside Assistance arrived and unplugged the battery cables to turn off the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was waiting for engineers to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 458.
NHTSA complaint #11709697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.