2016 Ram 2500 Brakes Problems

Your trailer's integrated brake module isn't sending the correct electrical signal to activate the trailer brakes when you apply the brakes on your truck. This means your trailer may not brake properly or at all when towing, which is a serious safety concern. The issue likely requires diagnosis and repair or replacement of the integrated trailer brake module.

Your truck's DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) system has failed, and you're also seeing warning messages for ABS, traction control, and tire pressure monitoring. Additionally, your 4-wheel drive system is showing as temporarily unavailable and needs service. This combination of warnings suggests multiple system issues that need professional diagnosis to determine the underlying cause.

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V140000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Service ABS SYSTEM warning light came on dash - July 2023. ABS is not functional. Traction /stability control is not functional. Scanned codes - OBDII code C0020. Took to RAM dealer 7/2023- RAM dealer stated and confirmed ABS module required replacement but the part was not available and unknown when it would become available. I have called several times every few months for updates- no parts available. This is unacceptable. My family’s safety is at risk because ABS and stability control are not functional- especially in winter icy conditions.

Abs module failure is common in alot of rams part number 68252611ae

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 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 which resulted 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 of time 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.”

2016 Ram 2500 ABS and HCU have caused problems while driving. My brakes are engaged and will sometimes bring the vehicle to a stop. While having problems with my brakes, I scheduled an appointment with my local Dodge/Ram service department. On the way to the service department March 2023, the brakes again started having problems and completely engaged on a busy bridge bringing the truck to an immediate stop. Not a fun moment. The closest tow truck was two hours away and after 40 minutes, I was able able to get the brakes dis-engaged and limped the truck to the service center. The service department had trouble replicating the issue because the computer reset after i drove the vehicle in. It wasn't till the third test drive the technician had the issue happen to him. I've read about numerous other similar issues with the same truck and braking system, and this could cause a serious incident where someone could get hurt. Even after getting a new ABS, I'm still having issues 6 months later with the brakes locking up. I took it to a new service center and again, the technicians are saying there is no issue because the computer has reset when the issue went away while driving it in to get looked at. It concerns me the Ram has not stepped up to fix this issue.

Abs light and traction control light came on. The rear parking sensors and 4 wheel drive were also disabled. Repair shop stated that a wheel speed sensor was bad, replaced it and on the way home the lights came on again. Took truck back to shop and they stated another wheel speed sensor was bad. Replaced and then once again, lights came back on while driving home. Took back to the shop and they stated the connections to abs module were dirty, cleaned and sent me back home. Once again, lights came back on. Lights are now on and I have no idea how to repair other than to continue throwing parts and money at it. With Abs disabled, mine and my family's safety are at risk while driving, especially considering this truck is used to tow heavy loads, including livestock. Apparently this is a wide spread issue based on internet reports and has been reported on many of these trucks, regardless of mileage.

ABS/traction control lights on dash and cruse control won’t work with these on. Haven’t taken to dealer but researched online and believe it to be the abs/hcu unit.

In March of 2022 my ABS/Traction Control light illuminated and returned a code of "Internal Electrical Failure". I have had this evaluated by two different dealers with two different pieces being blamed. One is the ABS Contril Module and the other is the Hydraulic Control Unit. I have replaced both multiple times without any remedy. The dealer stating that is was the ABS Control Module told me multiple times that they cannot even order the part to fix it. This means I cannot get a state inspection sticker on my primary mode of transportation as well as not having working ABS brakes, traction control, and cruise control. This is a concern with my family being safe as well as when towing my 5th wheel rv. There is an open investigation for 2017-2018 but my truck is a 2016 with the same issue. There are multiple people on forums with Rams other than the 2017-18 trucks with this same exact problem. A lot of us are using vehicles that are not able to be inspected with safety equipment not functioning correctly.

A known issue is occurring across many vehicles where the ABS Braking system becomes non-working and illuminates the ABS - Service Electrical Braking System light along with disengaging the vehicle traction control. The part that needs to be replaced is on national backorder with no ETA of availability. In turn, this issue is causing my West Virginia State Vehicle Inspection to remain invalid as I cannot get a proper inspection due to the warning light. In addition, with the ABS not working, I am fearful of using my vehicle to transport my family, especially my toddler. This issue needs to be addressed by Chrysler Corp, but there have been no recalls nor even a TSB released referring to this issue. A quick search of Ram/Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler Forums shows that this is a very widespread issue affecting many vehicles. This presents a major safety issue, especially since it is considered an important safety feature preventing my vehicle from being inspected. This issue needs addressed ASAP by the company and repaired promptly.

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact depressed the parking brake pedal and the vehicle stopped. The warning messages "Brake Fluid Low" and "Service Electronic Braking System" appeared on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and the brake warning light were illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the brake pedal responded while depressed. The vehicle was drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,500.

Signal to 5th wheel brakes failed then a light to service electronic brake system came on and the electronic stability control failed. I was on a grade and barely stopped with all 4 wheels smoking. Trailer was well under the factory weight for towing capacity. CHP and local sheriff stopped but didn’t make a report. If it had failed 100 yards later I probably wouldn’t be sending in this complaint alive and well. I truly believe it’s a RAM issue and needs to be resolved before other trucks have this issue. Dodge can’t get to the fix for a few weeks so I’m stuck without a vehicle

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE TOWING TRAILER BRAKE, THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CHECK WIRE CONNECTION AND TRAILER DISCONNECT ERROR MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED, THE BRAKES AND LOW GEAR WAS SELECTED TO CONTROL THE TRAILER BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHRISTOPHER'S DODGE RAM (16655 W COLFAX AVE, GOLDEN, CO 80401) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

BRAKE LINE FROM MASTER CYLINDER RUPTURED DUE TO CHAFING AGAINST PLASTIC ABS BOX UNDER THE HOOD CAUSING MASSIVE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND A LOSS IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS. IT WAS DISCOVERED AFTER PULLING OVER TO INVESTIGATE THE BRAKES SPONGINESS AND LACK OF STOPPING POWER.

THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER DOES NOT APPLY THE TRAILER BRAKES ENOUGH TO SLOW THE TRAILER. I HAVE HAD THE BRAKE CONTROLLER SERVICED 3 TIMES UNDER WARRANTEE AND IT STILL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. MY TRAILER IS A 34 FOOT TRAILER MANUFACTURED IN 2016. THE TRAILER WOKS CORRECTLY WHEN TOWED BY MY FRIEND'S TRUCK AND THE TRAILER DEALERSHIP TOW VEHICLE. THE BRAKE CONTROLLER BARELY APPLIES A SLIGHT DRAG TO THE TRAILER BRAKES AT ALL SPEEDS. IT DOES NOT APPLY ADDITIONAL BRAKING FORCE WHEN SET AT THE MAXIMUM SETTING (+10) AND MANUALLY MOVED TO THE MAXIMUM BRAKING SETTING.

AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ON MY 2016 RAM 2500 DIESEL PICKUP COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY TOWING A 24' CARGO TRAILER. I TRIED TO PURCHASE A NEW MASTER CYLINDER FROM A RAM DEALERSHIP BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER PART # 68386723AA WAS DISCONTINUED AND THAT THE REPLACEMENT WAS ON 'EXTREME BACK ORDER' THERE ARE NO AVAILABLE REPLACEMENT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS AVAILABLE IN ANY OF THE WESTERN UNITED STATES.

INTEGRATED BRAKE CONTROLLER DOES NOT OUTPUT ENOUGH POWER TO APPLY BRAKES ON CAMPER PROPERLY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT RECEIVED ONLY EIGHT VOLT BRAKING POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (SPITZER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF HOMESTEAD (30101 S DIXIE HWY, HOMESTEAD, FL 33033) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,831.

REQUIRED BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS EXCESSIVE. IN PANIC BRAKING SITUATIONS THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. TRUCK TAKES WAY LONGER TO STOP THAN IT SHOULD. ALSO, IN REVERSE IT TAKES EXTREME BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE TO STOP THE TRUCK.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD OCCASIONALLY TRAVEL TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (WEBBER FAMILY MOTORS LOCATED AT 1389 WENNER RD DETROIT LAKES, MN 56501 218-847-2601), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.