RoadVitals

2016 RAM 1500 Brakes Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Brakes reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
266
Latest Aug 11, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
18%
of 1,517 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
12
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 RAM 1500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 266 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming brake

The 25 most recent of 266, in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Aug 11, 2026

ABS Module control unit has gone out and we are being told by multiple mech that the module is on national back order and could be 6 months or more before the part can be secured. We can not go with our our vehicle for this long. We are willing to get it fixed but this back order has made it impossible to do so.

NHTSA ID
11756178
Incident
Aug 8, 2026
Brakes
Filed Aug 10, 2026

"Service Electronic Braking System", "Service Antilock Brake System" and "Service Trailer Brake" system lights coming on - affecting antilock brakes, traction control and cruise control. Appears to be a common issue and the parts to repair are not available.

NHTSA ID
11755874
Incident
Jul 3, 2026
BrakesElectrical
Filed Aug 9, 2026

ABS module showing internal electrical failure. Service ABS, trailer brake, and electrical brake warning lights on. Traction control light on. Cruise control not working.

NHTSA ID
11755782
Incident
Aug 9, 2026
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Aug 5, 2026

The ABS (Anti Lock Brake System) Module has failed. ABS, cruise control, and traction control are disabled. A faulty ABS can cause an inability to stop suddenly to avoid a collision. My specific issue has been confirmed by a Ram dealer. Chrysler engineering has confirmed this is a widespread problem with multiple vehicles using the same ABS Module. It is not possible to get a replacement ABS Module. Auto parts stores and dealers do not have replacement parts. There is a waiting list for a redesigned ABS Module at my local Ram dealership. The first person on the list has been on the list for 3 years. A new module, installed and programmed, will cost over $1200. A faulty ABS is a safety issue. I recommend Ram/Chrysler issue a recall when parts are available.

NHTSA ID
11755089
Incident
Jul 12, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jul 29, 2026

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NHTSA ID
11753517
Incident
Jul 28, 2026
Brakes
Filed Jul 28, 2026

The anti lock braking system control module has been disabled for three years with the same issue as 2017 and later models but is excluded from the recall even though it's the same fix. Meanwhile I had to wait three years and pay $2600, while the other vehicles are being repaired for free causing the shortage for which i had to wait. Same problem. Same fix.

NHTSA ID
11753301
Incident
Mar 15, 2023
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jul 25, 2026

ABS / Traction Control / Brake warning lights ALL illuminated. No anti lock brakes and no cruise control. ABS module failure. Replacement part on back order for at least 2 years. Unable to repair.

NHTSA ID
11752857
Incident
May 7, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jul 22, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Failed ABS Module....yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Without a functioning ABS Module, the vehicle has no Anti-Lock brakes or Traction control...in addition to no functioning cruise control and some 4WD features. The main concern is obviously the absence of ABS and Traction Control, which can cause loss of vehicle control. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the vehicle has been inspected/confirmed by the dealer. The replacement part is unavailable / has been on backorder for several months. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No...only the dealer has inspected it. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - The ABS and Traction Control warning lamps are illuminated. They first appeared several months ago, when the module failed.

NHTSA ID
11752106
Incident
Sep 1, 2025
Brakes
Filed Jul 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS, traction control, and trailer brake warning lights remained illuminated, and the cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with ABS module failure. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the part was on back order and unavailable. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 212,000.

NHTSA ID
11751997
Incident
Jun 23, 2026
Mileage
212,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jul 13, 2026

Failed abs module prevents use of abs braking system causing wheels to lock up under hard braking. Collision almost occurred as result of wheels locking due to failed abs module and Stellantid does not have a replacement part available. Also prevent proper use of cruise control, stability/traction control and braking. Have been advised by dealerships in DeLand fl and Daytona beach fl that the part is on indefinite back order.

NHTSA ID
11750074
Incident
Jan 1, 2026
Brakes
Filed Jul 10, 2026

The ABS light on my dashboard came on approximately one year ago. After researching the issue, I discovered there are numerous complaints about the ABS module failing on my 2016 Ram 1500 and similar models. The replacement part is unavailable (on long-term backorder or discontinued), leaving me without functional anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, especially on wet roads. I have been avoiding driving in bad weather as much as possible, but the truck needs immediate attention to repair this safety issue. I have already checked for open recalls using my VIN, and none apply. Please investigate this widespread defect for a potential recall or remedy.

NHTSA ID
11749674
Incident
Feb 1, 2025
BrakesPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the failure was persistent. Additionally, while attempting to shift into drive(D), the gear shifter failed to shift into drive(D) as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was common. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA ID
11749158
Incident
Feb 18, 2026
Mileage
96,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 8, 2026

Dodge Ram has know about issues with Antilock Braking System (ABS) for 2016-2018 RAM 1500's for several years, going back to as far as 2022 and RAM (Stellantis) has acknowledged wide spread issues by 2023. Ram (Stellantis) has pulled the original OEM ABS module from the marktet entirely and have basically done nothing to provide a solution to the customer. There proprietary does not allow the vehicle to go into gear and the vehicle basically becomes a $30,000 boat anchor. There are approximately 2,409 RAM dealerships in the US and approximately 2,364 Dodge dealerships in the US. I have call dealerships in NC, VA, NY, and even FL and all have told me that the part is on back order and that each dealership has any where from 20 to 30 back orders for this part. Based on that, there could be 95,000+ to 143,000+ vehicles on the road with unsafe ABS systems and RAM is doing nothing about it. RAM has had a had a few other issues with ABS module with a recall of over 1.2 Million RAM 1500's from 2019, 2021-2024 and a second for 317,000 RAM 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 for ABS issues. With that said, how is the state of North Carolina or even the United States allowing RAM trucks to even be on the road if that many are unsafe and RAM, after knowing about issues for years still allowed to sell RAM trucks.

NHTSA ID
11749155
Incident
Feb 20, 2026
Brakes
Filed Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the brake, ABS, and the traction control warning lights were illuminated, and the cruise control was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted for parts and informed that the part was on back order. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID
11747666
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Mileage
82,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing ABS module failure for approximately two years. The contact stated that the failure could cause the wheels to lock up while driving. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle had been on back order for 4 years. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of failure, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,200.

NHTSA ID
11747223
Incident
Jul 15, 2025
Mileage
97,200 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jun 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the speedometer remained at 0 MPH and failed to accurately display the speed of the vehicle. The ABS, traction control, and cruise control features were disabled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The parts were on back order and the dealer estimated that it might take 10 months to a year for parts to become available. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, JTs Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Lexington (4838 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072); and confirmed that parts were still on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, and confirmed that parts were not yet available, and further assistance could not be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID
11745034
Incident
Jan 18, 2026
Mileage
115,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jun 12, 2026

ABS Module failure causing multiple warning lights on my dashboard. My truck no longer has working ABS or cruise control because of it. Took it to a Ram dealer and they said they do not have the part available to fix it because it is being “re-engineered.” That was almost 2 years ago. They had to recall this part in the newer generation Rams and I’m assuming it’s probably the same part that is in my truck. The answer I got from the dealer was “don’t follow to closely now” basically saying I’m shit out of luck. I know many others who have this issue and have had no support from Ram whatsoever. This is a known widespread issue in my generation of RAM trucks and this is absolutely a safety issue. My brakes have locked up twice in braking situations since this went bad. They need to acknowledge that this is a problem like they did in their newer trucks and fix it. I know many would even pay to fix it at this point but there are not even parts available to get it done.

NHTSA ID
11743701
Incident
Jun 11, 2024
Brakes
Filed Jun 11, 2026

ABS light has come one. There are no anti lock brakes or cruise control. This is a safety concern. There needs to be a recall and parts available to repair. I've been waiting for over 4 months and no part or timing for a part

NHTSA ID
11743396
Incident
Aug 1, 2025
Brakes
Filed Jun 8, 2026

2016 RAM 1500 pickup truck has several warning to include check engine light, ABS light, traction control light, ABS Brake service require, 4x4 service required, electronic throttle control and brake light comes on and vehicle no longer has anti-lock brake or traction control capability. Issue has been on going for several months with numerous calls to dealer for the replacement of the ABS control module who eventually transferred me to RAM corporate for further escalation of the issue of no parts in system to fix problem. I have called additional dealers in New York, Virginia, Florida and they have all told me that they have outstanding orders in the 30+ range for vehicles with the same issue. Based on what I have found online and in discussions with those dealerships, if you extrapolate those numbers over more then 4,700 Ram or Dodge dealerships in the United states, there are potentially over 100,000 RAM 1500's on the roads today that have the potential of a major Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) issue or failure. From what I found out from talking with dealerships and Ram Corporate, they have not been addressing the issue very much in regards to having replacement parts for a issue they have know about for years. In fact, RAM/Dodge have had issues with there RAM 2500/3500 series where FCA issued a recall for certain 2017–2018 Ram 2500/3500 trucks (NHTSA campaign #24V896000, recall #C4B). I have a order number and FCA case number is that is required for additional information. My issues have been ongoing for approximately 6-7 months and ended on 31 May 2026 when all the lights started flashing and then the vehicle would not move, but would run. Electronic system locked it from going in gear.

NHTSA ID
11742731
Incident
May 31, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceSteering
Filed May 23, 2026

Intermittent abs brake light on return trip in June 2025 diagnosed as a bad abs module. Dealer did not have any stated on back order, now almost a year later as of 5/20/26 Jim Browne Chrysler still states module on back order. And as you know there are no aftermarket parts for replacement. With this issue it keeps other functions of the truck from working. This has been way too long for the government to allow this company to treat us this way.

NHTSA ID
11739717
Incident
Jun 16, 2025
Brakes
Filed May 18, 2026

I had my ABS module (6829538AC) go out which makes my truck pretty much not drive able. The part is on nation wide back order with no ETA. Stellantis Is leave all customers all customers in limbo on what to do with their vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11738637
Incident
Apr 11, 2026
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed May 8, 2026

My 2016 RAM 1500 has had an issue with the Anti-lock Brakes since August 2025 that is under the manufacturer extended warranty. I am the original owner. The ABS module and other sensors have been replaced and the problem persist. In the last few weeks, the traction control light energizes intermittently (flashes) and the engine loses power-does not stall out, but does not accelerate. The light goes out and normal operations resume. A few seconds after the light extinguishes, the Service Anti-Lock Brake warning comes on. If I have my family in the truck and enter a highway and loose power, I could be at fault for causing a wreck and injury my family. As a professional engineer, I would like to have this concern investigated before someone loses their life or cause injury to someone. The local dealership replaced the part after 4 months on back order but the problem did not go away. They then replaced other parts and the problem persists. Another ABS module is on order with a 6 month backlog. I feel unsafe but need my truck for work and family! How do I get this evaluated properly as the dealer does think it is happening!

NHTSA ID
11736552
Incident
May 6, 2026
Brakes
Filed May 2, 2026

Abs module failure. Same as other later model years with same issue.

NHTSA ID
11735259
Incident
Jan 1, 2024
Brakes
Filed Apr 23, 2026

I just bought this 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 (VIN: 1C6RR7LT4GS299154) in June of 2025, and in December 2025, the ABS Control Module quit working causing my truck to be stuck in park. I had it towed to Grayling Car Care in Grayling Michigan (a licensed Dodge repair facility) who confirmed that the ABS Control Module was indeed the cause of my issues. I looked up the issue and found an active recall for that exact part for 2017 models and newer, but since my 2016 VIN wasn't listed in the recall because of the manufactured year, now I have been without a vehicle for 4 months and I am currently fighting with a dealership, my extended warranty company, and the repair shop(Grayling Car Care) trying to get this issue covered. The part on my truck that is currently waiting to be repaired is the exact same part number as the part number listed on the active recall. My extended warranty company doesn't want to cover the repairs since its a manufacture's defect/ issue, and the dealership won't cover it since the vehicle isn't currently covered by the recall. I know I am not alone in this, I live in a small town and all the repair shops in town (2 smaller repair shops and 2 dealerships) are all starting to have more Dodge Ram 1500's showing up daily with the same issues. 3 new trucks arrived at the same shop I took mine to in the last week alone. Can someone please help us with getting our vehicles fixed since we all have the same issues and the exact same parts as the one listed on the active recall?

NHTSA ID
11733347
Incident
Dec 29, 2025
Brakes
Filed Apr 16, 2026

ABS light, traction control and brake light are on. Took to shop, said ABS control module is suspect. Took to dealer said it is a known problem, part is unavailable, continue driving as is.

NHTSA ID
11731654
Incident
Nov 11, 2025

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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