Ram is Recalling 318,000 2017-2018 Trucks for Potential Brake Problems

As Stellantis struggles to recover from a tough year, it is facing another huge recall. This time FCA and Ram are recalling large trucks produced in 2017 and 2018. Ram is recalling 317,630 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 models.  The recalled trucks are the larger versions of the 2017 Ram 1500. According to the notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning, the recall affects the popular 2500 and 3500 models and even includes the heavier duty chassis cab models.

What is Causing the Problem

According to the NHTSA Recall Report, the affected trucks “may have been built with a brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU") that is susceptible to failure or malfunction.”

“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.”

“The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.”

Fortunately, the NHTSA Safety Report goes on to say that no accidents or injuries have been reported because of this defect. However, 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. FCA will reimburse any owners who had to pay to have the problem fixed, but most were repaired under warranty.

Regular braking functions remain unaffected, the company said.

How Ram Will Fix the Problem

According to NHTSA, dealers are being notified of the problem and owners will start receiving recall letters January 9, 2025.

Service technicians will replace the hydraulic brake module with a new hydraulic brake control unit free of charge.

Ram Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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