Diagsheet

2017 Ram 3500 · symptom sheet

Brake warning light stays on

  • 57owner reports
  • 48,000median miles
  • 2involved a crash

Newest report Aug 20, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

57 of the 188 reports of brake wear on the 2017 3500 describe brake light on.

Part of Brakes grind, pulse or wear early (188 reports) · also: ABS light on

Tick what matches of 57 reports

3
16
50
5
7

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the module (13 reports) and the brake fluid sensor (5 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 3500

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 24,000 and 110,000 miles, from the 39 reports that gave a mileage.

119
522
1323
1324
1725
826

What owners wrote

“Abs Failure, at around 80,000 miles, Truck is unusable , brake drags and causes overheating, can not get to dealer unless towed. All ABS system lights and failure warning lights are on Have been paying on vehicle which has been unusable since 6/2022 Dealer says parts are not available”

Filed Jan 19, 2025 · 80,000 miles

“ABS warning lights lights keeps intermitting keeps going on and off. The ABS light and traction control lights flashes on and off, speed control goes off as well as a bell alarm. Had the ABS pump replaced under warranty at 22000 miles and now at 59000 mile same issues.”

Filed May 21, 2024 · 22,000 miles

“When I hit a bump my ABS warning light and my traction control light come on on the dash. My cruise control stops working. Had it scanned and there is an error code C0020-01-ABS PUMP MOTOR CONTROL - motor pump (open recirculation test). - internal electronic failure. It comes on and off more often when hitting a bump. This is apparently common and should be a recall.”

Filed Oct 16, 2023

“ABS module and HCU failure. Constant service ABS, traction control, and service brake system warning lights. I lost control of truck on snow covered road when warnings came on causing me to go into the ditch. Knowing that FCA refuses to address the safety concerns, I have not brought the truck to the dealership.”

Filed Oct 14, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 57 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.

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