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Ram 2500 brake failure problems

100 of the 5,167 owner complaints about the Ram 2500 describe brake failure, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
100
worst model year
2018
typical repair cost reported
$1,862
typical mileage
44,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2025
    1
  • 2024
    5
  • 2023
    2
  • 2022
    2
  • 2021
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    58
  • 2017
    20
  • 2016
    4
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    4
  • 2013
    1

What owners say

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · TN · crash

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to properly respond and the braking distance became extended, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of the vehicle ahead. Additionally, the brake pedal was fully depressed and went to the floorboard, but the brakes failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. A Police report was filed. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); and associated the failure with the recall. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Brakes · 111,214 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the ABS, Electronic Braking, and Traction Control alarms sounded, and the warning lights were displayed. The failure was intermittent. While driving approximately 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes activated and then suddenly released, and the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact pulled off the road onto a nearby field of grass and came to a complete stop. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact spoke with another dealer, Sharp Motor Company Inc (1516 W College St, Pulaski, TN 38478), and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 111,214.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Brakes · GA

While driving, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete, and catastrophic loss of braking power due to a total failure of the brake fluid line. The vehicle had to be immediately pulled off the road to avoid a serious collision.The vehicle was transported to a certified Ram dealership service center (Southern Motors CDJR in Savannah, GA). Upon inspection, the certified factory technician discovered and documented a severe manufacturing assembly defect: the primary brake fluid line was routed incorrectly at the factory. Due to this improper routing, the line was resting in direct, constant physical contact with the hot exhaust pipe. Over time, the extreme heat from the exhaust melted completely through the brake line and the protective heat sleeve, causing an immediate drop in hydraulic pressure and total brake system failure.This is a critical manufacturing assembly error that poses an imminent life-safety risk and fire hazard to myself and other drivers of this model year. If this incorrect routing is widespread on the assembly line, it will lead to sudden brake failures at highway speeds. I am requesting a formal safety investigation into the factory routing of the brake lines relative to the exhaust system on the 2024 Ram 2500.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Brakes · 126,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and cruise control warning lights illuminated. On one occasion, while approaching a traffic light and attempting to brake, a total brake failure occurred, causing the vehicle to travel through the intersection. The failure was not preceded by a warning light; however, the ABS and cruise control warning lights had previously illuminated on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer, where the ABS module was replaced. The contact later received notification for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Brakes · 15,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2024 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact had to pump the brake pedal several times to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change, and the contact informed the dealer of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Brakes · IN

My 2018 2500 Ram trucks ABS warning light "ABS system needs maintenance" is activating intermittently. I took the truck for maintenance and was told that there is a recall on the defective part (Recall C4B) since end of 2024, with the only remedy being to replace this defective part failure with the same defective part, installed at my cost of between $1200 to $2500. Twenty months into this recall, I have 4 alternatives: 1. Pay to have a defective part installed which will eventually fail again. 2. Drive the truck taking a chance that the recalled part or newly installed recalled part will not fail, OR crash because the part has a complete failure (without notice) and have no brakes when needed to stop my vehicle. 3. Park my truck and not drive it. 4. Spend tens of thousands of dollars by either trading it in or selling it and purchasing a vehicle which is safe to drive. All of the above choices except #2 create a financial hardship in one way or another and choice #2 could be life ending for me and whomever I hit when I have no brakes without notice. Please help me understand how this dangerous and potentially life-threatening recall has not been escalated by the federal safety agency to FCA as a high-priority emergency in the last 20 months to get a timely remedy from FCA and to start repairing this dangerous situation. This is America, we are better than this. FCA needs to be held accountable by the federal safety agency to protect the consumer from these non-compliant manufacturers. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Brakes · PA

In January of 2025 I received a letter for a recall with no remedy for the Hydrualic Brake Control Unit that is susceptible to failure or malfunction which may result in a reduction or change of Anti-Lock Brake System ("ABS")/Electronic Stability Control ("ESC") /Traction Control performance. A failing HCU will initially result in the intermittent loss of ABS/Traction control progressing to permanent loss. I have reached out to FCA numerous times over the last year and a half with no information received. I have reached out to the local RAM dealer, they stated they have a repair for the vehicle but I would not be able to claim it under the recall as there is no remedy. I am told by FCA that brake failure is possible putting my safety and my family's safety at risk. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than myself. While operating vehicle, warning lamps will illuminate an audible sound will alarm, and then the system will clear. This will happen numerous times over and over and over while driving. These symptoms began February of 2025.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the trailer wiring pigtail produced only 9 to 10 volts to the trailer lights and brake system. Even when the brake pedal was depressed, the voltage output was insufficient. While towing a trailer, the trailer brakes failed to operate adequately. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who stated that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified, and a claim was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed May 1, 2026 · Brakes · KY

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2018 Ram 2500 equipped with a Cummins 6.7 diesel engine. The vehicle is experiencing dangerous and intermittent brake failure. Symptoms include: * Brake pedal dropping to the floor during sudden braking * Temporary improvement when pumping the brakes * Vehicle pulling to one side under braking This condition creates a high risk of collision and makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. I have confirmed with the dealership that this issue is associated with an active safety recall involving the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). However, I have been informed that there is currently no available remedy and no timeline for repair. As a result: * The vehicle is unsafe and effectively unusable * I am without safe transportation * The manufacturer has not provided a solution I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this situation, as it appears vehicles with this recall are remaining on the road without a fix for a critical safety system. Given the nature of brake system failure, I believe this issue presents a serious risk to public safety and warrants immediate attention.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Brakes · NC

We have been on a waiting list for a recall repair for over a year related to the antilock braking system. This is a safety issue and it is unacceptable to not be repaired as the issue can cause brake failure which can result is collisions which may cause injury and or fatalities.

Related recalls

Service brakesReported August 18, 2025 · 2,885 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2500, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk
An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 9, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 79C.

Recall number 25V530000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported November 27, 2024 · 317,630 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
Risk
A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.

Recall number 24V896000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/moduleReported June 6, 2024 · 211,581 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Durango and Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the ABS control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 55B.

Recall number 24V415000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported August 29, 2019 · 5,495 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 Cab Chassis trucks. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with an incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.
Risk
The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 19V635000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ram 2500 brake failure

Which Ram 2500 years have brake failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (58 complaints), 2017 (20 complaints) and 2024 (5 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix brake failure on the Ram 2500?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,862 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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