Ram has just recalled more than 300,000 units of its Heavy-Duty pickup line. Some 2017 and 2018 model year Ram HD trucks could experience a hydraulic control unit failure that could leave them without ABS, stability control, or traction control.
NHTSA recall documents say that from April 1, 2017, until December 29, 2018, some Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 pickups may have been built with “a brake hydraulic control unit (“HCU”) that is susceptible to failure or malfunction.”
The recall covers 317,630 units of the Ram trucks, and while some recalls expect only a few vehicles to actually have the defect, in this one Ram estimates they all do.
The brake control unit, manufactured for Ram by ZF North America, is a crucial part of the ABS and stability control system. It contains the solenoids that fire to control the brakes during anti-lock operation and apply the brakes for the proper operation of the stability and traction control systems.
Faulty Part Used From 2017 to 2018
If the part fails, the NHTSA documents say, the trucks can suffer from failures of those systems or “difficult operation of the brakes.” A loss of any of those safety systems could increase the risk of a crash. Ram said it is aware of 53,448 warranty claims that are potentially related to this issue, but it is not aware of any accidents or injuries resulting from this.
The recall was issued on November 27, 2024, and dealers were notified on December 5. Customer letters go out starting on January 9, 2025. Customers with concerns or who want more information can contact the company at 1-800-853-1403, with recall ID C4B.
Ram’s fix is a new brake HCU. The new parts are not available yet, but the automaker expects them to become available in the first quarter of 2025.
The company didn’t say what caused the part failures. The NHTSA investigation opened in November 2022, and the automaker, supplier, and safety regulators conducted review testing earlier in 2024. Ram’s own investigation opened in October 2024.
