Service Electronic Brake System Warning. This warning started coming on sporadically. When the warning appears in my dash, I will lose abs function, traction control, and cruise control. This appears to be a common problem with this year Ram truck. The fix is an abs module, and or, a hcu module.
2018 ram 3500 electrical problems
moderate 122 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
122
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The Anti-Lock Brake & Electronic Braking System error caused the internal Trailer Brake system to shut off trailer brakes just like it shuts off the cruise control when warnings come up on the dashboard. The incident happened Aug 28, 2023 while following my son and my wife in a vehicle ahead of me. I had to change lanes to try to avoid something that suddenly came across in front of my vehicle. I …
Recall C4B with known issue and known remedy but “no parts available.” Contacted RAM and with no parts they have no solution. You can rent an auto out of pocket and possibly be reimbursed. No option for buyback or solution. Recall came out 12/5/2024.
Traction control and abs lights have been coming on randomly while driving over the past several years. Seems worse and more frequent in cold temperatures. Scanner reads code C0020. Cruise control suddenly shuts off when this happens causing a safety hazard especially to those traveling behind. Dash lights and constant chimes are very distracting while driving. No abs makes winter driving more da…
Right before 36000 miles the ABs and Traction control lights come on and off intermittently. I took the truck to my local dealer and was told 2 components needed to be replaced. They informed me it was not covered under warranty and they did not have the parts nor knew when they might get them in. This has been 4 or more months now and the lights stay on more often than they are off. I can’t use c…
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2018 ram 3500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 122 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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