2018 Ram 3500 Brakes Problems
Brakes account for 664 of 802 complaints (83%) filed on the 2018 Ram 3500, the highest share of any model year. NHTSA lists 9 crashes and 2 injuries tied to this area, and recall 24V896000 covers a brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) failure. Median mileage at failure is 55,921.5.
- Brakes complaints
- 664
- 83% of 802
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 55,922 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the brake pedal becoming hard to depress or failing to engage, sometimes right before a crash into another vehicle or a fixed object.
- Several report the ABS warning light illuminating along with a loss of stopping power, especially at highway speeds around 50-65 MPH.
- Some describe the truck lurching forward after the brakes were applied and appeared to hold, causing impact with another vehicle.
- Owners who received the 24V896000 recall notice report the replacement HCU part was on backorder, leaving the brake defect unrepaired for extended periods.
- A few describe flashing ABS and traction control lights appearing randomly, including during braking.
- One owner reported a wheel locking up and losing steering control while braking on a gravel road, leading to a ditch crash.
When 2018 Ram 3500 brake complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 23, 2018, latest Sep 21, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2018 Ram 3500
- 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 3500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Why are there so many brake complaints for the 2018 Ram 3500?
- NHTSA lists 664 brake complaints for the 2018 Ram 3500, which is 83% of all 802 complaints filed for that model year, by far the largest share of any Ram 3500 model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2018 Ram 3500?
- Yes. Recall 24V896000, reported November 27, 2024, covers a brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) that may fail and affect ABS. The remedy is dealer replacement of the HCU or its motor, free of charge, though it is not marked do-not-drive.
- Have the brake problems caused crashes?
- NHTSA data shows 9 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries associated with brake complaints on the 2018 Ram 3500.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this brake issue is 55,921.5 miles.