2018 Ram 3500 · symptom sheet
ABS light on
- 577owner reports
- 39,000median miles
- $1,100median quote
- 7involved a crash
Newest report Sep 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
577 of the 664 reports of brake wear on the 2018 3500 describe ABS light on.
Part of Brakes grind, pulse or wear early (664 reports) · also: brake light on
Tick what matches of 577 reports
ABS light on on other 3500 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2026.
What this problem usually is
This is the narrower sheet inside brake problems for the anti-lock brake (ABS) warning light. What separates it from the wider brake sheet is that most owners here aren't describing worn pads or grinding. They're describing a light, and often a list of features that quit along with it.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (165 reports) and the ABS pump (85 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.
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 11 recalls on the 2018 Ram 3500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the 3500
Loss of brake performance. Closed mar 3, 2025.
What owners paid
54 of the 577 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $750 to $1,600.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 21,000 and 67,000 miles, from the 245 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“2018 Ram diesel 3500. 36,000 miles ABS and Traction Control lights illuminated on dash. Cru8ise control does not work. Dealer told me the HCU (hydraulic control unit) is defective, and thee are no parts available to repair it. I am leaving Indiana for Florida on 18 Jan 2025. That means a 1,000 mile trip one direction pulling a boat - without cruise control or antilock brakes. What can be done?”
Filed Jan 10, 2025 · 36,000 miles
“My 2018 Ram 35000 with only 33,000 miles has recently been providing numerous ABS and Electronic Braking System warning lights. They are intermittently and can sound several times continually or they can go for several miles with no alarms. It appears that this is a well known issue with Ram trucks that I believe the manufacture should repair as it is a safety concern.”
Filed Nov 17, 2024 · 33,000 miles
“I am getting a warning on my dash to "service electronic braking system". I took it to the dealer and they told me the ABS Module and HCU internal failure. My truck only has 31,245 miles on it and I do not believe this important safety system should be failing so soon.”
Filed Nov 11, 2024 · 31,245 miles
“Hydraulic Control Unit failure on the automatic braking system. C0020-01 ABS pump motor control general electrical failure Failed at 38,000 miles I've contacted many dealers to find that parts are not available ABS and traction control light on all the time now”
Filed Feb 17, 2023 · 38,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 7 of 577 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 Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 91 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 34 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 25 reports