2017 Ram 2500 · symptom sheet

Brake warning light stays on

151owner reports
55,000median miles
$1,100median quote
2involved a crash

Newest report Sep 8, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

151 of the 508 reports of brake wear on the 2017 2500 describe brake light on.

Part of Brakes grind, pulse or wear early (508 reports) · also: ABS light on

Tick what matches of 151 reports

the light stays on constantly

the light comes on intermittently

the ABS light is also on

134

a dealer replaced a sensor

brake performance also felt off

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the module (41 reports) and the brake fluid sensor (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the brakes covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

24V-896Nov 27, 2024

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 and remedy

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 investigations into the brakes on the 2500

PE22-012opened Nov 28, 2022

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 2017 to 2018

Loss of brake performance. Closed mar 3, 2025.

NHTSA summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on November 28, 2022, after receiving 134 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance in certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The alleged failures continued to occur at a steady rate across both models, at all speeds, with limited detectability. Consumers complained that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated on their vehicles. The ABS module works in conjunction with the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), an electromechanical device that controls hydraulic pressure to the individual wheel brake assemblies, to manage braking forces during emergency stops. During this investigation, ODI received over 2,500 consumer complaints concerning ABS or HCU warning lights that illuminated on the dashboards of their vehicles. Many consumers described also having trouble with cruise control, traction control, or electronic stability control. Of the complaints received, over 50% mentioned that the ABS or HCU warning light was intermittent in nature. ODI learned that in January 2021, FCA was aware of a problem with the ABS pump motors on the subject vehicles. FCA had been working with the supplier, ZF, on an issue concerning swelling of the brushes inside the motor. According to a briefing given by ZF to FCA on January 15, 2021, the ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control syst

What owners paid

21 of the 151 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $800 to $1,600.

$800$1,100$1,600

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 30,020 and 102,500 miles, from the 95 reports that gave a mileage.

120

521

1322

3523

3224

3325

3226

What owners wrote

“Recurring ABS and traction light warning lights, with trouble code C0020 for the ABS pump control motor. Loss of function of ABS, traction control, and cruise control when it occurs. Truck has ~50k miles on it.”
Filed Sep 27, 2024 · 50,000 miles

“Service antilock break system warning lights for the second time now. Replaced abs control module and hydraulic control unit at 51000 miles now at 56000 they are bad again. 1400.00$ in less than a year to keep my breaks working as they should with no recall on parts”
Filed Feb 5, 2024 · 51,000 miles

“Electronic braking system warning,antilock braking system warning lights come on intermittently,dinging warning off,on.Talked to dealer last Oct.2022 no recall or parts available,spoke again Sept.2023 and same story,no parts,no recall.Stated that there should be a recall due the number of complaints.I use the truck as it was intended to pull trailers.Problem started at 36,000 miles,currently has 38,000 miles.”
Filed Sep 27, 2023 · 36,000 miles

“Having the reported issue with the ABS system where the warning lights will come on and turn off cruise control as well. I pull a 5th wheel travel trailer for work and I rely on these brakes more than most.”
Filed Jul 2, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 151 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.