2018 Ram 3500 Complaint Log

It seems to be a very well known issue with the antilock brake control module and it affects the traction control, cruise control, and disables the trailer braking system which is extremely important, I tried to make an appointment with my local dealer and they knew exactly what I was concerned with and I was told that the part is back ordered and may take a month or two to get the part needed to make the repair. This should most definitely be a safety recall, I have several different trailers that I pull that if I had not known of the trailer braking issue with the module not working correctly it would have been a nightmare in certain circumstances

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed on an icy road surface, the contact almost lost control of the vehicle because the traction control was inoperable. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving at 10 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the HCU unit and the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 31,270. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Eight months ago I got a "Service Electronic Braking System" warning in the Instrument Cluster. After a brief Google search it was evident that this was a common issue on these RAM trucks. After some diagnostics I determined the ABS Module and/or the HCU to be faulty. After 3 months of calling Ram dealerships in nearly every state I was finally able to locate a new ABS Module, but the HCU has been on backorder country wide for over a year now. I was recently advised by a RAM dealer that the sale of new HCU has been halted until Feb 2024 while RAM performs an internal investigation into the cause of the faulty units. The ABS, Cruise Control and Traction Control features are disabled while this fault remains. While the main vehicle brakes still function properly, the lack of ABS and Traction Control can pose a risk while driving in lower friction environments (i.e. snow, ice, rain, etc), or while hauling a trailer. RAM is not covering these parts under warranty nor is there has any type of safety recall been issued by RAM. The consumers are having to come out of pocket for these repairs (when the parts are available).

Service ABS and Service Electronic Braking System warnings on dash. Dealer diagnostics indicate it is necessary to replace the ABS Module and Hydraulic Control Unit, both of which are necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle. Dealer quoted $1700 for repairs and one part is on back-order indefinitely.

Repeated failure of the ABS system. Warning lights multiple times per drive. Dealer states replace HCU. Parts unavailable for over 8 months now. Dealer states known problem. Cost estimate over $1100, not covered even though known problem.

ABS and Traction control lights have been on/off for 60,000kms approximately, have had it to the dealer approx 8 times for this issue, still unresolved. Traction control acts extremely odd at times and break pedal feels "soft" at times. Lights on dash come and go intermittently and so does the "soft" break pedal feeling. Warranty is now up and dealer continues to want to replace random parts @ my expense.

I purchased my Ram 3500 new, in 2018, at Nucar auto dealership in Tilton, New Hampshire. When I reached approximately 24,000 miles, my "Check ABS" and "Check Traction Control" lights activated on my dashboard and the message console. I was using cruise control at the time, which immediately deactivated. This could have caused an accident if I had been slower to react. The warning/failure was intermittent at first, but over the next few days became almost constant. The lights/warning would flash, the warning bell would ring, and then shut off for a minute. Over, and over, and over. I brought the truck to the dealer and they ran a diagnostic. They diagnosed the following: C0020-01 - ABS Pump Motor Control-General Electrical failure INTERNAL HCU OR ABS MODULE FAULT. WILL NEED TO REPLACE HCU AND RETEST The truck only had 24k miles on it, but since it was past the 3-year warranty period, they quoted a cost of almost $1,000 to do the repair, not counting the $155 they charged to run the diag. They also stated that the parts were on backorder, and wouldn't be available for some time. Since then, I have driven the truck as little as possible since it is a safety issue. Based on information in online forums, I know that this is a problem in thousands of 2017-2018 Ram 2500&3500 trucks. My next step is to join one of the several existing class-action lawsuits, create a new class-action suit for New Hampshire, or file an individual suit. Will Ram issue a recall for this?

The antilock brake system warning light because it's faulty The brake system affects the speed control And they don't have reliable parts to repair

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the ABS warning light and the traction control warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message "ABS Disabled" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved DTC: C0020-01; and the mechanic determined that the ABS hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and several unknown dealers were contacted and advised the contact that they could not accommodate the vehicle due to the size, and that the vehicle could not be serviced because it was not purchased at their location. Additionally, the contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 because the manufacturer customer care line was inoperable. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

ABS Brake Module and Electronic Braking Module are issues warnings. Unknown

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a message that the ABS was inoperable was intermittently displayed. 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 local dealer was contacted and informed the contact the parts were only available for the 2018 Ram 4500, and that the contact had to pay out-of-pocket for the brake HCU replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the brake HCU was previously replaced under warranty. 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 approximately 58,000.

The hydraulic control unit has indicated through the dash a warning light telling the truck needs service. The service needed indicator is intermittent and is a common issue with this year truck. Ram has a technical bulletin regarding this issue indicating how to exact repairs. This issue seems to have impacted enough truck owners to cause a national backorder shortage of the hydraulic control unit and module. Repairs through a dealership range from $1000 - $1700, however, cannot be initiated due to the national shortage of the parts.

ABS failure occurs at multiple speeds and times. This occurs during normal driving conditions as well as while towing. Have reported to local dealership as well as brought in for service. Informed ABS and Pump unit needs to be replaced. Has been over 1 year and still waiting on RAM to fix. This is a safety hazard

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.

Antilock brake and electronic brake modules are having electrical failures

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS unit became inoperable without warning. The safety feature failed, and the vehicle lost traction control, hydraulic braking, and cruise control. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty hydraulic control unit (HCU). The contact was informed that the HCU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the old part number was 68143491aa and had been upgraded to part number 68143491ab. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Every time I plug in a trailer to the 7 point electrical plug in, it pops the fuse for trailer brakes. It has happened with 5 different trailers. Has also happened with other 2017/2018 Ram 2500/3500. Ram claims it’s the trailer.

HCU unit failing. Keeps throwing service abs, and service electronic brake controller. On off on off on off non stop constantly the whole time truck is almost undeliverable Part is unavailable due to supposedly back ordered. Been told part is known issue and that a recall should be done but it’s not. Hydraulic control unit. So driving a one ton truck with failing abs, traction control with no delivery date of a part that is junk.

I was driving at highway speeds when the abs / traction control light came on. Notice cruise control was inoperative. The next day the warning lights were off. On the way home from work the system quit functioning again. After diagnosing found codes C0020-01 & U0403-00. ABS control module failure. I was told by the dealer this safety issue was not covered under warranty.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Service ABS" warning message and ABS warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS hydraulic unit needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

The ABS Brake control module malfunctioned causing several electrical issues. Fortunately the vehicle was able to function. RAM Service center noted a wait time of over 3 months. When I brought the vehicle to another Service center looking to see if the part was available, I was told to make an appointment and they charged me $90 to tell me what I told them. Uggg.

I had a warning message to service my DEF system. I had the truck checked at a RAM dealer who reported i need a new exhaust system. They had me wait a few days while they ordered parts. The message never reappeared and the truck is running fine. I dont understand why the dealer wanted me to replace my exhaust system when it apparently doesn't need one. The 2018 truck has only 18K miles on it.

A warning to have my electrical braking system checked continues to alert me while driving along with a abs warning. I notice no change in the system braking. When taken to a RAM dealer for repair the result is to wait months for an electric brake controller. Warning message disables the cruise control.

The service electronic braking system and service abs system continues to ding and pop up on screen. Cruise control will not work either.

2018 Ram 3500 - ABS system/Electronic braking system failure at 5583 miles. ABS/traction control and service electronic braking system display on dash, also audible chime with cruise control inactive. Took to dealership for diagnonis and code C0020-01 is active. Reccomended replacement of HCU which is common for these vehicles. Truck is out of warranty and estimate is $1080 for repair, which does not include the $301 I spent on diagnostics. There needs to be a recall on these Chrysler HCUs as they are a known issue and related to the braking system. Why do I see recalls on items such as malfunctioning tailgate latches but not braking systems?

ABS and Traction Warning lights illuminate, and go out, repeatedly. Dealership diagnosis indicates that the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit needs to be replaced. ABS is not functioning. Initial estimate for repair was two months, but has been updated to four months as of today (January 27, 2023).

ABS Pump Motor Control failed. This results in ABS system not working.

The HCU /ABS lights go on and off and the truck feels like it brakes different. My safety is at risk because the brakes are not functioning properly No, this is a well known issue with these trucks. Nothing on my truck as been inspected by an outside source. The ABS light and the traction control light come on and off intermittently.

1. ABS pump failure, stable tract for steering. Available for inspection if requested. When this warning light comes on cruise control will not function. 2. If ABS failure cannot slow down in a timely manner danger to occupants. 3. Yes 4. Unknown 5. Yes, warning lamps appeared at 15,000 miles. Would like to see this be a recall because numerous other owners have this same issue.

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/HCU are defective and must be replaced. We have no ABS or Electric Brake System which has also caused the Cruise Control to not work. This is a known issue with 2018 2500/3500 models but recent recalls don't list this particular year within the scope fo the recall. Online research found a multitude of 2018 RAM trucks with the same issue - Recall Z20 should be modified to include 2018. My 3500 was purchased for towing as are most 2500/3500 models and this is not acceptable to not have ABS as well as Electric Brake Systems. Will be months to get the parts for repair due to nearly over 300,000 Rams and Durangos alone in the current Recall Z20 affected. (Incident was stopping to avoid hitting deer and no ABS. Next day when started up vehicle warning lights: Svc ABS and Svc EBS.)

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving, the ABS and Traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module and HCU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Warning ding and dash indicates that the brake system of the car is failing. Actual message is Service Electronic Braking System After researching this it's clear that this is a massively widespread issue with all dodge ram heavy duty trucks. The repair requires changing out the ABS module from what I'm reading. My truck has only 20K miles on it and is near new condition, I can't afford to pay thousands to have the brake system repaired at my cost no a near brand new truck. This is impacting the ABS unit which would be a serious risk during slipper conditions when it is needed most.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60–70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the "Service Electronic Brake System" and "Service ABS" messages were displayed with the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the failure caused the cruise control to deactivate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

"Service electronic braking system" and "service antilock brake system" are popping up on gauge cluster at highway speeds. This is a random event that started at about 35,000. The system shuts on and off constantly with chimes and alarms to “Service electronic braking system" and "service antilock brake system". I contacted the dealership by phone, and they said they know about this issue but there is no Recall yet and it’s not covered under powertrain warranty; they advised it needs to have the ABS pump and control module replaced. I have looked on the internet and see several thousand complaints for the exact same issue. To me this seems like a life/safety issue that is being ignored Stellantis / Ram.

ABS Pump motor control - General electrical failure that causes the warning lights on the dash to illuminate and an audible chime. Occurring sometimes several times in a row, which distracts operator from safe operation of the vehicle with flashing dash warning lights and audible chimes, affecting in the operation of ABS SYSTEM if required for safe emergency stopping in an emergency situation. Yes the problem has been diagnosed by a dealer ECU: ABS, CODE: C0020-01, DESC: ABS Pump Motor Control- General Electrical Failure The Manufacturer has and is aware of the batch of failed components as per various website forums. And dealer says the components for repair are unavailable for sometime. Uncertain exactly when warning lights started to flash generally, October 2022

Hydraulic Control Unit failure on the automatic braking system. C0020-01 ABS pump motor control general electrical failure Failed at 38,000 miles I've contacted many dealers to find that parts are not available ABS and traction control light on all the time now

ABS and traction control light comes on sporadically during driving. C0020-01 ABS Pump motor control general electrical failure. This appears to be a common problem with the 2017-2018 model RAM trucks. Parts are on national backorder.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the antilock brakes (ABS) and the traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the ABS module and the anti-skid controller to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on back order. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,780.

2018 Ram 3500 4x4, driving down road hit bump service abs light and traction control light came on causing the ABS braking system to be inoperable. Took the truck to dealer where they diagnosed problem, ABS pump module needed to be replaced but was not under warranty they are trying to help me in this matter. Researched problem at home and looked up recalls, my truck was built in the time frame when a recall was issued but this truck was not included in recall. After reading many Ram truck forums this exact same problem has affected a lot of trucks exactly like this, I feel when a problem has affected thousands of trucks like this a recall is usually issued to resolve the faulty part especially being a major component as brakes are as well as a safety liability this is to the Dodge Ram corporation. Please answer the above questions as well as a solution to make my vehicle safe again.

HCU Issue: The ABS light coming on is the lightwill come on for two second and go off at times, through the diagnostics of the code C0020-01. It is a general electrical failureto the hydraulic control unit. The unit is replaced separate from the ABS moduel th HCU needs to be replacedfirst. In some cases, the ABS module that is bolted to the HCU needs to be replaced and programmed as well. The HCU needs replacement first. The total estimate is $1010.00 with labor. Any questions, please call Bruce at Albany Chrysler. 320-845-2801. This is an intermittent issue, that comes and goes.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not available for repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

The service ABS warning intermittently would go off causing the brakes to function erratically and unsafely for both the truck and tow trailer. Replacing the HCU has resolved the issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. Additionally, when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed as an ABS module and hydraulic control unit (HCU) failure; however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

NOTE: 11/18/22 filed a complaint with NHTSA - they will share it with manufacturer case number(ODI) - 11494143 QUESTION: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ANSWER: ABS module problem Code : c0020-01 service electronic brake system Service Antilock brake system The display indicators for all of these systems come on intermittently. They effect the use of the cruise control as well. QUESTION: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ANSWER: There is always the potential that any or all of these systems can fail at any moment when I am on the road driving; especially with 18k-20k pounds of load behind me. QUESTION: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ANSWER: Yes. Galleria Tire Center in Pelham, Al. confirmed the display of all these warnings and also provide me with the code that I posted above on first question. QUESTION: Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? ANSWER: NO QUESTION: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? ANSWER: warning lamps come on intermittently and stay of for random times. Always wondering if one of the systems are going to fail. We pull an 18k RV with this truck and it would be tragic if we have a system failure that results in an accident. Online posts also verify that many other RAM owners are experiencing the same problem with their trucks. This most certainly needs to have a recall on it. Very dangerous. Manufacturer has great liability and litigation exposure if they do not act on this and accidents happen. They have been warned.

Experienced a failure of the ABS Control Module and Electronic Traction Control during a light snow storm in September of 2022. Dash warning lights come on and go off intermittently. When warning lights come on and cruise control is being used, cruise control is deactivated. Dealership confirmed ABS CPU failure on 11/17/2022. Still waiting on replacement parts and are projected to be in around 4/18/2023. Warning lights continue to come on and go off intermittently. Never know how long cruise control will work before deactivated by warning lights for ABS service light and Electronic Traction Control coming back on.

Service ABS message with loss of traction control and ABS performance required replacement of ABS and HCU modeles at dealer, Orr Ram in Russellville ,Arkansas, in April 2021 under warranty. Now 18 months later, the same issue has occured with ABS and Traction control loss. The service ABS message will appear, then disappear several times in a 40 mile trip. The vehicle had 28350 miles. Two ABS failures in less than 30,000 miles!

While driving on a paved 4-lane road near Mount Rushmore National Memorial in dry conditions, the dash warning system began intermittently flashing "Service Electronic Braking System". The orange ABS and traction control lights also began flashing. The foregoing visual warnings were accompanied by an intermittently ringing audio warning. Retrieval of error codes from the ABS control system with a INNOVA 5610 scan tool showed: DTC CODE C-0020-01 - ABS PUMP MOTOR CONTROL - GENERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. This code relates to failure of the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and indicates that repair requires replacing the failed HCU with part 68143491AB (replaces part 68143491AA HCU). (SEE Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles STAR Online Publication case number S2005000004. This STAR Online publication (released on 4/28/22020) further states that if replacing the HCU does not solve the failure, the ABS control module may require replacing as well.)

On Sept 11, 2022, we experienced a heavy rain shower while traveling along I64 westbound in VA. My 7 year old daughter in the back seat informed me the headliner was wet in the rear driver side corner. Upon further inspection the passenger side headliner rear corner was also wet. I inspected the top of the ruck, no damage was noted and the seals all appeared to be in place. There is a Jereco High Rise cap on the bed of the truck and we were pulling a 38' travel trailer at the time. The posted speed limit was 70mph on the stretch of road where the rain was encountered, however we were traveling between 40-60 mph during the rain event. No immediate safety risk was present. However, I'm concerned water intrusion may eventually result in an electrical fire or failure of a required safety device. Should water find it's way into a hidden harness or other electrical component such as the CHMSL (VOQ 10968851) or factory subwoofer which is located below the area which leaked. The vehicle has not been inspected or repaired by a dealer as it is just out of warranty. I did report this to RAM via Ram trucks on-line owner's portal. No warning lamps, messages have been observed at this time.

Abs brake module problem over 8 months ago, replaced and same problem occurred soon after waiting on parts for several months, parts on back order. Dealer is well aware and also frustrated having several trucks with same issue. Since truck is used for towing heavy loads, Its a dangerous situation still having to use truck for towing, speed control and trailer brakes will not work when abs failure is flashing chimes all the time. Putting extended wear on truck brakes. I'm sure it against DOT rules and will fail my upcoming DOT inspection and not legally able to drive legally. Unfortunately I have another 2018 truck with same issues and this is the most frustrated I have ever been as a ram owner sine 1998.