2024 RAM Anti-Lock Braking System Lawsuit Update: Is There a Recall?

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

As of September 2024, Stellantis is now recalling 1.22 million Ram 1500 pickups from the 2019 and 2021-2024 model years due to a software glitch that can disable the electronic stability control (ESC) system, increasing crash risk. This recall, Stellantis’ largest and its 44th recall of the year, affects trucks produced between October 31, 2017, and February 14, 2024.

The issue, first identified in February 2024, cannot be resolved via an over-the-air update; affected owners must schedule a dealership appointment for a software update or replacement of the ABS control module.

Previously, in June 2024, Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) issued a recall of certain 2022 Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickup trucks as well as certain 2022 Dodge Durango vehicles due to a software problem with the antilock brake system (ABS).

This could potentially disable the ESC, which is designed to help maintain vehicle control during a slide. The 2024 RAM Anti-Lock Braking System Recall impacts 211,581 vehicles.

A year before the 2024 Chrysler ESC recall, Chrysler’s (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) faced a class action lawsuit, accusing the manufacturer of failing to recall the ABS modules in specific vehicles. Plaintiffs claim that almost all 2017-2018 Ram 2500 and 2017-2018 Ram 3500 trucks have issues with their ABS modules and hydraulic control unit (HCU) modules.

The 2023 class action lawsuit filed against FCA (James Neu v. FCA US LLC, et al.) argues that these trucks are equipped with defective and potentially dangerous ABS modules and HCUs that can cause drivers to experience loss of anti-lock braking, cruise control, and traction control.

These missing features and systems significantly compromise the control and handling of affected vehicles. Tractions issues become particularly evident in adverse weather conditions like wet or snowy roads.

If you’ve experienced Dodge Durango or RAM anti-lock braking system issues and have taken your vehicle to an authorized dealership for repeat repairs that did not resolve the issue, you may be able to file a lemon law claim and receive a refund or cash compensation.

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

2023 RAM ABS Module Lawsuit Overview

California resident James Neu, the plaintiff in the Ram class action lawsuit, owns a 2018 Cummins diesel truck with approximately 24,000 miles on it, which he purchased brand new in 2018.

In late 2022, Neu began experiencing significant issues with his Ram 2500. Warning lights indicated failures in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, the hydraulic control unit (HCU) module, and the cruise control.

Seeking repair estimates, he consulted two Chrysler dealers and an independent mechanic. The estimated costs for repairing the Ram truck ranged between $1,200 and $1,700, as stated in the Ram ABS module lawsuit.

Due to concerns for his family’s safety, Neu decided to leave the vehicle parked in late 2022 and has not been driving it since. Neu claims that if Chrysler had warned him about the truck’s defects, he would have either refrained from purchasing it or negotiated a lower price.

Which RAM trucks experience braking system problems?

The following RAM and Dodge vehicles may have braking system issues:

• 2017-2024 RAM 1500
• 2017-2022 RAM 2500
• 2017-2022 RAM 3500
• 2022 Dodge Durango

Has there been a RAM ABS Module Recall?

Yes, in addition to the 2024 recall, Chrysler previously issued a recall in 2022 to address issues with the electronic stability control (ESC) warning lights. This recall involved approximately 370,437 vehicles.

The problem lays in the Antilock Brake System (ABS) control module software, which could prevent the ESC telltale lamp from displaying correctly under certain conditions.

This failure could result in unexpected performance of the ESC system without warning to the driver, potentially leading to a vehicle crash. Please note that the 2022 ABS recall specifically addressed the warning lights issue and did not cover other ESC-related problems.

2024 RAM ABS Module Recall

Ram is recalling over 1.2 million 1500 pickup trucks from the 2019 and 2021-2024 model years due to a critical software issue in the ABS module.

This software malfunction may disable the electronic stability control (ESC) system, which is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and preventing skidding, particularly in adverse driving conditions. As a result, drivers could face a heightened risk of losing control of their trucks.

Affected owners will need to schedule a service appointment with a Ram dealership, where technicians will update the ABS module software free of charge.

This update is necessary because the current software may prevent the ESC system from functioning correctly, as indicated by warning messages on the dashboard, such as alerts for ABS, ESC, adaptive cruise control (ACC), and forward collision warning (FCW).

For those concerned about their vehicle’s safety, check if your truck is included in this recall by entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA’s recall website. If your vehicle is affected, you will receive a notification from the manufacturer with instructions on how to proceed.

The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 24V-653 and Ram’s internal recall number is 85B. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact Ram customer service at 800-853-1403.

NHTSA Investigation of RAM HD Brake Failures

In December 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation following multiple complaints regarding brake failure in certain RAM pickup trucks.

NHTSA says that its office has received “1,062 reports of loss of braking performance or brake related warning lamp in certain 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 2500-3500 vehicles”.

How do I know if my RAM truck is affected?

Your vehicle may be potentially affected by ABS issues if you have encountered any of the following symptoms in your vehicle’s braking system:

• Intermittent Brake Failure: If you have experienced instances where your brakes have failed intermittently, such as a loss of braking power or ineffective braking performance, it could indicate a possible ABS issue.
• Anti-Lock Braking System Light: The illumination of the abs light on dodge ram vehicle dashboards is a common indicator of ABS system malfunctions. If you have noticed other warning lights such as the cruise control or traction control light, they could suggest an issue involving the ABS system.
• Recurrent Brake System Symptoms: Any recurrent or persistent symptoms associated with your vehicle’s braking system, such as unusual noises, vibrations, or inconsistent brake pedal feel could be indicative of ABS issues.

If you have encountered any of these issues with your Ram pickup, we recommend contacting a qualified mechanic or your nearest Ram dealership for a professional evaluation and diagnosis of your vehicle’s braking system.

What are my options if I am experiencing RAM ABS Module Problems?

Opting out of the RAM ABS class action lawsuit and pursuing an individual claim instead can offer potential advantages. In class actions, settlement amounts are divided among all members, resulting in smaller individual payouts. By pursuing an individual claim, you can negotiate higher compensation tailored to your specific damages.

If you decide to move forward with an individual lemon law claim, and you leased or purchased a lemon vehicle in California, you typically have two common methods of recovery: vehicle replacement or a lemon law refund.

A lemon law refund or buyback helps you recover all monies your spent on the vehicle including your down payment, monthly payments, taxes and fees.

In other cases, a vehicle replacement may be a more suitable option. A replacement vehicle in a successful lemon law claim is of a similar make and model as the lemon.

Keep in mind that in lemon law resolutions, the manufacturer is permitted to subtract a “usage fee” for the period when your vehicle was working properly.

As the prevailing party in California, the manufacturer is responsible to pay for your attorneys fees and costs.  This makes pursuing a lemon law claim at no out of pocket cost to the consumer making hiring a lemon law attorney the easy and right decision.

We recommend working with a reputable lemon law attorney who can provide personalized advice based on your circumstances and the specific details of the RAM ABS class action lawsuit.

They will be able to assess your situation comprehensively and guide you in making an informed decision on whether pursuing an individual claim is more advantageous for your case.

Work with the RAM Lemon Law Experts today!

If you are currently facing ABS issues with your RAM pickup or Dodge Durango, it may be worth considering an individual claim. Contacting a reputable law firm specializing in lemon law cases can provide you with the necessary expertise and support to move forward and file a claim against Chrysler.

To achieve the best results in the form of a lemon law buyback or vehicle replacement, you will need the best legal representation available. Large car manufacturers like Chrysler have elite legal teams with extensive experience in lemon law and breach of warranty claims.

This is why you will need top-notch representation to go up against them. If you live in California, you can find no better match to take on these car manufacturer legal teams than the Lemon Law Experts.

By reaching out to the Lemon Law Experts, you can benefit from our extensive knowledge and experience in advocating for consumers. We have successfully been winning cases against large manufacturers like Chrysler for clients across California since 2009- recovering millions of dollars in compensation.

Through a free, no-obligation case assessment, our team can assess your case, gather essential evidence, and tirelessly advocate on your behalf. Whether negotiating with the manufacturer for a fair settlement or representing you in court, we are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation and resolution you deserve.

Do not let ABS issues in your RAM pickup go unaddressed, as they can compromise your personal safety. Contact our team at the Lemon Law Experts to explore your options for legal recovery.

With our assistance, we can help you get back on the road with peace of mind. Call us at 877.885.5366 or fill out a submission form on our website today.