Diagsheet

2018 Ram 2500 · symptom sheet

ABS light on

  • 2041owner reports
  • 42,000median miles
  • $1,200median quote
  • 19involved a crash

Newest report Sep 5, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

2041 of the 2,308 reports of brake wear on the 2018 2500 describe ABS light on.

Part of Brakes grind, pulse or wear early (2,308 reports) · also: brake light on, brake failure, soft brake pedal

Tick what matches of 2041 reports

220
608
11
82
446
994

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (608 reports), the ABS pump (265 reports) and the wheel speed sensor (12 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the brakes covers the 2018 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

162 of the 2041 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $722 to $1,674.

$722$1,200$1,674
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 26,000 and 66,520 miles, from the 765 reports that gave a mileage.

219
320
2921
14022
81923
62824
20025
22026

What owners wrote

“Add me to the list of Ram owners with the "Service Electronic Braking System" and "Service Antilock Braking System" error codes, 2018 Ram has 30K miles, the dash lights up with these two errors then goes away, then comes back.”

Filed Sep 12, 2022 · 30,000 miles

“The abs pump and module have failed on my vehicle leaving it without abs, skid control and traction control. This is a very common issue and known by the dealers and manufacturer. This has affected tens of thousands of Ram trucks anywhere from 1 year old to 4 years old. But is only covered under warranty 3 years or 36k miles. It is my opinion this is a safety concern and should be recalled by the manufacturer.”

Filed Aug 29, 2022 · 36,000 miles

“2018 Ram 2500 with 41,900 miles. ABS and Traction lights started coming on. Had to have the hydraulic control unit replaced. Seems like a known issue and very unsafe to lose abs or traction control. Ram should take notice.”

Filed Jul 17, 2022 · 41,900 miles

“The hydraulic control unit for the ABS brakes failed at only 17000 miles. This is a known safety issue with these trucks.”

Filed Jul 5, 2022 · 17,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 19 of 2041 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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.

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