While driving the ABS and traction control warning flashes and dings with every small bump that is hit. Confirmed HCU unit by stans garage in Duncanville tx
2018 RAM 3500 brakes problems
moderate 452 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
452
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
6crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 452 brakes complaints filed for the 2018 RAM 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 11 model years of RAM 3500 we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 452.
Brakes accounts for 59% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2018 RAM 3500 has a well-documented hydraulic brake control unit (HCU) and ABS module defect that disables anti-lock brakes, traction control, and cruise control—sometimes with dangerous loss of braking function. With 445 complaints and a 2024 recall still lacking available parts, buyers should expect extended downtime, thousands in repair costs, and repeated failures even after replacement.
The 2018 RAM 3500 exhibits persistent failure of the hydraulic control unit (HCU) and ABS module, triggering warning lights, audible chimes, and disabling anti-lock brakes and traction control. Owners report this starting as early as 18,000 miles and recurring every 25,000–50,000 miles in some cases. One truck required HCU/ABS module replacement four times before 30,000 miles.
The core problem: dealers and parts suppliers cannot obtain replacement HCU or ABS modules. Mopar.com and dealer inventory show nationwide backorder with no confirmed availability. Owners have waited 3–8+ months without repair dates. One dealer explicitly stated the manufacturer halted new parts production pending internal investigation.
When braking fails catastrophically, owners report brake pedal going to the floorboard, rear-wheel lockup on wet roads, and in one case, complete hydraulic brake seizure while towing. One truck's brakes locked so tight the owner had to engage low-gear to separate it from a 20,000-pound trailer.
Even replaced parts fail identically within months. The newer-revision HCU (part 68143491-AB) reportedly fails as often as the original. Owners who self-repair or repair outside the official recall window are systematically denied reimbursement despite submitting proof of purchase and work documentation. RAM's recall (NHTSA 24V-896000, issued January 2024) remains "incomplete, remedy not yet available" as of February 2025.
Dealers advise not driving vehicles with active ABS faults but refuse to sell parts to independent shops. The combination of safety risk, unavailable parts, repeated defects, and denied claims leaves owners stranded with vehicles they cannot trade, sell, or safely operate.
Same RAM 3500 brakes reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) failure
The HCU fails intermittently or completely, triggering Service ABS warnings and disabling ABS functionality. Owners report repeated failures of the same component at relatively low mileages.
When: Multiple reports starting as early as 18,000–25,000 miles; some repeated failures at 30,000–50,000 mile intervals; others at 60,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service ABS warning light and chime; Service Electronic Braking System warning; Intermittent or persistent ABS and traction control lights; Loss of ABS function; Cruise control disablement; Traction control failure
Codes mentioned: C0020, C0020-01
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement HCU required; dealers and online retailers report nationwide backorder. Replacement part numbers: 68143491-AA (original), 68143491-AB (newer revision). Repair costs $750–$2,000 when available. Multiple owners report the newer -AB part also fails.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA 24V-896000 (Manufacturer Recall C4B) issued for 2017–2018 Ram trucks; remedy parts remain unavailable for extended periods. RAM reimbursement program denies claims if work was self-performed or if original receipt is unavailable. TSB (FCA STAR case S2005000004) documents diagnostic procedure to replace HCU first, then ABS module if fault persists.
ABS Module (control module/ECU) failure
The ABS control module fails either as a root cause or secondary to HCU failure. Some vehicles require replacement of both the HCU and ABS module to clear the fault.
When: Failures reported concurrent with or shortly after HCU failure; some as early as 4,000 miles, others at 20,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service ABS warning light; Service Electronic Braking System warning; Intermittent disabling of ABS and traction control; Cruise control disablement; Audible chime or alarm; No codes read on first diagnostic but fault returns on subsequent drives
Codes mentioned: C0020, C0020-01
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement ABS module/ECU required; availability equally constrained as HCU. Dealers state part requires dealer authorization for sale. Installation required; diagnostic cost runs $100–$200 before approval. Some dealers report difficulty sourcing the module nationwide.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA TSB (STAR case S2005000004, revised to Revision C) advises: replace HCU first, test-drive, and only replace ECU if C0020-01 fault persists. Recall 24V-896000 covers both parts; however, remedy parts unavailable as of latest complaints.
Brake system loss of function (complete or partial)
In some cases, owners report inability to stop the vehicle or severely reduced braking capacity. One owner reports the hydraulic brakes locked up entirely while towing; another reports brake pedal went to the floorboard before stopping.
When: Reported at various mileages including 27,200, 67,000, 191,000, and 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to the floorboard; Brakes fail to engage when depressed; Reduced braking capacity; Rear wheels lock up during braking; Front brakes overheat and seize; Service ABS and Service Electronic Braking System warnings; Loss of traction control
Codes mentioned: C0020, C0020-01
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports front rotors, calipers, and brake lines damaged from overheating due to seized brakes; repaired but failure recurred. Another report documents brake lockup while towing 20,000-pound trailer; brakes had to be overcome manually to separate trailer. Replacement of HCU and/or ABS module required; parts unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V-896000 issued; remedy parts unavailable. Dealerships advise not driving vehicle until repair available. One dealer informed owner brakes had seized due to HCU failure per recall scope but parts not in stock.
Parts availability and supply-chain failure
Owners cannot obtain replacement HCU and ABS modules from dealers, Mopar.com, or online retailers. Parts are repeatedly backordered with no firm delivery dates. One owner reports Mopar.com cancelled his order after requesting his VIN; another states dealer said new parts were halted pending internal investigation.
When: Ongoing from at least April 2023 through the time of latest complaints (February 2025)
Symptoms owners cite: Dealers state parts unavailable until future months (August, February, June with no confirmed dates); Multiple dealers and independent shops unable to locate parts; Mopar.com orders cancelled without explanation; Parts pulled from dealer inventory back to manufacturer; Nationwide shortage acknowledged by dealers and parts managers
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report waiting 3–8+ months for parts. One owner purchased used module online for $1,650 as a workaround. Another owner located a part via eBay from a RAM dealer and self-installed. Some dealers explicitly state parts will not be available for months or had manufacturing halted pending investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM/FCA acknowledged parts shortage and stated new, more reliable versions being built but not expected for 4–6+ months. One dealer advised owner to wait until February 2024 while engineers worked on a fix. Recall 24V-896000 issued but remedy parts unavailable; recall status listed as 'Incomplete, remedy not yet available.'
Repeated failures of replacement HCU/ABS modules
Even after replacement, owners report the same fault code and symptoms recurring within months or after a few thousand miles.
When: First replacement at 5,374 miles, second at 13,136 miles, third at 20,607 miles, fourth at 29,769 miles (example from one truck). Another owner replaced HCU twice within 1 year; third failure imminent. Parts fail after 25,000–30,000 mile intervals in some cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Service ABS warning light returns; Service Electronic Braking System warning returns; ABS and traction control disabled again; Same fault codes (C0020, C0020-01) re-appear
Codes mentioned: C0020, C0020-01
Repairs/costs cited: One owner documents four replacements of HCU/ABS module over roughly 24,000 miles and 5 years. Replacement -AB part (newer revision) reported to fail as often as the original -AA part. Dealers unable to explain why replacement part fails similarly. Warranty on repairs limited to 10,000 miles per dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No remedy offered. Dealers advise to 'let the part fail' and continue driving. Manufacturer denies reimbursement claims. One dealer informed owner there is no guarantee the replacement part will fix the vehicle because it is the same part number.
Recall reimbursement denials
Owners who proactively repair the HCU before or outside the recall window, or who self-perform repairs, are denied reimbursement by RAM customer care despite submitting proof of purchase and repair documentation.
When: Reimbursement requests made after recall issued (January 2024 and later)
Symptoms owners cite: RAM denies reimbursement citing 'no installation cited' or missing original receipt; Owners provide credit card statements, photos of old and new parts, proof of purchase; RAM customer care cites lack of 'installation' despite owner indicating self-performed work; Second appeal denied without recorded notes
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid for and self-installed HCU, provided proof of purchase from dealer, credit card statement, and offered photographs; still denied. Another owner purchased used module on eBay for $1,650 and self-installed; denied reimbursement. Third owner paid $930 for repair in October 2022 (pre-recall) and again $957 for second failure in April 2025; recall center refuses reimbursement claiming repair was not performed on date listed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V-896000 issued with reimbursement program; however, RAM customer care denies claims for self-performed work or those lacking 'installation citation' or original dealer receipt. Owners who receive denial letters report appeals are ignored and communication channels are closed. One customer care email states: 'There is no installation cited and it is not eligible for reimbursement.'
Synthesized from 452 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated, and the cruise control mode was inoperable. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brakes made an abnormal rumbling sound as if the brakes were applied at an abnormally faster rate. The contact stated that the traction control had failed intermittently, causing the tires to spin…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer…
The HCU failed twice under warranty illuminating the ABS and TRAC lights disabling ABS functions (obviously fixed by a dealership). This is a safety hazard trying to stop a RAM 3500 without ABS, this in poor weather is beyond UNSAFE. Now, it has failed again not under warranty, same issue, same part. That is four units that have failed in my truck with only 27,000 miles in five years. The…
Abs light/ warning goes off and on continuously. Brought truck in to repair and was told that they aren’t making the parts to repair this known issue on many vehicles. Was told parts available In February which has now been changed to April. This is not acceptable. Along with being very annoying with warning light flashing off and on. It’s also unsafe. As the ABS and traction control are affected…
Brake module failure. 1 Looking on the internet this seems to be a known problem with this model. The warning lights go off and on continuously. Dealership has been no help at all. The vehicle is inoperable.. 2 Vehicle only has 49,000 miles and all of the failures seem to happen after the 36,000 mile warranty has expired 3 Vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and brake module failure…
ABS and Traction Control lights on, beeping, Check Engine Light On, Codes U1408-00, C0020-01, C0044-28, P203F. Messages -Service Electronic Braking System, Service ABS Braking System, Service Trailer Brake System. My Safety As Well As My Passengers Safety is At Risk Because Apparently My Brakes Dont Work Properly.
Part: 68143491AB The abs, traction control, hydraulic fails. The part begain to fail around Dec of 2022. Progressively has gotten worse. Ram dealership cannot fix or replace. Warning light and chime is off and on roughly 10 times a minute. Pressing on brakes off and on will randomly fix and reproduce the problem.
The contact owns a 2018 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 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 ABS warning light…
Had brakes trouble with your 2018 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 2018 RAM 3500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 452 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 116 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 29,500 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,500; 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/2018/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.