ABS Module failed and is not reading rear wheel speed. Shop isolated issue to ABS module, and hydraulic control unit. Four safety components are no longer working as a result: ABS braking, traction control, 4wd, and rear back up sensors. This appears to be a common issue with Rams HD trucks as the parts are on back order causing me to drive my vehicle with no safety features.
2015 RAM 3500 brakes problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
What stands out
Among the 11 model years of RAM 3500 in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2015 RAM 3500 buyer should know the brakes on these trucks have documented issues including dragging fronts, complete ABS failure, repeated brake booster failures, and serious deficiencies in the integral trailer brake controller that can leave you unable to stop a trailer at highway speeds. Many owners report multiple repairs with recurrence, and some manufacturers have refused further warranty coverage after repeat failures.
Owners of 2015 RAM 3500 brakes describe a pattern of early, recurring failures across multiple brake subsystems. Front brake drag and overheating occur as early as 3,000 miles; one owner reports stranding on a highway requiring a 40+ mile tow. Another owner experienced total ABS failure at 3,009 miles, resulting in a collision at very low speed with no warning.
Brake booster failures are frequent and unpredictable. Four documented instances of booster failure appear on a single truck, with the first occurring at 16,000 miles. Failures happen without warning and cause brake seizure or complete loss of stopping ability. Dealers have performed brake software updates without resolving issues, and one manufacturer eventually refused warranty coverage after multiple replacements.
The integral trailer brake controller (ITBCM) is a widespread safety complaint. Owners report voltage output capped at 7–10.3 volts when 12 volts is needed, severely limiting trailer braking—particularly below 30 mph and during hard stops. One owner testing the controller at highway speeds while towing 20,000 lbs found insufficient stopping power. The override function is speed-dependent rather than providing full emergency voltage, contrary to industry standard. Dealers have replaced modules and offered software updates without fixing the deficiency; one dealer stated the controller "works as designed."
ABS modules and hydraulic control units (HCU) fail, disabling ABS, traction control, 4WD, and backup sensors simultaneously. Owners report no warning lights before some failures, leaving them unaware until the brake fails to respond.
Same RAM 3500 brakes reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Front brake drag and overheating
Front brakes periodically drag and generate excessive heat, sometimes affecting both fronts simultaneously. Occurs early in vehicle life with low mileage. Calipers, pads, and fluid tested normal; brake lines patent.
When: As early as 3,000 miles; persisted through 11,000 miles despite complete fluid replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Periodic front brake drag on one or both sides; Excessive heat at front brakes; Harsh vibration at rear of truck (owner suspects brake-related); Vehicle stranded on highway requiring tow
Codes mentioned: B170-15, B210A-16, B222C, B2861-15, P2509, P2560
Repairs/costs cited: Complete brake fluid replacement performed; no resolution. Owner suspects HCU/ABS recall involvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Potential HCU/ABS recall mentioned by owner; no recall notice received
ABS total failure
ABS system fails completely without warning, eliminating brake stopping capability. Collision resulted at very low speed when ABS failed to function.
When: At 3,009 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Total ABS failure; Loss of braking ability; No warning lamps illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership after collision with stopped vehicle
Brake booster failure
Brake booster fails without warning, causing brake seizure and loss of vehicle control. Multiple repeat failures on same vehicle; manufacturer eventually refused further warranty coverage.
When: First occurrence at 16,000 miles; fourth occurrence at approximately 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake booster failure without warning; Brakes seize; Vehicle unable to stop; Loud grinding noise in some instances
Repairs/costs cited: Hydraulic brake booster replaced multiple times (at least 4 replacements documented). Dealer performed software updates on brakes, traction control, air suspension, and towing packet in one instance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer authorized replacement as courtesy twice, then refused further warranty coverage; dealer unable to duplicate failure in some cases
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBCM) insufficient voltage output
Trailer brake controller outputs insufficient voltage to properly control trailer braking, particularly at lower speeds and during hard stops. Output capped at 7–10.3 volts instead of full 12 volts. Override function speed-dependent rather than delivering full battery voltage as industry standard.
When: Early in ownership; problem worsens with increased trailer use and mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Insufficient trailer braking power at all speeds, especially below 30 mph and during harder stops; Trailer override function speed-dependent rather than providing full emergency power; Inconsistent braking behavior—sometimes works, sometimes does not; Message: 'Trailer Brakes Disconnected/Check Trailer Brake Wires'; Loss of ability to stop loaded trailer (20,000 lbs+) at highway speeds (45–65 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: ITBCM replaced twice; software updates attempted; dealer stated controller 'works as designed.' Voltage testing showed 7.5–10.3 volts output at maximum settings instead of 12 volts. Trailer brakes tested and confirmed functioning properly
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated controller 'works as designed' and refused to address design deficiency; owner reports RAM forum posts indicate software fix exists but RAM charges for it
ABS module and HCU failure
ABS module stops reading rear wheel speed and hydraulic control unit fails, disabling multiple safety systems simultaneously.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: ABS module not reading rear wheel speed; ABS malfunction indicator light (MIL) on; Loss of ABS braking; Loss of traction control; Loss of 4-wheel drive functionality; Loss of rear backup sensors
Codes mentioned: C0020
Repairs/costs cited: HCU and ABS module identified as failed; parts on backorder
Brake pedal failure and warning-light-free malfunctions
Brake pedal depressed but fails to engage stopping action. Multiple instances occur without any warning indicator illumination, making owner unaware until failure is imminent.
When: At 15,500 miles (one documented case)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but fails to engage; Loud grinding noise; No warning lamps illuminated; Failure in wet conditions (rain)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed software update on brakes, traction control, air suspension, and towing packet; unable to duplicate failure
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2015 RAM 3500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2015 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 22,425 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/RAM/3500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.