2018 Ram 3500 Brakes
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
I had my ABS module/HCU changed a few years ago, now I am getting the same issues and will need it replaced again. This malfunction also cause cruise control to be inoperable. This time on my dime. After research this has been an ongoing issue with ram trucks since atleast the 2018 model year. Why has a mandatory recall not been called?
At 6000 miles the hydraulic control unit and and ABS module went bad, at 15000 miles the same thing happened again
ABS and traction control warning, flashing and audible alarm sounding. ABS braking system disabled. Loss of cruise control. Dealer confirms that this is a known problem with 2017/18 2500/3500 Ram pickups. Stared at around 31800 miles. Problem is ongoing, and not resolved. Dealer said parts are on nationwide back up. And not covered under warranty. See a California Class Action lawsuit for this problem.
At 26075 miles 9/10/2020, got error saying service electronic braking system. Dealer diagnosis code C0020-1was HCU (hydraulic control unit) failed; replaced unit part number 68143491AA. Problem solved. At 34412 miles 5/31/22, got same error stating to service electronic braking system. Dealer diagnosed code C0020-1, HCU failed. They replaced part number 68143491AA, again problem solved. At 40,125 miles, 8/30/2023 same error message. I will be taking to dealer, but parts are not available until February 2024 or later. When this unit fails, ABS is disabled, as well as trailer braking and cruise control. This creates a serious danger as the truck is capable of towing a load in excess of 17000 lbs. using the same part that appears to have an issue is not the solution.
HCU failure at 75k miles causing loss of ABS, Traction Control, and cruise control functions brakes are not as efficient anymore part is 8-12month back order, fiat Chrysler dealership locally said nothing we can do don't drive it wait for $700 part to come In some time in the future. Only vechicle I have I. Self employed can not just park truck for 8-12 months and continue to make payments, there is no option to sell as someone will not buy with abs issues and traction control in-op. This is a wide know issue on rams fiat Chrysler has done nothing to ensure the safety of its drivers and owners. For them to simply say park it do not drive wait 8-12 months to be fixed is absolutely ridclious. A reca needs to be issued and part failures need to be handled. Quick search on line shows many trucks having same problem and same results at dealership.
ABS/HCU intermittent failure resulting in loss of traction control, ABS function, cruise control. The risk associated to myself and others is the loss of ABS and traction control, in bad weather (rain, snow sleet) conditions the drivability of the vehicle is severely compromised. I was made aware of the open class action suite regarding this flaw and have not left the truck for dealer service. Warning lights include ABS, traction control, and service electronic breaking.
ABS Light and Traction Control Light are both on. Loss of ABS functionality. The code displayed is C0020-01. The dealer has not looked at this vehicle yet but service will be scheduled with them.
ABS error code on truck approximately April 2023. Had tested at Dodge dealership in Marshall where they determined it was the ABS controller that was bad and had to be replaced. They informed me that this would not be available until August of 2023. This would mean that my anti lock braking system would not function properly for several months. I contacted two other Dodge dealerships in East Texas as well as an independent diesel mechanic who confirmed the same thing - this part would not be available until August 2023. I had Marshall dealership to put my name on list with others who had the same issue, and I had to continue driving the vehicle with the ABS system compromised, with the awareness and care knowing that this is a safety concern. August 2023, had not heard back from the dealership so I called and asked about the ABS controller issue. They told me they had been notified by Dodge that this part is not available in August and they had no expected date for it to be manufactured and available for these repairs. I Confirmed with other dealerships and two independent diesel mechanics. It is now mid September and I am having to continue driving with safety compromised due to the bad ABS controller and Dodge not doing anything to address this situation for me or what I understand are several others. No doubt, if they have not already happened, there will be accidents due to the extended time of ABS malfunction on RAM trucks. I am now reaching out to NHTSA as the urging of one of the independent diesel mechanics. I appreciate your time and attention and anything you can do to help Dodge address this widespread safety concern as soon as possible.
ABS LIGHTS COMES ON ANTI SWERVE LIGHTS COME ON HCU MODULE FOR ABS SYSTEM BAD THESE ISSUES ARE NATIONWIDE IN RAM TRUCKS ..parts are hard to get . Dodge should recall I’m paying out of my pocket.
Intermittent Anti Lock braking system failure messages. From my understanding this is a very widespread engineering/ components failure. This is a huge safety issue and a recall needs to be issues. RAM was allowed to build trucks for years that had major steering issues, now the brakes don’t work properly. The NHTSA needs to hold them accountable.
ABS and Traction Control lights turn on and off while driving
THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED ONCE 3 MONTH'S AGO AND NOW I TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AGAIN FOR THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM NEED REPAIR AGAIN WARNING KEEPS GOING OFF BUT DEALER SAID ITS SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. THE TOLD ME NOW THEABS PUMP FAILING.HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT NEEDS REPLACED AND ITS ON BACK ORDERED TILL 2/21/24. I TOW A 32FT., RACE CAR TRAILER AND I NEED THE ABS BRAKES TO WORK. THESE TRUCKS ARE EXPENSIVE TO BUY THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
ABS lights come on with the traction control light. It also beeps each time you hit the brakes when lit. It has affected my cruise control as well. Sometimes the brake will skip when you hit a bump while braking. I have had the ABS Pump and Module replaced by a dealer on September 20, 2021. It is now doing the same thing and I had an independent repair shop inspect the truck and they found the ABS pump and module defective again. It has only been a little over a year and a half and only about 15000 miles. Dealers and the independent shop both say there are no replacement parts available at this time and it has been a big problem for Ram. I don't feel safe pulling my 41 foot fifth wheel let alone the truck itself if it malfunctions while braking. I am available for questions or inspection if needed.
The Hydraulic Control Unit Chrysler part number 68143491AA failed and been replaced multiply times on my vehicle. I have the current failed part available for inspection upon request. This causes the Anti-lock braking system and Traction control system to no longer function limiting function under wet or slippery conditions. This puts the driver and others at risk. The problem has been reproduced by my local dealer twice both with the original part and its' replacements. The vehicle/component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no Warning lamps/messaged before failure only after. These would be ABS lamp and traction control lamp plus a service ABS warning message.
ABS failed during a panic stop causing the vehicle to skid. Received a notice on the dash to “Service Electronic Braking System” followed by the ABS and traction control lights coming on then off a number of times. It is my understanding that the Hydraulic Control Unit has failed, and FCA is aware of this issue. Failure of ABS in a large heavy pickup truck is dangerous, and FCA should issue a recall to repair the affected units.
The code C0020-01 ABS Pump Motor Control - General Electrical Failure popped up. This happened with 53172 miles on the odometer. Looking on the Cummins Forum, this happens often to the 2017 and 2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups.
I purchased my 2018 Ram 3500 new, in July of 2019. Since then, the HCU/ABS Module has failed 3 times. The first occurrence was at 4391 miles, the second was at 24768 miles, and the third, was yesterday at approx. 45000 miles. The "Service ABS System" light goes on and off intermittingly, which shuts down cruise control and other electrical components. The brake pedal at times feels stiff when brakes applied. This repair is close to two thousand dollars. I've read the other complaints while researching this issue. Something needs to be done by RAM to correct this safety, and excessive cost to owner issue.
Already had hcu replaced once now its bad again this truck never goes off road the first time was at 9953 miles now the second time 30550 miles these parts are not even available there has to be something done there no excuse for this to happen. So many complaints about these parts we need a recall
ABS and hydraulic module going bad. While driving down the road truck with say service ABS System and hydraulic brakes. Took truck to repair shop to have wheel speed sensors checked by a scanning machine and informed me that the ABS and hydraulic module is going bad.
2018 Dodge 3500 ABS light came on and disabled cruise control functions. Took to dealer and another 3rd party, both said replacement of ABS module was only solution to fix. Fairly expensive fix. It first happened around 60,000 miles sometime in 2021 and now at 80,000 miles it no longer functions. No recall appears to exist but it is a problem.
Intermittent warning lights for ABS and traction control. Message to "Service Electeonic Brake System". Data scan indicated ABS pump failure. Research shows this is a known issue. Dealer can't get parts to repair.
Both my ABS module and HCU are out. The parts cannot even be ordered till late August 2023, my truck only as 17K miles on it. This is very much a safety issue, both of the units control the ABS system and the traction control.
ABS hydraulic control unit has gone out twice in a year.
ABS light and service electronic braking system intermittently came on. By that happening it sounds like it disable those systems making the truck at risk when emergently braking. Took the truck to Ram dealership on 11-10-2022. Dealership stated the hydraulic control unit and the abs module need to be replaced. From what I've seen this is starting to become increasingly more of an issue with these trucks needing HCU/ABS replaced. I just got the truck back on 1-5-2023.
Intermittent "Service Electronic Braking System" and ABS lights during usage. Vehicle had the issue at 17500 miles. Dealer replaced ABS Hydraulic Pump. Now at 28000 miles, may need to replace Hydraulic Control Unit. Reviewing online forums, this is common occurrence among Ram Trucks. So common, that parts aren't available. Cost to repair is $2800. FCA knows there is an issue and allows 1000s of vehicle to operate without ABS or Traction control. FCA says it's safe to operate, however this vehicle was designed to tow 32000lbs, how is that safe without ABS or Traction Control? FCA should issue a recall for this known, dangerous, issue.
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Quick Summary
The 2018 Ram 3500 has 271 Brakes complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.