Antilock Brake (ABS) Light On. Intermittent Or Implausible Wheel Speed Sensor Signal Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 RAM 1500 brakes problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
4crashes
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.
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 failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe brake system failures across multiple distinct modes, many occurring within the first few thousand miles of ownership. The most severe reports involve complete loss of braking response at highway speeds (65–75 MPH), where brake pedal depression produces zero stopping power. Three separate owners were forced off roadways or into structures; two sustained collision damage. Subsequent incidents at low speed (5 MPH) into parking lots and buildings followed months later. Dealers have kept affected vehicles for extended periods, driven them 8 miles, and found no fault codes—unable to reproduce the failures on short test drives.
Parking brake failure is documented: vehicles roll while in Park on level ground with parking brake engaged, and manual brake application is required to hold them stationary. Automatic emergency braking misfires without any vehicle or object in the path, forcing sudden stops. One owner reports the system activated twice in a parking garage with no threats present.
ABS module failure is reported with loss of power steering, power brakes, and engine power simultaneously. The required replacement part (68728132AA) is backordered across multiple dealers, with manufacturer stating it remains under review. Brake pedal travel issues, howling noises from rear brakes when backing, and unwanted brakes engaging while driving are also reported.
Dealer response is inconsistent—some refuse to service due to safety concerns. Manufacturer support is minimal, with one report indicating RAM factory tech ordered dealers not to touch the vehicle.
Same RAM 1500 brakes reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Complete brake failure — no pedal response
Brake pedal depressed with zero stopping power; vehicle does not slow down even under hard braking. Occurs at various speeds (5 MPH to 75 MPH). Multiple owners report repeated incidents over months. Dealer diagnostics often find no codes and cannot reproduce the failure on short test drives.
When: As early as 500 miles; recurs over time at 3,200–24,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: No deceleration when brake pedal pressed; Complete loss of braking force; Brake pedal travels to floor with no response; Multiple failures over months of ownership; Parking brake sometimes required to stop vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose; no fault codes retrieved. One dealer kept vehicle one week, drove 8 miles, found nothing. Multiple owners report dealership refusal to service due to safety concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM customer care offers no solution; refers owners back to dealers. One report indicates RAM factory tech ordered dealers not to work on vehicle. No recalls or service bulletins cited for this specific failure.
ABS module failure
ABS control module or HCU (Hydraulic Control Unit) fails, causing loss of ABS function, power steering, and power brakes simultaneously. Part 68728132AA reported backordered with no availability at multiple dealers. Manufacturer states under review with years-long delays for affected owners.
When: Reported at 24,000 miles and 132,000 miles; one report at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminate on dash; Loss of power steering; Engine shutdown or loss of power; Loss of power brakes; ABS and service electronic brake system warning lights; 'Brake Inactive' warning message displayed; 'Parking brake temporarily unavailable' warning light
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement required. Part 68728132AA backordered. One owner prepaid for part that is unavailable. Unknown brake part and brake fluid added in one case; failure persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Referred to dealer. No parts available; listed as under review by FCA.
Parking brake failure — vehicle rolls when in Park
Vehicle rolls backward or forward despite being in Park and parking brake engaged. Occurs on level ground and driveways. During dealer test drive, vehicle rolled in both forward and reverse with parking brake engaged and transmission in gear.
When: Early in ownership (reported at 500–1,000 miles equivalent timeline)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls downhill when parked on driveway; Vehicle continues to roll even when foot brake held; Vehicle rolls forward/backward on level ground when in Park with parking brake engaged; Manual brake application required to keep vehicle stationary
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer was able to reproduce issue during test drive but no repair outcome stated in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported.
Automatic emergency braking — inadvertent activation
Forward collision warning system and automatic emergency braking activate without a vehicle or object in the path. Occurs in parking garages, under bridges, and on open roads, forcing sudden braking with no threat present.
When: Early in ownership (100–500 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: AEB system activates with no vehicle or object nearby; Vehicle stops suddenly without warning; Blind spot monitoring fails intermittently; Backup camera inoperable in reverse; Auto parking feature does not function
Repairs/costs cited: Infotainment center replaced and software updated at dealer; failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no additional response recorded.
Excessive brake pedal travel on first application
Brake pedal travels excessively on initial brake application before reaching firm resistance. Subsequent applications bring pedal to normal height and braking is firm. Occurs both when parked and in motion. Owner describes it like old drum brakes needing adjustment despite modern disc brakes.
When: Not specified; complaint suggests intermittent or recurring behavior
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal spongy/excessive travel on first application; Poor braking performance on first application; Pedal firms up on second or third application; 1–2 inch difference in pedal height between first and subsequent applications
Brake noise — howling/growling in reverse
Rear brakes produce loud howling or growling noise when applied in reverse, especially after vehicle sits overnight. Occurs once daily. Owner cites Service Bulletin 05-001-19 and reports multiple online complaints of same issue on 5th gen Dodge Ram 1500.
When: After overnight sit; reported at 5,600 miles of ownership after one month
Symptoms owners cite: Howling or growling sound when rear brakes applied; Noise louder when brakes not compressed; Noise quieter when brakes compressed; Occurs in cold weather after extended sit; Recurs daily
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 05-001-19 referenced by owner.
Traction control engagement and limp mode during towing
Traction control engages unexpectedly while towing a trailer, forcing vehicle into limp mode. Traction control and engine warning lights illuminate. Vehicle loses normal operation while on roadway.
When: 2,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control engages without cause; Vehicle enters limp mode; Traction control warning light illuminated; Engine warning light illuminated; Loss of normal power delivery while towing
Repairs/costs cited: Brake control was previously replaced. Two local dealers unable to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to dealer and NHTSA Hotline.
Brakes activate independently while driving
Brakes engage on their own without driver input while vehicle is in Drive or Reverse. Multiple occurrences. Dealer updated software but failure recurred.
When: 500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes activate independently; No warning before activation; Occurs in both Drive and Reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Software updated at dealer; failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no additional assistance.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2020 RAM 1500?
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 2020 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 3,100 and 11,850 miles, with the median around 8,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,100; a quarter make it past 11,850. 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/2020/RAM/1500.
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.