Ram recalls 317,000 HD pickups over ABS failure amid surge in brake problems

“Hey, does this thing have a Hemi?” turned into “Hey, this thing got brakes?” For owners Taran HD trucksthe unfortunate answer is no. More than 300,000 vehicles are being recalled because of a problem with the hydraulic brake control unit (HCU) that can cause the system to fail. What percentage of the recall population could actually have a faulty brake system? All of them.

According to NHTSA recall pportaffected vehicles are 2017 and 2018 Rams 2500 and 3500 as well as chassis-cab 3500, 4500 and 5500 variants. The total number of recalled trucks is 317,630. however, Carscoops reports that Mopar is recalling an additional 84,923 units that were installed as replacement parts on trucks from the 2012 to 2018 model years. That’s… a lot.

Ram’s recall states that the defective HCUs are “prone to failure or malfunction that could result in reduced or altered Antilock Brake System (“ABS”)/Electronic Stability Control (“ESC”)/Traction Control performance.”

Although a warning light will come on when there is a problem with the brakes, failure can happen at any time. The automaker sent a message to dealers this week said the HCU failure is initially intermittent but eventually progresses to a “permanent loss” of ABS and TCS. A lack of ABS, ESC or TCS not only minimizes the driver’s control over the vehicle, but “may cause the vehicle to crash without warning”. The fact that HD trucks are commonly used as heavy duty work vehicles makes this recall even more troubling.

Estimated production period for the Ram is from April 1, 2017. until December 29, 2018. However, then-parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) received complaints back in 2016. From November 1, 2016. until March 5, 2024. the automaker has logged 4,622 customer assistance records, 53,448 warranty claims and 1,460 field reports “potentially related” to defective HCUs. However, the NHTSA investigation did not officially begin until November 28, 2022.

Despite the number of complaints, Star says it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the HCU recall. Owner notifications will be mailed next month and dealerships will replace the HCUs free of charge.