In March of 2022 my ABS/Traction Control light illuminated and returned a code of "Internal Electrical Failure". I have had this evaluated by two different dealers with two different pieces being blamed. One is the ABS Contril Module and the other is the Hydraulic Control Unit. I have replaced both multiple times without any remedy. The dealer stating that is was the ABS Control Module told…
2016 RAM 2500 brakes problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
What stands out
Among the 10 model years of RAM 2500 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
The 2016 Ram 2500 brake system generates consistent reports of ABS module electrical failures starting in the 18,000- to 106,500-mile range. Owners describe sudden ABS and traction-control light illumination paired with loss of stability control and cruise control function. The critical problem: replacement modules are on national backorder with no ETA, and Chrysler's parts inventory is depleted. One owner reports replacing the ABS module, only to see brake lockups resume six months later. Dealers struggle to diagnose because the computer resets when the vehicle is driven in, concealing the fault.
Brake pedal responsiveness issues appear at various mileages—pedal depresses but produces little to no braking power, or the pedal sinks to the floorboard. One owner lost all braking while towing on the freeway; the master cylinder failed completely and the part is discontinued.
Owners towing trailers or fifth wheels report integrated brake controller failures: insufficient output voltage to activate trailer brakes, with controllers serviced multiple times under warranty to no avail. One owner's trailer worked correctly when towed by other trucks, confirming the Ram's system as the problem.
A brake line ruptured from chafing against the plastic ABS box under the hood. Multiple owners note excessive brake pedal pressure required, particularly in reverse and panic situations. Wheel speed sensor replacement attempts have not resolved ABS faults.
Same RAM 2500 brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
ABS control module electrical failure
ABS control module develops internal electrical failures or loses functionality, causing loss of anti-lock braking, traction control, and stability control. Computer resets intermittently, making diagnosis difficult. Module is widely unavailable on backorder.
When: Various mileages reported; some early (18,000 miles), most between 50,000–106,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates; Traction control disables; Stability control disables; Cruise control stops functioning; Loss of anti-lock braking capability
Codes mentioned: C0020, Internal Electrical Failure
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement required but unavailable; some owners report replacing module multiple times without resolution; part number 68252611ae cited as common failure point; dealers state parts on national/extreme backorder with no ETA
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V140000 covers 2017–2018 models but 2016 owners report same issue without recall coverage; no TSBs released; Chrysler Corp customer service stated parts no longer in inventory and demand is too low to maintain stock
Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) malfunction
HCU fails intermittently, causing brakes to engage unexpectedly or lock up while driving. Issue can manifest as sudden complete brake engagement and vehicle immobilization.
When: Reported at various intervals during driving; one owner saw issue 6 months after ABS replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes engage suddenly and unexpectedly; Brakes lock up while driving; Vehicle comes to complete stop on roadway; Service Electronic Braking System light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: New ABS module installed in one case but brakes continued to lock up 6 months later; issue difficult to replicate in dealer shop environment
Brake pedal unresponsive / loss of braking power
Brake pedal fails to respond when depressed, or responds with only partial braking power (reported as eight volts). Issue may resolve after vehicle restart. Brake pedal may sink to floorboard on application.
When: 18,000 miles; 31,831 miles; one instance at 35 mph during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but fails to respond; Pedal travels to floorboard; Reduced braking power; Warning lights: Service Electronic Braking System, Brake Fluid Low, check engine, traction control, brake warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Issue cannot be replicated by dealers; vehicle restored to drivability after restart in some cases; not repaired in most reports
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated vehicle working as designed; manufacturer not notified in most cases
Brake master cylinder failure
Brake master cylinder completely fails, resulting in total loss of braking pressure and safety risk while towing. Part is discontinued and unavailable.
When: 50,000 miles while towing 24-foot cargo trailer on freeway
Symptoms owners cite: Complete brake failure while driving and towing; No braking pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Part number 68386723AA is discontinued; reported on extreme backorder with no availability across western United States; no replacement available
Brake line rupture from chafing
High-pressure brake line ruptures due to chafing contact against plastic ABS box mounted under hood, causing sudden loss of brake fluid and braking effectiveness.
When: Timing not specified; discovered after pulling over to investigate sponginess
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of brake fluid; Loss of braking effectiveness; Spongey brake pedal; Reduced stopping power
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line from master cylinder ruptured; discovered due to routing against plastic enclosure
Excessive brake pedal pressure required
Brake system requires abnormally high pedal pressure to function. In reverse, extreme pressure is needed. Panic braking results in pedal traveling to floor. Vehicle stopping distance is longer than normal.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive brake pedal pressure required; Brake pedal bottoms out in panic braking; Extended stopping distance
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) / Trailer Brake Controller failure
Trailer brake control system fails to apply adequate braking force to trailer, or outputs insufficient voltage to activate trailer brakes. Controller serviced multiple times under warranty without permanent fix. Issue specific to Ram truck; trailer works correctly when towed by other vehicles.
When: Not specified; one owner reports issue after multiple warranty services
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brakes do not apply sufficient force; Trailer brake control does not operate; Minimal drag or braking force applied to trailer; No response even at maximum setting; Signal to 5th wheel brakes failed
Codes mentioned: Check Wire Connection and Trailer Disconnect Error messages
Repairs/costs cited: Brake controller serviced 3 times under warranty with no permanent resolution; controller barely applies drag even at maximum (+10) setting; suspect controller output voltage insufficient
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Work performed under warranty but issue persisted
Wheel speed sensor signal issues
ABS system reports wheel speed sensor faults or dirty connections. Multiple replacement attempts fail to resolve ABS and traction control light issues.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple wheel speed sensors replaced; connections cleaned and re-secured; lights returned each time after repair attempt
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My truck, like those of numerous other Ram owners, has a malfunctioning ABS Control Module. Because of this malfunction, the ABS and cruise control do not work. In turn, this places me and other owners of this vehicle in an unsafe situation in that lack of an operating ABS system is conducive to skidding and accidents. Some owners have even reported that they cannot drive their vehicles due to…
Had brakes trouble with your 2016 RAM 2500?
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 2016 RAM 2500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 48,802 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/2016/RAM/2500.
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.