VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · SERVICE BRAKES
To Whom It May Concern at NHTSA, I am filing this safety complaint regarding a defective ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2017 Ram 1500 Rebel 4x4 5.7L Hemi, VIN: [XXX] , with approximately 88,000 miles. DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The ABS HCU has failed, resulting in complete loss of anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, and cruise control. This is an identical failure mode to the defect addressed under NHTSA Recall 24V-896, which covered 2017-2018 Ram 2500-5500 trucks. My 2017 Ram 1500 uses the same or substantially similar HCU component and is experiencing the identical failure. SAFETY RISK: The loss of ABS, ESC, and traction control significantly increases the risk of a crash, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This is not a minor inconvenience — it is a serious safety hazard that FCA/Stellantis has already acknowledged in heavier-duty Ram platforms. MANUFACTURER KNOWLEDGE: FCA was aware of this defect as early as 2016 based on warranty claims and customer complaints. Despite issuing Recall 24V-896 for heavier Ram trucks with the same HCU failure, FCA has failed to extend recall coverage to the 2017 Ram 1500, leaving thousands of owners without remedy. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Repair estimates range from $1,200 to $2,000. The part (OEM #XXX) remains on backorder or engineering hold, making timely repair impossible through normal channels. REQUESTED ACTION: I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Open a formal investigation into the 2017 Ram 1500 ABS HCU failure 2. Compel FCA/Stellantis to expand Recall 24V-896 or issue a new recall to include the 2017 Ram 1500 3. Require FCA to reimburse owners who have already paid for this repair out of pocket I am happy to provide any additional documentation, repair invoices, or diagnostic reports upon request. Sincerely, [XXX] VIN: [XXX] 2017 Ram 1500 Rebel 4x4 5.7L Hemi INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)