"Antilock brake system Attention: Please return removed ABS modules ASAP to the supplier. Components are needed by Engineering and Production due to limited availability. To avoid being charged the full replacement value, return within 60 days 68295359AD 68347098AC 68232683AG 68347099AC"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 RAM 5500 brakes problems
moderate 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
When does it fail?
Of the 19 brakes complaints filed for the 2018 RAM 5500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 54% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CEL (Check Engine Lamp) Illuminates, Recent PCM Replace or Flash Update Performed, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P057B Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Performance, P1572 Brake Pedal Stuck, C0042-54 Brake Pedal Missing Calibration
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PadKit- Front Disc Brake
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PadKit- Front Disc Brake
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A/C Pressure Transducer A/C inoperative and diagnosis leads to pressure transducer. Call Steve Rice at cell (248) 867-0061 before replacing the pressure transducer. If no response in 15 minutes, please proceed with repair.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2018 Ram 5500 trucks describe a recurring ABS and brake control module failure pattern. The ABS warning light and traction control service message illuminate during normal driving, especially on uneven pavement or speed bumps. When this happens, cruise control stops working and some owners report continuous audible warning chimes—one driver documented 300+ pings during a 1,168-mile trip.
The core issue centers on the ABS module (part number 68347099AC) or the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) going bad. Dealers have replaced these parts, but replacements often fail again. One owner had the ABS module swapped twice in a year; the second replacement took two months to obtain. Another owner spent over $1,500 on repairs covering both the pump and module.
The bigger problem: parts are not available. Multiple owners received recall notice 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but dealers and Mopar corporate confirmed no parts exist for the 5500 series, with no ETA for when they will arrive. Owners report manufacturers exceeded reasonable timeframes for recall completion. One California owner's vehicle was refused registration due to the unresolved recall. Some owners also report brake hesitation and a firm pedal feel, plus trailer brake failure when the ABS system is flashing.
Failure modes owners describe
ABS/HCU module failure with warning lights and cruise control loss
ABS and traction control warning lights illuminate during normal driving, often on uneven pavement or speed bumps. Cruise control becomes inoperable when lights appear. Some owners report audible warning chimes or pinging sounds. System failures range from intermittent to persistent.
When: Between 11,870 and 103,000 miles; mostly in 60k–95k range
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illumination; Traction control warning light; Cruise control inoperative; Audible warning chime or pinging sound (up to 300 times reported on one 1,168-mile trip); Service electronic braking system warning; Service electronic throttle control light; Vehicle hesitation or failure to decelerate as intended
Codes mentioned: ABS module communication failure, Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced ABS module (part number 68347099AC reported); some replacements failed again. One owner reported over $1,500 in repairs for both pump and module replacement. Another owner had ABS module replaced twice within one year; second replacement took two months to source.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued; however, part availability critical issue—dealers and Mopar corporate confirmed parts unavailable for 5500 series across the country with no ETA provided. One owner reported manufacturer exceeded reasonable repair timeframe and confirmed no parts available. California refused vehicle registration due to unrepaired recall.
Brake hesitation and firm pedal feel under deceleration
Vehicle fails to decelerate smoothly when brake pedal is depressed. Pedal feels abnormally firm during braking attempts. Occurs during normal driving at various speeds. Intermittent nature makes diagnosis difficult.
When: Around 65,000–103,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels firm when depressed; Vehicle hesitates to respond when attempting to stop; Failure to decelerate as intended; ABS and traction control warning lights intermittently illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported ABS system was previously repaired but failure persisted. No successful repairs documented in complaints; parts unavailability prevented completion of recall repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V896000 recall issued but unresolved due to parts shortage. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for recall completion.
Intermittent ABS system failure affecting trailer brake function
ABS system lights flash intermittently, rendering ABS non-functional. Standard braking still works, but trailer brake system does not operate when ABS is flashing. Affects vehicle usability for commercial trailer towing.
When: Post-purchase condition; severity increases over ownership
Symptoms owners cite: ABS system lights flashing; Trailer brake system failure when ABS flashing; Cruise control disabled when system flashing; Standard braking operational
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed. One commercial owner reported loss of revenue and requested manufacturer buyback.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No support provided. Dealer informed owner that when lights are flashing, ABS will not work but standard braking will; however, parts remain unavailable to resolve the issue.
Synthesized from 19 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 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received a 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 while attempting to come to a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond while the brake pedal was depressed. The ABS and the Traction Control warning lights were…
Received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to repair the recall is not available. The manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Because the vehicle currently has this recall, the State of CA will not allow the vehicle to be registered and is now out of operation. In addition, this vehicle is used…
Twice in the past year I have experienced a loss of the ABS braking system. Warning messages appear to service the ABS braking system as well as a general braking system malfunction. This loss of ABS is intermittent. I have taken it to the dealer to have it fixed both times, and they have replace the hydraulic control unit and ABS module. Mechanic told me this is a very common problem with these…
Abs/Hcs module failed causing intermittent braking issues along with intermittent warning light. Had to replace both the pump and module to resolve the issue. Over $1500 in repair.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500 .The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, speed control, and engine brake became inoperable. There was an abnormal ding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes,…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and Traction Control Service warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the cruise control failed to operate once the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a defective ABS module. The contact was informed…
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. 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 while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to decelerate as intended and the brake pedal felt firm while being depressed. The contact stated that the ABS warning light…
The ABS module has failed. This has caused the service ABS light to come one, the service electronic braking system to come one, and the service electronic throttle control light to come on. The module according to Chrysler is part number 68347099AC which is unavailable at any dealer in the country. We have called many dealers and they have searched for the part to no avail. We have contact Mopar…
Had brakes trouble with your 2018 RAM 5500?
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 5500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 19 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 65,000 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 93,000. 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/5500.
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.