Diagsheet

2018 Ram 2500 · symptom sheet

Brake warning light stays on

  • 659owner reports
  • 50,000median miles
  • $1,000median quote
  • 10involved a crash

Newest report Sep 4, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

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

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

Tick what matches of 659 reports

51
212
614
1
13
31

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the module (174 reports) and the brake fluid sensor (13 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

38 of the 659 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $600 to $1,600.

$600$1,000$1,600
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 31,850 and 80,200 miles, from the 427 reports that gave a mileage.

220
321
4322
18323
16424
13125
13326

What owners wrote

“ABS warning lights came on took the truck back to the dealer (approx 54000 miles) replaced abs pump unit and would not cover under warranty as it was out due to miles. Now again at 108000 I am getting abs warning and electronic brake system warning This is clearly a repetitive brake safety issue and a recall should be enacted”

Filed Aug 31, 2023 · 54,000 miles

“This is the second time the antilock brake control module has failed and this truck has less than 75k miles on it. The warning lights constantly come on and off and if I needed to brake I am not sure that my antilock brake system would work.”

Filed Jul 5, 2023 · 75,000 miles

“ABS Control Module defective at 40,000 miles. OBD scanner confirmed issue. Warning lights and dinger sporadically on and off.”

Filed May 19, 2023 · 40,000 miles

“ABS and electronic brake control warning lights come on intermittently. Dealer diagnosed ABS Hydraulic Control Unit is bad. Code C0020. Truck only has 44,900 miles. Unsafe towing which is what these trucks do.”

Filed Apr 18, 2023 · 44,900 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 10 of 659 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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