Diagsheet

2018 Ram 3500 · symptom sheet

Brake warning light stays on

  • 203owner reports
  • 45,000median miles
  • $1,100median quote
  • 3involved a crash

Newest report Aug 24, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

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

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

Tick what matches of 203 reports

12
60
187
6
15

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the module (49 reports) and the brake fluid sensor (6 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

22 of the 203 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $800 to $1,500.

$800$1,100$1,500
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 26,000 and 83,000 miles, from the 133 reports that gave a mileage.

221
1122
6323
4724
4325
3726

What owners wrote

“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

“The warning light comes on and then the traction control goes off and the cruise control will disengage all at once. There is also no trailer brake assist. This has been verified by a dealer in Columbus, GA. It is constantly going off and on. The warning light and the warning bell are a constant distraction to the driver. The truck was bought and within 50K miles it started. No warning.”

Filed Apr 3, 2024 · 50,000 miles

“ABS/HCU intermittent warning lights/ alarm on dash. Renders ABS brakes inoperable at only 25000 miles”

Filed Oct 14, 2023 · 25,000 miles

“Rapid intermittent ABS warning light due to a diagnosed faulty ABS module. Module has been replace previously and now experienced second failure. Ram has no replacement parts available and now I am forced to drive with inoperable anti-lock brake system and a continuous warning chime.”

Filed Mar 24, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 3 of 203 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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