FaultScore

RAM 5500 brake problems

40 of the 211 complaints filed about the RAM 5500 are about the braking system — 19% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2018.

40

Complaints

19%

Share of all complaints

2

Crashes

0

Fires

Brakes complaints by model year

2014 5500 1 2.5%

Median failure at 210,000 miles

2015 5500 1 2.5%

Median failure at 148,870 miles

2016 5500 1 2.5%

Median failure at 91,000 miles

2017 5500 5 12.5%

Median failure at 140,500 miles

2018 5500 25 62.5%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

2019 5500 2 5.0%

Median failure at 110,000 miles

2020 5500 3 7.5%

Median failure at 75,500 miles

2021 5500 1 2.5%
2025 5500 1 2.5%

What owners said

2018 RAM 5500 Okoboji, IA

SERVICE BRAKES

Subject: Complaint Regarding Delayed Safety Recall Repair – 2018 Ram 5500 (Recall C4B / NHTSA Recall 24V-896) I own a 2018 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, VIN [XXX]. My truck is subject to Safety Recall C4B (NHTSA Recall 24V-896) involving the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). I have attempted to have this safety recall completed, but the repair has been delayed because the required replacement part has reportedly been unavailable. This is a federally mandated safety recall involving the vehicle’s braking system. I am concerned that I have been unable to obtain the required repair within a reasonable period of time. The continued delay creates uncertainty about the safe operation of my vehicle and prevents me from having the recall corrected as required. I request that NHTSA investigate the availability of recall parts and the length of time owners are being required to wait for completion of this safety recall. I also request that NHTSA review whether the manufacturer is meeting its obligations to provide a timely remedy for affected vehicles. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2018 * Make: Ram * Model: 5500 Chassis Cab * VIN: [XXX] * Recall: C4B / NHTSA Recall 24V-896 Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11753251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 at 80,000 miles Pleasant Valley, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was intermittently illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair was not yet available. The part was available for other year, make, and models. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11753003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 Hendersonville, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

recall C4B hydraulic control unit still not addressed as of may 7 2026 recall received on

NHTSA complaint #11736434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 RAM 5500 at 88,000 miles Grandville, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact stated that an unknown warning light appeared on the instrument panel which stated that the ABS function was not available and that the 4WD was disabled. The vehicle was taken a dealer where they kept the vehicle for over a week where they eventually replaced the brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU"). The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Two local dealers were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. Additionally, the contact was informed that the part that was used to repair the vehicle was a defective part and that it would need to be replaced once parts were 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 approximately 88,000.

NHTSA complaint #11735796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 Ponchatoula, LA

SERVICE BRAKES

Ref NHTSA 24v-896, Recall C4B The problem started back in 2021 when the anti-lock brake Hydraulic Control Unit failed. It was replaces and then it failed again in Dec 2024 while on vacation. When returning home in Jan 2025, the truck was brought to the dealer for repair. It was found to have failed again and told that a repair parts were not available, nor was it known when the redesigned part would be available. Shortly after that I received a letter stating that my truck was included and confirmed to be part of this recall. I have been severely impacted (restricted use of) due to safety concerns when driving this truck. I've not been able to get any assistance from Ram dealership or Ram customer service. What can be done to resolve this issue with RAM? Thanks for you assistance! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11735629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 at 90,000 miles Black Creek, WI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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 systems' warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was related to the recall, and confirmed that parts were not yet available. A second dealer, S & L Motors (2298 WI-32, Pulaski, WI 54162); 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 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11734478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 South San Francisco, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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 warning light illuminated. 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 unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11729900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 RAM 5500 Tampa, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several local dealers were made aware of the issue 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11720686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 5500 Anaheim, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

While operating my commercial truck , the trailer brake did not work and nearly caused a catastrophic accident. Upon inspection, trailer brake module has failed, power steering fluid leaking, Hydroboost leaking, I towed it to the dealership and they told me the truck is not safe to drive and the brake parts are back ordered and it may take more than 2 months or more for it to become available. They are unsure of when it would be resolved and that the truck is unsafe to drive. I opened a case with RAM and asked for a buyback review. CASE# 95785076

NHTSA complaint #11720296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 at 65,000 miles Gulf Breeze, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a warning chime activated continuously. The ABS and Brake warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11713659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 at 65,000 miles Mullica Hill, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received a 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 attempting to come to a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond while the brake pedal was depressed. The ABS and the Traction Control warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11707514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 Chula Vista, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

Received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to repair the recall is not available. The manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Because the vehicle currently has this recall, the State of CA will not allow the vehicle to be registered and is now out of operation. In addition, this vehicle is used for business and has resulted in several weeks being out of operation. ABS and traction control warning lights have illuminated while driving over uneven pavement. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and I was informed the manufacturer was not providing parts for the RAM 5500 series. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and has confirmed that parts are NOT available for the RAM 5500 series.

NHTSA complaint #11707680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 RAM 5500 Attalla, AL Crash 4 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

I was traveling down the hwy and and car went thru the stop sign. I could not stop in time and I t boned it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11698718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 at 91,741 miles Jacksonville Beach, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated while driving over speed bumps or uneven pavement. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the manufacturer was not providing parts for the 5500 series vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not available for the 5500 series vehicles. The failure mileage was approximately 91,741.

NHTSA complaint #11690489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 Gillette, WY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500 .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 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. The contact was informed by the dealer that parts to repair the recall repair were not yet available.

NHTSA complaint #11678810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 at 60,000 miles Apopka, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, speed control, and engine brake became inoperable. There was an abnormal ding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. 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 contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Deland Chrysler (2173 S Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720), but 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11673941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 at 103,000 miles Benson, NC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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 various speeds, the vehicle failed to decelerate as intended and the brake pedal felt firm while being depressed. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. Additionally, the contact stated that the ABS system was previously repaired; however, the failure persisted. 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 103,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11668066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 Gainesville, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available

NHTSA complaint #11662197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 RAM 5500 at 1,000 miles Larkspur, CO

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a heavy crosswind, the electronic stabilization system warning light illuminated, indicating that the system had deactivated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 1,000.

NHTSA complaint #11661969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 5500 Skiatook, OK

SERVICE BRAKES

My ABS pump went out, causing my stability control to not function and cruise control to not function. Cruise control would randomly deactivate, causing a momentary loss of control and ABS function. Dash light illuminated with codes relating to ABS pump and traction control. ABS pump was replaced (part no. 68195569AB) and problem was fixed, but FCA will not reimburse me since I did the work myself.

NHTSA complaint #11641792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other RAM 5500 problems