NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 2500. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Suddenly have service electronic braking system and service abs system lights flashing on and off while driving regardless of weather or road conditions. Truck has 97,074 miles on it and is out of warranty. Appears to be a common problem that needs to be addressed by NHTSA where as these components are essential to a safe vehicle
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact applied full pressure on the brake pedal until the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was provided a diagnostic test fee and was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to confirm the cause of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 207,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound emanating from the brakes. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear brakes. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
"Service Electronic Braking System" and "Service Antilock Braking System" Braking system is failing and not safe to drive. When the CEL is active, my anti-lock brakes do not work, I've almost been involved in multiple crashes as the ABS will not engage and the brakes will lock and cause the vehicle to slide or become incontrollable. This has been reported by a large group of owners and no resolution has been implemented and a replacement part is not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an audible alarm activated and the messages "Service ABS" and "Traction Control" were displayed. The contact stated that while driving on wet pavement, the vehicle was difficult to stop while depressing the brake pedal due to the failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
“Service ABS” and “Service Electric Brake System” cautions alerts accompanied by warning chime, traction control and cruise control failures. Known issue with the Hydraulic Control Unit on this model. Dealer couldn't get parts as they were back ordered and now when available the price has tripled. Replacement parts seem to have the same issue. This started with about 25,000 miles on the vehicle.
I received a recall notice (C4B/NHTSA 24V-896) and since the parts weren't available at the time, registered at recalls.mopar.com on 4/1/2025 for notification once the parts become available. It's now almost a year later and I still haven't received a notification about the parts being available. I've also contacted my dealer several times to check with them as well, but they say the parts still aren't available yet. The back of the recall notification mentions submitting a complaint if the dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect within a reasonable time, so I think this fits that definition and I'm submitting this complaint.
The ABS system begins to fault and flash warnings intermittently while driving down the highway or any road. This could cause the ABS system to fail on an event it is needed to avoid a crash or object in the roadway. Research on the internet shows this is a common issue with this year and model and there is a class action suit for it.
Service abs lights flash then go away no abs functioning intermittent
ON 3/21/2024 while traveling HCU/ABS Control module failed prompting intermittent dash lights and disabling ABS/TCS and Cruise Control. This was the first time this occurred and came without warning creating a very dangerous situation. As a result, hile traveling down the interstate during a rain event the truck lost traction at high speed (65mph in 70mph zone). This was instantaneous under medium throttle when the ABS/HCU ABS module suddenly disengaged allowing wheel spin on wet pavement. This caused the truck to briefly turn sideways on the freeway until intervened by myself the driver. This could have been very dangerous as there were numerous other vehicles in lanes on either side. No collision resulted. The vehicle has good tires and is in good condition outside of this failure. Upon investigation, I have found this to be very common on these trucks yrs 17-18. When I called the manufacturer they stated they are back ordered as it is a common failure and frequently require replacement.
In March I started experiencing an intermittent ABS warning light. When this light is active the truck is without anti-lock braking and traction control (as well as cruise control), which are critical safety features. This is the second time that I have had this problem on this truck with the same module. In both cases I had the dealership make the needed repairs. The first instance was repaired under warranty on 11/06/2020 at 24,433 miles. The most recent instance was repaired on 3/27/2024 at 44,181 miles and at a cost of $798.15. These two failures indicate a service life of less than 25,000 miles for a critical piece of safety equipment. The attached dealership repair invoices show that it was the exact same part that was replaced. At the time of the most recent issue, I contacted Ram Customer Care by phone and after several calls back and forth they declined to provide warranty cost assistance. However, they indicated that they had contacted the dealership, but incorrectly reported back to me the cause of the fault. I pointed out that they were making a determination on apparently incorrect information. When they declined the second time I requested that they put that in an email, which is attached. Given that there has already been a recall on later model years for this exact problem, and that there appears to be a substantial number of similar claims from 2017-2018 model years owners, I would like to add my experience (and expense) to whatever other complaints that you have received and encourage a recall for this issue on these model year Rams in order to save lives that could result from a system failure during a critical incident.
ABS Module/HCU failure. I’ve gotten this intermittently since I’ve owned the truck. However, it seems I’ve had a total failure now. I’ve had the ABS light on for 1 continuous month now resulting in loss of ABS braking and cruise control. A 7500 pound truck without ABS is very dangerous.
The abs light and traction control light comes on intermittently which is caused by the HCU. Could cause a wreck
When taking off initially with the truck sometimes within the first 30 seconds of moving there is two yellow lights that come on the dash, while the center text window displays service brake system. The stored MIL code is C0020-01. Also when going over bumps in the road the message will also return. Sometimes it stays on, and I do not have the ability to use cruise control. One time I was driving on the freeway and the surface was wet, as it had been raining. I needed to slow down rapidly because there was a sudden change in traffic. I went to hit the brakes and the truck had locked up the wheels, and then after the same lights and text were displayed.
Intermittent alerts related to service ABS light on the dash along with Traction Control light. Seems to disable ABS when the fault light comes on, also disables cruise control during driving when the service alerts flash on the dash. Constant beeping of the alert is a major distraction. Truck has 26,000 miles in it. Dealership said ABS module and HCU need to be replaced but parts are on back order until August but are not positive when parts will be available. Why is this not a recall?
On 20 Mar 2024, the vehicle throttle went to full throttle and was stuck in full throttle while on the highway. After kicking the accelerator pedal multiple times the throttle came out of full and then entered limp mode with the message “service electronic throttle control” displayed. The accelerator pedal did not stick on anything and the truck actively pulled the accelerator pedal away from my foot and completely into the firewall. Luckily the brakes were strong enough to control the acceleration but this occurred in a packed part of the highway with few options to pull to the side of the road. After kicking the pedal more and cycling the power to the truck, it exited limp mode and normal operation was restored. Afterward the truck displayed no codes so the mechanic could not verify the problem. This has occurred 3 times now.
My 2018 RAM 2500 has 30,176 miles on it. Two years ago the HCU and module controlling the ABS system failed and was replaced. When the system fails numerous lights and warning chimes activate and the cruise control stops working. The system has failed again and the dealer tells me it will take 45+ days to get the parts necessary to repair the ABS system. After researching online I discovered an open class action lawsuit against FCA for this problem. I also discovered that this is a common problem with 2500 and 3500 RAM trucks after reading owner forum sites but so far no recall has been issued by NTHSA. This is a major safety issue for owners and needs to be fixed.
Hydraulic Control Unit failed, along with the control module per dealer diagnostics. The ABS warning and traction control light is flashing consistently, and the ABS system is not working. The dealer has indicated there is no estimate on when these parts will be available. This is the third occurrence of the same bad components.
Abs light keeps intermittent and loss of traction control! Hcu or Abs module is the problem for the intermittent cycle on the dash! Seen other people having similar problems with that particular year 2017-2018 rams 2500-3500 models.
My ABS and Traction Control lights go on and off while driving. It happens at different times and all different speeds.
The ABS Service Antilock Brake System messages comes on intermittently and chimes every 2-3 seconds. Some days the message and chime does not come on, but it is usually the day after the truck has been turned off for a period of time. The issue started on 16 March 2024, I still have the issue today, and it happens at any speed. After doing some research, I found that many of the same year and model truck has had the issue, and it seems to be the Antilock brake module Electronic Control Unit and or Hydraulic Control Unit. I contacted the dealership to see if I can get the issue repaired under my extended warranty, but the part is on back order. The vehicle is available for inspection, but I haven't had a chance to take it to the dealership as of yet.
The ABS light has come on in our pickup. We have no idea why it is on, or if it is something we need to worry about. I researched online and found that this has been a well documented problem with this year, make and model truck. Many complaints filed along with requests for a recall. We plan to use this pickup to pull our 5th wheel camper, so if this problem could cause issues with braking system, it could be very dangerous for us, as well as other drivers on the road.
While driving a electric braking system message was displayed. Also an ABS and traction control warning lights came on. After driving the front disc brakes did not release, causing them to overheat. The vehicle only has 2,666 miles on it.
The ABS module and HCU have failed for the second time. The first time they were replaced under warranty but now the truck is just outside of warranty and not covered and this is a 1600 dollar repair on a truck with 60k miles. The first time was approximately 30k miles. My safety is at risk when brake parts are malfunctioning and the problem has been confirmed by the dealership, and it's a very common issue without recall. Constant dinging happens while driving from alarms on the display stating to service abs and esc systems.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The ABS and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who related the failure to the recall; however, parts were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Sterling Heights Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (40111 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48313) for a second opinion. The contact was informed that the drag link needed to be replaced and a front-end alignment was required, and the drag link needed to be unwelded from a prior recall repair. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired under the recall on the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
The ABS control module and the Hydraulic control unit are both faulty and need to be replaced. Parts are not available to fix this issue. Recently the truck's brakes have started randomly applying themselves so hard that it slows the truck down even while accelerating. I find this very unsafe.
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control warning light and warning bell comes on after hitting bump in road or just randomly. Anti-lock brakes no longer work and it is a safety hazard. this issue back at about 78,000 miles. This is an ongoing safety problem with Ram 2500's and there is no recall by the manufacturer for a known defective part.
While driving while it was raining earlier this year, the abs/ anti lock braking system service initiated on the dashboard. It now acitivates intermittenly. During my investigation into the issue I've found that this is a persistent problem with the Ram 2500 /2018 year model and newer and that there is a class action lawsuit that has been filed. I used a OBD11 reader and it threw a code ( C0020-01 )
My truck has right at 80,000 miles. Every so often I get two dash lights. One is ABS service and anti skid warning. They randomly show up. They pop up very quickly then go away. But it happens non stop. I have done some research and it seems that there is thousands of people with the same truck and year model with this same issue. I went to the dealer in Seguin, Tx and they told me that there was really nothing I could do to fix the issue, unless I wanted to wait eight months. But the new part rarely last. They flat out told me to not follow any one too close because hard braking could fail without anti skid working properly. RAM needs to make this right. I can’t believe that there has been this many people complain about a serious safety concern and nothing has been done.
My ABS light has started to flash off and on and states that I need to ring it in for service. my truck has just under 38k miles and when I first bought my truck I had to have the master cylinder replaced. The dealer quoted 1200 dollars to fix the ABS issue by replacing the HCU, and stated they are the only ones that can complete the repair. I see there there is a service bulletin related to this issue and when looking online this appears to be a large widespread issue.
2018 Ram 2500 has ABS and traction control light always on. Will sometimes go off and then come back on. I contacted the dealer yesterday [XXX] at Mcpeek in Anaheim, Ca and they told me opart is on back order. No recall. This is dangerous and I do not know if it will affect brakes and traction when I haul different trailers. Ram manufacturer should take care of this issue. Dealer also advised me they have been getting many complaints regarding this dangerous problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The ABS controller on my truck has gone out for the second time. where do i take it to get RAM to fix this issue this? i paid out of pocket for this repair the first time. please advise.
ABS system went out in my truck, according to the internet you have getting LOTS of complaints about this issue, anything happening?
ABS brakes
ABS warning lights keep flashing in my truck, dodge has no fix for this problem, all they say is parts are in redesign and unable. what can be done here?
ABS is not functional. HCU and ABS Pump are failing and there are constant service lights that come on. Is very dangerous and dealer claims part is back-ordered.....Extremely dangerous to not have proper ABS.....
ABS error message on 2018 RAM 2500 truck screen ABS error - [XXX] mileage 4,718: Replaced ABS module and HCU control unit ABS error - [XXX] mileage 12,097: Replaced ABS module and HCU control unit ABS error - [XXX] mileage 15,190: Texan Chrysler scheduled service for 3/11/24 [XXX] Called Texan Chrysler and told it is HCU control unit and we are passed 2 year warranty by several days and will not be covered under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle has lost all antilock brakes Lights on dash warn there is a issue with vehicle safety capabilities. The trailer brakes will not activate. Dealer says common issues with 2017 2018 and cannot fix due to parts not available for a year. People are putting their lives in danger operating this truck with this issue. I have had work on this problem before costing thousands of dollars. I can't belive you let them effectively shun safety and lives.
ABS and Traction Control warning light always on.
Abs light comes on all the time and cruise control goes out and go 50 miles and the abs and brake service lights comes on 67 times
Abs module/hcu are intermittently shutting off and on. Brakes work, but you loose your abs. The problem has not been fixed . The abs module is on back order everywhere. It’s a hard part to find new or used .
ABS Hydraulic Control Unit intermittently malfunctioning while driving causing service ABS system warning to display and render ABS system along with Traction Control System and Stability Control inoperable. HCU electronic motor removed and internal inspection of brushes and motor components conducted. Inspection identified brushes sticking in guides causing intermittent contact with center shaft of motor. New HCU ordered 28 June 24.
Antilock brake warning light/chime and traction control warning light/chime keep going on and off causing the vehicle to have no antilock capabilities and disengaging the cruise control.
My 2018 Ram 2500 truck has a trailer break controller. I noticed that it may not be applying the breaks to my trailer properly. Then a few months later I get a warning on my dash that the ABS break system needs to be checked. I'm learning that ABS problems are connected with the trailer break controller. I'm also learning that this is a chronic problem with 2017 and 2018 Ram 2500 trucks. My truck has been in the shop twice for major problems with the ABS system since new. Once at 9,000 miles and at 35,000 miles, which it has now. My real complaint is that my truck was not breaking my trailer properly and it gave me no indication that it wasn't. There needs to be a recall on the ABS breaking system. The Ram dealer that did my repair even admitted to me that this was a chronic problem on these trucks. This is a safety issue that needs to be corrected. Thank You.
CONSTANT PROBLEM OF SERVICE ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT GOING ON AND OFF. HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS ON A TRUCK WITH ONLY 25,000 MILES ON IT.
The ABS system lights and dinging keep going off. Started months ago. Stopped for a while then does it randomly sometimes a lot, sometimes once in a while. Theirs is no rhyme or reason why or when it dies it. Stopped at dealer and they said this year was having problems and they have been back ordered with parts and have no idea when they will be in.
There is a failure in the brake system. Either the HCU or ABS module has failed. the cost of repair is in the 1500.00 range. I have since learned that this was/is a problem with this year of vehicle and a class action was started. I'm looking reimbursement to the repair. Dodge should be covering a known safety issue. I haven't repaired it yet
Message " service electronic braking system" keeps appearing on dash. The truck has less than 18000 miles, never off road or in snow/salt.. Garage kept. No accidents ever. I'm very concerned about the safety of the vehicle . I haven't taken it to the dealer yet, I hear parts are not available, and its a common failure on the 2017-2018 ram trucks
Abs pump motor, hcu and module need to be replaced. Dodge knows this is a problem and they need to stand behind their product and recall these vehicles. The cruise control cannot be used, it surges trying to slow the vehicle down due to the faulty modules. The parts are on back order until June. This issue started at 46,000 miles but because the vehicle is over 5 years old Dodge doesn’t want to cover the repair. Not a happy customer! Please recall these vehicles.
Service electronic brake system code came up. Brought it to the shop and they said it’s a known issue with this year model and ram is aware. Told me it’s a $2500 fix. I feel that a safety issue that is know and I had to fix myself is not fair in its self not safe!