2017 Ram 1500

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Steering is the leading concern among 880 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 880

Of the 2017 reports, 80 involved a crash and 16 involved a fire. 77 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernSteering227 reports · 26% of complaints
Owner complaints880Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship13 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Steering227
  2. Engine156
  3. Electrical system109
  4. Service brakes100
  5. Power train98
  6. Fuel/propulsion system89
  7. Other or unspecified67
  8. Air bags53

Recalls and investigations

  1. Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorJan 16, 2025

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

    An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

    Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

    Campaign 25V010000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Engine and engine coolingJun 8, 2023

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

    An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.

    Campaign 23V411000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Fuel system, diesel, delivery, fuel pumpJun 9, 2022

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.

    Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.

    Campaign 22V406000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorAug 12, 2021

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

    A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

    Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.

    Campaign 21V632000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Engine and engine cooling, engine, dieselAug 13, 2020

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

    An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.

    Campaign 20V475000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, gas recirculation valve (egr valve)Oct 24, 2019

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.

    Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.

    Campaign 19V757000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Latches/locks/linkages, tailgate, latchMay 9, 2019

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

    If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

    Campaign 19V347000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Structure, body, tailgateJul 27, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

    If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.

    Campaign 18V486000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

    If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

    Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Power train, automatic transmissionFeb 8, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

    Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.

    Campaign 18V100000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftDec 20, 2017

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

    Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

    Campaign 17V821000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyJul 7, 2017

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The fuel tanks in the affected vehicles may have a broken fuel tank control valve which might leak fuel if the vehicle were to become inverted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

    In the event of a rollover crash, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T45.

    Campaign 17V434000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Power train, driveline, differential unitMar 23, 2017

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.

    A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.

    Campaign 17V198000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: steering

227 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Steering, Sep 10, 2024

    Power steering control not working. It's getting power but not engaging the motor.

  2. Steering, Sep 3, 2024

    Was driving down highway and steering wheel locked up and service power steering alarm came on, almost hit an oncoming car in opposite flow of traffic. Shut truck off and re started it and was able to limp the truck home on back roads with the steering still intermittently giving out. Got it home and called service to get it scheduled and had to have it towed as steering went fully out and the shop said the whole electronic power steering rack and pinion went out and needs replaced, now I have to cough up over $4300 to fix it on a new truck, let alone im scared to death to drive it as the shop said this is an ongoing problem with a lot of Ram pickups due to water getting into the EPS board and shorting it out. Ram needs to recall this!! I had my girlfriend and baby in the truck with me and we could have all gotten hurt when the steering went out down the highway.

  3. Steering, Aug 23, 2024

    The electric power steering failed while driving with no warning. The first time while making a right hand turn, the steering very suddenly lost all power assist and it was near impossible to keep control through the turn. After a few seconds it began to work again. Several miles later while traveling approx 60 mph it happened again and I was barely able to keep it on the road until I could show down and pull off to the side. After shutting the car off for about 20 mins. I started the truck and it worked all the way home about 5 miles. For a couple days if I disconnected the negative battery cable for a while it would work again until I shut off the truck. And then it started happening intermittently while driving so I parked the truck until it could be fixed. After some research I learned there is a recall on the 2013's to 2016's for the same problem with many exact complaints about 2017's. For two weeks I've been searching for a new steering rack (part number 68628857AA) and there are none available with backorders of 45+ plus days with dealerships telling me they have customers who have been waiting 6 months for one. It's a $2000 - $3000 part depending on the dealership. They want you to pay for it and wait 6 months to get it which is absolutely absurd. Please help!

  4. Steering, Wheels, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 14, 2024

    I am writing this letter about a vehicle I purchased in November 2023. The vehicle purchased was a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Diesel from Rick Chevrolet in Virginia Beach VA. The truck has many defects. The first month I took it back for a leaking tire, broken windshield, oil leak and because it drove funny and I did not know what was wrong with it, but I knew something was wrong. They kept the truck for approximately a week or two. In April I hit a pothole in Norfolk off [XXX] and I didn’t know what had happened to the truck. I left it in Norfolk until the next morning because I could not get a tow truck to come out that night. I had my truck towed to Dodge, Ram and FIAT in Norfolk VA. They told me the Tie Rod, Axle, had broken. The Dealer then, told me that the truck would not align so they sent it to the Collision Center. The collision center told me that the truck had a bent frame and it did not happen due to the pothole. That the truck was a death trap and I need not to drive it that the dealer should not have sold me that truck. I went and talked to the Manager at Rick Chevrolet named Kerry and he said we could swap the truck, but I had to make a down payment of an excessive amount due to my credit. I did not know that this truck was a nightmare and I feel why should I have to pay for someone selling me a truck that can kill me and whoever is riding with me. I bought the truck because they are supposed to be safe. This is ridiculous and the dealership is not trying to help me out of this by putting me in a safe vehicle. I am paying for something that is going to cause me bodily harm or my life, and they want me to pay more to get into a safe vehicle. This truck should not have been sold and because it was, they need to take responsibility and swap me out of this death trap. Can you please look into this matter. The collision center gave me copies of what they did, and what they found wrong with the truck and a picture of frame being bent. The firewall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  5. Steering, Electrical system, Aug 13, 2024

    The electronic power steering (EPS) system failed while driving down the road. Lost the ability to steer the vechical and came close to having a accident head on.we had to cost down the road way until we reached the shoulder. The truck has 80,000 miles . Yes the warning lamp lit up once the system stopped operating properly not before we lost the ability to steer, the warning was a steering wheel and ! Point. There was no pre warning. Had to have the truck trailered back home.

  6. Steering, Aug 12, 2024

    the truck drove just fine the day before, got into the truck and turned it on got a "service steering" light and message. tried to turn the steering wheel and it will not turn. IT read multiple codes as i have a code reader, checked power and fuses and everything was good but one code keeps coming up c2217 which seems to be associated with a recall for the 2015-16 and 2019 rams. my truck is stuck in my driveway and can not turn the steering wheel to drive safely. luckily i was not driving like some others have been.

  7. Steering, Aug 10, 2024

    My power steering intermittently locks while driving, particularly in the process of a turn. It is just a momentary lock, but it does interfere with the turning process. One time it locked and stayed locked. I shut the vehicle down and restarted, and it would not come back, had to sit for about 15 minutes, no accident as of yet. The dealership states I will have to replace the whole front end (both racks) steering system. My vehicle is a 2017 RAM with 48,000 miles on it.

  8. Steering, Electrical system, Jul 27, 2024, crash

    I pulled in a parking spot came back an hour later started my truck put it in reverse I had no steering, I pulled forward put in park then reverse. My steering was not there. Turning the trick off and back on no warning lights. After sitting for 2 hrs I turned the truck on a red light started flashing. Service power steering . I just bought the truck so I took it back to the dealership big Joe's auto. My dad attempted to drive it and put it in the ditch because he could not steering. The dealership would not send a tow truck.

  9. Steering, Jul 10, 2024

    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the local dealer along with Vaden Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Brunswick (912) 456-8371), and Jacksonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Arlington (904) 414-4746) were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,955.

  10. Steering, Jul 8, 2024

    The electrical power steering completely went out. Thankfully right before getting on interstate. It is locked up with no give at all. The dealership it is at says he hasn't had 1 like this hardly at all where you can't steer what so ever. This happened at an intersection. Recalls on 2014 to 2016 of these trucks were done and why if the steering completey locks up like this is there not one on this year?

  11. Steering, Jul 5, 2024

    Was driving my truck on vacation and the steering locked up and is stuck! Rack and pinion fail diagnosed by the dealer.

  12. Steering, Electrical system, Jul 2, 2024

    Power steering suddenly stopped working. Same description as the other model years involved in the recall. Electric power steering goes out randomly, replacement part is extremely expensive, and nearly impossible to find available. This truck was this truck was produced in 2016 although model year 2017. Electric power steering is the same for the 13’-16’ model years. 2017 should be included in the recall.

  13. Steering, Jun 7, 2024

    Intermittent electric power steering loss. One minute it is easy to turn then the next it is like it is fighting against you and is hard to turn. It happens at slower speeds more often .

  14. Steering, Jun 5, 2024

    Complete loss of power steering resulting in a near head on collision with another motorist. Cause of the loss of power steering was determined to be electronic components of the circuit board located inside of the steering rack had short circuited.

  15. Steering, May 12, 2024

    Suddenly and without any warning my power steering started to get unresponsive and difficult to safely navigate corners or stay in my lane. The truck only has 59,000 miles on it and I wouldn't think that is enough to make the steering rack fail. I know that there was a recall for the 2014 -2016 1500s so I was wondering if my 2017 was affected by the same issues? I am feeling unsafe driving this vehicle but it is my only transportation to work. What is the the best next step for me to resolve this without any out of pocket expenses if this is a recall issue?

  16. Steering, May 10, 2024

    When turning right or left a continuous speeds, the vehicle loses power steering altogether or snaps the steering wheel back

  17. Steering, May 7, 2024

    Electronic power steering intermittent failure w service light. Dealer informed no parts available for replacement. Previous recalls on other models ram 1500 with same issues.

  18. Steering, Electrical system, May 6, 2024

    The power steering went out while driving. I don’t know why. All I know is it’s not safe for that to happen. I guess that why the recall was about. This truck did not get the steering issue fixed.now it definitely should be taking care of since I’m unable to drive without it. I’ve had shops look at it and they found the recalls

  19. Steering, May 2, 2024

    My daughter and I was parked eating our lunch. When we pulled out onto the busy highway, the power steering completely went out making it impossible to turn. Barely avoided a crash.

  20. Steering, Apr 28, 2024

    Power steering stop work and takes extreme force to turn it. Almost drove off a t-intersection when came time to turn with no warning.

  21. Steering, Electrical system, Apr 24, 2024

    Out driving and power steering stopped working making it very difficult to turn the steering wheel especially on slow turns. Having it in the repair shop tomorrow to see what issues and cost to fix.

  22. Steering, Apr 16, 2024

    was driving stopped at stop sign. went to turn left and message popped up stating " service power steering" truck lost power steering had to break and reverse due to almost hitting pole and not being able to turn left. put truck in park. turned truck off turned truck back on and power steering message still was there. no prior warnings prior to driving truck. no other issues prior to power steering failure. My safety was at risk where I could of crashed vehicle into pole. my husband called dealer and is awaiting a call back. As of 4/16 no call back yet. Vehicle is sitting in driveway now due to not being able to drive safely with it with power steering loss.

  23. Steering, Apr 13, 2024

    My power steering started to get "sticky points" and then today I lost all power steering. After a Google search I checked the fuses and both were fine. But it seems to be a issue with this generation of trucks. And I saw that they're looking into the problem and may issue a recall in the future

  24. Steering, Apr 12, 2024

    I was driving down the road at 30 mph and my steering wheel seized, I got a check steering alarm on my dash.

  25. Steering, Apr 10, 2024

    The power steering is intermittently getting very difficult control. There seems to be "tight spots " turning right and left. This issue is getting progressively worse. I have not lost control of the vehicle yet but it is getting worse and I rely on this vehicle for transportation to and from work