No ABS function. Cruise control inoperative. Codes set for ABS module and ABS pump failure.
2017 RAM 2500 cruise control problems
moderate 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 7 model years of RAM 2500 in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint across these 42 narratives is failure of the ABS (anti-lock brake) module and hydraulic control unit (HCU), which owners first began reporting around 8,000–30,000 miles. When this unit fails, the ABS system, traction control, and cruise control all drop offline simultaneously. Owners describe warning lights (ABS, Service Electronic Braking System, Service Anti-Lock Brakes) illuminating intermittently or staying on, often accompanied by a loud audible chime that some report continues even when the vehicle is parked. The failure is systematic: code C0020 or C0020-001 appears across dozens of narratives.
Several owners report the unit failing a second time after factory replacement, sometimes within 2–3 years. The original part (68143491AA) was replaced with an updated part (68143491AB), yet failures persist. Parts availability is severely constrained—dealerships report wait times of 3–6 months or more, with some claiming no ETA despite the recall (C4B) having been issued in November 2024. Repair costs range from $1,200 to $2,500.
The safety risk is substantial. Owners describe losing ABS on wet or snowy roads, brakes locking up without ABS intervention, trailers nearly jack-knifing due to loss of traction control, and cruise control dropping out unexpectedly at highway speeds, causing sudden unintended deceleration in heavy traffic. One incident involved a near 360-degree spin on ice that the owner attributes to disabled traction control.
Two owners also report throttle sticking at full acceleration, one occurring while on cruise control during a passing maneuver and another in a parking lot, requiring downshifting to neutral to regain control.
Same RAM 2500 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
ABS/HCU Module Failure
The ABS module and/or hydraulic control unit (HCU) fails intermittently or permanently, disabling the anti-lock braking system. Owners report code C0020 (ABS pump motor control general electrical failure) and related codes. Some units fail a second time after replacement. The root cause appears to be a systemic design defect in the original part (68143491AA), with the replacement part (68143491AB) also experiencing issues according to some reports.
When: Failures reported between approximately 8,000 and 154,000 miles; some occur within warranty period, others after expiration. Several owners report second failures 2-3 years after initial replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates intermittently or stays on continuously; Service Electronic Braking System message appears; Traction control disables when ABS light is on; Cruise control becomes unavailable when ABS/traction control light activates; Intermittent flashing and audible chime/warning bell; Loss of ABS function during braking, particularly on wet or slippery surfaces; Brakes lock up without ABS intervention; In one case, immediate loss of ABS during emergency braking while towing
Codes mentioned: C0020, C0020-001, C0020-01
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement requires HCU and ABS control module replacement. Owners cite costs of $1,200–$1,500+ at dealerships. Original part 68143491AA replaced with 68143491AB, though both versions reported to have defects. Parts availability has been severely limited, with owners reporting wait times of 3–6 months or longer; some dealers claim no ETA. One owner reports dealership quoted $2,500 for repair once parts become available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall C4B issued November 2024 (ABS/HCU failure); recall remedy status unclear as of complaint dates. Campaign #18V332000 referenced for electrical system/vehicle speed control (though not all complaints reference this). Some owners report dealerships will perform repair and request Stellantis reimbursement post-recall, but no confirmed reimbursement outcomes reported. Dealers have stated the issue is a known defect in manufacture and design but no systematic remedy rollout has occurred; parts remains on back order as of early 2025.
Cruise Control Disengagement
Cruise control automatically disengages when ABS/traction control warnings activate. Owners report unexpected loss of cruise control at highway speeds, causing sudden unintended deceleration. This is a secondary effect of the ABS/HCU failure, not a separate system defect, but represents a significant safety hazard during highway driving.
When: Occurs whenever ABS/traction control lights illuminate; timing unpredictable.
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control drops out suddenly while driving at highway speed; Unexpected vehicle deceleration when cruise control disengages; Cruise control unavailable while ABS/traction control warning is active; Multiple instances per minute or per day depending on ABS fault cycle
Codes mentioned: C0020, C0020-001
Repairs/costs cited: No independent repair possible; requires ABS/HCU module replacement (see above).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No separate factory bulletin or remedy documented in narratives.
Throttle Sticking / Unintended Acceleration
Engine throttle becomes stuck at full acceleration without driver input, most commonly when the driver is on cruise control and manually accelerates to pass. One incident occurred in a parking lot with no floor mat interference. Owner was able to shift to neutral and brake to a stop, but only after heavy brake application caused brake fade and rotor/pad damage. Another owner reports accelerator getting stuck at perceived full throttle on three separate occasions.
When: One documented case at 48,630 miles. Another owner reports three separate occasions; specific mileage not provided.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine remains in full acceleration mode after driver releases gas pedal; Throttle unresponsive to pedal input (pedal released but engine stays at full RPM); Engine races at high RPM despite no driver demand; Manual shifting to neutral required to regain control; One case resulted in brake fade and severe overheating (front and rear rotors burned with heavy smoke)
Repairs/costs cited: In documented case: crankcase was overfilled with oil that entered the engine, cleaned by dealer; new rotors and brake pads installed (total repair includes brake service due to overheating, not throttle-specific parts). Diesel-engine 2017 RAM 2500 owner states no recall available for diesel models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control) exists but appears to cover gasoline-engine vehicles only. Diesel-engine owners report being told no recall remedy is available for their vehicles.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
ABS Module and or HCU finally quit working. Loss of cruise control, ESC (traction control), 4x4 and speed sensor not registering. Had now storm around the 1st of December and got stuck on road in front of house due to loss of traction control and 4x4 not engaging. Dealer had said 4x4 was working when they informed me the ABS module needed replacement. It currently at a private diesel repair shop…
This has been going on since May of 2022 Every time I start my truck I get a warning that my ABS is not working and that my electronic braking needs to be serviced. While these lights are active, I have no ABS, traction control, or cruise control. After about 10 to 15 minutes of driving, the warnings go out. The lights sometimes will stay off for twenty to thirty minutes, but normally flash on…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2017 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 cruise control problem on the 2017 RAM 2500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Based on the 42 complaints filed, cruise control issues most often appear around 24,058 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/2017/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.