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severe Owners of the 2019 RAM 1500 have filed 65 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 1500 | 90 |
| 2016 1500 | 161 |
| 2017 1500 | 47 |
| 2018 1500 | 26 |
| 2019 1500 (this page) | 65 |
| 2020 1500 | 17 |
| 2021 1500 | 39 |
Of the 65 brakes complaints filed for the 2019 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
If the brake pedal separates from the pedal assembly, the driver may be unable to brake the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
Antilock Brake (ABS) Light On. Intermittent Or Implausible Wheel Speed Sensor Signal Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C0050-00-Brake System Hydraulic Leak Set After Recent Repair.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ESC Light Illuminated. DTC C1252-92 VACUUM PUMP CONTROL CIRCUIT And Or P258B ELECTRONIC VACUUM PUMP PERFORMANCE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MODULE - ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MODULE - ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2019 Ram 1500 braking system shows multiple distinct failure patterns across these 62 complaints. The most widespread issue is ABS module failure, often triggered by or occurring after the recall 24V-653 software update. Owners report the modules are on national backorder with dealerships unable to source parts for months or longer. One dealership reported over 100 customers waiting and receiving only two replacement modules per month from the manufacturer.
Brake pedal separation affects some vehicles, with the adjustable pedal assembly allowing over-travel that causes complete pedal loss. Owners also describe sudden acceleration while the brake pedal is fully depressed, causing collisions at low speeds. Brake fade occurs at various mileages, with some owners reporting longer stopping distances as heat builds during extended driving.
Caliper seizure events include one rental vehicle catching fire due to extreme heat from a seized rear caliper. Owners cite rusted brake dust shields tangling in the braking system and damaging wheel speed sensors. Rear brakes jerk violently when reversing as early as 2,000 miles. Brake noise and premature wear appear in multiple narratives, with some pads wearing out within 2,000 miles of installation and excessive dust accumulating on wheels.
Electronic Stability Control and traction control failures leave the vehicle without stability intervention during emergency braking, particularly problematic in wet or snowy conditions. Park brake issues include automatic engagement after software updates that won't release.
Same RAM 1500 brakes reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
The ABS control module exhibits widespread failures, often triggered or exacerbated by software updates related to recall 24V-653. Owners report ABS warning lights, loss of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control malfunction. In many cases, the module itself fails after the recall software update is applied, requiring replacement. Multiple owners describe dealerships indicating the ABS modules are on national backorder, with one dealership reporting over 100 customers on a waiting list receiving only two parts per month.
When: Failures occur after software update application for recall 24V-653; some reported as early as immediately after recall service or within days; others at various mileage points up to 187,555 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Service Antilock Brake System message displayed; Electronic Stability Control disabled or inoperative; Traction control not functioning; Service Park Brake light illuminated; Service electrical brake system message; Vehicle stalls or fails to start after brake pedal recognition failure; Intermittent ABS disabling; Multiple warning lights simultaneously (ABS, ESC, traction control, park brake)
Codes mentioned: ABS module failed, ESC system disabled, Traction control failure, Brake system fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement required; multiple owners report modules are unavailable nationwide, on backorder with no estimated delivery date. One owner replaced module twice within 7 weeks at dealership with no resolution. Another purchased used module due to dealership inability to source new part. Dealership diagnostic fees of approximately $1,200 declined by owner in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V-653 (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000) issued for Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control. Recall involves ABS control module software update. Stellantis stated in one case that recall is closed and declined intervention in post-recall problems. Dealerships report parts under engineer review and unavailable. One owner indicated Ram customer service stated modules unavailable because currently under review by engineers.
The brake pedal assembly separates from the adjustable pedal assembly, rendering brakes inoperable. In one incident, the entire brake pedal and arm fell to the vehicle floor while driving. Related recall 19V067000 addressed this issue but only for the classic model; owners report the new body style also exhibits this failure. One owner's pedal separated during the recall repair itself.
When: As early as 2,000 miles; one instance at 6,000 miles during recall repair service; unreported mileage in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal completely separated from pedal assembly; Brake pedal fell to floor; Complete loss of brake pedal function; Vehicle unable to stop via service brakes
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 19V067000 (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V067000) repair required. Parts were unavailable at dealerships nearly three weeks after recall issuance. One dealership had over 100 consumers on waiting list receiving only two parts per month. Complete braking system replacement performed in one case. One owner reported pedal separated again during recall repair attempt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V067000 issued for Service Brakes, Hydraulic covering adjustable brake pedal assembly separation. Recall repair parts extremely limited in availability with dealerships reporting multi-month delays.
Owners report brakes failing to stop the vehicle promptly, with increased stopping distance and reduced braking effectiveness. In one case, brakes felt like they were sliding rather than stopping. Another owner reported brakes take significantly longer to engage by end of day during heat conditions, suggesting overheating. Emergency braking events show delayed response or complete failure to respond.
When: Incidents reported at various speeds from 10 MPH to 70 MPH; fade appears to worsen with extended driving in heat
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal pressed but vehicle failed to stop immediately; Brakes felt like sliding rather than stopping; Delayed brake response; Longer stopping distance required; Increased stopping distance as vehicle heats up during extended driving; Brake pedal soft or traveled to floorboard; Brake emergency response failure; Reduced braking effectiveness in wet conditions
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in most cases. One owner involved in accident resulting from brake fade. Owner mentions brake overheating suspected. No specific parts or costs cited for brake fade cases.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system becomes inoperative or disabled during driving, eliminating vehicle stability intervention during emergency braking or maneuvering. Owners report loss of traction control effectiveness, particularly in wet or snowy conditions. In one accident, the ESC did not intervene as expected during hard braking, contributing to a crash.
When: Failures reported at various mileages and speeds; some linked to recall 24V-653 software update; one instance at 70,000 miles; another at high speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic Stability Control disabled or inoperative; Traction control not functioning; Vehicle fishtailing when braking; Vehicle skidding without traction control intervention; Traction control light illuminated and blinking; Loss of ESC intervention during emergency braking; 4WD not available message displayed
Codes mentioned: ESC system disabled, Traction control failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in most narratives. One owner involved in collision due to ESC failure. One dealership replaced software as part of recall 24V-653 but failure persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V-653 (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000) addresses ESC system being disabled under certain conditions. Remedy is ABS control module software update. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requires ESC operational during all driving phases including braking.
Engine accelerates independently while brake pedal is fully depressed, causing uncontrolled vehicle movement. In one case, the truck pushed a minivan several feet despite brake application. In another, vehicle accelerated into a grocery store window at low speed. Multiple owners describe engine accelerating on its own rather than decelerating when brakes applied.
When: Incidents at low speeds (under 5 MPH to 5 MPH); one at parking lot speeds; timing varies from initial occurrence to intermittent events
Symptoms owners cite: Engine accelerates while brake pedal depressed; Vehicle continues moving despite full brake application; Uncontrolled acceleration bursts; Vehicle hits another vehicle or object due to acceleration; Traction control light illuminated after incident; Park assist light illuminated after incident
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives. Incidents resulted in property damage to vehicles and structures.
Brake calipers seize or lock unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to lose braking control or skid uncontrollably. One rental vehicle caught fire due to seized caliper generating extreme heat beneath fuel tank. Another owner's brake locked on left rear wheel causing uncontrolled slide. Brake dust shields rotted and tangled in braking system, damaging wheel speed sensors and triggering ABS failures.
When: Fire incident at 8 hours into rental (May 31, 2019); locked brake incident at 42,000 miles with 5-year-old vehicle; various speeds reported
Symptoms owners cite: Brake caliper seized; Wheels locked up; Smoke from wheel area; Flames near tire area; Vehicle skidding uncontrollably; Brake would not immediately release; Clunking sound as brake released; Service stability light illuminated; Service 4WD light illuminated; Service electric parking brake light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Seized caliper
Repairs/costs cited: Fire incident: vehicle total loss. Locked wheel incident: Dealer replaced both rear brake dust shields and wheel speed sensor at cost of $680 (non-warranty repair). Dust shield corrosion described as common problem by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Insurers and manufacturers investigated fire incident; findings indicated seized caliper as cause. No manufacturer response documented. Dealership acknowledged dust shield rot as common issue.
Rear brakes fail or behave erratically, causing vehicle to jerk or lurch violently when reversing or during normal operation. One owner reported rear brakes failed when reversing at 2,000 miles, causing violent jerking. Another experienced rear brake jerking in reverse at low speed.
When: As early as 2,000 miles in reverse; also at very low speeds during normal backing
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brakes failed when reversing; Violent jerking when reversing; Rear brake jerking during backing; Brake pedal soft or unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to locate failure code in one case but test drove and recreated jerking, stating it was normal. No repairs completed. No costs documented.
Brake systems produce abnormal squeaking, squealing, or high-pitched sounds. Brake pads wear prematurely, sometimes within 2,000 miles of installation. Excessive brake dust accumulates on wheels. Brake pads melt onto calipers due to extreme heat. Issue occurs primarily in wet conditions and when reversing.
When: Squealing reported at 3,000 miles; brake pad wear failure within 2,000 miles of installation; excessive dust at 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking noise when brake pedal depressed; Squealing noise from brakes; High-pitched brake wear sound; Excessive brake dust accumulation; Abnormal amount of brake dust on wheel; Brake pads melted onto caliper piston; Excessive brake heat; Abnormal resistance while driving; Noise occurs primarily in reverse and wet conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced front brake pads at dealership; pads wore down in 4,000 miles. Dealership replaced pads, calipers, and rotors; same squealing recurred 4,000 miles later. Owner found inadequate lubrication on caliper slides and discovered components not actually replaced as claimed by dealership. New brake pads installed; rotor filed in another case. Abnormal brake dust case not repaired.
The electric park brake fails to function properly. The Service Park Brake light illuminates unexpectedly or the brake engages automatically and fails to release. In one case, after recall software update, the manual brake automatically engaged after vehicle start and refused to release, preventing gear shifter from moving to park.
When: After battery replacement in one case; days after recall 24V-653 software update in another; early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Service Park Brake light illuminated; Manual brake automatically engaged after engine start; Brake failed to release; Difficult to move gear shifter to park; Multiple vehicle restarts required to release brake; TPMS warning light illuminated simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Park brake system fault
Repairs/costs cited: Owner restarted vehicle multiple times before brake released. ABS module replacement required but replaced twice; light remained illuminated. Vehicle remained at dealership 7 weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to recall 24V-653 software update per owner. Manufacturer not informed of post-update failures.
The adjustable brake pedal assembly allows brake pedal over-travel, potentially causing separation. Additionally, forward collision avoidance system does not prevent vehicle movement when driver opens door and vehicle is in Drive. Brake pedal may not be recognized by vehicle electronics, preventing engine start function.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; one instance at door opening; another affecting vehicle start recognition
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal over-travel during adjustment; Vehicle moves when door opened and vehicle in Drive; Vehicle does not recognize brake pedal depression for start inhibit; Vehicle fails to start because brake pedal not recognized; Brake pedal design allows separation
Repairs/costs cited: Door-opening incident caused $550 front bumper damage. Vehicle should have sensors to apply brakes when door opened; system works in Reverse only. One owner purchased used ABS module due to inability to source new parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V067000 (Adjustable Brake Pedal Assembly) issued but described as only for classic model; new body style not included. Dealership indicated design flaw recognized but no active recall for new body style.
After recall 24V-653 software update is applied, multiple new issues emerge including ABS module failures, park brake seizure, transmission shifting problems, and various warning lights. Some owners report the recall repair introduced more problems than it resolved. Incomplete recall repairs leave vehicles with warning lights still active and safety systems inoperative.
When: Immediately to days after recall software update application; some issues persist weeks later
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights illuminate after update; ABS module failure after software update; Park brake seizure after software update; Park brake automatically engages and won't release; Transmission downshift unexpectedly after update; Transmission fails to shift to intended gear; Vehicle hesitates to respond from complete stop; Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle fails to start after brake pedal not recognized; Brake pedal abnormal sound; Wiring harness issues detected post-update
Codes mentioned: ABS module failure, Powertrain fault, ESC disabled
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostic for wiring harness issue quoted at approximately $1,200, which owner declined. Multiple visits to dealership with no resolution. One vehicle remained at dealership for 7 weeks with multiple ABS module replacements. Parts not available for completing recall repair in multiple cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V-653 issued with remedy being ABS control module software update. Manufacturer (Stellantis) states recall closed and declines to intervene in post-update issues, characterizing as customer-dealership dispute. Multiple owners indicate manufacturer provided no assistance despite parts unavailability.
Synthesized from 65 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the forward collision automatic braking activated. The contact stated the ABS and forward collision warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of warwick (185 ny-94, warwick, ny 10990 (845) 986-2021) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The…
It's a meaningful issue. 65 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 3,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.