2018 Ram 2500 Complaints

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 05/11/2021

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to properly respond and the braking distance became extended, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of the vehicle ahead. Additionally, the brake pedal was fully depressed and went to the floorboard, but the brakes failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. A Police report was filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); and associated the failure with the recall. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/11/2026

My 2018 Ram 2500 is subject to safety recall C4B/24V-896 involving failure of the brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and possible loss of ABS, electronic stability control and traction control. I previously contacted a Ram dealer in [XXX] regarding completion of this recall but was informed that the parts/remedy were not available. The recall therefore remained unrepaired. On XXX, my vehicle was sideswiped by another vehicle. The other vehicle caused the initial collision. Immediately before, during, and following the sideswipe, I applied the brakes to stop my Ram. During the emergency braking event, the wheels locked and I did not experience normal anti-lock braking operation. I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop without subsequently striking another vehicle or object. Following the incident, the ABS and traction-control warning lights have remained continuously illuminated and have not returned to normal operation. I am concerned that the recalled HCU may have failed and that the ABS/ESC/traction-control systems were unavailable during the emergency braking event. This incident involved actual wheel lockup during emergency braking associated with a collision, followed by permanent ABS/traction-control warnings on a vehicle with an unrepaired safety recall addressing loss of those same systems. I am reporting this incident so NHTSA has a record of the apparent safety-system failure and the fact that I had previously attempted to have the recall addressed but the remedy/parts were unavailable. The vehicle is being preserved for diagnostic evaluation. I am requesting that all relevant ABS/HCU diagnostic trouble codes be documented before they are cleared or repairs are performed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 07/25/2026

The contact owned a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an ABS module failure, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had progressed with several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle caught on fire while parked in the driveway. The contact was able to control the fire from spreading with a nearby water hose. The local Fire Department arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The source of the fire was unknown and possibly was caused by an electrical failure underneath the dashboard. A Fire report was filed; however, it was not available. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed away to a nearby lot and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 04/10/2026

The hydraulic brake control unit has been setting off warnings and noises constantly for several months. The recall came out in November, 2024 and Ram still has absolutely no answers for when or how to repair. How is it allowed for them to issue a recall that states my trucks brakes could fail at any time and not have a repair for it in over 18 months. I was recently in a minor car accident on 4/10/26 where I was standing on the brakes and there was a considerable lag in brake response. I have made several calls to Ram where they tell me I just have to wait until the new part is made. I cannot sell the truck with a massive safety recall and lights on all over the dash and the constant warning dinging. I cannot just not drive the truck because it is my only mode of transportation.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 04/16/2026

My 2018 Ram 2500 was involved in a collision with another vehicle. The vehicle in front of me had to slam on their brakes for an object in the roadway. When I slammed on my brakes, the ABS and Traction Control lights lit up on the dash, my tires locked up, and I skid approx 100' and rear ended the vehicle in front of me. There was no shoulder to pull off to and oncoming vehicles in the other lane. There was no way out of the collision. If the ABS system had worked properly, my vehicle and the vehicle in front if me would not have collided. The faulty component is the Hydraulic Power Unit for the Antilock Braking System. The last time I brought the truck in for service at Southland Dodge in Houma, LA, USA, they offered to fix the recall. I gladly accepted. When I picked the vehicle up the system was still malfunctioning.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 03/01/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH in a snowstorm on icy roads, the contact pressed the brake pedal and the vehicle slid off the road and side swiped into a telephone pole, where it crashed into a ditch and came to a stop. The police were called to the scene, and the vehicle was towed out of a ditch and driven home. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The contact indicated that prior to the crash, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights were constantly illuminated due to a failure related to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC ). The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted regarding the crash. The contact and manufacturer were notified regarding the recall. The contact indicated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 92,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/27/2022

The Abs light came on a couple of days before the accident happened.Then light would turn off after awhile but would re appear when truck was driving for a few minutes. My boyfriend was driving to work when he applied the brakes and truck slid into the pole during the winter .Truck was towed and fixed at auto shop. No one was hurt just damaged my truck completely in the front. When I got a letter for a recall on the abs that’s when I took in to the dealership and got that issue fixed. There was one other light that was coming on after the accident but the dealership fixed that issue as well since it was part of the recall.

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR — Filed 03/18/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, the brakes and steering became inoperable, causing him to crash into an unknown vehicle. The air bags in the other vehicle did deploy. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployments, or fire for the contact's vehicle. A police report was filed. The traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the HCU and ABS control unit/NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The parts were backordered, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 90,598.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 02/11/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure while driving approximately 40 MPH. The braking system had failed, causing the grandson to drive off the road and crash into a ditch. The vehicle was towed out of the ditch and driven home. No injuries were reported, and no police report was filed. Later, the grandson discovered that the front passenger side braking system had overheated and was concerned that the front tire had melted. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 12/27/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning lights were illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH and pulling a trailer, another vehicle pulled in front of the contact's vehicle. The contact slammed on the brakes, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended and crashed into the rear of the other vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy because the vehicle was equipped with a brush guard due to potential collisions with deer in the country area where the contact lived. The contact did not sustain injuries. The other driver sustained unknown injuries, and the other vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact's vehicle was driven away from the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing a known failure, and the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.  The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM — Filed 06/01/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received a recall letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at 20-25, the brakes were applied, but the front wheels locked up and crashed into the rear of a Chevrolet SUV. There were no reported injuries, airbag deployments, or fire. A police report was filed. The steering became inoperable. The ABS and traction control were inoperable. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed the parts were backordered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed the recall information. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 05/01/2024

The contact owns 2018 RAM 2500. The contact received notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH in inclement weather, while making a right turn, the brake pedal pulsated, and the vehicle did not slow down as intended, and the entire vehicle slid off the road into the mud and became stuck. The contact did not sustain any injuries, and medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic vacuum boost needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 10 months later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR — Filed 12/24/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact located the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic). While driving at 55 MPH, another vehicle passed him on double yellow lines, and the anti-lock brakes locked up, and the vehicle slid and crashed into a 2008 Chevrolet. There were no reported injuries, fire, or airbag deployment. A police report was filed. The ABS light and traction control warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was emailed, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/26/2024

The Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) covered under Safety Recall C4B has been unavailable for several years, leaving my 2018 Ram 2500 with ongoing ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control malfunctions. This defect has already caused an actual accident. In January 2024, during snow conditions, the ABS and traction control failed while I was braking in my driveway. The truck slid uncontrollably and struck a tree, causing over $10,000 in damage that had to be repaired through my insurance. This incident occurred specifically because the brake and stability systems did not function properly. The issue continues to create serious safety risks, especially in winter. The warning lights for ABS and traction control are on constantly, accompanied by continuous dinging that is extremely distracting and stressful to drive with. The truck loses stability on snow or ice, braking distance is increased, and the vehicle behaves unpredictably. I am now driving again in snow and ice this winter, and I am genuinely afraid this defect will cause another accident. Despite this being an acknowledged safety recall, every dealership I contact says the replacement HCU part is still “not available” for my vehicle. This has been confirmed repeatedly by multiple dealerships and by the manufacturer’s recall hotline. I have attempted to get this recall repaired for several years with no success. Because the recall remedy is unavailable, the vehicle remains unsafe to operate, yet I have no alternative transportation and must drive it daily. I also cannot sell or trade the truck, which has caused significant financial harm. I am requesting NHTSA assistance because the recall remedy has not been provided within a reasonable timeframe, the vehicle remains unsafe, and the defect has already contributed to a crash.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/26/2024

Please add this to complaint number: 11702732 This is a supplemental complaint regarding the same safety issue I previously reported involving Safety Recall C4B on my 2018 Ram 2500 - complaint # 11702732 In addition to the safety concerns and the prior accident I described in my original complaint, the unresolved recall has also caused significant financial harm. I still owe approximately $15,100 on the vehicle and must make a $515 monthly payment. Because the recall remedy has been unavailable for years, I cannot legally sell or trade the vehicle, even though it should have substantial equity. The truck’s resale value has dropped due to the open safety recall with no remedy, leaving me financially stuck with an unsafe vehicle I cannot get rid of and a high payment that I currently cannot afford due to job loss. The unresolved recall continues to put me in danger during winter driving, and the lack of remedy has created both a safety crisis and a serious financial hardship. Please attach this information to my previous complaint for the same VIN.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 07/30/2025

The contact owned a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving and pulling a fifth wheel RV, the check engine warning light and another unknown red warning light were illuminated. The contact's husband stopped in the middle of the road and immediately exited the vehicle with the contact's nephews and dog, who were also occupying the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver then noticed that there was a fire underneath the hood. The contact stated that her husband attempted to open the hood to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, but the hood failed to open. The contact met her family at the scene. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle exploded, there were abnormal popping sounds, and fire projectiles coming out from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the entire vehicle burned to the ground, and the front of the RV also caught on fire and burned. The contact stated that the fuel tank of the vehicle was full at the time of the incident. The contact stated that the forest near the camping ground nearly caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire, and a report was filed. A police report was filed, but the police report information was not available. Both the vehicle and the RV were towed and totaled. Both the contact and the passengers of the vehicle sustained emotional trauma from the incident. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/03/2025

The contact owned a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving in reverse, down a steep boat ramp with the boat and boat trailer attached, the braking system suddenly malfunctioned, causing the boat, boat trailer, and the vehicle to go into the water. The contact had to climb out of the front driver's window and swim to safety. The contact also sustained a minor knee injury that did not require medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene. A diving crew was called to retrieve the vehicle. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The contact indicated that prior to the incident, the brake warning lights had remained illuminated, and also, previously, while driving, the brakes had failed and nearly caused a rear-end collision. The contact was informed that the remedy for the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000( SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) was not available. The manufacturer and local dealer were aware of the issue, but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 180,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/31/2018

This is about the mirror back up camera. Since I bought it new in 2018 the camera started to not working properly. The first time I noticed was when I was at the bank and was about to reverse at which time the camera should be on the mirror and showing the objects on back of the teuck, apparently was nothing and I hit a metal Pole. After that I never trusted the camera and I noticed that the camera appears sometimes but it freezes so it doesn’t show images in real time. At other times after I put my truck in drive camera it’s still on the mirror so I’m driving with the camera on, I have to completely stop, turn the truck off and turn it back on to solve the problem. Camera also glitches at times. I mentioned this problem to the dealer where I bought the truck and to the one in Merced CA but nobody listens!! I’m frustrated, really don’t know what to do. This is an ongoing issue and big problem for me. And if my son is going to borrow the truck I have to remind him no to rely on the camera.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 12/01/2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the anti-lock brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle slid and crashed into a Jersey barrier. The air bags did not deploy, and there were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site. The front bumper was later replaced. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who related the failure to the recall but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact mentioned calling a total of 25 different dealer locations, where all confirmed that parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 08/09/2024

The contact owned a 2018 RAM 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow while turning a corner the vehicle experienced reduced braking performance, after which the brakes seized causing the vehicle to skid. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway coming to a complete stop after colliding with a tree. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The air bags did deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a towed yard and deemed a total loss by the contacts insurance provider. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 63,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/01/2025

Hydraulic brake unit failure. yes part is still available for inspection as it is still n the vehicle. I was driving to work at 21:30 hours on 1/1/2025 on a snow covered road. I gently applied the brakes and my truck went into a spin. I was going 25 mph. the abs unit failed and there was no pulsating in the brake pedal and rear brakes locked up sending the truck into an uncontrollable spin. my front left driver side of the vehicle then struck the jersey barrier and vehicle did continue to spin and then struck passenger rear side of the vehicle on the jersey barrier. currently has $17k in damages to the vehicle. I was not injured at the time but currently experiencing lower back pain. there was no lights or warnings on dash until immediately after the collision. I had the ABS HBU replaced a few months back and was told the new unit was part of the old stock and would most likely fail. which it did. unfortunately i am one of the people in this world who could not afford to not drive my vehicle as the truck was $70k new and i still am currently driving it due to not being able to afford to replace it of park it and rent a vehicle. The HBU has been a known issue in these trucks for the passed year and they just issued a recall on 12/08/2024. this problem was first noticed on 05/08/2024. was taken to dealer shortly afterward and was told that these are known to fail and currently no remedy to the issue. as of 01/07/2025 there is still no remedy or time on when parts are available for replacement.

ENGINE — Filed 05/24/2024

The contact owned a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated the vehicle was parked overnight on the street and unoccupied when a loud bang was heard and it was discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The fire department and police department arrived to inspect the vehicle where it was noticed the fire started on the passenger side of the engine however the exact origin could not be determined. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was consumed by the flames and there were only burnt framing remains of the vehicle. A police report was filed but the case number was not available. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle remained in the contact's possession. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/01/2023

Abs and traction control have intermittent failure resulting in instability and collision.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/13/2024

ABS control module and HCU is out, diagnosed from my mechanic, causing intermittent loss of my ABS, traction control, and cruise control. From what I understand Dodge is aware of the issue but has not issued a recall as of now. The truck has now been involved a reared collision on February 13th caused in part by the lack of the ABS working

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/10/2023

The ABS and HCU are bad in my vehicle. It appears to be a widespread issue with this year model. A recall should be issued by the manufacturer to correct this safety issue. I recently collided with a barrier wall because my ABS system was not functional.