2018 RAM 3500 Electrical System Problems

127 NHTSA complaints on file

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All Electrical System Complaints — Page 2

#11567602 |
3 yrs ago, took to dealership for light for electronic brake module, was told that the part was on backorder. Picked up truck and was told that they would let us know when part came in, have called and spoken to at least 11 different service reps and a managers (Dodge as well) over the last 3 years. They close the tickets after a certain amount of time and you have to explain yourself over and over and get the same answer, the part is on national backorder. Our warranty expired 10/2023, there is still no recall on our truck but other truck have a recall. I have tried and called the 1-800 number to get help with this matter and still we have a vehicle that we may cause injury to us or others. Please help!
#11564013 |
Abs electronic brake light issue,brakes spongy and feels like it’s lost braking power.
#11562745 |
Service Electronic Brake System Warning. This warning started coming on sporadically. When the warning appears in my dash, I will lose abs function, traction control, and cruise control. This appears to be a common problem with this year Ram truck. The fix is an abs module, and or, a hcu module.
#11562767 | Crash
The Anti-Lock Brake & Electronic Braking System error caused the internal Trailer Brake system to shut off trailer brakes just like it shuts off the cruise control when warnings come up on the dashboard. The incident happened Aug 28, 2023 while following my son and my wife in a vehicle ahead of me. I had to change lanes to try to avoid something that suddenly came across in front of my vehicle. I applied the brakes and then the trailer acted like it didn't have any brakes fell over & was totaled. If this was in traffic someone could have been killed. The "Check Anti-Lock Brake System" & "Check Electronic Brake System" warnings started coming up intermittently as I drove my RAM 3500 Diesel truck starting sometime around July 2023. I drove to the local RAM dealer and told them about the problem. They acted like they had never heard...
#11561790 |
Traction control and abs lights have been coming on randomly while driving over the past several years. Seems worse and more frequent in cold temperatures. Scanner reads code C0020. Cruise control suddenly shuts off when this happens causing a safety hazard especially to those traveling behind. Dash lights and constant chimes are very distracting while driving. No abs makes winter driving more dangerous as well. Seems to be a common problem with this vehicle. There should be a recall issued to fix this.
#11560563 |
ABS light and Traction control light turn on and off constantly
#11557674 |
Service electronic brake system, & service hydraulic brake system warning lights intermittently display on dash. Disables both of those safety features as well as cruise control. These are very important safety features especially when hauling a load!
#11557419 |
ABS and traction control warning lights intermittently come on. Has been repaired twice by local dealership by replacing the two computer modules/pumps responsible for ABS system. Cruise control disengages when this happens. When this happens at highway speeds while pulling a heavy trailer in traffic it's a very dangerous situation and needs to be corrected by manufacturer.
#11556390 |
My 2018 Dodge Ram with 7175 miles on it has a continuous service anti lock brake and service electric brake light go on and off.Cruise control inoperable as it shuts off when the warning lights go on and off.Dealer did a $160.00 diagnostic on the system that I had to pay for only to tell me the hydraulic control unit needs to be replaced at a total cost of $825.00 that I am responsible for.Additionally,the part is “controlled” by the manufacturer and they are allotted one unit per week.No time frame when the vehicle will be repaired.This is a safety issue especially when the constant “chime “ goes off which is very distracting.I haul a camping trailer with this Ram 3500 duelly four door diesel four wheel drive and the braking is questionable.
#11555843 |
My ABS and Traction Control components in my 2018 1-ton Ram are intermittently setting codes with the ECU, leading to loss of ABS, Traction Control, and inability to use my cruise control. I am concerned that I have a loss in braking performance without those components operating as designed. I have brought my truck to the local Ram dealer only to be told that the module will not be available for install until Feb of 2024 after an upgraded unit is made available to the dealers. I feel that this should be a recall, as a quick internet search shows multiple owners of the same vehicle are also affected. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11555611 |
Purchased this truck specifically to tow 14000 lb fifth wheel camper. Two months ago warning chime and “service electronic brake system, Service antilock brakes and Traction Control” caution lights repeatedly activate. I am concerned about towing in this condition if operating on rain slick roads and winter weather. Also the constant chime is a serious distraction. Truck is currently at the dealership for repair. 25000 on the odometer. Truck is out of warranty. These failed safety systems endanger mine and my family’s lives, as well as other motorist and the public.
#11554991 |
ABS and Electric Brake System warning lights are on and off intermittently. These symptoms have been reported by many other owners due to defected part installation from the manufactor based on my internet research.
#11555091 |
Anti-Lock Braking system and Electronic Braking system, service system warning come on and off randomly all the time. When this happens, cruise control does not work. Had it replaced at the dealership once and It started doing the same thing. Took it back and they said they didn’t know what was wrong with it And that they didn’t want me thinking they didn’t want to do warranty work. The warnings were coming on and off more frequent. Don’t know what to do. Do you have any suggestions? This is a safety concern for me.
#11554061 |
Abs light and traction control light comes on and off all day long. Brakes will lock up if you’re using cruise control when the abs and traction control light come on. Both lights come on at the same time. The parts needed for this issue is on back order.
#11552240 |
my 2018 Ram 3500 had less than 36,000 miles when the anti-lock brake system and service electronic brake system alarms began randomly flashing. this happens now every few seconds and so speed/cruise control no longer functions, also anti-lock and skid prevention has failed. Dealers have 3 month back order on the Hydraulic Control Unit, leaving owners the choice of operating an unsafe vehicle, or parking it for months.
#11551777 |
Truck gets a service electronic braking check engine light and disables traction control as well as the cruise control. The braking becomes disabled at random times. Taken the unit to the dealership just to be told the part has been backordered for over 2 years and that they cannot sell me the HBU to repair it. They said they could remove the unit and have it shipped off to be remanufactured but my truck will be inop for min 2 weeks. Was told the part I needed 68143491AB
#11551908 |
UNKNOWN. abs pump problem
#11551931 |
ABS and traction lights come on intermittently with the brakes feeling different.Diagnostic shows code C0020-01 which is apparently a very common issue with 2018 Rams.Dealer told me today(10-25-23) no part’s available at the earliest will be Feb. of 2024.This truck has 81000 miles on it and is my daily driver.I would hope Ram steps up and fixes problems at NO CHARGE for everyone effected.
#11551200 |
Dashboard ABS and Traction Control Lights come on intermittently with message to service breaking system. The lights are accompanied by loud audio alarms. The audio alarms usually cycle through a minimum of three times; sometime five. The dashboard ABS and Traction lights reset by themselves. Scanner codes identify an electrical problem with the ABS HCU and/or hydraulic pump. Dealership maintenance and service departments advise new parts are not available but to check back frequently for supply updates. If/when repair parts become available, this repair will be the second time I have endured this problem. Also, I have been able to reset the above dashboard alerts and audio alarms without the aid of Bidirectional scanner by cycling my windows down and up. So, I’m not sure if I have an ABS/TC problem or a wiring problem.
#11548951 |
ABS, service brake system, cruise control failed and no parts available to fix it.
#11548912 |
The ABS Brake control module malfunctioned causing several electrical issues. Fortunately the vehicle was able to function. RAM Service center noted a wait time of over 3 months. When I brought the vehicle to another Service center looking to see if the part was available, I was told to make an appointment and they charged me $90 to tell me what I told them. Uggg.
#11548318 |
ABS and traction control lights come on intermittently and a chime sound occurs. When this happens cruise control stops working. Getting a “Service Electronic Braking System” message and “Service Antilock Brake System” message. Had to wait three weeks to get an appointment for dealer to troubleshoot. Dealer said it has code C0020-01 logged. Dealer says the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) has an internal failure that is shorting out the ABS pump control. Dealer stated that part will not be available until February or March of 2024 if not later for repairs. Dealer verbally said to either park the vehicle until part is available or drive it knowing that the ABS braking system may not work properly in case of emergency stop. Dealer said there is no recall for this problem but they are aware of many vehicles with it. I feel there needs to be an immediate recall issued for...
#11548069 |
My 2018 3500 Dully with 34,000 miles started having an issue with the ABS, Traction Control and Eletronic Brack control systems. While driving the truck on a trip, the Traction Control, and ABS lights started coming on intermittently and the check Eletronic Brack control came on at the same time and it too flashed intermittently. Also, while this is happening, the cruise control does not work. Took the truck to the dealer, parts are not available until February of 2024. Five months from now. They recommend two parts be replaced, Anti-lock brake system, part number 68347098AB and Control Anti-Lock Brake System Part 68143491AB. I'm being told it will cost around $2,000 for the repairs. The 5-year 100,000 drive train is within the warranty period; however, this is not covered by RAM. For such an expensive truck, I find it disturbing that in the event of such failure It was advised...
#11546123 |
ABS and HCU modules are not operating properly. Resulting in no abs and no cruise control.
#11543986 |
When operating the vehicle the Service ABS/Traction control light starts flashing and cruise control becomes disabled while driving. ABS and traction control becomes disabled. Safety issue! Advised the part will not be available until Feb 2024 and to operate vehicle as is.
#11542883 |
ABS LIGHT CODE C002-01 AT 16582 MILES .REPLACED HCU .19710 MILES ABS LIGHT BACK ON CODE C002-01REPAIR LASTED 3128 MILES.TOOK VEHICLEBACK TO DEALER WITH SAME PROBLEM 3/29/23DEALER SAYS NO PARTS AVALABLE SO NO TRUCK TILL PARTS COME IN .AUGUST IS BEST GUESS AS TO PARTS .CALLED DEALER IN AUGUST NOW NO PARTS TILL DECEMBER AND MAYBE NOT THEN.BOUGHT TRUCK NEW FEB 2019 TRUCK BEEN DOWN MORE THAN DRIVEN.DEALER SAYS PROBLEM HAS LOWERED VALUE OF TRUCK CONSIDERABLY.NEED TO RECALL ALL 2018 RAM 2500/3500 TRUCKS. I TRY NOT TO DRIVE TRUCK AT ALL EVEN DEALER SAYS TO DRIVE IT WITH NO ABS OR TRACTION CONTROL.
#11541431 |
Since purchasing this truck brand new in 2018 we have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. Dodge Ram failed us every time. They failed to work with the dealer and ignored every attempt to find solutions. It started with vehicle loosing power on very dangerous locations a specially freeway located in curves in the middle of nowhere. It took years to fix that problem. Multiple times we drove from the shop being told that it was fixed and it wasn't. We would drive right back in after 15 min. It took over 3 years to get dodge and dealer to replace the transmission and all electrical issues. The other problem that we have had since buying this truck is the AC. Its been always a problem we are continuously trying to fix it and its been very hard. This entire summer my children have been suffering. We are driving...
#11540372 |
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS and brake warning lights was flashing on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; the diagnostic showed a faulty computer module had caused the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
#11539185 |
Anti lock brake service light came on repeatedly and vehicle was taken to South County Ram dealer in St. Louis and they scheduled a service appt in July 2022 and they indicated an antilock module was required and did not have part due to manufacturer and did not know when part would be available. The vehicle again was taken to same dealer on July 10, 2023, and same story. This was reported to Chrysler Complaint line that same day and no response from manufacturer. How can an important safety part not be available? How can they continue to produce vehicles and not have replacement safety parts?
#11533814 |
ABS and Traction control lights on/off intermitantly. ABS Code C0020-01 ABS pump motor general electrical failure. See you recently posted some information regarding 2017-18 Ram 2500 -3500 trucks. Lots of complaints on Ram Truck forums. Lots of problems with HCU and ABS Contollers. SHOULD BE A RECALL. No braking problems...(yet)
#11533301 |
ABS System flashes on and off that it needs to be serviced, also cruis control doesn’t work. Took it to dealer to get it diagnosed. Dealer says the HCU needs to be replaced and the ABS pump needs to be replaced and also that cause the brakes and rotors to wear out and they need to be replaced too.
#11532632 |
Ram 3500 Larime Crew Cab Deisel with 47,800 miles. We were driving home from our seasonal campsite, (about a 2 hour trip on highway) and it began to rain (about 15 minutes into the trip) it continued to rain very hard at times the whole trip home. Around 30 minutes into our trip the ABS warning light, Check Engine light, & Traction Control light came on. I pulled to the shoulder of the road and waited for a lull in the rain. I then opened the hood and inspected to see if something was shorting out electrically. I couldn't see or smell anything, so we decided to continue on our way. We exited the highway and took non-highway route home. I did not notice any issues while braking or driving that concerned me enough to have it towed. I pulled the truck into the garage (under our house) and unloaded...
#11532678 |
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control activated, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the cruise control then deactivated independently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
#11532878 |
2018 RAM Display screen delaminates and behaves erratically. Car phones 911 and the call cannot be stopped. Switches driver controls erratically. All electronic systems are erratic because the screen thinks it is being touched when it is not. This failure is present on this 2018 RAM 3500 and Ive seen the same failure on multiple Ram 1500/2500/3500 vehicles from 2018.
#11531134 |
Abs/hcu faulty, brake warning light, message, and alarm will sound on and off while driving. I have tried to buy the parts and they are not available through dodge with no estimated availability. This has been going on for a year.
#11526404 |
In July 2022 our 2018 RAM 3500 Diesel 4 by 4 truck started having an intermittent alert. Service electronic brake system, ABS, traction control. Cruise control is disabled during this alert. May 2023 the vehicle was taken to local dealer for a diagnostic. They revealed no codes were revealed answer was to replace the ITBM at a cost of 921.00. And the diagnostic charge was 233.00. I tried to contact the dealer for further questions with no cooperation. I started investigating and purchased a code reader at my own cost. The code that showed was C0020-01 ABS Pump Motor Control-Electrical Failure. Much different than the ITBM I was told. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles put out a Case Number: S2005000004 Release Date 04/28/2020 Symptom/Vehicle Issue: C0020-01-ABS PUMP MOTOR CONTROL- GENERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE Discussion: Basically says to replace HCU first and then ECU if code still active. So, the dealer is aware of...
#11523338 |
Service ABS, traction control, ESP, ABS lights come on. Vehicle constantly beeps. RAM dealer says it needs a new HCU/ABS module (on national backorder) and/or ABS pump. Second time this has happened. Vehicle now at 77k miles and it happened all over again. If this is happening regularly then something must be defective with the parts they are putting on the truck.
#11519597 |
While driving at any speed the abs and traction control lights start flashing and a chime goes constantly. also when this happens it causes the cruise control to disengage without any warning. Also leaving you without abs brakes. I am on my 3rd abs module and 2nd hydraulic control unit and needing a 3rd hydraulic control unit for this vehicle with less than 62,000 miles the first one went out around 16,000 miles and the second at 37,000 miles. This is also my second truck from this manufacturer to do the exact same thing that happened at 30,000 miles and had another one in the family that did it at 7,000 miles. As i research online I find that this a common occurrence and nothing has been done to resolve the issue other than just replacing the parts with new and wait for it to happen again. I am in...
#11519199 |
September-October 2022 --The Anti-Braking System module has quit working. (ABS). Requested replacement part from Dealership in October 2022. Dealership advises Mopar cancelled parts request to them. I have no anti braking working on vehicle. Dealership advises me to contact Mopar directly for help. I advised them that wasn't my job it was theirs' .
#11516169 |
I have two warning messages appearing on my dash. Service Electronic Braking System and Service ABS System. Took it to my dealership Michiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT in Mishawaka Indiana. I was informed that it needed an HCU (hydraulic control unit) and that the part was unavailable because of engineering review until at least August 2023. The work order was closed and i was sent on my way and told to check back at a later date for availability. After a little reading i found that this issue is under investigation and i wanted add my truck to your list of reports.
#11512097 |
Service Anti-lock brake and Service electronic braking errors come up on screen at random, sometimes the lights will stay one and cruise control is disabled. While braking they seem to shudder. Not safe for a Heavy duty truck that is able to tow 15k lbs.
#11507669 |
My truck is a 2018 Ram 3500 with only 12,500 miles on it, and it is not driven in the winter. Recently it has been has intermittent activation of the ABS and traction lights. It has been on consistent for over a month now. I code scan showed C0020-01 ABS module general electrical failure. I search online and talking with the dealership revealed this is a fairly common issue on 2017 and 2018 trucks and the fix with either the HCU, ABS module or both. I see NHTSA has opened and investigation into the matter so I am just reporting mine as additional truck with issues. It has not been repaired yet. Thanks.
#11507353 |
While reviewing NHTSA's website I noticed PE22-012 concerning Loss of Brake Performance on 2017-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. My 2018 Ram 3500 recently started giving me an ABS, traction control and/or "Service Electronic Braking System" warnings. I first noticed the ABS light shortly after I most recently rotating the tires. The tires were rotated for the 3rd time on 14 Dec 2022 with 44,158 miles on the truck. I rotate all 5 tires (spare included in the rotation). I didn't think much of it at first as I was driving in PA on snow covered dirt roads the first time the ABS light came on. After that it became more frequent with the traction control light typically also illuminating. And now more recently a message on the dash information center appears after the lights come on. The lights don't always go out after a key cycle but will often...
#11505050 |
ABS Brake Module and Electronic Braking Module are issues warnings. Unknown
#11502362 |
"Service Electronic Braking System" intermittently flashes in the dashboard, along with the orange ABS and traction control lights. Seems to happen more on bumpy roads, goes away on smoother roads, then randomly comes back. Over the span of a few weeks, the frequency of the error message has increased, and now the error lights stay on almost all the time. 47,500 miles and purchased new 3 years ago. Here is a video of what happens: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hZ3GAAq3UryvgJWV9
#11499488 |
12/19/2022: While driving, brakes were not working properly. Depressed fully to floor or pumped to try to stop. Check engine lights coming on and off. PERFORM SERVICE, SERVICE DPF SYSTEM, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. Perform service light prior to failure and taken to dodge dealership. Vehicle was inspected by 2 Dodge Dealerships. Extended warranty company National AutoCare failed to show to inspect vehicle both times at Dodge Dealership. Problem was diagnosed by dodge but never fixed…. Safety is at risk when driving vehicle and is available upon request any help is appreciated!
#11498763 |
Right before 36000 miles the ABs and Traction control lights come on and off intermittently. I took the truck to my local dealer and was told 2 components needed to be replaced. They informed me it was not covered under warranty and they did not have the parts nor knew when they might get them in. This has been 4 or more months now and the lights stay on more often than they are off. I can’t use cruise control and it will not pass inspection with the lights on.
#11497705 |
A warning to have my electrical braking system checked continues to alert me while driving along with a abs warning. I notice no change in the system braking. When taken to a RAM dealer for repair the result is to wait months for an electric brake controller. Warning message disables the cruise control.
#11497708 |
I had a warning message to service my DEF system. I had the truck checked at a RAM dealer who reported i need a new exhaust system. They had me wait a few days while they ordered parts. The message never reappeared and the truck is running fine. I dont understand why the dealer wanted me to replace my exhaust system when it apparently doesn't need one. The 2018 truck has only 18K miles on it.
#11497361 |
Every time I plug in a trailer to the 7 point electrical plug in, it pops the fuse for trailer brakes. It has happened with 5 different trailers. Has also happened with other 2017/2018 Ram 2500/3500. Ram claims it’s the trailer.

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
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