The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light remained illuminated with an audible alarm inside the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA…
2017 RAM 3500 brakes problems
moderate 135 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
135
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
4crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 135 brakes complaints filed for the 2017 RAM 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Brakes accounts for 45% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 135 brakes 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2017 Ram 3500 has a documented, widespread ABS/HCU failure pattern (NHTSA Recall 24V-896) that recurs frequently and disables critical braking systems—especially dangerous when towing. Repair parts remain unavailable nationwide with no timeline, leaving owners with either an unfixable vehicle or one unsafe to operate under load.
The 2017 Ram 3500 brake system shows a pervasive failure pattern centered on the hydraulic control unit (HCU) and ABS module. Owners report intermittent or complete loss of ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control—sometimes with no warning lights, but typically accompanied by "Service ABS," "Service Electronic Braking System," or "Service Traction Control" warnings, plus an audible chime or alarm. When failure occurs during towing (the truck's primary use for many owners), loss of braking capacity or spongy brake response presents acute safety risk on grades and in heavy traffic.
The pattern repeats: warning lights illuminate around 10,000–30,000 miles, and once repaired under warranty, the same component fails again within 10,000–30,000 miles. Some owners report five or six ABS unit replacements in under 23,000 miles. The truck also exhibits cascading failures: when ABS/HCU systems fail, cruise control, 4WD engagement, and trailer brake controllers also become inoperative. One owner experienced complete brake failure (master cylinder bolt sheared off); another lost braking entering an intersection; a third couldn't stop descending a mountain grade.
Dealers confirm diagnosis via codes (C0020 common) and declare HCU/ABS module replacement necessary, but as of the complaint dates, parts remain unavailable nationwide—some owners report waiting 18+ months with no ETA. Manufacturers have blocked dealer parts orders pending "engineering investigation" or redesign. Owners note that identical parts are available for direct consumer purchase online while dealer networks cannot supply them. Some owners paid out-of-pocket for repairs before the recall was issued and are waiting for reimbursement, while others are denied rental vehicle compensation or told rentals cover only non-towing use.
Same RAM 3500 brakes reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) failure
The HCU fails, disabling the ABS system and triggering warning lights and chimes. This is the primary failure mode identified in NHTSA Recall 24V-896. Owners report the component failing once, then failing again after dealer replacement within thousands of miles.
When: Between 6,000 and 165,000 miles; often recurring at 10,000–30,000-mile intervals after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates (flashing or steady); Service ABS System message on instrument panel; Service Electronic Braking System message; Audible alarm/chime sounding continuously or intermittently; Brake pedal response diminished or spongy (especially under load or on grades); Loss of anti-lock braking capability; Loss of traction control functionality; Loss of electronic stability control; Cruise control becomes inoperative; 4WD fails to engage; Trailer brake system warnings or disconnection
Codes mentioned: C0020, C4B
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend HCU replacement (manufacturer part referenced as Chrysler/Mopar part 68143491AA and similar). As of complaint dates, parts are on nationwide backorder with no ETA. Some dealers have stated redesign underway (estimated completion July 2024 or later, per owner accounts). Owner-reported repair costs range from $800–$1,000+ when done at independent shops or out-of-warranty. Identical parts reported available for direct online purchase through MoparGenuineParts.com while dealer network cannot supply.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 24V-896 / 24V896000 issued for HCU failure (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). No remedy currently available; parts blocked from dealer ordering pending engineering investigation. Some owners report FCA/Stellantis approved rental vehicle compensation at $60/day (non-tow vehicle only) and processing reimbursement claims for out-of-pocket repairs, though follow-up and approval are slow. One owner reported FCA declined buyback option. Dealers have attempted temporary repairs in some cases but report these do not resolve the underlying issue.
ABS module / ABS control module failure
The ABS module or ABS control unit fails, often concurrently with or shortly after HCU failure. Some owners report the module failing independently and requiring replacement. One owner describes three ABS module replacements in under 50,000 miles.
When: Between 8,400 and 120,000 miles; often recurring within 5,000–15,000 miles of prior repair
Symptoms owners cite: Service ABS System warning message; ABS warning light flashing or steadily illuminated; Loss of ABS braking function; Brake pedal pulsation or abnormal feel when braking; Cruise control disabled; Traction control disabled; Electronic stability control disabled; 4WD fails to engage (sometimes); Intermittent operation (fails and then resumes)
Codes mentioned: C0020
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace ABS module or pump unit. Cost under warranty covered; out-of-warranty replacement typically several hundred dollars. One owner reports ABS was replaced three times with recurrence each time. Dealers acknowledge this is a known, recurring issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under NHTSA Recall 24V-896. Parts on backorder. Some owners report FCA reimbursement claims submitted; status unclear at complaint date.
Brake master cylinder bolt shear / structural failure
The brake master cylinder attachment bolt sheared, causing the cylinder to separate from the firewall and resulting in complete loss of all braking functions. This is a sudden, catastrophic failure with no prior warning signs.
When: At 95,000 miles; described as sudden failure while braking on dry road
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed with no response; Brake pedal goes to floor; Complete loss of all braking functions; Vehicle unable to stop and collided with obstacle
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement or repair of brake master cylinder and reassessment of mounting hardware. Not repaired at time of complaint. Independent mechanic initially evaluated damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA sent engineering analysis associate for inspection. Manufacturer issued letter stating they do not believe it is a manufacturing defect and provided no further information on cause or repair guidance to dealer.
Integrated brake controller failure / trailer brake system malfunction
The integrated brake controller (used to manage 5th wheel and trailer braking) fails to apply proper braking force to trailers regardless of adjustment, creating dangerous towing conditions. One owner reports the controller providing 'imperceptible braking' and nearly causing an intersection collision.
When: At approximately 45,000 miles; occurred during active towing
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brakes fail to engage or engage with insufficient force; Brake controller settings produce no effect on trailer braking; Vehicle experiences extended stopping distance when towing; Nearly causes collision due to lack of trailer braking; Factory unit replaced with aftermarket controller (which then worked correctly)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner disconnected factory integrated brake controller and installed aftermarket unit, which functioned correctly. Suggests fault is in factory controller electronics, not wiring or trailer. Factory controller not repaired/replaced at complaint date.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not stated. Owner notes existence of FCA STAR case #S1508000014 on this issue with no reported resolution.
Parking brake failure / loss of engagement
Parking brake pads wore completely without warning, and on final engagement, the parking brake locked up the vehicle in a parking lot. Owner reports no warning light on dashboard prior to failure, allowing pads to wear to failure over 2,000 miles.
When: At 2,000 miles; pads had been worn since purchase at 100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake locks up vehicle on engagement; No prior warning light or message; Loss of ability to release parking brake
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired at complaint date; owner requested dealer and manufacturer investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA and dealer declined to investigate. Manufacturer attributed failure to customer use error rather than defect.
Brake pad wear / premature rotor grinding
Front brake rotors grind and pads wear prematurely. One independent mechanic noted front driver's side brake grinding during routine brake service and attributed it to potential correlation with electronic braking system (HCU/ABS) failures that may cause unintended brake application or pulsation.
When: Noted during service for ABS/HCU issues; brake issue appears secondary or related to electronic braking system malfunction
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from front brakes; Brake pedal stutters on bumpy road surfaces despite depression; Vehicle fails to respond to braking as intended; Rotor damage at relatively low mileage
Repairs/costs cited: Calipers replaced, brake line bled, but grinding persisted. May be symptom of HCU/ABS module causing unintended brake pulsation or engagement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented.
Synthesized from 135 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. 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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…
Vehicle alarms indicating loss of anti-lock and traction control systems. Failure results in loss of both anti-lock braking and traction control safety functions Have twice had the ABS control module and Hydraulic Control unit replaced by Ram dealer. Failure returned for third time in July 2023, and have been waiting on same replacement parts since (manufacturer backorder). Vehicle has…
2017 Ram 3500 intermittently displayed service anti-lock brake system and service electronic braking system notifications on the dash display while parked and driving. A local dealer diagnosed the fault it as an ABS hydraulic controller/pump failure and stated the replacement part is on backorder with an unknown timeline for arrival. They have informed me that the truck may not perform braking…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the ABS sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred several times. On one occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the hydraulic…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder until January 2023. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made…
Brakes not functioning properly intermittently getting warning “Service electronic braking system” “Service ABS System”. The warning comes on then goes away. No consistency on when the message comes on and when it goes away.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The contact was able to use the gears and parking brake to slow the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the master cylinder, ABS control module, and hydraulic module needed to be replaced. The…
Braking ability is very diminished while driving, particularly dangerous while pulling a trailer or load in bed. Brake pads are good. Google search showed many complaints on this particular Brocken with these trucks. This one is doing the same thing. This has done this since purchased in October 2021.
The contact owns a 2017 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brakes activated, and the vehicle slid and crashed into a deer. The contact stated that the deer appeared instantly. The brake pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to stop, and the vehicle crashed into the deer. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The…
Had brakes trouble with your 2017 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 2017 RAM 3500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 135 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?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 24,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 48,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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/2017/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.