2018 Ram 2500 · symptom sheet
Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking)
- 42owner reports
- 44,000median miles
- $1,200median quote
- 4involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
2370 of the 2,594 complaints on this car are about the brakes. 42 of those describe phantom braking.
Tick what matches of 42 reports
Phantom braking on other 2500 years
No other 2500 model year has enough reports of phantom braking for a sheet of its own. See every 2500 year.
What this problem usually is
Phantom braking is a car that brakes hard on its own, often at highway speed, with nothing in the road ahead. About one owner in five mentions a near miss with the car behind.
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.
What owners paid
5 of the 42 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,200 to $1,300.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 20,000 and 60,000 miles, from the 14 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Hcu, hydraulic control unit, no abs, no traction control, no cruise, no 4x4 and emergency brake light on wonât go off and part is not available been waiting for over a year and a half”
Filed Feb 13, 2024
“ABS/ Traction control indicators intermittently chimes and lights on dash goes on/off while driving over every little bump or pressing/depressing emergency brake My safety and others safety put at risk due to ABS and Traction Control malfunction Problem reproduces everytime vehicle is driven ABS and Traction Control warning lights and messages on display No prior warning lights”
Filed Jan 2, 2024
“Automatic brake system module, HCU abs pump. SAFETY. malfunction of part. Known to be world wide problem. Confirm by dealer scanner code. Continuously, warning light and alarm. Response from dealer manufacturers of 2018 ram 2500 diesel, known problem, no recall. Dealer for part can not give time, date when part can become available. Can not give time or date when part will be available?”
Filed Nov 5, 2023
“Warning light stating "Service Automatic Braking System". Failed ABS module and Hydraulic Control Unit resulting in absence of Automatic Braking System brakes. Taken to Dealership and told unable to fix due to inability to find parts...Earliest part will be available is 6 months from time of inspection.”
Filed Oct 28, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 4 of 42 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
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 2335 reports
- 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
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 33 reports