2018 Ram 5500 Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 25 brake complaints for the 2018 Ram 5500, which is 66% of all complaints filed for the year. Two related recalls (24V896000 and 18V277000) cover the ABS hydraulic control unit and brake hoses. Median mileage at failure was 72,500 miles.
- Brakes complaints
- 25
- 66% of 38
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 72,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- ABS and traction control warning lights cycle on and off, sometimes accompanied by an audible pinging sound, and eventually stay on.
- Owners report the ABS/hydraulic control unit (HCU) or ABS module failing outright, requiring pump and module replacement.
- Cruise control and trailer brake function shut off automatically whenever the ABS warning lights activate.
- Some owners describe the brake pedal feeling firm and the truck failing to decelerate as intended while waiting for recall parts.
- Replacement ABS module parts were reported as back-ordered or unavailable at dealers for extended periods.
- Several owners state the ABS/HCU failure recurred even after a prior dealer repair replaced the same components.
When 2018 Ram 5500 brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 9, 2022, latest Sep 18, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2018 Ram 5500
- 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.
- NHTSA 18V277000May 1, 2018Brakes2,457 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks. The primary and secondary brake hoses located between the brake master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured without anti-corrosion plating on the ferrules, which can allow the ferrules to corrode.
Risk: If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U41.
Brakes complaints by 5500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
- 20080 (0%)
- 20090 (0%)
- 20130 (0%)
- 20141 (9%)
- 20151 (8%)
- 20161 (6%)
- 20177 (33%)
- 201825 (66%)
- 20192 (17%)
- 20203 (38%)
- 20211 (25%)
- 20220 (0%)
- 20230 (0%)
- 20240 (0%)
- 20251 (50%)
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2018 Ram 5500 have?
- NHTSA lists 25 brake complaints for the 2018 Ram 5500, accounting for 66% of the 38 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2018 Ram 5500?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 24V896000 covers a possible hydraulic control unit (HCU) failure affecting ABS, and recall 18V277000 covers brake hoses that may have been manufactured improperly.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2018 Ram 5500?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints is 72,500 miles.
- Do the 2018 Ram 5500 brake issues cause crashes?
- NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to these brake complaints.
- Which model years of the Ram 5500 have the most brake complaints?
- 2018 has the highest count with 25 brake complaints and a 66% share, compared to 7 complaints and a 33% share in 2017 and lower counts in other years.