A Ram 2500 or 3500 recall now covers 658 heavy-duty pickups in Australia over a fault in the brake hydraulic control unit. The affected trucks are the DJ-series 2500 and D2-series 3500 from the 2017 and 2018 model years, and every variant within those models is included.
The details come from the official notice, REC-006752 on the Australian Government vehicle recalls register, published on 23 October 2026 and checked on 28 October 2026.
What can go wrong with the Ram brakes
The notice says the brake hydraulic control unit may fail or malfunction. If it does, the anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and traction control may not work as intended.
That can mean reduced braking performance and a loss of vehicle control. The notice warns this increases the risk of a crash causing injury or death to occupants and other road users.
On a heavy-duty pickup used for towing or carrying loads, those are not systems you want to lose without warning.
There is no fix yet, so owners have to wait
This is the uncomfortable part. The recall notice says that once a remedy becomes available, American Special Vehicles, the Australian supplier, will write to affected owners and ask them to book in with an authorised Ram dealer. The repair will be free of charge.
Until that letter arrives, there is nothing to book. The notice lists an authorised Ram dealer contact on 1300 681 655 for owners who want more information in the meantime.
If you bought the truck second-hand or have moved since, it is worth calling that number to confirm the recall status of your VIN rather than relying on the letter alone.
Buying a used 2017 or 2018 Ram 2500 or 3500? Check the VIN first
These trucks are now on the used market, so this recall matters to buyers as much as current owners. The recall notice includes a downloadable VIN list, which lets you check a specific truck before you commit.
- Ask the seller for the 17-character VIN and compare it with the list on the recall notice. - If the truck is on the list, ask whether the seller has received a recall letter, and get any recall paperwork with the sale. - Because no remedy is available yet, an affected truck cannot have had this fix done. Treat any claim that it has been fixed as a question to verify with an authorised Ram dealer. - Factor the wait into your plans if you need the truck for towing or work straight away.
If you are buying from a dealer, our guide to used car statutory warranty and cooling-off rules by state explains what protection applies in your state.
Another recent American pickup recall
This follows the recent Ford F-150 recall over a fuel tank fire risk, another full-size American pickup sold here. For owners of either, checking the government vehicle recalls register for your make and model is a quick habit worth keeping.
How can Carseekers help?
If you would rather move into a newer truck than wait on a fix, Carseekers can help you check the purchase price on a new Ram 2500 or Ram 3500.
You can also compare used utes in Victoria if a different workhorse suits your budget.
If you are weighing up finance for your next car, Loanseekers can help you compare car-finance options, subject to your circumstances and lender criteria.
The finer details
Your questions answered.
Which Ram trucks are affected by the brake recall in Australia?
The recall covers 658 Ram 2500 (DJ) and Ram 3500 (D2) pickups from the 2017 and 2018 model years, across all variants of those models. The official notice, REC-006752 on the government vehicle recalls register, includes a VIN list so you can check a specific truck.
Is there a fix for the Ram 2500 and 3500 brake recall?
Not yet. The recall notice says that once a remedy becomes available, American Special Vehicles will write to affected owners and ask them to contact an authorised Ram dealer to have the work done free of charge.
Should I buy a used 2017 or 2018 Ram 2500 that is under recall?
Check the VIN against the list on the recall notice before you commit. Because no remedy is available yet, an affected truck still needs the fix, so factor in the wait and ask the seller for any recall correspondence.