2018 RAM 3500 Service Brakes Problems

466 NHTSA complaints on file

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Service Brakes Issues in the 2018 RAM 3500

466 service brakes complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 RAM 3500. Of these, 4 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 2 resulted in injury.

466
Complaints
4
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Service Brakes Complaints

#11718468 |
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...
#11717028 |
Vehicle ABS malfunctions routinely. This comprises reliability and overall road safety. This recall is well over 3 years old and the manufacturer has not done enough to remedy this defect, knowing that the entire fleet shares this ABS system failure. On ice, snow and inclement weather conditions the ABS failure results in brakes locking and the vehicle going into sliding. Dodge doesn’t care about the safety of their products and as a consequence risk the safety of millions of Americans daily.
#11714401 |
I tow a 16000 lb RV with my truck and the ABS/Skid control goes on and off every few minutes and RAM keeps telling me that they do not have the part to take care of this recall, it has been more than 18 months now. This is my only means of transportation.
#11711726 |
Incident Description (ABS Module Failure) The ABS control module is failing intermittently. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The ABS warning light illuminates unpredictably, sometimes every few minutes to every few tens of minutes. When this occurs, ABS, cruise control, and trailer brake control are disabled, making the vehicle difficult and unsafe to operate, especially when towing or driving in traffic. This failure creates a safety risk due to loss of braking and stability-related systems. The issue is a known manufacturer defect with an established repair; however, the manufacturer states that replacement ABS modules are currently unavailable due to parts backorder, with no repair timeline provided. The issue has been acknowledged by the manufacturer and dealer. No inspection by police or insurance has occurred. Based on available information, my best assessment is an intermittent ABS module failure that renders the vehicle effectively unusable. I am requesting escalation and...
#11709229 |
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.
#11708937 |
There is an open recall (C4B) for my Ram truck. The ABS light and "Service Brake System" light and message are currently displayed on the truck's dash. I contacted FCA about a year ago and told them I have an active issue. They said they placed me on a priority wait list but the remedy is not available yet. It is unacceptable for them to not have a remedy ready for an 8 year old truck when the issue was known about some time ago. I would appreciate if NHTSA or other government agencies would put pressure on FCA to repair this issue as owner's and other motorists lives are on the line if faulty equipment is forced to drive on public roadways. Thank you
#11707555 |
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.
#11704241 |
Since January 2023, my truck stability control system has been disabled related to CB4 NHTSA 24V-896 recall. TWO years! I can't sell the truck like this & I have no idea when it will result in an accident. Stellantis needs to be held accountable. Every contact with them results in a response of waiting for parts. I've had no choice but to drive another 18000 dangrous miles with this vehicle. This is unacceptable.
#11703679 |
Traction control, stability control, and ABS all not working. Started at 8,700 miles, truck now has 9,800 miles on it. Received a recall end of 2024, part is still not available. This is taking far to long for a repair, we know someone who has an extended warranty who had their truck repaired. Something is fishy here. This truck is the same as new and was bought to tow a fifth wheel and haul tractor and track hoe. Not safe to do so. Ram should have issued a do not drive on this truck and the repair should have been done a long time ago. Either fix it or replace it, this time frame is unacceptable.
#11702901 |
This recall has been open and unresolved for 12 months. Contacted both the dealership and the manufacturer. Both have stated parts are not available and unknown timeframe when the vehicle can be repaired. Currently, the vehicle is drivable, but indicator lights are not illuminated on the dashboard. Case number with manufacture is 94739240
#11702055 |
Almost got into a wreck because my ABS failed. I was going down the interstate with my cruise control on and my abs and traction light came on. My cruise control.immediately stopped working and I was almost rear ended. I called the Ram dealership and they said they have no time frame of when they will have parts in to fix it under the recall. Does someone have to die before Ram will start fixing these abs units. The recall has been out since Nov 2024. They need to be held accountable or buy back all 2017 and 2018 rams affected by this.
#11700789 |
No solution for the antilock breaking system,causing drivability issues and loss of traction control,abs and control on numerous occasions.
#11699791 |
Recall C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 was issued November 2024. To this date, there is no remedy. I have spoken with both FCA and my local dealership. Both have communicated that FCA does not have a resolution and can not provide a date for parts availability for repair. As the recall states. " The loss of the ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle related crash without prior warning". I have significant concerns with the potential mechanical failure which could lead to a vehicular accident. 12 months without resolution is not acceptable.
#11697613 | Crash
I had just merged onto the highway and was in the left lane that was ending ahead. As soon as I switched lanes traffic came to a stop. I slammed on the brakes and the truck came to a complete stop before impact. Then with my foot still on the brake pedal the truck lurched forward making impact with the vehicle in front of me. I believe that the defective brake HCU failure caused the ABS system to fail ultimately resulting in the accident. The only damage was to the front bumper. No airbags deployed and the accident was not reported. I would like Ram to replace my bumper since I have been driving with this problem for over a year and still no fix to the problem. It is a clear safety issue and had resulted in not being able to safely drive the truck.
#11694366 |
Traction control and ABS work intermittently. Ram sent out this notification for recall concerning stated problems but state there is no fix at this time. They continue to state there is no fix. This is a safety issue and you are not forcing them to repair. They are dragging their feet hoping it goes away. DO SOMETHING!!!!
#11692245 |
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.
#11691585 |
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.
#11688292 |
I have had actual issues with this vehicle due to the recall CB4 with the HCU unit. My vehicle not only has the recall but is actually effected. This recall is over a year old and my braking (antilock braking, traction control, etc) changed how the vehicle was driving last October on my way back from a funeral so it’s nearly a year since I’ve been able to drive my truck. I can’t sell it because all the bells & whistles chime alerting to an electric braking issue. Shouldn’t RAM be forced to buy back vehicles they can’t fix after a year? At this level of a recall where safety limits the ability to drive it but I still have to pay insurance on it and can’t get another vehicle because I can’t sell this one? I called NHTSA late winter and FCA (x2) already and FCA second call didn’t...
#11687726 |
24V-896. This recall is a safety issue known for years. There is still no action from the manufacturer! I was extremely lucky to avoid a serious collision. The only solution the manufacturer offers is to authorize a dealer to replace the parts with another secondary market provider part, but they won’t cover the cost or warrant the replacement. How many YEARS do I have to drive an unsafe vehicle?!!!
#11686798 |
Hydraulic Control Uni Safety: The loss of abs/esc/traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. This voluntary recall still has not been remedied and no assistance has been provided.
#11683913 |
The recall for this vehicle was announced on November 24 2024. To date, Chrysler has not been able to come up with a solution to this serious brake problem. I have had to rely on alternative transportation since last November, This is ridiculous to wait 9+ months to get my vehicle repaired.
#11682742 |
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?
#11680288 |
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...
#11676521 |
I have an issue with my ABS and Traction Control systems malfunctioning. This manifests as as warning lights on my dashboard and stored message in my truck display for "Service Antilock Braking System and Service Electrical Braking System'. There are also diagnositc trouble codes associated with this fault. I know that some trucks of my model year are subject to a previous recall linked here: [XXX] However, I have been told by the dealer that my truck is not covered under this recall. I would like NHTSA to reconsider this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11664649 |
Safety recall over 5 months ago on ram 3500 truck used solely for pulling 10k camper. NG hydraulic control valve with possible failure of ABS without warning. Contacted dealer in early jan. 2025. They are aware and said they would call when part came in. Called back today after no communication in 6 months. Told no part in stock and no part to order. Asked if it was safe to drive and was told it wasnt a dealer responsibility and it was my desision. Called chrysler recall number and told the same thing and they would not give mw anything in writing saying the truck was safe to drive. Looked online and that part number hydraulic valve is readily available on mopar.com parts site. The issue from what i understand is they refuse to divert those valves of oem assembly line needs for the recall. To say this is frustrating...
#11663258 |
This recall notice, was first identified in September or October, with the Official Communication issued in November of 2024. How long am I, or anyone expected to endure the nuances of this recall. We are well beyond 6 months now with no remedy, and it does not appear as if RAM\Stellantis is concerned with a fix. They've sent a disclaimer notice, but what is the resolve to a vehicle I purchased and continue to make a monthly payment towards - but you are basically telling me don't drive. Alternatively, dealership service advisors call me every six weeks to come in for a diagnostic ( not free of course ) only to say well it is related to the HCU so there isn't anything we can do right now. When\If I drive my vehicle I have to listen to a buckle your seatbelt type of alarm the entire drive. Its not...
#11660082 |
There is a recall for the brake HCU, but parts are not available. RAM won't fix. ABS warning light and traction control lights are on, and flash along with warning buzzer chime. Unacceptable. This has been going on for 4 months.
#11655098 |
ABS PUMP Failed on 09/03/22. ABS light constantly coming on and off and dinging had it repaired on 10/21/22 had to wait for part, was charged 930.00 ABS FAILED 2ND TIME ABS Light constantly going on and off and dinging ON 1/31/25, Received recall C4B/NHTSA 24-896 on 01/13/25 in mail. Ferman Dodge of new port Richey refused to cover it, and their recall center refused to cover it or reimburse me. I had it replaced a second time on 4/11/25 had to wait for the part to come in. They are not honoring the recall which has been under investigation by NHTSA since 2021. So, I have been charged 2 time, another 957.00 and the second time the truck had not even been driven 30000 miles since last repair. So, every 30 to 40 thousand miles the abs pump fails possibly causing the brakes to malfunction. They are also saying...
#11652809 |
The hydraulic control unit has been on recall since December 2024, I been to the dealer several times a they told me they do not have a remedy for the problem and they do not know if or when they will have a solution for the problem. Now I have a Check engine,ABS, and the eletronic stability control light on. The deler told the lights are on due to the HCU is bad. But they did give me a solution for the repairs
#11651250 |
Related to the known HCU failure on these vehicles. My first submitted complaint was on Oct 22, 2022 and this issue is still not resolved. I received a letter in mail on January 21st of this year stating that a recall was finally underway. Now it's late March and everyone's standard response is "No Remedy Yet". The remedy is actually installing HCU part number 68143491AB which replaces the corrupt factory installed part 6814391AA. These parts are readily available online so why can't factory service centers begin replacing these failed HCU's. This complaint is filed due to my belief that this dangerous safety issue is not being resolved in a reasonable, timely manner. Not even close.
#11649054 |
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...
#11643117 |
I filled a complaint on the HCU (brakes) on my 2018 Ram 3500 with NHTSA. FCA took forever to finally recall. By then i had already found a new RAM factorty OEM HCU from a RAM DEALER THAT ALSO SELLS ON EBAY, and installed myself. After getting the recall notice in the mail i contacted RAM as the part was already replaced to get reimbursed for same. I sent them the failure code from original incident, picture of the active light on my truck, ebay receipt from ebay with visa payment, and tracking showing it shipped to me. RAM Customer service replied the claim was denied because i showed no install. My email to them clearly stated i installed myself and have been in mechanical maintenance my entire carrer and was one of the first ASE Certified Mechanics in the 1980's. I believe they are not honoring the recall on...
#11640498 |
On or about [XXX] my Ram 3500 showed a check engine light indicating to service the HCU/ABS system. After researching this I discovered there was a problem with the HCU/ABS in the Ram 3500. At the time there was no recall for the part. I found the part and replaced the part. On or about 1/25 I received a recall notice from the manufacturer. I proceeded to their website and submitted the required documents for reimbursement. I was promptly denied reimbursement: "Dear Mr. [XXX] , Good day! We understand that this was not the decision that you were hoping for, and we apologize for that, but that is the decision of the company based on the information provided. There is no installation cited and it is not eligible for reimbursement. We look forward to the chance to assist you in the future, and we thank you for being a Ram...
#11639921 |
I had the ABS recall repaired 3 years ago when Ram was refusing to acknowledge this as a defective product. I paid for this repair. Under the recall I'm elgiible for reimbursement but the company is refusing to reimburse me for the repair after I sent them an invoice showing proof of work and my payment. This can't stand. Please force them to issue a refund for the $100 I am owed.
#11639952 |
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.
#11638540 | Crash Fire
Brakes went out and steering which caused loss of control of vehicle.
#11638281 |
Service Antilock Braking System due to faulty HCU
#11635860 |
Audible alarm, warning lights on dash. Come on and off. No cruise control available.
#11635259 |
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??
#11635320 |
2018 Ram diesel 3500. 36,000 miles ABS and Traction Control lights illuminated on dash. Cru8ise control does not work. Dealer told me the HCU (hydraulic control unit) is defective, and thee are no parts available to repair it. I am leaving Indiana for Florida on 18 Jan 2025. That means a 1,000 mile trip one direction pulling a boat - without cruise control or antilock brakes. What can be done?
#11632026 |
Continually gets abs stability error. Unit has been replaced once less than year ago. Comes on if vehicle sits or hits a bump. Lose of abs cruise and continual dinging.
#11628378 |
The service electronic braking system and service abs system continues to ding and pop up on screen. Cruise control will not work either.
#11628048 |
ABS & Traction Light and ding ding, then go away for a while then it all comes back. Truck is out of warranty, so any cost is mine. They want you to pay for diagnostic even there is a code. Quoted cost was around $800 to $1000. The first time this happened the code said to replace the 4wd shift motor. Done that problem went away for awhile then came back. I am retired and these cost don't fit in real good. We purchased the truck new. I have read that this problem is not new, just ongoing. When this is happening the 4wd and cruse doesn't work or shuts off. It appears that RAM isn't going to do anything until people start getting killed. Then are forced to fix it.
#11627365 |
ABS C0020 pump motor control...only have 54000 miles on this truck..
#11626203 |
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.
#11625949 |
I had to have my ABS module replaced because ABS fault on my dash lit up. A few months later the ABS fault light is back on. The parts they put on is junk. I cant keep paying the ridiculous price of this repair when it doesn't fix the issue. Reading thru the forums it has been a issue for many many years. I cant use my cruse control when this alarm goes off and I would like for my ABS to work the way it was intended for.
#11625769 |
My 2018 Ram 35000 with only 33,000 miles has recently been providing numerous ABS and Electronic Braking System warning lights. They are intermittently and can sound several times continually or they can go for several miles with no alarms. It appears that this is a well known issue with Ram trucks that I believe the manufacture should repair as it is a safety concern.
#11625799 |
I was driving my truck when the Service Electronic Braking System warning came on. Then the service the Anti-lock Brake System warning came on. Both warnings were flashing on and off. I took the truck into my mechanic which is an independent service center, American Muffler, in Burlington WI, on 10/23/24. I was told that the truck needed an ABS module and the Hydraulic Control Unit, but the mechanic was having problems getting the ABS module from the dealer, Miller Motors, in Burlington. I was told that Miller Motors needed authorization to sell the part, and it was pending. American Motors continued to call Miller Motors for updates and was told it was still pending. I finally picked up my truck on 11/04/24, without it being fixed. I drove the truck to my hunting land (about 120 miles), on [XXX]. The warnings continued to flash on and off periodically, on...
#11625682 |
ABS warning light came on, and stay on , parking sensors shut off , electronic braking system failed, brakes locked up, vehicle is unsafe and undrive able as brakes and abs system aren’t functioning safely.
#11624667 |
ABS warning light & Traction control warning lights coming on and off intermittently. Found problem to be a bad HCU assembly. There seems to be a reliability problem with this brake HCU assembly. Other Ram trucks have a recall for this same problem & this is the second time this HCU module has failed on my truck. The first failure was in March of 2022 when the truck had 46002 miles. The unit was replaced at that time and Chrysler paid for the replacement. This latest failure was the same HCU module and it failed in October of 2024 when the truck had 76563 miles.

Other 2018 RAM 3500 Problem Areas

Electrical System 127 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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