2016 RAM 2500 Brakes Problems

Electronic brake controller faulty

NHTSA ID

11735322

Incident

Jun 11, 2024

ITBM Integrated Trailer Brake Module not outputting correct breaking voltage to trailer.

NHTSA ID

11716646

Incident

Oct 5, 2025

ABS FAILURE, WHICH TURNS OFF TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL. This is a known issue for the HCU to fail. How is this not a recall on 2016 but it is on 17 and 18. Same parts.... have replace front hubs with new ABS sensors and rear ABS sensors, still on. It has to be the HCU or the module.

NHTSA ID

11707920

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

Def system failed ABS, track,tire pressure. Service 4 wheel drive system. 4 wheel drive system temporarily unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11655557

Incident

Apr 4, 2025

Some time as i apply the brakes i get a pulse pushing back on the brake pedal , it results in a slower braking action . Also i have a power steering fluid leak coming from the brake booster system . The brakes and the power steering go through the same system . The brake problem has been happening about a year and the power steering leak at the booster about 2 months

NHTSA ID

11602722

Incident

May 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V140000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11593664

Incident

Jun 11, 2024

My ABS lights is on causing my cruise control to not be functioning. When I first start the vehicle, i get a message to "service electronic brake system." I have new brake pads with rotors and still have this message.

NHTSA ID

11590973

Incident

Feb 9, 2024

Service ABS SYSTEM warning light came on dash - July 2023. ABS is not functional. Traction /stability control is not functional. Scanned codes - OBDII code C0020. Took to RAM dealer 7/2023- RAM dealer stated and confirmed ABS module required replacement but the part was not available and unknown when it would become available. I have called several times every few months for updates- no parts available. This is unacceptable. My family’s safety is at risk because ABS and stability control are not functional- especially in winter icy conditions.

NHTSA ID

11587004

Incident

Jul 28, 2023

Abs module failure is common in alot of rams part number 68252611ae

NHTSA ID

11570136

Incident

Jan 7, 2024

My truck, like those of numerous other Ram owners, has a malfunctioning ABS Control Module. Because of this malfunction, the ABS and cruise control do not work. In turn, this places me and other owners of this vehicle in an unsafe situation in that lack of an operating ABS system is conducive to skidding and accidents. Some owners have even reported that they cannot drive their vehicles due to locked brakes which resulted from this malfunction. I have tried every source in existence in my efforts to find a replacement module, but I have been totally unsuccessful. I have been told by one of your Customer Service representatives that your Company is “…unable to maintain a complete inventory for an indefinite period of time and the lower the demand, the less likely it is we will have stocked parts. As such, the part you are requesting is no longer in our inventory.”

NHTSA ID

11559441

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

2016 Ram 2500 ABS and HCU have caused problems while driving. My brakes are engaged and will sometimes bring the vehicle to a stop. While having problems with my brakes, I scheduled an appointment with my local Dodge/Ram service department. On the way to the service department March 2023, the brakes again started having problems and completely engaged on a busy bridge bringing the truck to an immediate stop. Not a fun moment. The closest tow truck was two hours away and after 40 minutes, I was able able to get the brakes dis-engaged and limped the truck to the service center. The service department had trouble replicating the issue because the computer reset after i drove the vehicle in. It wasn't till the third test drive the technician had the issue happen to him. I've read about numerous other similar issues with the same truck and braking system, and this could cause a serious incident where someone could get hurt. Even after getting a new ABS, I'm still having issues 6 months later with the brakes locking up. I took it to a new service center and again, the technicians are saying there is no issue because the computer has reset when the issue went away while driving it in to get looked at. It concerns me the Ram has not stepped up to fix this issue.

NHTSA ID

11549233

Incident

Mar 15, 2023

Abs light and traction control light came on. The rear parking sensors and 4 wheel drive were also disabled. Repair shop stated that a wheel speed sensor was bad, replaced it and on the way home the lights came on again. Took truck back to shop and they stated another wheel speed sensor was bad. Replaced and then once again, lights came back on while driving home. Took back to the shop and they stated the connections to abs module were dirty, cleaned and sent me back home. Once again, lights came back on. Lights are now on and I have no idea how to repair other than to continue throwing parts and money at it. With Abs disabled, mine and my family's safety are at risk while driving, especially considering this truck is used to tow heavy loads, including livestock. Apparently this is a wide spread issue based on internet reports and has been reported on many of these trucks, regardless of mileage.

NHTSA ID

11545883

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Abs/hcu failure causing erratic braking brakes locking up. Diagnosed idepentdant shop,not yet repaired. No inspection Abs warning

NHTSA ID

11540338

Incident

Aug 17, 2023

All brake warning lights came on , cruise control stopped working abruptly, service brake system warning dinger dinging , abs not working , engine braking all stopped working while loaded going steep grade , nearly lost control of the truck and was nearly in a serious accident , abs module and hcu said to be problem , issue still persists after said problem supposed to be resolved , truck is a death trap and there are multiple complaints about it , hcu and abs module are months back ordered , this needs recalled

NHTSA ID

11532403

Incident

Jul 14, 2023

ABS/traction control lights on dash and cruse control won’t work with these on. Haven’t taken to dealer but researched online and believe it to be the abs/hcu unit.

NHTSA ID

11526865

Incident

May 16, 2023

In March of 2022 my ABS/Traction Control light illuminated and returned a code of "Internal Electrical Failure". I have had this evaluated by two different dealers with two different pieces being blamed. One is the ABS Contril Module and the other is the Hydraulic Control Unit. I have replaced both multiple times without any remedy. The dealer stating that is was the ABS Control Module told me multiple times that they cannot even order the part to fix it. This means I cannot get a state inspection sticker on my primary mode of transportation as well as not having working ABS brakes, traction control, and cruise control. This is a concern with my family being safe as well as when towing my 5th wheel rv. There is an open investigation for 2017-2018 but my truck is a 2016 with the same issue. There are multiple people on forums with Rams other than the 2017-18 trucks with this same exact problem. A lot of us are using vehicles that are not able to be inspected with safety equipment not functioning correctly.

NHTSA ID

11497168

Incident

Mar 20, 2022

A known issue is occurring across many vehicles where the ABS Braking system becomes non-working and illuminates the ABS - Service Electrical Braking System light along with disengaging the vehicle traction control. The part that needs to be replaced is on national backorder with no ETA of availability. In turn, this issue is causing my West Virginia State Vehicle Inspection to remain invalid as I cannot get a proper inspection due to the warning light. In addition, with the ABS not working, I am fearful of using my vehicle to transport my family, especially my toddler. This issue needs to be addressed by Chrysler Corp, but there have been no recalls nor even a TSB released referring to this issue. A quick search of Ram/Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler Forums shows that this is a very widespread issue affecting many vehicles. This presents a major safety issue, especially since it is considered an important safety feature preventing my vehicle from being inspected. This issue needs addressed ASAP by the company and repaired promptly.

NHTSA ID

11459812

Incident

Mar 18, 2022

It seems that this is a common problem on these trucks the HCU for the antilock braking system and the ABS module has to be replaced the traction control light comes on the ABS light comes on and the cruise control does not work.

NHTSA ID

11452853

Incident

Feb 17, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact depressed the parking brake pedal and the vehicle stopped. The warning messages "Brake Fluid Low" and "Service Electronic Braking System" appeared on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and the brake warning light were illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the brake pedal responded while depressed. The vehicle was drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,500.

NHTSA ID

11428326

Incident

Aug 4, 2021

Mileage

106,500 mi

Signal to 5th wheel brakes failed then a light to service electronic brake system came on and the electronic stability control failed. I was on a grade and barely stopped with all 4 wheels smoking. Trailer was well under the factory weight for towing capacity. CHP and local sheriff stopped but didn’t make a report. If it had failed 100 yards later I probably wouldn’t be sending in this complaint alive and well. I truly believe it’s a RAM issue and needs to be resolved before other trucks have this issue. Dodge can’t get to the fix for a few weeks so I’m stuck without a vehicle

NHTSA ID

11417488

Incident

May 16, 2021

THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 60 MPH WHEN THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED ON, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE SEIZED UP FOLLOWED BY THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE. VEHICLE SKIDDED TO A HALT AND WAS NO LONGER DRIVE-ABLE DUE TO THE BRAKES BEING COMPLETELY SEIZED. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THE SUDDEN STOP AND INABILITY TO FULLY CONTROL THE MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COULD ALSO NOT BE MOVED FURTHER FROM THE ROADSIDE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP REPORTED THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER BRACKET BROKE CAUSING THE FRONT HUB BEARING TO BLOW APART WHICH LED TO DAMAGE OF THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE LEFT FRONT ROTORS WERE DAMAGED FROM THE HEAT OF LOCKING UP.

NHTSA ID

11355387

Incident

Sep 6, 2020

Mileage

82,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE TOWING TRAILER BRAKE, THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CHECK WIRE CONNECTION AND TRAILER DISCONNECT ERROR MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED, THE BRAKES AND LOW GEAR WAS SELECTED TO CONTROL THE TRAILER BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHRISTOPHER'S DODGE RAM (16655 W COLFAX AVE, GOLDEN, CO 80401) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA ID

11340586

Incident

Jun 15, 2020

Mileage

90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 RAM 2500. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE UP A HILL WITH A TRAILER IN TOW, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKES FAILED TO APPROPRIATELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CORWIN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT (LOCATED AT 1025 W SUNSHINE ST, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807, 417-862-9272) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO THE HILL ASSIST SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OPENED A CASE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,311.

NHTSA ID

11255139

Incident

Feb 1, 2017

Mileage

103,311 mi

BRAKE LINE FROM MASTER CYLINDER RUPTURED DUE TO CHAFING AGAINST PLASTIC ABS BOX UNDER THE HOOD CAUSING MASSIVE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND A LOSS IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS. IT WAS DISCOVERED AFTER PULLING OVER TO INVESTIGATE THE BRAKES SPONGINESS AND LACK OF STOPPING POWER.

NHTSA ID

11252988

Incident

Aug 24, 2019

Mileage

43,182 mi

THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER DOES NOT APPLY THE TRAILER BRAKES ENOUGH TO SLOW THE TRAILER. I HAVE HAD THE BRAKE CONTROLLER SERVICED 3 TIMES UNDER WARRANTEE AND IT STILL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. MY TRAILER IS A 34 FOOT TRAILER MANUFACTURED IN 2016. THE TRAILER WOKS CORRECTLY WHEN TOWED BY MY FRIEND'S TRUCK AND THE TRAILER DEALERSHIP TOW VEHICLE. THE BRAKE CONTROLLER BARELY APPLIES A SLIGHT DRAG TO THE TRAILER BRAKES AT ALL SPEEDS. IT DOES NOT APPLY ADDITIONAL BRAKING FORCE WHEN SET AT THE MAXIMUM SETTING (+10) AND MANUALLY MOVED TO THE MAXIMUM BRAKING SETTING.

NHTSA ID

11218530

Incident

Nov 11, 2015

Mileage

2,100 mi