Ram 1500 brake problems, 2016–2027
805 of the 7,221 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ram 1500 2016–2027 name the brakes (NHTSA’s “Service Brakes” heading — the hydraulic brakes, ABS and brake assist). The loudest years: 2016 (281), 2019 (133), 2017 (100). Filed under the same heading across these years: 3 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Ram 1500 brake problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the brakes | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2026 | 9 | 9% | — | 12 TSBs | the year → |
| 2025 | 43 | 12% | — | 21 TSBs | the year → |
| 2024 | 13 | 18% | — | 1 recall | the year → |
| 2023 | 36 | 18% | — | 1 recall | the year → |
| 2022 in depth | 70 | 11% | — | 1 recall | the record → |
| 2021 in depth | 74 | 11% | 36k | 2 recalls | the record → |
| 2020 | 0 | — | 2k | — | the year → |
| 2019 in depth | 133 | 9% | 14k | 2 recalls | the record → |
| 2018 | 46 | 7% | — | — | the year → |
| 2017 | 100 | 11% | 40k | — | the year → |
| 2016 | 281 | 18% | 78k | — | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the brakes. Nothing here is a rate.
When the brake complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2016: 7 · 2017: 4 · 2018: 13 · 2019: 43 · 2020: 14 · 2021: 25 · 2022: 32 · 2023: 66 · 2024: 177 · 2025: 244 · 2026: 180
Across the model years, half of the 191 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the brake problem between 6,000 and 78,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the brakes, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. While driving 30 MPH, the contact noticed that the service anti lock brake system indicator illuminated. The vehicle automatically slowed down, came to a complete stop, and shifted into park. The contact attempted to shift the gear back into drive, but was unable to do so.
The OEM trailer brake controller does not provide enough braking power to a towed trailer. The towed single axle travel trailer weighs just under 4,000lbs fully loaded. All gain and trailer type settings on the controller produce the same level of braking to the trailer at any speed from idle to 25-30mph or faster when using the manual…
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact received recall notifications for NHTSA campaign numbers: 19v020000 (steering) and 19v067000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect
Recall stating my brake pedal may fall off which can be dangerous to myself and 2 kids or other drivers on the road
Brake clip failed. Clip to brake pad on driver side front came loose and caused the brake pad to slip and caliper drop down onto the top of the rotor. Upon braking NO PRESSURE was being applied to the side of the rotor. All the pressure was only on the TOP OF THE ROTOR.
What is on file about the brakes, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 24V653000 ModerateSep 5, 2024 · 1,025,432 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Feb 1, 2021 · 683 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Certain vehicles were built without the retaining clip that secures the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal, which can cause the brake pedal to separate from the brake system.
- 19V067000 CriticalFeb 5, 2019 · 193,813 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. The affected vehicles have a brake pedal that may move too far and separate from pedal assembly.
Other systems with a record on the Ram 1500
Source: the same filesCommon questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Ram 1500 years have the most brake complaints?
2016, 281; 2019, 133; 2017, 100. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2024 (18%).
Is there a recall for the brakes on the Ram 1500?
Yes — 3 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 24V653000 (2024), 21V037000 (2021), 19V067000 (2019). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do brake problems show up on the Ram 1500?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 35,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 6,000 and 78,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Service Brakes" heading cover?
The hydraulic brakes, ABS and brake assist. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.