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

880 reports, newest first.

  1. Service brakes, Feb 28, 2025

    I have not had any accidents but the vehicle is indicating a fault in the ABS and ESC system

  2. Steering, Feb 26, 2025

    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering control module. The contact was informed that entire steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 145,000.

  3. Service brakes, Feb 25, 2025

    While driving down highway, the ABS light and traction lights came on and cruise control was disabled and brakes was catching as if applying the brakes. After stopping, tried to place the truck in 4WD to no avail. Reset the light by disconnecting the battery, but the warning light for traction came back on and then went off several times when there was no obvious reason.

  4. Engine, Feb 25, 2025

    Driving truck down the road heard a loud pop, engine stalled. Found oil leaking under truck. Dealer said it’s a known issue with the engine and would not cover replacement cost. Truck only has 90k miles. Engine failure while driving could have resulted in a major accident.

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 24, 2025

    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled in the middle of the road. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to pull over to the side of the road, but the gear shifter failed to shift to neutral. The tow truck operator disassembled the dashboard to shift the vehicle into neutral. The contact then towed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with tone crankshaft failure. Additionally, there were 2 sensors that were damaged due to pressure sensor and battery failure. The vehicle was waiting to be repaired and the parts were ordered. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

  6. Steering, Feb 23, 2025

    Power Steering intermittently stops working upon starting the vehicle, trying to park the vehicle and twice during driving on the road. This condition makes it almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. If on a curved road it could cause the vehicle to leave the road. Problem was replicated by Dodge / Ram dealership with a dash warning to "Service the Power Steering Unit" but code and message disappeared after restarting the vehicle by the technician.

  7. Steering, Feb 20, 2025

    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact almost lost control of the vehicle but was able to regain control of the vehicle and stop the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering); however, the local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

  8. Steering, Feb 17, 2025, crash

    Driving on highway power steering suddenly stopped could not turn around curve. Loss control ran another oncoming car off road. Stopped vehicle on side of ditch. Steering wheel would not turn easily. Shut truck off. Restarted and steering wheel resumed normal operation.

  9. Steering, Electrical system, Feb 17, 2025

    Electronic power steering just shut off randomly a year after my extended warranty was up costing 3-4000 $ in repair bills this is absurd that this has not been recalled yet

  10. Suspension, Feb 17, 2025

    WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AND THE AIR SUSPENSION STOPPED WORKING. MY TRUCK IS ROUGHLY 2-3 INCHES FROM THE GROUND. BOTH OF MY FRONT TIRES ARE POINTING INWARD WHEN YOU LOOK AT IT FROM THE FRONT FROM THE WEIGHT OF THE MOTOR ON THE DEFLATED SUSPENSION. HITS SMALL BUMPS LIKE EXPLOSIONS. VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IF I KEEP DRIVING IT THE WAY IT IS THE FRONT BALL JOINT OR WHEEL BEARINGS ARE GOING TO COME OFF. THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS AND HAS NOT MADE ANY REASONABLE FIXES FOR IT. TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND SO FAR I AM IN $2000.00 WITHOUT BEING FIXED. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. IF YOU READ SOME OF THESE MESSAGE BOARDS ONLINE THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES DOING THIS. I CAN NOT DRIVE ABOVE 45MPH WITHOUT THE FRONT END BOUNCING UP AND DOWN VIOLENTLY.

  11. Service brakes, Feb 14, 2025

    The ABS , traction control, and brake light came on in the dash. Had the vehicle checked and the code came up C2200-49, which indicates the ABS module. Found out that the 2019 models and newer have a recall on the same part. Went to and spoke to 2 different dealerships to try and get fixed or even to buy the part, but was told that this module has been an issue and back ordered for over 3 years. One of the dealerships told me that they aren't even entertaining the option of making an appointment. This is very frustrating and confusing, since my stopping ability could be compromised, especially since I tow a boat quite frequently.

  12. Steering, Feb 8, 2025

    Electronic power steering is working intermittently or not working, making it extremely difficult to steer. It’s doing the same thing as previous years that was recalled.

  13. Engine, Feb 5, 2025

    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on a neighborhood street at 28 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle coasted and came to a stop while the contact was pumping the brake pedal. The contact restarted the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,035.

  14. Steering, Feb 3, 2025

    While driving this truck at approximately 45 mph to 50mph the steering locked up and could not turn wheel either way with both hands . It then broke loose causing to truck to take a herd right turn . It does same thing if you are pulling to left when it frees up causing a quick left hand turn . This is very dangerous as total loss of steering occurred . Luckily there was room to stop . The steering then started working again then after consort distance it happened again . At this point I had a roll back haul it home . This could cause serious injury to me and or my family or someone coming in other lane . This is a totally bad design a vehicle should never be unable to be steered .

  15. Steering, Jan 31, 2025

    I will lose steering ability at random times and it will jerk the truck while driving or turning. I have checked to see if there are any open recalls currently and there are none

  16. Service brakes, Jan 30, 2025

    The brakes on my 2017 4WD Lonestar Ram 1500 have been malfunctioning intermittently over the past few months. When depressing the brake petal, three things happen at once; the brake petal pulsates up and down, the ABS and "Service Electronic Braking System" lights illuminate on the dash, and I can hear a loud, gurgling sound. While researching the issue online, I noticed that a recall for the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) responsible for failure of the braking system has been initiated for the 2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 models, but I believe that an inspection will reveal that the HCU in my 1500 is also faulty. This issue greatly impacts the vehicles ability to slow down or come to a sudden stop, as the brakes often lock when they are applied, and has almost resulted in several collisions.

  17. Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 22, 2025

    My ABS system is not working Anti-traction control and cruise control. Dealer says parts not available for last 2 years. No reasons for manufacturer delays. dealer says part cannot be ordered.

  18. Suspension, Jan 21, 2025

    The air ride system automatically inflates and deflates while driving, the truck tilts to one side because it only raises one side. It effects driving and the vehicle pulls to one side

  19. Steering, Jan 18, 2025

    My power steering randomly cuts out, I get a service power steering message and then eventually the power steering comes back. I took it to a local dealer it did not fail during the time they had it. There were no codes. I bought an obd reader and when the power steering failed, no codes. There are no indicators or obvious scenarios that can replicate the symptoms. It’s totally random. It does seem to happen more in cooler weather.

  20. Service brakes, Jan 16, 2025

    ABS module part no. 68295368AC has failed. Cannot replace due to Chrysler has engineers taking product off line. This has been a known defect for years and has not been recalled. My wife now drives a malfunctioning vehicle. Cost of repairs will be over $1000.00 There is no info of when this part will be available. Have contacted Chrysler customer care and they have confirmed this defect and no answers. Complaint ref.#[XXX] Customer phone 8003349200. Please look into this matter that Chrysler has been ignoring. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  21. Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 16, 2025

    ABS and traction control lights consistently light shortly after starting the truck. ABS, traction control and 4 wheel drive are disabled when this happens. This issue has been ongoing for many months with several attemps to repair that have not worked.

  22. Power train, Jan 16, 2025

    Front Drive-Shaft Broke in half. It was rusted on the outside.

  23. Steering, Jan 15, 2025

    The power steering stopped working while driving. Almost drove off the road because it is so hard to steer.

  24. Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 14, 2025

    While driving several times since purchasing it the vehicles steering had completely locked and I've had to slam on brakes in middle of traffic before i crash several times, very close to causing serious injuriesto myself or others and possibly death. This has happened numerous times since i bought it. I took it to the dealership where I purchased it, they said they fix it in 2021 it has happend several times since then also, im scared to drive it. Or it will get super lose like a joy stick, but won't turn at all. Ive taken it to several other dealerships for diagnosis with similar results. Now when i brought it to the dealership where i purchased they're saying they have to charge to diagnosis it again when I have several other diagnosis stating same problem plus i brought it here in 2021 same problem. so there own diagnosis which should be in system, ive went to another dodge dealership for diagnosis and auto separate auto repair shop who confirmed the same electrical power steering issues. They even printed papers stating the 2015-2016 ram had same problem and recalls on same steering wheel issues.

  25. Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2025

    Engine light came on with code. Was for 3 way coolant heater valve. Purchased part and replaced a few weeks ago. Engine light is back on . I see online chrysler had a recall for the same issue on the 2017 Dodge ram. I called NTSB to check on recall they said could be internal recall at chrysler. I tried to call Chrysler and I am put on hold. I would like Chrysler to authorize this to be fixed further at a local Chrysler/Dodge dealer in my area. Attached is the prior recall for the same issue that I am having now. There obviously is an issue that company is aware of and had a recall. Now it is happening to newer models an there should be a recall to be fixed free of charge. NTSB shows NO safety recall for this. There are MANY reports in forums on the internet of this exact problem. It is code P2681. "A 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 may have been subject to a recall regarding the "3-way coolant heater control valve" due to a potential issue with the valve's internal circuit board, which could cause it to stick in a position that prevents proper coolant flow to the heater core, impacting windshield defrosting capabilities; this recall is identified as NHTSA Campaign Number 13V-177."