NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 3500. 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
Hydraulic Control Unit and ABS Module need to be replaced for the 2nd time.
ABS light comes on needs a hydraulic control module which has been on back order for over a year. These trucks will lock up the brakes and lose traction without this part.
my vehicle (Ram 3500 w/ a 6.7 liter diesel engine) has less than 38,000 miles and the ABS Hydraulic Control Module has to be replaced. I’ve been told the part is on back order and cost to replace the unit is over $500 with another $400 plus to install this part. The dealership stated they could not place more orders until late March and since I’ve been researching and found out that this is a larger issue that has been identified to Ram with a class action lawsuit for certain years and I think that this issue should be handled at no cost to the consumer.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while her brother was driving approximately 40 MPH, the rear passenger’s side wheel started to wobble. The contact stated that the driver was able to coast to the side of the road and removed the hub cap. The contact became aware that there were only two-wheel studs holding the wheel to the wheel hub. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels) however, the VIN was not included. The wheel hub and studs were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
Auto brake anti skid components failing creating unsafe brake operation while towing a 15,000 lb trailer. Dealer states parts won't be available for at least 18 months. This is a hard fault and can't be reset.Dealer states this is a high failure item on these trucks.
ABS, service brake system, cruise control failed and no parts available to fix it.
ABS and traction control lights activate and error message states to service electronic braking system. No ABS functions as a result. Dealership diagnosed problem as the ABS HCU(hydraulic control unit). Issue can not be corrected due to unavailability of parts. This is a safety issue that should be recalled as it is a known problem by the manufacturer.
UNKNOWN - The ABS brake system warning light blinks on and off repeatedly. Then the warning will not occur for several days, but then starts blinking again. When this happens, the cruise control is abruptly disengaged. The code for this event is C0020-01(1/1)Active ABS Pump Motor Control-General Electrical Failure. I captured this with my own code reader as the event was occurring. When this event is occurring, the code clears itself after the warning light goes off and is not retained in the system for the dealer to see. The problem is chronic. It is the same problem that involved the NHTSA for the 2019-2022 Ram 2500/3500 trucks. I have also read that there had been a class lawsuit. I simply want Ram to repair and correct this issue
The HCU and ABS module for 2018 and 2017 model years of the ram 3500 and 2500 are a known issue that should be recalled. There's some type of issue where the ABS and the traction control lights will turn on affecting the safety of the vehicle. Many people have the issue if you do a quick search on any RAM forum. From my understanding there was a design change on the replacement part. The easiest and probably most common fix is to remove the fuse for the ABS.
ABS/Electrical Break Control fault code C002001, a known issue with the 2018 Ram 3500, occurred at 26,000 miles rendering cruise control, traction control, and trailer brake controller inoperable. Repair parts are unavailable currently and is not covered under warranty due to age of vehicle.
In 2020 my abs traction control warning light came on took truck to dealership. They replaced ABS motor. 1 1/2 year later the warning lights started to flash on which progressed into always on by April 2023. I had the truck at dealership for another recall and they tested and system. Dealership stated they would repair under warranty. I have been waiting 10 months for repair and they state they cannot order the part yet 3/2/2024 since they can only order so many per month and there is a long list in front of me. I have noticed a loss of braking power. And I am not able to use cruise control either
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that the ABS failed to operate as needed. Due to the ABS failure, the cruise control and traction control failed to operate as intended. As a result, the vehicle was only stopped with conventional braking. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes inadvertently engaged. The traction control warning light was illuminated, and the Service Electronic Braking System message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the HCU needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part would be on backorder until March 2023. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,353.
Code c0020 failure of abs control unit.
The hydraulic control unit is repeatedly having problems. 09-01-2020- Inspect Brake System. Serviced at Carlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Tupelo, MS at 19,056 miles. No parts replaced that I can recall, but the warning light and dinging stopped. The warning that was emailed to me included this information- Your vehicle's ABS Warning Light recently indicated the Antilock portion of the braking system is not functioning. If the ABS Warning Light remains on or turns on while driving, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally unless the Brake Warning Light is on. Have your vehicle serviced at your dealership immediately. This was at 18,302 miles. 1/13/23- It sent a report with the same issue again. The mileage at this time was 45,260. The light and warning had been going on and off since at least October every time I hit a bump in the road. I tried obtaining a replacement hydraulic control unit, but it was backordered. I have another vehicle to use so I only used this one when I absolutely have to. I have read on forums that this problem is widespread and I truly believe something needs done about it. Replacing a hydraulic control unit every 30,000 miles or so at the expense of $1200 plus dollars each time is not economically feasible. The first time it was checked, the truck was under warranty. I do believe mine is extremely low miles for it's age and should not be having this issue repeatedly. 2019-2022 Have a recall, however my 2018 is having the exact same problems.
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.
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.
Abs hcu warning can’t stop my 20,000 lb trailer. Slid off road in drizzle. No parts Chrysler is aware of problem
The ABS and traction control lights came on. The code reader reads C0020-01 Hydraulic contrl unit/ ABS Called several Ram dealers, they said this has been a problem with the Hydraulic control unit and should be a factory recall. I'm looking into having it repaired and it looks like the dealers are the only one that can clear the codeonce repaired and are the only ones who can bleed the brakes after the repair.
ABS and traction control lights flash and ding on and off. Trouble shot it at dealership and wires were repaired hoping that would take care of it…. Nope, lights and dinging are back on. I tow a large gooseneck horse trailer up and down steep hills with sharp curves, across many state lines. We have the truck full of young children ready to show their horses - hence we have the crew cab. I’ll be towing within the month. I figure it must not be a safety issue - Parts are on back order until August??? We only have 40,000 miles on the truck. I can do without cruise control, but would like a safe braking vehicle - glad my husband got a stick shift to help control speed.
Abs light service system
ABS/Service Electronic Brake Control and Cruise Control lights constantly flash and chime while driving. Have been told that replacements parts have been on back order for over a year now. Any help will be appreciated.
No incident as of now but brakes are spongy and ABS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS COMING ON AND OFF bad HCU ABS MODULE.
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 customer. Regards, Therie Ram Customer Care " I called and talked to several representatives, however, they still will not reimburse for the part. I explained to the representative that I did the work myself and indicated this on the reimbursement form (did the work myself was a selection). I explained this repair was a safety issue, dealers were charging $1500-$2000 to do the repair, and the time of this issue the replacement part was on a nationwide shortage. The dealer could give me no timeframe on when they could secure the part. Due to these reasons I kept looking until I finally found the part and did the repair myself. I provided proof of purchase from the dealer, credit card statement showing payment and offered to take a picture of the old part and installed part side by side as I still have the old part. They still denied reimbursement. Is there anything you can do? It doesn't seem fair that the manufacturer of a defective part gets to make the rules for reimbursement and can deny any disputes the consumer has with their decisions. It seems the NHTSA should have a say in this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) module that works in conjunction with the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is defected. My truck only has 29,000 miles on it, and this is an extreme error on Dodge Ram that needs to be cleared up. I was driving on the highway, and had to pull over since my brakes seemed like they failed when the ABS lights go on and off in the truck. I am at fear when I drive this truck now and the dealership quoted me $680 just for the HCU not even the ABS module. The dealership wants $1800 for a fix that should not happen through the company Dodge. The Dodge dealership said the ABS/HCU parts are on back order since it’s happening to a lot of other Dodge customers. I can’t even get into the truck without the ABS lights going on and off, and I’m worried that the brakes will fail.
My truck is a 2018 Ram 3500 with only 12,500 miles on it, and it is not driven in the winter. Recently it has been has intermittent activation of the ABS and traction lights. It has been on consistent for over a month now. I code scan showed C0020-01 ABS module general electrical failure. I search online and talking with the dealership revealed this is a fairly common issue on 2017 and 2018 trucks and the fix with either the HCU, ABS module or both. I see NHTSA has opened and investigation into the matter so I am just reporting mine as additional truck with issues. It has not been repaired yet. Thanks.
The EVIC display showed Service Antilock Braking System and alternated to Service Electronic Brake System. It would constantly bing and display the ABS light and the Traction Control light. Unit failure of antilock braking system and traction control while driving. Problem is intermittent. Ram is aware of issue, but will not honor as warranty. Parts are BQ for months. Problem apprears to be wide spread.
Truck gets a service electronic braking check engine light and disables traction control as well as the cruise control. The braking becomes disabled at random times. Taken the unit to the dealership just to be told the part has been backordered for over 2 years and that they cannot sell me the HBU to repair it. They said they could remove the unit and have it shipped off to be remanufactured but my truck will be inop for min 2 weeks. Was told the part I needed 68143491AB
Intermittent flashes saying service ABS system and Service electric braking system. Then goes away... Braking is affected by this. After 5 mins of research this seems to be a super common problem with these trucks. Why hasn't there been a safety recall done? It also appears that this form has been filled out several times for the same issue. I tow a lot and a truck with 37k miles should not be experiencing these safety issues. Called dealer and they said candidly they all are failing, it cost several thousand to fix and parts are on a 9 month backorder. I do have one question. What's the number of people to get hurt/killed to make this safety recall? I need an actual number. Screen shooting this form!
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.
Intermittent loss of breaking performance. Constant on off error saying service ABS and service electronic brake controller. This also effects traction control. This goes on and off several times per minute. When the warning comes on, it also disengages the cruise control if set. I carried it to the dealer, and they ran a scan, told me it was the hydraulic control unit (HCU) and the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module. They said the part was on backorder, so I guess I am stuck with driving a vehicle that is unsafe, as it has ABS and traction control issues, and no part in stock to fix it. This is wonderful news for such an expensive and robust vehicle. Nice to know that a very heavy truck pulling a trailer with a load on it no longer has working safety features for the brakes and traction control. There seriously needs to be a recall on this issue as safety is at the heart of the problem, and these trucks still have to work daily as they were designed to do. It appears there may be a recent class action lawsuit on point in the state of Texas only. It would be a much better solution if a recall was initiated heading off multiple state class action lawsuits that do not fix the problem but simply make the attorney's rich. These issues need fixed, not just a small check for compensation to the truck owner who will then likely never fix it. I feel time is of the essence.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control systems were inoperable. The contact stated that the hydraulic control unit had previously been replaced under warranty. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the hydraulic control unit was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
HCU module failed. ABS module failed.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH the ABS warning light and the system electric brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the hydraulic control unit (HCU) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 91,000.
Ram truck was taken to dealer December of 2022 with 7,000 miles due to ABS lights on dash. The dealer Larson Dodge ordered a new part and said they would not be able to complete it until March and to "drive it as it is". The vehicle doesn't have functioning anti lock brakes etc. Now they have told me it will likely be August due to Chrysler being the problem. This is obvious far too long and now I'm out of options.
ABS Control Module bad needs recall Hydraulic Control Module bad need’s recall Dashboard ABS / Traction Control lights and buzzers going off.
12/19/2022: While driving, brakes were not working properly. Depressed fully to floor or pumped to try to stop. Check engine lights coming on and off. PERFORM SERVICE, SERVICE DPF SYSTEM, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. Perform service light prior to failure and taken to dodge dealership. Vehicle was inspected by 2 Dodge Dealerships. Extended warranty company National AutoCare failed to show to inspect vehicle both times at Dodge Dealership. Problem was diagnosed by dodge but never fixed…. Safety is at risk when driving vehicle and is available upon request any help is appreciated!
ABS Module Failure, This has been a re-occurring issue that nearly caused an accident. The abs and traction control lights come on intermittently and disables the ABS/traction control emergency braking system. The issue has existed for 2 months, the dealer tells me it needs a new control module which is not available till some time in 2023. There advise was watch my following distance and maintain lower speeds. Unfortunately yesterday the light came on and stayed on for 50 miles plus, due to an accident on the highway all traffic had to stop quickly, when i applied heavy braking my wheels locked up and the truck started to slide sideways, i was able manually get control by fluffing the brakes but had i panicked i would have had a collision. when i got the truck to a full stop i was inches from a small compact car. There's no way to fix this and its going to cost lives for this very widespread issue with the dodge ram 1 ton pick ups, where's the recall does this need to kill a few hundred or a few thousand people before its addressed.
While reviewing NHTSA's website I noticed PE22-012 concerning Loss of Brake Performance on 2017-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. My 2018 Ram 3500 recently started giving me an ABS, traction control and/or "Service Electronic Braking System" warnings. I first noticed the ABS light shortly after I most recently rotating the tires. The tires were rotated for the 3rd time on 14 Dec 2022 with 44,158 miles on the truck. I rotate all 5 tires (spare included in the rotation). I didn't think much of it at first as I was driving in PA on snow covered dirt roads the first time the ABS light came on. After that it became more frequent with the traction control light typically also illuminating. And now more recently a message on the dash information center appears after the lights come on. The lights don't always go out after a key cycle but will often turn off in the middle of a trip. I have not taken the truck to be inspected. Nor have I noticed a degradation of braking ability. I also have never had to brake hard enough to activate the ABS on this truck, nor have I tried it just to see.
The ABS system activates intermittently, causing random braking or unable to break. Took to the RAM dealership to be told the ABS hydraulic control unit 68143491AB needs to be replaced but it is on back order until August.
ABS brake failure--per notes on repair order "ABS & traction lights on...SOP, Internal failure, test & replaced ABS HCM -- initially diagnosed & fixd was "control an 0803503, ?part #68143491-AA" completed under warrenty @24,238 miles 10/13/2020. ABS brake failure--per notes on service order "c/s ABS light is back on. Verified concern, traced to faulty HCU (ordered on backorder)Now requires ABS HCU (hydro control unit not module) #68143491AA $317.99 plus brakefluid & labor. This episode occurred 8/10/2022, unable to get into shop until 8/23/2022 due dealership service appointment availabiity, milage 36,372. ram service dealer says different part needs fixed than previously but it appears the same part number? Both times when no ABS thenunable to use cruise control--long hauling trips not possible with this essentially new vehicle due to brake failure & no cruise control. At this time still no part available--date for availability keeps getting extended. Initiall told mid-Sept, then Nov, then before end of the year (2022), last check coupe weeks ago at 2-different dealershjps was not before 19 Jan 2023! Lumbar support on drivers seat does not funtion. Initially reported 8/23/2022 when truck taken in for ABS failure. Still inoperable. Ticket list item but no part # to indicate fixed & item closed. Still does not work, p.anwas to readdress when ABS parts in but still not available & unknown date of avaiability 4WD would not engage when first attempted 7/2019. Was taken to dealership & repaired under warrenty. Vehicle at that time had approx 5000, vehicle purchased Mar 2019 new. Appears to work at this time
Abs hydrolic module out again for second time ealerships has no parts tells me not safe to drive. Told me they have 12 vehicles with same issue waiting for parts???? This needs to be a recall. These trucks cost to much h for ongoing issues over same parts.
44,000 MILES, 2018 RAM 3500 DUALLY 4WD ABS Traction control unit failure and this disables traction control and cruise control. No safety braking is working and there are no solutions from RAM dealers. All they want to do is swap parts until they can find a solution and that's is if they can even get parts. If ABS is a mandatory government requirement on USA roads, why is RAM allowed to sell these trucks? There needs to be an investigation of fraud and the public being put at risk of death on our highways.
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.
Part: 68143491AB The abs, traction control, hydraulic fails. The part begain to fail around Dec of 2022. Progressively has gotten worse. Ram dealership cannot fix or replace. Warning light and chime is off and on roughly 10 times a minute. Pressing on brakes off and on will randomly fix and reproduce the problem.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH and hauling a trailer, the passenger's side rear tire detached due to a fractured wheel stud. No injuries were sustained. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. An independent mechanic was made aware of the failure and arrived at the failure site to replace the wheel stud and seven lug nuts. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer had the vehicle towed to Parks Motors (11987 US-54, Augusta, KS 67010) for an inspection. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Brake module failure. 1 Looking on the internet this seems to be a known problem with this model. The warning lights go off and on continuously. Dealership has been no help at all. The vehicle is inoperable.. 2 Vehicle only has 49,000 miles and all of the failures seem to happen after the 36,000 mile warranty has expired 3 Vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and brake module failure is the diagnosis. $2800.00 to repair defective module 4 Vehicle is erratic with the cruise
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while towing a trailer full of horses, the traction control and the ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the turbo and the ECU to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer: Jacksonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Arlington (9600 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225: (877) 677-5782), where it was diagnosed with needing the turbo and the ECU to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
The ABS lights come on and off intermittently with a "service system" warning message
ABS and Traction Control lights on, beeping, Check Engine Light On, Codes U1408-00, C0020-01, C0044-28, P203F. Messages -Service Electronic Braking System, Service ABS Braking System, Service Trailer Brake System. My Safety As Well As My Passengers Safety is At Risk Because Apparently My Brakes Dont Work Properly.