NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic control unit that manages braking systems may fail, disabling anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control.
What the fix does
The 2018 RAM 4500 has 7 recalls, the most serious involving brake fluid leaks from corroding brake line fittings, a transmission shift interlock that can stick and allow the vehicle to roll away, and wheel studs that can break and cause a wheel to separate.
On the brake side, the fittings connecting the brake hoses to the hydraulic control unit can corrode and leak fluid, reducing or eliminating braking power. The anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control can also fail independently if the hydraulic control unit itself fails. There is a cruise control software defect where the system may not respond to the driver's attempt to cancel, leaving the vehicle holding or building speed. A fire extinguisher equipped on some vehicles may fail to discharge when needed. On vehicles built as ambulances or emergency vehicles with Whelen brake lights, the brake lights can illuminate incorrectly, confusing drivers behind the truck.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic control unit that manages braking systems may fail, disabling anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control.
What the fix does
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Dealers will replace the hydraulic control unit or its motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Whelen brake lights on certain ambulances and emergency vehicles may illuminate without the brake pedal being pressed, depending on how the wiring is configured.
What the fix does
Whelen will replace the brake lights at no cost. Contact Whelen at 1-860-718-2331 or Excellance at 1-256-772-9321.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake hoses connecting the master cylinder to the hydraulic control unit may lack anti-corrosion coating on ferrules, allowing them to corrode.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect brake hoses and replace them if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while the engine is running and the vehicle is in PARK can cause the brake transmission shift interlock pin to stick open. This allows the transmission to shift out of PARK into any gear without pressing the brake pedal or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software, test the shift interlock system, and replace the solenoid if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.