Stellantis Recalls 317,630 Ram Trucks for Brake System Defect

Hydraulic Control Unit Failure Spurs Recall...

Robert S. Miller December 8, 2024

2018 Ram 3500 Laramie Night Edition Crew Cab 4x4. (Ram).

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) has issued a recall for 317,630 units of its 2017-2018 Ram Heavy Duty Pickups and Chassis Cabs. The recall addresses a defect in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) that could lead to the failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems.

Issue Overview –

2018 Ram 2500 Limited Crew Cab 4×4. (Ram).

A failing HCU may initially result in intermittent loss of ABS and traction control, which can progress to a complete system failure. When the ABS motor is non-functional, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.

The suspect HCUs were installed in vehicles manufactured during specific periods between April 1, 2017, and December 29, 2018. Production records were used to identify the affected vehicle population.

Affected Vehicles –

2018 Ram 5500 Tradesman Chassis Cab 4×4. (Ram).

Below is a summary of the vehicles affected by the recall, including production dates and quantities:

Model	Production Dates	Total Affected
Ram 2500	April 1, 2017 – December 29, 2018	197,344
Ram 3500	April 1, 2017 – December 29, 2018	73,006
Ram 3500 Chassis Cab	April 1, 2017 – December 28, 2018	18,571
Ram 3500 <10k Lb Chassis Cab	April 1, 2017 – December 15, 2018	505
Ram 4500/5500	April 1, 2017 – December 29, 2018	28,204

Recall Chronology –

2018 Ram 2500 Limited Tungsten Mega Cab 4×4. (Ram).

On November 28, 2022, NHTSA opened a formal investigation into 2017-2018 MY Dodge Ram 2500-3500 vehicles built with a hydraulic control unit (HCU) anti-lock brake system (ABS) that can result in a failed or difficult operation of the brakes.

On January 23, 2023, FCA US received an Information Request (“IR”) Letter from NHTSA. On March 6, 2023, FCA US submitted its response to NHTSA IR.

From September 2023, through January 2024, FCA US met with NHTSA to review engineering data of the alleged defect.

On March 5, 2024, NHTSA issued an information request letter expanding the alleged defect to a failure or malfunction of the HCU resulting in a reduction or change in braking performance or any brake related warning lamp.

On April 17, 2024, FCA US submitted its response to NHTSA’s IR response.

From June 2024 through July 2024, FCA US, ZF, and NHTSA conducted testing at the Vehicle Research Test Center (“VRTC”) to review testing of ‘failed’ customer part.

On October 17, 2024, the FCA US Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“TSRC”) organization opened an investigation into 2017-2018 MY Dodge Ram 2500-5500 vehicles built with a HCU ABS that can fail.

As of November 18, 2024, FCA US is aware of 4,622 customer assistance records, 53,448 warranty claims, and 1,460 field reports potentially relating to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from November 1, 2016, to March 5, 2024.

As of November 18, 2024, FCA US is aware of zero accidents and zero injuries potentially related to this issue for all markets.

On November 21, 2024, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

Remedy and Next Steps –

2018 Ram 3500 Laramie Night Edition Crew Cab 4×4. (Ram).

Dealers will replace the brake HCU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA’s number for this recall is C4B.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit nhtsa.gov.