2018 Ram 3500 · symptom sheet

ABS light on

574owner reports
39,000median miles
$1,100median quote
7involved a crash

Newest report Aug 26, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

574 of the 659 reports of brake wear on the 2018 3500 describe ABS light on.

Part of Brakes grind, pulse or wear early (659 reports) · also: brake light on

Tick what matches of 574 reports

the ABS light stays on

the ABS module failed

165

a wheel speed sensor was blamed

the ABS no longer works when the light is on

a part is on backorder

147

traction control is also affected

246

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.

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

What owners paid

54 of the 574 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $750 to $1,600.

$750$1,100$1,600

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 21,000 and 67,500 miles, from the 244 reports that gave a mileage.

220

221

3922

23523

17524

5925

6226

What owners wrote

“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

“1. ABS pump failure, stable tract for steering. Available for inspection if requested. When this warning light comes on cruise control will not function. 2. If ABS failure cannot slow down in a timely manner danger to occupants. 3. Yes 4. Unknown 5. Yes, warning lamps appeared at 15,000 miles. Would like to see this be a recall because numerous other owners have this same issue.”
Filed Jan 18, 2023 · 15,000 miles

“Braking problems / ABS module failure. I never lost brakes but the ABS did fail and the ABS module and HCU had to be replaced @ 17400 miles at roughly 2 years old.”
Filed Dec 13, 2022 · 17,400 miles

“Abs and traction control system stopped working with only 33000 miles. Dealer states module and pump need replacement. No warranty as vehicle is 4 years old as no driving during covid. This has happen to 1000's of ram trucks. Repair is $1600. Will have to drive with out repair.”
Filed Sep 20, 2022 · 33,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 7 of 574 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.