Look — RAM's brake story is well-documented in the NHTSA file, and it ain't pretty. 1,667 complaints across 35 year-model entries from 2013 to 2025. Not a small number. 2018 RAM 3500 leads the list, but the same issue shows up across multiple years on the same platform. 6 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 409 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 62,839 miles. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
ProblemsByVin RAM / BRAKES
35 model-year entries · 2013–2025
RAM brakes problems
1,667 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against RAM vehicles for brakes issues. 5 active recall campaigns. See brakes across all makes →
Complaints
1,667
Recalls
5
Year-models
35
Avg fix
$450
57crashes
6fires
7injuries
Worst-affected RAM model-years for brakes Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2018 RAM 3500
448 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2017 RAM 2500
331 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2016 RAM 1500
151 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2017 RAM 3500
134 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2014 RAM 1500
100 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2015 RAM 1500
88 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2019 RAM 1500
62 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2017 RAM 1500
44 complaints · ~$450 severe
2021 RAM 1500
38 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 moderate
2013 RAM 1500
36 complaints · ~$450 severe
2018 RAM 1500
26 complaints · ~$450 severe
2025 RAM 1500
21 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2016 RAM 2500
21 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2018 RAM 5500
19 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2020 RAM 1500
17 complaints · ~$450 severe
2024 RAM 2500
12 complaints · ~$450 severe
2015 RAM 3500
12 complaints · ~$450 severe
2015 RAM 2500
10 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2014 RAM 2500
10 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2022 RAM 3500
8 complaints · ~$450 severe
2019 RAM 2500
8 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2016 RAM 3500
8 complaints · ~$450 severe
2021 RAM 2500
7 complaints · ~$450 severe
2020 RAM 2500
7 complaints · ~$450 severe
2015 RAM Promaster City
7 complaints · ~$450 moderate
Active recalls — RAM brakes 11 on file
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 Cab Chassis trucks
The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses and bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US' number for this recall is V98.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles
A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
Excellance, Inc (Excellance) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Excellance-modified RAM 4500/5500 vehicles to be equipped with CLASS Suspension Systems
A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Excellance will notify owners, and dealers will install a kit to remedy any damage and to prevent any future damage, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Excellance customer service at 1-800-882-9799.
Braun Northwest (Braun Northwest) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAM 4500/5500 vehicles equipped with Liquid Spring rear suspension systems
A worn rear brake line may leak fluid, resulting in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Braun Northwest will notify owners, and dealers will install a repair kit to each rear caliper and modify the rear brake caliper flexible line mounting. Any worn rear brake caliper flexible lines will be replaced as needed, free of charge. The recall began June 8, 2020. Owners may contact Braun Northwest customer service at 1-360-748-0195.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles
A brake hose rupture can cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZA5.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs
An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles
The loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions can increase the risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix: FCA US, LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals
If the brake pedal separates from the pedal assembly, the driver may be unable to brake the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the adjustable pedal assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 25, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V07.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks
If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U41.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks
A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is Y04.
Common questions
How many RAM brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,667 complaints across 35 model-year entries from 2013 to 2025. 5 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the RAM lineup.
Which RAM model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2018 RAM 3500 leads with 448 complaints in this category. Next: 2017 2500 (331) and 2016 1500 (151).
What does it cost to fix RAM brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the RAM lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there RAM brakes recalls?
Yes — 11 active recall campaigns cover brakes on RAM vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Tony Marino, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with RAM.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.