2018 Ram 2500 · symptom sheet
Brakes failed to stop the car
- 56owner reports
- 37,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Aug 19, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
56 of the 2,335 reports of brake wear on the 2018 2500 describe brake failure.
Part of Brakes grind, pulse or wear early (2,335 reports) · also: ABS light on, brake light on, soft brake pedal
Tick what matches of 56 reports
Brake failure on other 2500 years
No other 2500 model year has enough reports of brake failure for a sheet of its own. See every 2500 year.
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
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.
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.
All 10 recalls on the 2018 Ram 2500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the 2500
Loss of brake performance. Closed mar 3, 2025.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 25,000 and 83,000 miles, from the 25 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“We have been on a waiting list for a recall repair for over a year related to the antilock braking system. This is a safety issue and it is unacceptable to not be repaired as the issue can cause brake failure which can result is collisions which may cause injury and or fatalities.”
Filed Apr 7, 2026
“On 8/10/2024 at 3.10 PM while traveling 68 mph on an interstate, the vehicle started displaying Service Electronic Brake System and Antilock Brake Failure warnings. This also shut off the cruise control system, causing a sudden and unexpected loss of forward momentum. The warnings would reset and then come on randomly while travelling.”
Filed Aug 10, 2024
“HCU and ABS module brake failure causing the ABS and traction control warning lights and audible tone to intermittently go off. This also results in the cruise control failing to work. This is the second time of such occurrence. First at 3 years old and 30k miles and second at 6 years old and 50.5k miles.”
Filed Jun 29, 2024 · 30,000 miles
“abs brake failure the hcu fails causing warning to service abs problem first occurred 2 years ago had hcu replaced problem is back again these hcu units were defective from the get go ram knows units are defective this is a safety issue and needs to be resolved your help is needed on this safety issue.4/12/”
Filed Sep 10, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 56 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 289 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 92 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 47 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 42 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 33 reports