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, Sep 10, 2022
The electronic power steering completely failed. After we had been driving and it had been raining we were going about 55 mph down the state highway when the electronic power steering completely failed and we lost control of the steering. The dashboard warning light came on and on the notification screen stated to “service power steering“. Even though it shows absolutely no recalls just a simple search online shows that we are not the only ones with a 2017 ram 1500 with electronic power steering with the same issue. I have called around to many auto parts stores and even dealers and nobody has the part in stock. And of course our vehicle having been outside of the five years and mileage it is not under warranty. The steering is 100% locked up and will not move whatsoever. It has been inspected by a authorized ram service mechanic who has verify that it has seized up and needs replaced.
Steering, Sep 7, 2022
RACK & PINION FAILED, UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE, REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE BY INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER - RECEIPT IS ATTACHED, NO LAMPS OR WARNING I AM SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. RACK AND PINION SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH ONLY 51,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Aug 19, 2022
Power Steering went out,looked for recall 2017 Ram 1500 Bighorn.Light came on and once it cooled down worked fine again.Five months down the road done it again and NO POWER STEERING AT ALL,no warranty nothing pay out of pocket.Called dealer to order part been almost 4 months and still no part,fixing to call Dodge themselfs and find out what the deal is.Making payments on a truck with 66,000 miles on it and no part to fix it it’s asham.Dodge needs to get it together,instead of making new fast cars to sell,need to keep the customers safe first.
Steering, Aug 14, 2022
POWER STEERING FAILS COMPLEATLY
Steering, Jul 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at slower speeds, the steering wheel seized with the wheels turned to the left. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Steering, Jul 16, 2022
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITH NO WARNING LAMPS OR MESSAGES
Steering, Jul 7, 2022, crash
We driving down the highway in state of Idaho. When all of a sudden steering wheel when out of control. My mom could not control it. The steering wheel was go super fast side to side . When ended up going on the side of the highway.
Steering, Jun 15, 2022
The electric power steering failed. I was not able to safely turn my vehicle. It is a safety issue because I could have easily injure or killed myself or anyone that I crashed into. The issue is known to happen in this vehicle. There was a warning light that came on saying to service the power steering. The manufacture is not making the part to fix this issue.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 15, 2022
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system went out while turning. Making the turn hazardous as the wheels were impossible to rotate. This has happened multiple times and without warning. Happens both turning left and turning right and will occur when tires are straight as well. My safety and the safety of others were put as risk and continue to be at risk with this vehicle and others like it on the roads. The problem has been stored in the trucks CPM and pulled by the dealer to verify the accident occurred. I was informed nothing can be done since no recalls pull up with my particular VIN number. It has not yet been inspected by police or insurance. The "EPS!" message occurred as the steering was out.
Steering, May 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while attempting to drive the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic power steering (EPS) module needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 28, 2022
On Sunday March 27, 2022 my daughter and I were in my 2017 Ram 1500 Bighorn 5.7 liter Hemi, driving east bound on a major road leading from my neighborhood. We were going about 50 mph when the entire dash board lit up like a Christmas tree, windshield wipers, radio volume going up and down, all sensors going off, and the entire speedometer went black, all of this happened going full speed, oh, and the gear shift knob turned off!!!! I couldn’t control my vehicle at all. All of this happened and then it just went black, no speedometer, no gear shifter, and no steering control!! I want to remind you that I was driving with my child in the truck!! It is now at my local mechanic with the truck completely bricked. No power whatsoever, gear is stuck, and the key fob is stuck in ACC and they cannot get it out. This needs to be investigated asap. If I was in the highway we would have killed ourselves and possibly someone else. I lost all control over my vehicle due to some freak electrical issue Chrysler refuses to fix. Maybe a fat lawsuit will help. If you research the complaints on this vehicle, you will see this is not the first time this has happened. Does someone, or a family, have to die first before you will respond?!! This is on you Chrysler to do the right thing. Recall these trucks ASAP. I swear to you someone is going to die if you do not act now!! I’m a combat veteran who has been in actual combat, and this was one of the most terrifying incidents of my life, mainly because my babygirl was in there with me. For the price I paid for this truck, it should be darn near bulletproof. Sad day when American manufacturers put profit over people.
Steering, Mar 4, 2022
While making a left turn at low speed, I suddenly lost power steering, there was no warning message or notice and steering was very hard, I pulled over, shut the vehicle off and restarted, the power steering returned and I resumed my trip. The second incident, the vehicle was parked in my driveway, I started it up and immediately got a message on the dash that said, Service Power Steering, the power steering was not available, maneuvering was next to impossible. I have just purchased this vehicle on 2/28/22, used as is, with no warranty and I feel I have purchased a dangerous vehicle with no options available. This vehicle is a 2017 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Limited with 128,00 miles on it. I understand there are some issues with the EPS system on several of the Ram 1500 Model years, and there has even been a recall on some models. I feel it necessary to report this incident as I am afraid to drive the vehicle, which makes this purchase useless, even after researching this vehicles history before buying, I had no way of knowing of the current EPS problems as there are no current recalls for my particular truck. If there is a problem with the EPS system, at the time of manufacturing, then why haven't the 2017 models been recalled as well. Also my local dealer cannot effectively make any repairs unless he has a code or the power steering is not available at the time he inspects it, and ironically it works fine intermittently.
Steering, Mar 4, 2022
Electronic power steering stopped working while traveling at highway speeds. No warnings, no issues with steering previously. Manual steering when eps fails is still possibly, but extremely difficult. Vehicle will operate normally after turning off and back on.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 17, 2022
My electronic power steering failed. Makes it next to impossible to steer. Thankfully low speed, so no crash. No warning prior to failure.
Steering, Feb 11, 2022
Power steering becomes inoperable
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 2, 2021
loss of electric power steering (EPS) when taking left turns and trying to straightening the wheel back there no power steering and this happens at all speeds called Ram dealer two week wait to get it in to look at it. no warning lamps or messages. looks like there a recall on 2013-2016 Ram 1500 and 2018 -2020 Ram 1500 for this problem but not for 2017 ?
Steering, Sep 29, 2021
Parked the truck and woke up the next morning to the power steering being out.
Steering, Sep 23, 2021
the electric power steering assist has been slowly getting worst causing hard tuning and am worried the steering will fail with family in vehicel and crash.
Steering, Sep 16, 2021
I have had 2 incidences with my 2017 Ram. The 1st time it happened, I was driving with my wife and handicapped 33 year old son in the vehicle, and had made a left hand turn on to a fairly busy street near my home. In the midst of my turn, the "Service Power Steering" warning message came on the instrument cluster AND at that point the power steering locked up and basically I had to drive without it! It is extremely dangerous trying to maneuver, but I was able to make WIDE turns and get a few blocks to my home. When arriving home, I immediately called the dealer we bought the truck from and arranged for it to be towed and serviced. I had gone outside to start the truck several times to see if the warning and steering had rectified itself. By the time the tow truck driver arrived (2 hours later) he had me start the truck and it was completely fine! Within the next few days I began to notice an icon on the instrument cluster every time I started the truck of a red steering wheel with an exclamation mark. Even though the truck was driving fine at that point I decided to call the dealer and bring it in for service. They had it for several days and no "code" could be retrieved and it did not happen while they drove it. Fast forward a month or so(9-5-2021), and I was parked in a friends driveway. When I started the truck it happened again. Knowing I had a ways to travel, I started to turn the engine on and off several times. It went away and was fine and has been once again ever since, but the steering wheel icon upon starting the engine is still there. This defect is very concerning to me because of having to transport a handicapped adult! It is terribly dangerous because of the electronic steering going out. It is very, very hard to maneuver my truck.
Steering, Aug 26, 2021
The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system threw a code for a short circuit and the EPS system failed. I lost my power steering while on the road and was unable to safely operate my RAM. The power steering light indicator was on. This problem was serviced at Apple Chrysler Dodge in Hanover PA on July 21 2021, invoice attached, costing me $2653.43. This is the SAME ISSUE that was addressed for both the 2015 and 2016 RAM 1500s in a recall for “loss of power steering assist”, issued March 23, 2016 (NHTSA No 16V167000).
Steering, Aug 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while moving out of a parking space, the steering fault warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who stated that the vehicle was not included in an unknown recall. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion steering column needed to be replaced. The contact had a certified mechanic repair the vehicle. The contact stated that water leaked into the circuit and caused the failure to reoccur. The contact took the vehicle to a car wash several months later and water leaked into the circuit causing the failure to recur. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Steering, Aug 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over and towed the vehicle to his residence. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Steering, Jul 29, 2021
The contact's husband owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact's husband had taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to service the vehicle. The contact then made an appointment with the dealer for the vehicle to be serviced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000
Steering, Jul 19, 2021
Electronic power steering appears to be intermittently inoperative. I was driving this past weekend and multiple times when turning in parking lot or going under 20 mph or at least that is what I noticed, it became difficult to steer and then forcing steering all the sudden power steering kicks in almost causing accident. I will be taking my truck into dealership but I see there are no recalls yet on this problem and I see complaints going back many years. This is truly a safety concern.....
Steering, Jun 22, 2021
On two occasions within the last three days, while driving and about to make a turn, my power steering was completely disabled. The first time I was turning onto another street and nearly ran into the ditch. Luckily the second time, I was leaving a parking lot. On both occasions, it was very very difficult to turn the truck with no power steering. Once I turned the truck off for a while to research the problem and restarted it, the problem went away. I am now afraid to drive my truck on a upcoming trip to the mountains.