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2018 Ram 1500 Brakes Problems

26 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data

26
Complaints
2
Crashes
Jan 2025Dec 2023
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (26)

highSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your ABS system isn't working properly, likely due to a faulty ABS module or hydraulic control unit. When you brake hard, your wheels lock up instead of the ABS preventing that, and your cruise control has also stopped working as a result. Fixing this will require diagnosing and replacing the ABS module or hydraulic control unit.

NHTSA #: 11723238
highSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2026

Your truck's ABS (anti-lock braking) system is showing an internal malfunction code C2200-49 in the ABS control module. This same problem has already been recalled in RAM 2500 to 5500 models, but your 1500 hasn't been included in that recall yet. The replacement part is currently on back order with no known delivery date.

NHTSA #: 11720627
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2026

Ram needs to look int the abs faliure on 1500 modals just like 2500 and 3500 modals , my abs appears to be failing as well just as the some symptoms for 2500 and others

NHTSA #: 11711627
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Oct 2025

I am writing to your Company regarding the unavailability of the ABS Control Module for 2017 Ram 1500 trucks. My truck, like those of numerous other Ram owners, has a malfunctioning ABS Control Module. Because of this malfunction, the ABS and cruise control do not work. In turn, this places me and other owners of this vehicle in an unsafe situation, in that the lack of an operating ABS system is conducive to skidding and accidents. Some owners have even reported that they cannot drive their vehicles due to locked brakes resulting from this malfunction. I have tried every source in existence in my efforts to find a replacement module, but I have been totally unsuccessful. I have been told by one of your Customer Service representatives that your Company is “…unable to maintain a complete inventory for an indefinite period and the lower the demand, the less likely it is we will have stocked parts. As such, the part you are requesting is no longer in our inventory.” I am aware of a current class action suit against your company for the RAM 2500 & 3500 for the same issue. I guess the owners’ lives of the Ram 1500 are not as important. Wilson, et al. v. FCA US LLC Case No. 4:22-cv-0044 This is absolutely appalling. Apparently, several thousand Ram owners who paid tens of thousands of dollars for their trucks are not important enough to your Company to warrant providing the necessary support for their products. I am thoroughly disgusted with the disrespect and value you place on the safety and lives of your truck owners and the other drivers on the road who are in danger due to the lack of support or concern you have for your “valued? owners”.

NHTSA #: 11695759
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Aug 2025

There are countless number of individuals like myself who have paid good hard earned money to own these trucks only to find out that everyone I know has endured the issue with the ABS module it seems. And online that's all you can find now me owning other manufactured vehicles I've never encountered this issue before. But I don't understand how this is a known part that will fail and when it does fail it's up to the owners of the truck to have to pay out of pocket thousands of dollars to get it repaired after spending more than $50,000 to be able to own the truck. I can't imagine the other owners who are not able to afford these costly expenses to get repaired immediately and are forced to continue driving on the road ways endangering themselves and other innocent lives on the road ways

NHTSA #: 11680748
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jul 2025

I have a 2018 RAM 1500 that keeps flashing for the code for the ABS module. This malfunction has completely disabled the ABS system. My mechanic feels that this is a genuine safety hazard and the module needs to be replaced. RAM says the parts have been on back order for over a year. I'm on several different RAM/DOGE message boards and there are plenty of trucks that are having this issue and are told the same that the part is on back order for over a year. Please hold RAM/DODGE accountable for this obvious defect. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA #: 11673458
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Filed: Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake, traction control, and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,137. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11665768
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2025

ABS control module is out with under 50k miles on it. Dealers in the area mention it's a common issue with this model and shared that the 2500 models have the same issue and had a recall issued.

NHTSA #: 11665475
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2025

My ABS and anti swerve systems have gone bad are not operational. There has been a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer for the 2500 & 3500. My local dealer in Melbourne Fl has said the module has been on back order for some time now! No clue if anything can be done but I don't feel safe driving in the rain, which it does most days here.

NHTSA #: 11664404
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2025

Failure of ABS control module with loss of traction control. After researching this issue shortly after having the ABS control module fail on my vehicle I found numerous posts about a faulty ABS module and hydraulic control module ending in part AA. This appears to be a widespread issue with the Ram 1500 pickups warranting a recall.

NHTSA #: 11662131
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: May 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was unidentified. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included, and the parts for the repair was not available. Another local dealer, Rainbow Chrysler Dodge Jeep (301 River Highland Blvd, Covington, LA 70433) was contacted about the repair; however, parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA #: 11660432
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2025

The antilock brake light and traction control light is on. also check trailer brake message comes on the vehicle display. I brought it to the dealer and there is no fix for the problem. There were 12 codes related to this issue and the speedometer goes to zero occasionally.

NHTSA #: 11655797
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2025

ABS CONTROL PUMP STOP WORKING DUE TO SEIZED ELECTRIC MOTOR BRUSHES ON CARRIERS. NO INCIDENTS HAPPENED BUT IT IS A COMMON FAIL ON THIS YEAR MODEL TRUCKS THAT CAN LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. AT THE BEGINNING START DOING IT INTERMITTENLY WHILE DRIVING IT TO THE POINT WHERE IT COMPLTELY STOP WORKING AT ALL. DISABLING ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM.

NHTSA #: 11653756
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2025

my 2018 Ram Limited 1500 ABS control Module has FAILED at 72045 miles; Dealer tried to order new one and dealer told me that NONE are available and he was told to call back March 20 and they would let him know if any available; Dealer was unable to get a new ABS module AND dealer was not able to put me on a list when new and IF new module comes available; This is a very UNSAFE condition in rainey Houston Tx; I went to brake servicer and he ordered me a remanufactured module; Brake company was unable to install remanufactured because it would NOT accept my VIN during programming;; I think all Ram's need to have a SAFETY recall on this Abs MODULE Problem ! I noticed the ABS module has been recalled on the deisal RAM's

NHTSA #: 11644894
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2025

The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is malfunctioning and causing the ABS light, Electronic Stability Control and other warning lights to be triggered. The failing HCU initially resulted in loss of ABS and traction control. There has been a recall of 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 & 5500 trucks and the recall addresses a defect in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) that could lead to the failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems. Below is the link to the 24V-896 Safety Recall Report: [XXX] This HCU failure 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. Ram settled a class action lawsuit addressing this issue for the above-mentioned vehicles but left out the 1500 series. This is a $2,000 repair that should be a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11639953
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2025

The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is malfunctioning and causing the ABS light, Electronic Stability Control and other warning lights to be triggered. The failing HCU initially resulted in intermittent loss of ABS and traction control but now it is a constant issue. There has been a recall of 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 & 5500 trucks and the recall addresses a defect in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) that could lead to the failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems. Below is the link to the 24V-896 Safety Recall Report: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V896-3848.PDF This HCU failure 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. Please have the 2017-2018 Ram 1500 included to this recall.

NHTSA #: 11634521
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in rainy weather, the brake pedal was firmly depressed to stop at a traffic light, but the rear brakes seized, causing the vehicle to hydroplane into the middle of an intersection. The contact made a U-turn and continued driving. The ABS, traction control, and brake system warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA #: 11629726
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2024

DODGE IS NOT SUPPORTING THEIR 2018 RAM 1500 ABS CONTROL MODULE. Once the warning light appeared the vehicle becomes unsafe to operate as the brake fluid distribution is compromised. The Dodge dealers do not have the replacement part and don't expect the part until later in the year. A call to MOPAR resulted in finding out their are 're-engineering' the module and replacement parts are not available until 4th quarter of this year. My vehicle is inoperable and the manufacturer cannot supply the required part, but no RECALL has been issued, although there is a recall for 2019-2022. RAM trucks are non-operable all over America and Dodge is not supporting their customers, nor seem to care.

NHTSA #: 11617587
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS
Filed: Sep 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the ABS warning light along with several other unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front wheel hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.

NHTSA #: 11615287
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2024

Abs and traction control lights on and stop working

NHTSA #: 11587021
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2023

During a road trip we exited the highway and suddenly we have a flat tire on Front right of vehicle. We saw no object in the tire it was just flat. We change the tire with our spare and got back on the road on the way home. After the first flat the Service Antilock Braking System and alternated to Service Electronic Brake System messages aper as well as the cruse control not working. After driving another 2 1/2 hours at less than posted speed, we had another flat tire out of the blue, so we pulled off the highway. This time it was the Rear Right tire that was flat, and again no object in the tire. Did this issue cause these flats? I checked Ram's forum's and internet to see that this error meant. What I found out is there are thousands of Ram truck having this same issue. In order to fix this issue it would cost over $800 to have parts 68437098AB Module Anti Lock Brake System and 68143491AA Control Anti Lock Brake System replaced. However, I am seeing that many people who had these parts replaced are getting this error again. This could have been a very dangerous issue for me and my family.

NHTSA #: 11562759
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2023

My truck will randomly apply the front brakes by itself making the truck undrivable. I have to immediately pull over to the shoulder of the road. The front of the truck will shake violently until I pull over. This will happen at all speeds. I have called Chrysler Corp. And the dealer I purchased the truck new. Both representatives indicated they had never heard of this issue and it was isolated to my truck. The only way I am able to continue to drive my truck after this condition happens is , I have to take the negative terminal off the battery and wait for about 20 minutes for the system to reset. From my research many of these issues on the Ram trucks stem from the ABS and HCU module. My truck only has 27,000 miles. This condition had been going on for over a year now. My wife refuses to drive the truck anymore. Thank you for all your help

NHTSA #: 11530616
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2023

VEHICLE HAS 47000 MILES DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS FOR ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL, AND PRIMARY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ARE ALL ILLUMINATED. ABS NOT FUNCTIONING NOR IS TRACTION CONTROL. RESEARCH INDICATES THEY SHARE THE SAME CIRCUT. RESEARCH ALSO SHOWS NHTSA HAS OPEN INVESTIGATION INTO RAM 2500 & 3500 PICKUPS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWS CLAIMS THAT DEALERSHIPS ARE REPLACING THE FAILED PARTS WITH IDENTICAL, UNIMPROOVED PARTS THAT ARE ALSO FAILING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND ALSO A MAJOR EXPENSE. VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. SYSTEM FAILED IN A CONGESTED TRAFFIC SITUATION THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN REAREND COLLISION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN LOOKED AT BY THE DEALER OR ANYONE ELSE. WARNING LIGHTS THAT ARE ON MOST LIKELY CAME ON DURING THE FIRST "HARD STOP" AS RESULT OF BRAKING ACTIONS OF VEHICLES IN FRONT.

NHTSA #: 11517862
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2023

When the emergency brake is set or engage and the dis engage the brake warning light stay on. when a full stop is the it chime and stay solid red at the dash board. this a defective manufacturer issue. +/-80,000 miles.

NHTSA #: 11503598
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jun 2019

AFTER TURNING FROM THE HIGHWAY FEEDER ONTO A SMALL ROAD, I KNEW A LARGE BUMP IN THE ROAD WAS COMING UP. EVERYONE WHO TRAVELS THE ROAD KNOWS ABOUT IT AND HOW YOU NEED TO SLOW DOWN. AFTER I MADE MADE THE TURN, I APPLIED MY BRAKE IN ANTICIPATION OF THE BUMP, HOWEVER NOTHING HAPPENED. THERE WASN'T ANY PRESSURE. I TRIED ONE MORE TIME AND IT WAS THE SAME RESULT. I THEN TRIED TO CONSECUTIVELY PUMP THE BRAKES, BUT THERE WAS NO CHANGE. AT THAT POINT I WAS APPROACHING THE CEMENT MIXER IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS SO CLOSE THAT I KNEW IMPACT WAS INEVITABLE. I PUT MY ARMS TO THE SIDE, FACED FORWARD, AND KEPT MY BODY LOOSE AT THE LAST SECOND TO TRY TO MINIMIZE ANY INJURIES AND THANKFULLY IT WORKED. MY VEHICLE DIRECTLY HIT THE CEMENT MIXER IN FRONT OF ME. ALMOST ALL DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY VEHICLE WITH MINIMAL TO THE MIXER.

NHTSA #: 11217268
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Mar 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, IT ROLLED DOWN A HILL ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S TREE, BUT WAS NOT DAMAGED. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED THIS MORNING. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS A FEW FEET ON THE SAME HILL BEFORE STOPPING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM OF WARWICK (185 NY-94, WARWICK, NY 10990, (845) 986-2021), BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA #: 11184831

Other 2018 Ram 1500 Issues