# Ram 1500 brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 208 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (71) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 208 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Ram 1500 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (71). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Ram 1500 brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 36 | 1460 | 2% | | 2016 | 71 | 1554 | 5% | | 2017 | 21 | 884 | 2% | | 2018 | 16 | 667 | 2% | | 2019 | 25 | 1497 | 2% | | 2020 | 14 | 642 | 2% | | 2021 | 25 | 686 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Ram 1500 recalls related to the brake warning light **[24V653000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V653000)** (2019-2024 models, reported 2024-09-05): Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. **[21V037000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V037000)** (2021 models, reported 2021-02-01, **park outside / do not drive advisory**): A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they receive instructions on the inspection and repair, as necessary. FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install the push rod clip, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2021. **[19V067000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V067000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-02-05): If the brake pedal separates from the pedal assembly, the driver may be unable to brake the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the adjustable pedal assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 25, 2019. Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ram 1500 owners report - "also the cargo bed slightly shakes and brakes feels like it is tight when releasing you can feel somewhat rubbing the tires." -- owner of a 2021 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2022 - ""Push to Start" indicator on dash did come on, but the brake pedal was stiff and the push to start button did nothing. Got out of the truck, exterior door lock button was inoperable and both key fobs did nothing. Had to have the vehicle towed." -- owner of a 2020 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2022 - "- BRAKE warning light is flashing - PARK BRAKE light is lit Dealer says "software update" is not available and has no time frame on remedy." -- owner of a 2019 Ram 1500, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ram 1500 brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (24V653000, 21V037000, 19V067000) covering 2019-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ram 1500 years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 1500 model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 71 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ram 1500 with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Ram 1500 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ram dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ram 1500 warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ram-1500): 280 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ram-1500): 77 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ram-1500): 17 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ram-1500): 521 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ram-1500): 79 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ram-1500): 28 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ram-1500): 15 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints - [Chevrolet Tahoe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-tahoe): 136 complaints ## Ram 1500 - [Ram 1500 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ram-1500) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.