VehicleVerdict

2018 Ram 5500 brakes problems

The 2018 Ram 5500 has 23 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 49% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

23

Brakes complaints

49%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Brakes complaints by year

5500 brakes complaints by model year23 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 5 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 2 complaints2020: 3 complaints2021: 1 complaints2025: 1 complaints
5500 brakes complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

24V896000BrakesNovember 27, 2024 · 317,630 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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. 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.

18V277000BrakesMay 1, 2018 · 2,457 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks. The primary and secondary brake hoses located between the brake master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured without anti-corrosion plating on the ferrules, which can allow the ferrules to corrode.

Consequence

If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

My ABS pump went out, causing my stability control to not function and cruise control to not function. Cruise control would randomly deactivate, causing a momentary loss of control and ABS function. Dash light illuminated with codes relating to ABS pump and traction control. ABS pump was replaced…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 24, 2023

Common questions

How many brakes complaints does the 2018 Ram 5500 have?

NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 2018 Ram 5500 brakes — 49% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Ram 5500 brakes?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the brakes: 18V277000, 24V896000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.