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.
Of the 2017 reports, 80 involved a crash and 16 involved a fire. 77 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Steering, Oct 31, 2023
Tried to leave and the service power steering light came on and there was no power steering. We shut the truck off and started it again and the light went off and we had power steering again. This has happened on and off a few times which is consistent with the recall we were informed of. We brought our truck to the local repair shop and they told us that there is a recall for this very issue (see attached copy from them). We then contacted the Dodge dealership we purchased the truck from and was told that this is VIN number specific and that our VIN number was not included in this recall, however the recall is occurring with vehicles made between 2013-2019 and ours is a 2017. We also contacted Chrysler who told us the same thing.
Steering, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test produced an unknown code. The contact stated that the 120 positive terminal fuse was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,00.
Steering, Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist. The check power steering message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Steering, Sep 7, 2023
Power steering just stopped working one day when truck was started.
Steering, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist. The "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 55,500. The VIN was invalid.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 29, 2023
Driving approx. 45 mph when truck lost acceleration. Truck began making clanking sound and check engine light came on and electronic throttle control light. Almost got into an accident due to someone almost rear ending me and then had to coast into a parking lot when I lost total control of all steering and almost hit a parked car. Truck would not restart, had to call for a tow back home that was 150+ miles because no dealerships close by would accept vehicle or had availability. Truck taken to local Dodge dealership and diagnosed with high pressure fuel pump failure and the eta for parts for a fix are unknown at the time. Have been without a truck or car for 2 weeks now, have 4 kids and both me and my wife work full time and now only have 1 car to get around in because the truck had to be diagnosed first before a rental could be granted, if they even give me one. Still waiting to hear back about getting a rental and been 2 weeks without a truck.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 24, 2023
Me and my girlfriend were driving down a 2 lane highway and my ram 1500 suddenly lost power steering ability and spun out of control because the steering was very hard to steer at 55 mph. Lucky I was able to start the truck back up and slowly try to drive to a pullout with no steering help.. My girlfriend and I were very scared but grateful that our lives spared. Prior to this incident there were no warnings or signs of electronic power steering failure. After pulling away from the road shoulder we were able to drive slowly home as we we’re about a mile from home warming lights on the instrument cluster and chiming “Service Power Steering!” The truck is out of warranty so I could not afford to have the dealership repair the power steering problem.
Steering, Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel was firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not found. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Aug 24, 2023
While driving, my Ram Power Steering completely failed. I brought to the dealership and they advised there is an internal failure of the power steering rack. I found out of an ongoing investigation by the NHTSA for this issue and wanted to make sure my VIN was included if a recall was initiated.
Steering, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 15, 2023
I have a 2017 Ram 1500 V6 3.6L (VIN [XXX] ) . When I used my parking break I have noticed that there are certain issue with the steering (hard to steer) and also that the parking brake cable hanging loose. When I checked the e-brake the cable is hanging down under the truck. It looks like parking brake is engaged and stuck and doesn't provide enough tension to the cable (doesn't retract). However, I have also noticed when going at around 65 mph that there the wheel is shaking like e-brake is engaged, and it is also hard to steer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Aug 12, 2023
Towed travel trailer to Yellowstone. While travelling along road south of Yellowstone near Jackson, Wyoming, I completely lost power steering. Warnings on dash to not stop driving vehicle. Fought with steering in traffic, nearly crossing into oncoming traffic. Made it to visitor centre in Jackson. Had to get towed to Rexburg, Idaho. Diagnostic was critical and total failure of electronic power steering. Part $2600. 3 weeks away. Broke CV axles driving without power steering. Had to rent 3/4 ton in Idaho Falls to get our family and trailer back to Canada. Now fixed. $6000 poorer. Had to drive back 700 miles to Idaho to pick up truck.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
Another one of our agency fleet vehicles: [XXX] 2017 RAM -1500 truck suddenly loss power steering. Repair shop diagnostic recommendation: replace complete steering rack and reprogram new module via tow to dealership. Cost estimate provided $2,087.75; work was paid for by USDA-NRCS-Wisconsin. If want more information on similar issue throughout agencies fleet, POC: [XXX] Senior Fleet Operations Specialist Fleet Operations East Personal Property Management Branch Management Services Division Farm Production and Conservation Business Center US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office: (816) 926-2688 Cell: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
While driving down the road at 55mph in my 2017 Ram 1500 express I was rounding a corner when my steering locked up. I lost power steering and I could barely get my steering wheel to turn. While applying excessive force to turn my steering wheel, the locked steering freed up and nearly sent me off the road. I stopped to gain my composure and noticed when the vehicle was in park, the steering wheel turned fine. While at highway speed the steering gets very stiff and will lock up from time to time. I took the truck to the local Ram dealership for diagnosis and they confirmed the steering rack is faulty. The technician who road tested the vehicle could not replicate the issue, although it was intermittent. In the time leading up to my appointment for service the steering continued to worsen. I could not drive my truck with my infant daughter for fear of a steering failure. There were no messages, warning lights, or associated diagnostic codes associated with the steering issue. The truck is currently at the dealership getting a new steering rack.
Steering, Jul 31, 2023
Power steering failed driving straight down a road. This seems to be a very common and costly problem (dealership quoted $4,000). If this happens while trying to make a turn it is a guaranteed accident considering the strength it requires to turn the vehicle. This seems to be a known issue and in most cases, occurs around 60,000-80,000 miles which seems WAY too soon for this kind of issue. Dealership is also charging nearly $1,000 more for the part than the part is available to the public (direct from Mopar).
Steering, Jul 31, 2023
Vehicle sat for approximately 30 days. Upon starting to drive the steering was very stiff and jerky when turning. Felt like there was no power steering only manual. Extremely difficult to turn. Drove vehicle several times and tried to loosen it by rapidly turning wheel right and left at slow speeds. No improvement. Researched recalls and found multiple recalls for same issue for years other than mine. Called the dealer and Chrysler Customer Care and was told nothing they could do, VIN is not on there lists. Since there have been other year versions with the same issue I feel that the 2017 RAM 1500 should be added to a recall list.
Steering, Jul 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel operated as designed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Steering, Jul 19, 2023
When backing my 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 out of a stall, I suddenly lost power steering. As I tried to crank my wheels straight the issue became worse. The issue persisted until I reached a certain MPH and then returned to normal. The next day the issue was back from the moment I turned the truck on. I have researched extensively and have found recalls for this exact issue on all surrounding years of the 2017 Ram, but the dealership tells me my year is not included in this recall, which seems very odd to me. The recall listed on the website describes my issue exactly, so I am unsure why the recall wouldn't include the 2017 model. It seems that Dodge is opening themselves up to a major potential law suit. I fear that it will go out while driving at higher speeds and will cause control loss of the vehicle.
Steering, Jul 19, 2023, crash
While moving across a parking lot to the back row, my truck suddenly and without warning sharply turned left. This sharp turned was not initiated by me. The turn resulted in a severe impact with a light pole concrete base, causing severe damage to the left front bumper and fender. Also caused damage to the interior steering column. Luckily no other person or vehicle was involved, and I was not injured in this event. The front wheels were lock in extreme left position. Due to the severe damage, my truck had to be towed. The tow truck driver stated that the steering was also locked. The truck has since been deemed irreparable by the insurance company. My son made me aware that there have been 59 similar issues reported with the steering of the 2017 Ram 1500.
Steering, Jun 27, 2023
Iost steering function while driving.
Steering, May 16, 2023
While driving power steering failure happens randomly at any speed or on turns. No indicator light shows on dashboard calling out an issue. I am concerned loss of power steering will cause an accident causing bodily harm or death.
Steering, Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering intermittently failed with the power steering warning symbol displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was instructed to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact was informed that the manufacturer would reimburse for any repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective rack and pinion; however, there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Mar 11, 2023
The power steering turns off and on intermittently at random times, locations, and speeds, sometimes when your driving straight, sometimes when your turning. My assumption is it is a fault electronic stearing system. As this has been known to happen to similar models.
Steering, Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the steering wheel became stiff. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 9, 2023
Electric assist steering failure, truck is getting hard to steer either direction. Air ride system is bouncing like having no suspension at all, went into dealer and they report that the compressor, control board and manifold all need to be replaced. Vehicle only has 68,000 miles.
Steering, Wheels, Nov 29, 2022
Driving on Highway and the power steering Gear Failed causing the vehicle not being able to turn and the front wheels locked up. This is a known issue and should be a Safety Recall. Dealership mentioned this is a common problem.