2018 RAM 3500 Electrical System Problems
127 NHTSA complaints on file
Electrical System Issues in the 2018 RAM 3500
127 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 RAM 3500. Of these, 1 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.
127
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Electrical System Complaints
While towing 10,000 lb trailer vehicle displayed indicators that traction control and ABS were failing. I've taken vehicle to dealer 5 times since recall and it's now over 1 year and Chrysler failed to remedy recalled defective part 68143491AA. Chrysler complaint case no. 95672952 filed on 2/16/26. Chrysler HAS in fact produced the replacement part No. 68143491AB - supersedes failed part no. above. Local dealers have qty 9 of part locally in stock and sell to public for $500. After calling many parts dept sources, I learned dealers are lying and telling current owners no remedy available under recall so that Chrysler can prioritize replacing Ram trucks traded in to dealers so they can fix under recall and make those vehicles sellable by dealers as highest priority for parts. However, dealers are also willing to sell the new part to consumers at full msrp at parts counter + labor in...
My vehicle is included in safety recall 24V-896 for a defective HCU (Hydraulic Control Unit). I have contacted the dealership multiple times, but the replacement part is never available. This recall affects critical safety systems including ABS and Electronic Stability Control. Despite being a safety recall, there is no estimated timeline for repair due to part unavailability. I am concerned about driving a vehicle with an unresolved safety defect. The manufacturer has been unable to provide the recall repair for an extended period.
Recall C4B with known issue and known remedy but “no parts available.” Contacted RAM and with no parts they have no solution. You can rent an auto out of pocket and possibly be reimbursed. No option for buyback or solution. Recall came out 12/5/2024.
After stopping at the local dealer monthly concerning this safety recall I am told every time that the part is not available. I am left driving this truck in an unsafe state and am concerned for public safety as well as my own. No assistance is ever offered and there is no eta on when to expect the needed parts. This is a known issue that a safety recall has been issued for but RAM is taking no action to correct.
The Hydraulic brake control has been a recall with no replacement part available for over 2 years and this causes many safety functions to not work properly including trailer braking. They have made parts for a 2500 model but neglected to fix the 3500, 4500 and 5500 models. They will fix it with another faulty sensor and still expect owner to pay a 1700 repair bill even though it’s a recall. It’s ridiculous on the time this is taking.
My HCU has failed I had a car pull into my lane on the freeway and my truck and fifth wheel slid for a long period of time. After the close call I contacted the dealership and they said they have no parts to fix the recall. I also contacted the FCA customer care 1 800 853 1403. After many calls and lost calls the Indian man told me it was totally safe to drive my truck he has no clue what a fifth wheel trailer is. I now have a 12400 mile truck i only use to pull my trailer sitting in limbo waiting to be repaired. Seems like when the truck goes through all the chimes and flashing lights I lose my cruise control and trailer brake function how is this safe?
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated there was an abnormal dinging sound coming from the vehicle while driving. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The traction control symbol was displayed. The service ABS message was displayed. The contact stated that the ParkSense rear sensor message was displayed. The local dealer was contacted, but was unable to repair the vehicle due to parts unavailability. The contact called other local dealers, Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Lewisville (1024 S Stemmons Fwy, Lewisville, TX 75067( and Klement Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM (3520 US-287, Decatur, TX 76234), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was called, but there was no answer. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Stellantis is unable to provide a timey remedy for NHTSA Recall Number24V-896. The hydraulic control unit ("HCU") 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. The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. Driving the vehicle is a safety risk to me and the public. The vehicle is garaged at an authorized dealership since 2/13/25 and has resulted in a loss of income totaling $40,000 as the truck was used for transporting heavy loads. Additionally, I have paid $9,000 towards the monthly truck note and insurance for a vehicle that I cannot drive. Stellantis has not provided an adequate solution, and they are ill-equipped to be a manufacturer of vehicles in...
The stereo malfunctioned on several occasions, I have taken it to the dealer and had a new stereo put in. My safety was at risk because the radio started jumping from station to station and calling people in my contact list. All of these increased concerns and my driving was impacted. This made it impossible to drive safely due to this issue. I had to pull over each time and disconnect my Bluetooth and unplug my phone for hands free driving. This issue caused a very unsafe and distracted event. Yes this has been confirmed. It has not been inspected by the police; this is a huge issue with these trucks there are several complaints that have been turned in. There were no warnings. The radio would work fine and then start going off on a tangent, there is no way to even turn off the radio to prevent this...
On May 3, 2025, while driving my 2018 RAM 2500 with approximately 46,000 miles, the check engine light came on and the engine immediately experienced a significant loss of power. The vehicle entered a limp mode condition, drastically reducing speed and acceleration. I was forced to pull into a nearby business as the truck could not maintain safe highway speeds, creating a traffic hazard and contributing to congestion. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility as having a failed turbo actuator, a critical component in regulating turbo boost and engine power delivery. After researching this issue, I have found numerous similar complaints and reports from other RAM truck owners on various owner forums and websites, indicating this may be a recurring and potentially widespread defect in these vehicles. Given that this failure occurred at relatively low mileage, caused a hazardous driving condition, and seems to be a commonly reported...
On March 3rd, This dealership replaced the stop sale safety recall on our Commercial vehicle (C4B) with a part that was not created for our truck. This resulted in hydraulic brake fluid spewing out of the HCU all over significant areas under the hood, including the ABS Module and wiring. Upon realizing the HCU was spewing hydraulic brake fluid, we brought the truck back on March 7th, and again, the dealership replaced the HCU with the incorrect part (but assuring us it was the actual part for this specific recall) and Sam (service advisor) told us they would also be replacing the ABS Module and the wiring associated, as the ABS module had also been recently replaced and was still covered under warranty. When we received the car back, Sam (service advisor) explained that they would like the truck back at a later date to replace the wiring - that...
Constant service electronic braking system and service ABS warning lights, loss of all traction control. It started as a intermittent loss of of these systems and now it is a total loss. There is nothing I can do to make it go away or function correctly. I took it to the dealer to talk about the recall and asked if I could go ahead and pay to have the replacement parts installed and they told me everything was unavailable. This problem has been going on for over two months. It is unsafe, now I don't have any ABS or traction control in the middle of the winter, this is the worst possible time this could happen. How can there not be a alternative solution? Someone is going to crash and get killed.
HI, My 2018 RAM 3500, had had a Anti-lock brake control module light on and off about a hundred times a day for the past year, I just spoke to the Ram Service manager at Leith Ram in Wendel NC and she told me that Ram has no fix for this part, and it has been on backorder for over 2.5 years, you can have total brake failure with this part being defective, how has the NTSB not stepped in and put some pressure on them to get this fixed, there are hundreds of thousands of trucks out there with this problem. Why is it being allowed to continue for years and years without a solution??
The service electronic braking system and service abs system continues to ding and pop up on screen. Cruise control will not work either.
ABS-Hydraulic Control Unit failure, pump motor control electrical failure. Confirmed/ Diagnosed by dealer. Messages on dash info screen: "service electronic braking system", "ABS failure", warning lights : Traction Control and ABS failure. Safety risk when warning message appears: ABS, Traction Control and Cruise Control are non- functional.
The service antilock brake system is constantly going off and the dealer says there is nothing they can do and no parts are available. We took it in and they ran a diagnostic and said they didnt know why and will not help us.
ABS and Electric Brake failure. Second time this has been fixed. Once at roughly 30,000 miles and now again at 48,000 miles. Paperwork from dealer on both failures is “Internal Pump Failure EL001, Replace HCU. Replace old part SKU with new version…68143491AB” I entered a similar claim with you on this the first time it failed. It seems Chrysler Dodge Ram knows there is an issue based on them using an updated part this time vs last time. Also lots of internet chat forums talking about this issue. Since this is ABS / electric brakes I would think it would be a relatively serious safety concern on their part and with NHTSA. Why is there no recall on this yet? Aside from the obvious of preventing potential fatalities the cost of these pump failures is over $1,000 each time it happens. Thanks in advance for your help
Service Electronic Braking Service and Service ABS/TRACTION CONTROL. This is intermittent. When it happens Cruise control, 4 wheel drive and abs doesn't work. Happens when I'm towing my camper or not. Trailer brakes won't work when this happens. Hundreds, maybe thousands of complaints about this on Ram forums. This problem occurs no matter what the speed is. It even happens while sitting still.
Service abs/ service electronic brake system/ traction control alarm flashing on/off intermittently with no specific times or conditions. This first happened in may 2024 on a 6 hour road trip. Occasionally I can take it on a short trip and it may not flash the message during that trip and at other times it is constantly going on and off. I have not had this looked at by the dealer. I have read the codes using my personal scanner and it shows C0020-01 (Active) ABS Pump Motor Control- General Electrical Failure. I do not drive this vehicle daily and I can not relate it to wear and tear because the vehicle only has 23,900 miles on it.
Abs and traction control malfunction. Yes,it’s it available for inspection. I feel that it’s not safe for my wife and I to drive while doing this. No it has not been confirmed by the dealer or service center. No it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. No there were not warning and starts at 150k miles have 158962miles on it now
On my 2018 RAM 3500 Duel rear wheel truck the ABS Pump Motor Control Unit is throwing a common code and warning lights intermittently that other year models have (C0020-01). This code has been confirmed by my dealer several times and this truck does not fall under any recalls for the ABS systems. I pull a 40 camper with this truck and with out the ABS and Traction control it could be very dangerous to myself and and others. I have spoken to FCA and they only told me that my VIN does not fall under any more recall then what has already been done. I do not know what needs to get done to have FCA fix this problem or release parts to get it fixed.
Intermittent chime and warning that anti lock brake needs servicing. Cruise control does not work when notice is displayed and chiming. warning comes and goes randomly After researching this problem it appears that this is a regular problem on this year ram truck I will report and take to the dealer if problem remains.
Intermittent issues with the cruise control system and the ABS electronic braking system. The lights will flash on and off and the beeping is constant. If beating on the side of steering wheel will allow you to turn cruise control, then the ABS system will be okay for unknown reasons it will start flashing again and cancel the cruise control and the system will start flashing check the ABS electronic braking systems.
The ABS system failure and traction control lights came on and have been coming on intermittently. This failure has caused the vehicle not to retain cruise control and brake and stability control being reduced or potentially off could result in an accident. Upon research, this is a very common and costly issue not covered by warranty work, this seems to be something Ram should fix as it is a safety issue.
ABS service light comes on and off - this seems to be a chronic problem
Radio and back camera intermittent since I bought it new. Dealership changed it out several times and told me they are just bad radios and just wait until a recall is issued.
We receive a ABS/ECS, electronic brake control warning intermittently. This also makes the cruise control shutoff. We had the ABS control module replaced once at roughly 12000 miles under warranty but it now is giving the same warnings and the truck currently has 22000 miles on it. My dealer stated this was a known issue and stated it’s fairly common on my model truck
I have a 2018 RAM 3500 with ONLY 20,000 miles on it. ABS and HUC critical parts are faulty, and I have no way to even purchase one until a recal is issued. Class Action Says 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500 Equipped with Defective Anti-Lock Braking Systems. No current part that resolves this issue. Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups are unsafe because they’re equipped with defective hydraulic control units (HCUs) and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). RAM knows about it and has ALL the modules on engineering hold. These parts have not been available for almost a year. No antilock brakes. No traction control. No cruise control. 4X4 four wheel drive system is locked out and cant be engaged after this warning occurs. Here's what they are telling customers who have filed with them about this. Good Morning Mr xxxx, As of 06/26, No new update Part: 68228991AD Module Order: xxxx Per...
ABS braking system, electronic braking system warning light and signal is coming on every few seconds when driving. This renders the cruise control to shut off when it comes on. There are numerous safety issues with this coming on and off not to mention it is annoying as…..well let me just leave it there. Have talked to dealers (2) and have been told that dodge has a fix but the parts are still on back order. I have been having this issue for about 6 to 7 months and it is making the truck undrivable for any distance at all due to the nuisance alarm every mile or so.
ABS system - flashes on and off dash, ABS has been inspected by dealership. Dealership said, could replace ABS but it could very likely have the same issue due to part malfunction. This malfunction causes- no cruise control, no traction control, sounding and lighting up on dash constantly.
I have been receiving an error for my electronic braking systems and ABS since July of 2023. I have been to various dealerships to have it fixed and have been told it is on a "galactic back order" - words from Dodge to the service advisors. I have attempted several times to contact Customer Care at Dodge over many months. My cases have been closed without resolution and with false promises of management will reach out to assist me. All I need is the 2 parts to be replaced so that I can use my cruise control and not have the constant dinging of the warning for the ABS and EBS. It has been very annoying and if there is such a large back order with others having this same issue, how come there is not a recall? It is the braking system.
Bought from a dealership a couple months ago (JAN 2024). Immediately started blinking electronic ABS error. Took in to get serviced, and now maintenance department is stating a replacement HCU and additional service will cost around $3.5k on a vehicle that has around 68k miles.
ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ON DUE TO FAILURE OF ABS MODULE AND PUMP. NO ACCIDENT BUT FEEL THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM IN THE FUTURE CONSIDERING THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE
Service and systems and service electronics brake system warnings at approx 50000 miles. Dealer is saying it is an HCU failure
At 9,040 miles, display reads “Service Antilock Brake System” along with warning lights for abs and traction control and a loud dinging. It goes off, then back on multiple times until serviced when the dealership replaced the faulty HCU Sept. 2020 under warranty. Diagnostic code C0020-01 ABS pump motor general electrical failure 2023 the problem comes back but nothing done. 2024 after much research, found the newer replacement HCU had just been revised in April with a new part number. At 25,837 miles back to the dealership for another replacement, this time paying out of pocket, over $300 for part and over $600 for labor. It’s only been a short time but so far, no warning about a faulty abs. I do have the old part if inspection is necessary. There is an FCA service bulletin out #S2005000004; NHTSA #10181550 It says if the HCU doesn’t fix the problem, replace...
The known issue that Ram refuses to is plaguing my truck. ABS and Traction Control lights come on. This shuts off the cruise control as well as makes braking difficult. It is very dangerous. This is a ticking time bomb. Vehicle has under 50k miles on it. 2017 and 2018 have been known to have faulty ECU Module and HCU. Loss of brakes momentarily occurred on [XXX]. I am having the issues under investigation. NHTSA Action Number: PE22012 Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Opened From: November 28, 2022–Present The reports cited below can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov using the following ID numbers: 11143741,11182778,11231734,11252781,11265590,11270151,11300182,11319987,113409 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
For over 3 months the ABS Brake warning, the anti skid control and the cruise has not worked in my truck. I have had it to two different dealers, and opened a case with Ram. Case#89336043. They told me part is not available and has not been for the past year. Just drive my truck like it is??? I dont really know what options i have at this point. Please help!
abs lite comes on no parts available 60,000 truck not safe to drive mine not only one ingoing trouble with a lot of
ABS module problems. Flashes to check service ABS and traction control. Then goes away and comes back. Been having issue for over a year with no results in fixing
Abs/traction control light. Dealer says it needs a new abs module and pump. It’s too new to have these issues, dealer states that it is not a recall and I would have to pay out of pocket ($1600) for the repairs. This is not safe at all. I live in indiana and doesn’t like stopping when the road is snow covered. Ram/chrysler needs to have this recalled immediately. This is very dangerous!!
Getting the "Service Electronic Brake System" alarm. Had this when it was under warranty and it was "Fixed". I am now getting this same error again. ABS, traction control and cruise control are all disabled when this warning occurs.
The ABS light and traction control light comes on intermittently, from my understanding this controls the stopping power of the truck. I have no traction control when I am pulling my camper. The lights will go off and then come back on own their own, even when the truck is sitting still with nothing hooked to it.
Intermittent flashing and dinging for ABS system. Message in dash says “Service Antilock Brake System”. Has been diagnosed and confirmed by credited service shop. The problem occurred around 80 thousand miles, a year or so ago.
My ABS and Traction control lights will come on and off, making my cruise control stop working without warning. sometimes it stays on and sometimes it goes off. it is completely random. I'm seeing lots of reviews saying this is happening to others and its the HCU module and the abs control. please help get this fixed
ABS and traction control lights constantly flash electric brake assist also flashes intermittently.
ABS and traction control light comes on sporadically during driving. C0020-01 ABS Pump motor control general electrical failure. This appears to be a common problem with the 2017-2018 model RAM trucks. Parts are on national backorder.
ABS Code C0020-01-ABS PUMP MOTOR CONTROL - GENERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE
Abs module issues needs replaced but parts aren't available through the manufacturer
ABS and traction control lights intermittent flashing. Service ABS warning flashes and chiming occur. Very distracting and makes me unsure of failure of system .Codes and stored messages clear and repeat. Cannot go to dealer every day to have codes read that don’t exist. Parts not available at dealer. How is this fixed?
Component: ABS hydraulic control unit. Part No 68143491AA Risk: Vehicle lost ABS capability Confirmed: No Inspection: No Warning lamps: Control unit exhibiting similar problems was replaced in 2020
Other 2018 RAM 3500 Problem Areas
Service Brakes
466 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
96 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
95 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
39 complaints
Steering
31 complaints
Unknown Or Other
28 complaints
Wheels
23 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
22 complaints
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
19 complaints
Power Train
18 complaints
Engine
15 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
11 complaints
Suspension
10 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
7 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
6 complaints
Tires
6 complaints
Air Bags
5 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
4 complaints
Tirestreadbelt
4 complaints
Traction Control System
3 complaints
Visibilitywiper
3 complaints
Back Over Prevention Warnings
2 complaints
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
2 complaints
Seats
2 complaints
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
2 complaints
Structurebody
2 complaints
Back Over Prevention
1 complaint
Electrical System Integrated Trailer Brake Control
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
1 complaint
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasoline
1 complaint
Parking Brake
1 complaint
Power Trainaxle Assembly
1 complaint
Seat Belts
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistelectriccontrol Module
1 complaint
Steeringlinkagesdraglinkconnection
1 complaint
Wheelshub
1 complaint
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
1 complaint