Recall 24V896 affects 317,630 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks for brake HCU failure. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 317,630 2017-2018 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks because the hydraulic control unit can fail and knock out anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. Losing those systems increases crash risk, and Ram dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The brake hydraulic control unit, or HCU, on 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 vehicles is the brake system module that helps manage anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control. When the wheels begin to slip or lock, the HCU helps adjust brake pressure so those systems can respond.
On affected trucks, the HCU pump motor can fail. The problem starts as intermittent loss of ABS, stability control, and traction control, then progresses to permanent loss of those functions. The recall remedy uses an HCU with a changed pump motor brush material, which points to the pump motor as the failure area.
Owners should watch for a malfunction indicator lamp when the ABS motor is not able to function. That warning light is the sign Ram identified before failure. If it appears, contact a Ram dealer and describe it as an HCU or ABS motor warning tied to recall 24V896.
Who's affected?
Covers Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks from the 2017 and 2018 model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2018 Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Ram 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Ram 2500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Ram 5500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Ram 4500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Ram 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Ram 3500 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 317,630 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control raises the risk of a crash. If the malfunction indicator lamp lights, schedule the recall repair soon and drive cautiously until the dealer checks the truck. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free brake HCU or HCU motor replacement that restores the ABS, ESC, and traction-control systems.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 24V896 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
- Call Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about scheduling or owner letters.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician replaces the brake hydraulic control unit, or replaces the HCU motor if that is the required repair. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 24V896. FCA's general reimbursement plan covers eligible costs owners and purchasers paid before the manufacturer's recall notice. If you already paid for an HCU or ABS related repair, bring documentation and ask Ram service or FCA customer service how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 27, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 5, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| December 5, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 5, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 9, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 9, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V896?
Recall 24V896 covers 317,630 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 vehicles with a hydraulic control unit defect. If the HCU fails, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control can stop working. Ram dealers will replace the brake HCU or HCU motor for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Ram is included in recall 24V896. If it is, contact a franchised Ram dealer to schedule the brake HCU or HCU motor replacement. Reference recall number 24V896 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 24V896, Ram dealers will replace the brake HCU or replace the HCU motor free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 24V896?
The risk is reduced brake and stability support. If the hydraulic control unit fails, the anti-lock brake, electronic stability control, or traction control systems can stop working, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
When will Ram notify owners about recall 24V896?
Ram mailed interim safety-risk letters and some owner notices on January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters are expected in July 2026. You can still check your VIN now and ask a Ram dealer about recall 24V896.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V896000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V896 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V896000 |
Source documents
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Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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Download Recall Report (PDF)
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Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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Download Owner Notice (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →