What 775 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 3500

Intermittent loss of anti-lock braking system and cruise control. code C0020-01 ABS pump failure. First occurred at approx. 47,900 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11618582

I started getting an intermittent error code on my truck with only 36k miles on it. the traction control, abs and cruise control wont work when the service electronic braking system code is present. I have done a lot of reading and this seems to be a very common issue with the 2017 and 2018 ram trucks. It is so common that I called my local dealer and the part is on back order for months. I am getting very close to taking a long road trip with a 20ft trailer, which is the reason I purchased this truck. Now I cant even get a replacement part, that is a known issue and I was quoted $1100 for it. Braking system seems to be a safety issue, why isn't ram doing something about this issue!

NHTSA ODI 11617241

On September 8, 2024, I started getting intermittent ABS and Traction Control light with “Service Electronic Braking System”. Code C0020. When the light is on I lose cruise control. There is no specific condition that will cause the light to come on; i.e. bumps in the road, a certain speed, or setting at idle. The first instance of the light coming on, I was turning around in a parking lot, less than 5 mph. This cannot be associated to normal wear and tear. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND MUST BE A RECALL!!!

NHTSA ODI 11616964

Intermittent chime and warning that anti lock brake needs servicing. Cruise control does not work when notice is displayed and chiming. warning comes and goes randomly After researching this problem it appears that this is a regular problem on this year ram truck I will report and take to the dealer if problem remains.

NHTSA ODI 11614729

We bought this truck from a dealer in March of 2023. We were never informed by the dealer that the truck had this issue. ABS light and traction control lights come on & stay on for periods of time. Sometimes lights come on & off repeatedly while driving along with chime on & off. When lights come on, there is no cruise control available to use. I took it to the dealer we purchased from over a year ago and was told there was no solution for the problem. They said it was under an engineering review. No parts were available for a fix. I have documentation from the previous owner that this was occurring when he owned it in April of 2022. Since we pull trailers with equipment and also a large fifth wheel camper, we feel very unsafe when the ABS braking system and the traction control goes out while driving this vehicle. It is available for inspection upon request. When will there be a repair for this?

NHTSA ODI 11609621

A diagnostic code has been displayed for the Anti-Lock Brake System - C0020-01 —> ABS Pump Motor Control - General Electrical Failure. Going over a bump in the road will cause the ABS system to deactivate the cruise control. The diagnostic code can be cleared and the cruise control will resume. Reading on RAM / Cummins online sites, many say that either the HCU and / or ABS Module needed to be replaced and many submitted reports to the NHTSA to start an investigation. No damage has been evidenced at any of the wheel sensors. With the ABS illuminated, it appears that the unit wouldn’t function if needed. The clearing of codes has been done numerous times. First noticed in about January 2024.

NHTSA ODI 11609806

The ABS system failure and traction control lights came on and have been coming on intermittently. This failure has caused the vehicle not to retain cruise control and brake and stability control being reduced or potentially off could result in an accident. Upon research, this is a very common and costly issue not covered by warranty work, this seems to be something Ram should fix as it is a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11608900

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the cruise control failed to activate. The dealer was contacted and stated that the failure was a known issue. The dealer stated that the ABS Control Module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was not available. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,500.

NHTSA ODI 11605835

We receive a ABS/ECS, electronic brake control warning intermittently. This also makes the cruise control shutoff. We had the ABS control module replaced once at roughly 12000 miles under warranty but it now is giving the same warnings and the truck currently has 22000 miles on it. My dealer stated this was a known issue and stated it’s fairly common on my model truck

NHTSA ODI 11604944

I have a 2018 RAM 3500 with ONLY 20,000 miles on it. ABS and HUC critical parts are faulty, and I have no way to even purchase one until a recal is issued. Class Action Says 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500 Equipped with Defective Anti-Lock Braking Systems. No current part that resolves this issue. Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups are unsafe because they’re equipped with defective hydraulic control units (HCUs) and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). RAM knows about it and has ALL the modules on engineering hold. These parts have not been available for almost a year. No antilock brakes. No traction control. No cruise control. 4X4 four wheel drive system is locked out and cant be engaged after this warning occurs. Here's what they are telling customers who have filed with them about this. Good Morning Mr xxxx, As of 06/26, No new update Part: 68228991AD Module Order: xxxx Per CLIMS: Part STOCK is under QUARANTINE pending quality / engineering review and inspection. Working to obtain timing on resolve to predict allocation and shipment to DLR to fulfill No firm ETA to provide at this time. Pending response from SPLR / PKG Working to improve xxxxx Case Management 844-378-0575 Ext:4063199 My dealer said, be lucky if they ever have parts for a permanent fix. I can’t haul anything or use cruse control. Error lights keep popping up sporadically with dinging sounds, driving me crazy. It is "Service Electronic Brake System" with continuous ABS and STC fault warnings. This truck is dangerous to drive, a recall is a NO BRAINER!!!! I am writing for three reasons. 1. You need to get our dealer the parts now so we may have a safe vehicle, or 2. replace this truck with a new one if you cant repair ours ASAP, and 3. To make sure I have this all documented in case of any serious accident where you will have to assume all liability and responsibility if this occurs due to your lack of ability to repair this safety system.

NHTSA ODI 11604912

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning messages were displayed, and the cruise control feature became inoperable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,000.

NHTSA ODI 11604331

Vehicle produces code C0020-1 ABS pump motor control failure, vehicle disengaged cruise control unexpectedly causing rapid deceleration. Dealer states ongoing problem with 2018 Ram 3500 HD trucks

NHTSA ODI 11603222

ABS system - flashes on and off dash, ABS has been inspected by dealership. Dealership said, could replace ABS but it could very likely have the same issue due to part malfunction. This malfunction causes- no cruise control, no traction control, sounding and lighting up on dash constantly.

NHTSA ODI 11600146

ABS/Service Electronic Brake Control and Cruise Control lights constantly flash and chime while driving. Have been told that replacements parts have been on back order for over a year now. Any help will be appreciated.

NHTSA ODI 11596022

Antilock brake warning light that says service antilock brake system comes on often if you hit any bump or rough spot. It continually dings and then the cruise won’t work. We have been told the part to fix it is unavailable. It is a horrible thing that cannot be repaired.

NHTSA ODI 11594394

At 9,040 miles, display reads “Service Antilock Brake System” along with warning lights for abs and traction control and a loud dinging. It goes off, then back on multiple times until serviced when the dealership replaced the faulty HCU Sept. 2020 under warranty. Diagnostic code C0020-01 ABS pump motor general electrical failure 2023 the problem comes back but nothing done. 2024 after much research, found the newer replacement HCU had just been revised in April with a new part number. At 25,837 miles back to the dealership for another replacement, this time paying out of pocket, over $300 for part and over $600 for labor. It’s only been a short time but so far, no warning about a faulty abs. I do have the old part if inspection is necessary. There is an FCA service bulletin out #S2005000004; NHTSA #10181550 It says if the HCU doesn’t fix the problem, replace the ECU, but that is not available and no ETA. Lucky to get the HCU because that is a very limited part. This is a safety issue because not only does the ABS and traction control go out but you also lose cruise control and 4wd while driving. There should be a recall with all the complaints. Not sure what good a recall would do if parts aren’t available anyway. Telling someone who just spent a fortune on buying this truck not to drive it because of this, is not an option.

NHTSA ODI 11586673

Electronic Braking System failure. ABS lights come on the dash, chimes constantly and disengages the cruise control. The vehicle looses ability to use ABS. Ability to control vehicle safely when ABS disengages is a critical failure. I'm told by the dealer that NO parts available from the manufacture to cure this issue. This is an unacceptable answer to a known issue for years. Many RAM owners have complained about this on RAM related forums and on YouTube. I am adding my vehicle to list of vehicles impacted by this catastrophic failure to create a safe vehicle to drive. Why has the NHTSA not fined RAM and forced a recall? How many people have to die from ABS braking failure to qualify for a recall? I don't want to be the last death before something is done to make my truck safe to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11585638

While driving, the "service electronic brakes " and traction control light will come on periodically, then go away. The issue is random and not consistent or easy to predict. If the cruise control is active, the cruise control will disengage and the truck will start to slow down. The brakes seem to work the same even if the light is on or off.

NHTSA ODI 11584361

The known issue that Ram refuses to is plaguing my truck. ABS and Traction Control lights come on. This shuts off the cruise control as well as makes braking difficult. It is very dangerous. This is a ticking time bomb. Vehicle has under 50k miles on it. 2017 and 2018 have been known to have faulty ECU Module and HCU. Loss of brakes momentarily occurred on [XXX]. I am having the issues under investigation. NHTSA Action Number: PE22012 Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Opened From: November 28, 2022–Present The reports cited below can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov using the following ID numbers: 11143741,11182778,11231734,11252781,11265590,11270151,11300182,11319987,113409 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11584363

For over 3 months the ABS Brake warning, the anti skid control and the cruise has not worked in my truck. I have had it to two different dealers, and opened a case with Ram. Case#89336043. They told me part is not available and has not been for the past year. Just drive my truck like it is??? I dont really know what options i have at this point. Please help!

NHTSA ODI 11580974

The warning light comes on and then the traction control goes off and the cruise control will disengage all at once. There is also no trailer brake assist. This has been verified by a dealer in Columbus, GA. It is constantly going off and on. The warning light and the warning bell are a constant distraction to the driver. The truck was bought and within 50K miles it started. No warning.

NHTSA ODI 11581019

ABS module problems. Flashes to check service ABS and traction control. Then goes away and comes back. Been having issue for over a year with no results in fixing

NHTSA ODI 11580295

VEHICLE: 2018 RAM 3500 Dually ISSUE: ABS Module failure RESULTS: Loss of traction control, cruise control, and brakes locking up while pulling heavy loads. A constant chiming from check engine light. INSPECTED: By several independent garages can not find replacement module. Willing to let be inspected if need be. CONCERNS: Brakes lock up and loose control,Cause a accident by rear-ending someone, can't use all the functionality of the truck such as cruise control. Iritating chiming sound make long trips unbearable.

NHTSA ODI 11577804

In May of 2023 while towing my boat I got warning bells and flashing lights, alerting me of the failure of the ABS brake system. In a few miles the warning went away. Then came back on, about 12 times in 20 miles. I also lost my cruise control and traction control. I took to the dealer, about 10 times before they were able to have the episode happen. It was intermittent at first but VERY annoying and Unsafe. The ABS system is almost always in failure mode and has been since about August. They order the parts in June, I'm still waiting. I use the truck to tow a car , a 34 foot 5th wheel and numerous other heavy loads. ABS is very important as is the cruise on my long trips. I'm still waiting, no help at all from Chrysler corporation!! Almost everyone I've talked to with a 3500 and larger truck, has had it fail. I'm tired of paying for a vehicle that is unsafe to drive. I want Chrysler to offer to buy it back, offer a good trade or repair. Please make them fix what they sell!!

NHTSA ODI 11577316

In 2020 my abs traction control warning light came on took truck to dealership. They replaced ABS motor. 1 1/2 year later the warning lights started to flash on which progressed into always on by April 2023. I had the truck at dealership for another recall and they tested and system. Dealership stated they would repair under warranty. I have been waiting 10 months for repair and they state they cannot order the part yet 3/2/2024 since they can only order so many per month and there is a long list in front of me. I have noticed a loss of braking power. And I am not able to use cruise control either

NHTSA ODI 11575081