2018 Ram 2500 Brakes Problems
Brakes account for 2,331 of 2,590 complaints on the 2018 Ram 2500, or 90% of all complaints for the year — the highest share of any model year listed. NHTSA links this to recall 24V896000 covering a faulty brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) that can disable ABS. Median mileage at failure is 59,000.
- Brakes complaints
- 2,331
- 90% of 2,590
- Crashes reported
- 25
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 59,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- ABS or traction control lights intermittently illuminate before the brake system loses effectiveness.
- Drivers report reduced braking performance or a sudden loss of stopping power when trying to slow down, sometimes ending in a collision.
- Some owners describe all four wheels locking up unexpectedly due to an ABS system failure, even with no warning light on.
- Several complaints tie the failure to the hydraulic control unit (HCU) or recirculation pump, matching the parts named in NHTSA recall 24V896000.
- One owner reported the vehicle rolling away after being parked with the emergency brake engaged, crashing into a tree.
- Owners waiting on the recall repair say replacement parts were on backorder for months, leaving the ABS issue unresolved.
When 2018 Ram 2500 brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 19, 2018, latest Sep 24, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2018 Ram 2500
- NHTSA 24V896000Nov 27, 2024Brakes317,630 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
Brakes complaints by 2500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Are brake problems common on the 2018 Ram 2500?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 2,331 brake complaints out of 2,590 total complaints for the 2018 Ram 2500, a 90% share — far higher than any other model year for this truck.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2018 Ram 2500?
- Yes. Recall 24V896000 covers a possible brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) failure that can disable the ABS system. The remedy is dealer replacement of the HCU or its motor at no charge.
- At what mileage do 2018 Ram 2500 brake problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 59,000 miles for brake-related complaints on this model year.
- Did the brake issue cause any crashes?
- NHTSA complaint data for the 2018 Ram 2500 brake category records 25 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries.
- How does 2018 compare to other Ram 2500 model years for brake complaints?
- The 2018 model year has the highest brake complaint share at 90%, followed by 2017 at 74%. Other years, such as 2019 through 2025, sit well below 25%.