Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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. …
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. …
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. …
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. …
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."
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
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.
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.
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
Brake complaints in other 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2016 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Ram 2500, 14% of the model year's 258 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Ram 2500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2016 Ram 2500, though it has 12 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Ram 2500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.