KnownCarProblems2017 Ram 3500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 314 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ram 3500, most often about the brakes (62% of complaints, typically around 60,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about 3500 model year since 2000 and has 12 recalls.
Most common 2017 Ram 3500 problems
Brakes
193 complaints · 62%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, antilock.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic control unit (hcu) needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light remained illuminated with an audible alarm inside the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was…
Electrical
33 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 42,500 miles. Parts named most often: software, integrated trailer brake control, instrument panel.
The electric fan went out after 1year just over 50,000 miles and it seems it happening on enough vehicles that the fan is on back order. The daytona dodge dealership misdiagnosed radiator and replaced it, and refused to reimburse after it was checked and found to be good. This might have made installing fan easier. I…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500 cargo van. The contact stated that the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system failed. The tire pressure monitoring indicator remained illuminated and provided an incorrect tire pressure reading. The contact took the vehicle to several independent mechanics to have the tire pressure…
Engine
32 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 29,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v818000 (engine and engine cooling, equipment). The vehicle was taken to bob frensley chrysler jeep dodge Ram fiat ([phone], located at 2210 gallatin pike n, madison, tn 37115) where it was confirmed that the parts were not…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v818000 (equipment, engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. Acadiana dodge chrysler jeep Ram fiat (1700 sw evangeline trwy, lafayette, la 70508, ([phone]) was contacted and it…
Speed control
29 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: cruise control.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. While driving unknown speeds, the driver's seat moved without warning when the accelerator pedal was applied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (blue bonnet chrysler dodge, 547 s seguin ave, new braunfels, tx 78130) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was working as…
I was hauling a 15,000 lb fifth wheel with the cruise control set at about 45mph coming up to the light on hwy. 35 and hwy. 20 intersection northbound in indiana. I tapped my foot on the break to shut my cruise control off like I normally do and put my foot on the throttle to control the acceleration to the light. I…
Transmission
27 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 15,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
This is about my dead pedal when letting of the accelerator to merge ect there is like a 2 to 3 second delay in power. I have almost been hit several times. I do not trust the truck. Seems like a accident waiting to happen.
Extreme shudder on take off only. Replaced transmission..didn't fix it so they replaced entire driveshaft assembly including u-joints and carrier bearing. Still not fixed. Exact same problem. My work truck has been down a month with no fix yet. Going back in again monday. This truck is bankrupt ing me! I'm going to…
Wheels and tires
27 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 17,000 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt, pressure monitoring and regulating systems, rim, bead.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500 equipped with four nexen roadian ht tires, size: 235/80/17 (na). While driving, the front passenger tire separated without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the tire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
Had a left front tire (nexen roadian at pro 8-factory installed-size:lt 235/80r17) start vibrating and pulling to the right while driving to work on the highway.tire had a total of 17199 miles on them. When unmounted at discount tire, there were tread separation in numerous spots visible inside tire.
Steering
18 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 35,000 miles.
Ram has a recall for the drag link, my dealership has preformed the recall repair which is to weld solid the drag link this is not a proper repair. I would say this is what a backyard mechanic might do to enter a demo derby not a repair on a new truck under warranty. This item came on the truck as an adjustable part…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was pulling to the left side. The ABS warning light was illuminated, causing the cruise control to be inoperable. Additionally, the front driver's and passenger's side tire treads were worn out quickly since…
Other or unspecified
16 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 31,500 miles.
Bought truck in 10-10-2020 and I still yet to have my license plate. Dealership still hasn't returned my calls. And dmv shows that my VIN isn't valid.
2017 Ram 3500 diesel. Strong exhaust smell in cab during colder times. The wind is not blowing in the direction where the heat intake can draw the smell in. The smell is very over powering. I have had in the dealership 3 separate times with no luck in them doing anything. They are 'not able to smell it', however each…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2017 Ram 3500 recalls
Air bags: inflator
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: control unit/module
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake hcu, or replace the hcu motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning january 9, 2025. Owners may contact fca customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Fca's number for this recall is c4b.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US, llc) is recalling certain 2017-2018 ram 2500 pickup, ram 3500 pickup, 3500 cab chassis, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (hcu) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
Wheels and tires: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on november 30, 2021. Campaign y36 owner notification letters were mailed on november 30, 2021. Campaign y26 owner notification letters were mailed on december 1, 2021. Owners may contact fca US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Fca US's numbers for this recall are y26 and y36.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US, llc) is recalling certain 2012-2021 ram 3500, 3500 cab chassis, 4500 cab chassis, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the service and owner's manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: connection
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began march 22, 2019. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is v06.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2013-2018 ram 3500 and 2014-2018 ram 3500 chassis cab and ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Body and structure: tailgate
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: software
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began february 14, 2018. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "product safety recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is t82.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling various dodge, chrysler, and ram vehicles equipped with kidde plastic-handle or push button 'pindicator' fire extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2017/rmisc-17v824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2017/rmisc-17e062-5427.pdf
Transmission: column shift
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: diesel
Risk: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 t51.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2013-2017 ram 2500, 3500, 3500 cab chassis, 4500 cab chassis, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles, equipped with cummins 6.7l turbo diesel engines that have concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Wheels and tires: wheels
Risk: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Aev will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2017. Owners may contact aev customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
Full defect summary
Streetcar orv llc, dba american expedition vehicles (aev) is recalling certain 2013-2017 ram 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by aev to be equipped with cast aluminum katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) has received 14 vehicle owner questionnaire (voq) reports and 6 ewr death & injury (d&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) system in certain model year (my) 2013-2018 ram pickup trucks.the subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.the failures of the btsi described in the voqs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17v-821 or 18v-100.both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the btsi locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of park without
Loss of brake performance
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation on november 28, 2022, after receiving 134 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance in certain 2017-2018 ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks manufactured by fiat chrysler automobiles (fca). The alleged failures continued to occur at a steady rate across both models, at all speeds, with limited detectability.â consumers complained that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light illuminated on their vehicles.â the ABS module works in conjunction with the hydraulic control unit (hcu), an electromechanical device that controls hydraulic pressure to the individual wheel brake assemblie
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Summary
On december 17, 2018, NHTSA's office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (my) 2015 and 2016 ram 2500 trucks manufactured by fca US, llc (fca). â the drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.â â the loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, causing loss of steering.â during the course of pe18016, it was found that two styles of drag link
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Summary
On december 17, 2018, NHTSA's office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation (pe) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (my) 2015 and 2016 ram 2500 manufactured by fca US, llc (fca). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to
Questions about the 2017 Ram 3500
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ram 3500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (193 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles); electrical (33 complaints, typically around 42,500 miles); engine (32 complaints, typically around 29,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2017 Ram 3500 have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 16, 2025 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2017 a bad year for the Ram 3500?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about 3500 model year since 2000, with 314 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.