2018 Ram 3500 complaints

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.

Code c0020 failure of abs control unit.

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.

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

"Service Electronic Braking System" intermittently flashes in the dashboard, along with the orange ABS and traction control lights. Seems to happen more on bumpy roads, goes away on smoother roads, then randomly comes back. Over the span of a few weeks, the frequency of the error message has increased, and now the error lights stay on almost all the time. 47,500 miles and purchased new 3 years ago. Here is a video of what happens: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hZ3GAAq3UryvgJWV9

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.

Intermittent warnings to service ABS system and electronic Braking System. I have had this checked by an independent mechanic and all sensors checked good. He was told by the local dealer that the ABS module is on backorder with no estimate of availability. Truck is almost due for annual inspection and registration and I do not know of it will pass the inspection.

No incident as of now but brakes are spongy and ABS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS COMING ON AND OFF bad HCU ABS MODULE.

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.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the service electronic braking system message was displayed. While the error message was displayed, the cruise control disengaged. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE22012 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the ABS and traction control warning lights intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the Service ABS system and service electric brake system messages were displayed. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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 Bosch CP4 fuel pump internally disintegrated sending metal shavings throughout the fuel system. On the highway accelerating out of a toll both without warning, the truck lost almost all acceleration power and began to shudder. There weren't any preexisting warning lamps or messages. Any time after that when accelerating up to highway speeds quickly or attempting to maintain highway speeds the truck would lose acceleration and begin to shudder. When I took it to a mechanic, they informed me the CP4 fuel pump had "grenaded" and the whole fuel system needed to be replaced. If this had happened when merging into traffic or crossing at an intersection, I could have been hit because I couldn't accelerate as needed. The manufacturer (Ram) is aware of the malfunction and has issued recalls for the 2019 and 2020 years, but not 2018s which have the same exact part. The repairs have been completed on the truck and I have copies of the invoice.

Right before 36000 miles the ABs and Traction control lights come on and off intermittently. I took the truck to my local dealer and was told 2 components needed to be replaced. They informed me it was not covered under warranty and they did not have the parts nor knew when they might get them in. This has been 4 or more months now and the lights stay on more often than they are off. I can’t use cruise control and it will not pass inspection with the lights on.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle for a radiator repair at Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (3440 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471) he was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels) however, the contact stated that he was not informed that the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle for a flat tire however, the contact saw no failures with the tires. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that some of the wheel studs were broken. The vehicle was towed to Advantage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (8311 US-441 suite b, Mt Dora, FL 32757) where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger’s side wheel hubs and studs needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,240.

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.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact who is a certified mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Abs hydraulic unit and module needs replaced

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 dealers

Braking problems / ABS module failure. I never lost brakes but the ABS did fail and the ABS module and HCU had to be replaced @ 17400 miles at roughly 2 years old.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brakes failed to operate properly while driving. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the ABS module and ABS pump was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage 16,000.

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.

ABS Control Module and/or Wheel Speed Sensors is causing the abs warning light and traction control module light to go on and off intermittently for over a year causing the cruise control to not engage or to disengage…

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!

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 while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with excessive force and the pedal went to the floorboard with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

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 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.

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 55-70 MPH, he lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then continued driving by the side of the road at 35 MPH and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The lug nuts were welded to the adjustment sleeve; however, the drag link was not replaced. The contact stated that the weld later fractured, and the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Carson Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (3059 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701) where it was diagnosed that the drag link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. However, the contact had not received any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/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.

ABS and Traction Control lights and DIC alarms came on while driving. They stayed on for a few minutes then went off. Also the service trailer brake system message came on. This has happened several times now turning off cruise control too. I reseated all fuses and went for two weeks before it started happening again. Happens sometimes as we go over expansion joints or hit potholes while driving at highway speeds. I notice several other reports of this here at NHTSA site and various RAM forums across various RAM years.