2017 RAM 1500 Owner Complaints

Vehicle was involved in a front end collision resulting in a total loss. the air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID

11775886

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

Fuel tank strap mounting bracket rusted. Strap pulled out of bracket. Front of tank sagging down. No incident has happened as of yet. Still needs to be inspected by dealer.

NHTSA ID

11775228

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

On Approx. July 15 2026, I was driving down the highway 65 mph and my power steering locked up, I could no longer drive I finally got the truck to turn a little bit so I can get off the highway and pull over and I had to be towed the rest of the way home. . After this incident it became sporadic sometimes it would start to lock up and sometimes it wouldn't there's a loud noise when I turn the steering wheel either way.

NHTSA ID

11772816

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the electronic steering system began to fail, exhibiting a severe grinding noise, and the steering wheel was extremely stiff and difficult to turn. The contact steered the vehicle to the side of the road safely. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a complete failure of the steering rack and pinion assembly. Both the manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for repair by the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11771649

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

Mileage

150,000 mi

Beginning around the first of October 2026, the driver's front seat belt will randomly come unbuckled while driving. When I fasten the seat belt, the connection is secure. I can pull on it, jerk it, yank it and it will not release. As I am driving down the road the seatbelt will spontaneously release. Sometimes it will happen only once during a trip; other times it will happen multiple times. After the first incident, it now happens every time I drive the truck. I have checked to see if anything wound up inside the mechanism and I cannot find any thing that would prevent the seatbelt from staying secured.

NHTSA ID

11770692

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel disconnected from the steering column and fell into the lap of the driver. During the failure the contact was unable to control the steering wheel and the vehicle crossed over two lanes and onto the median and was parked. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000.

NHTSA ID

11768951

Incident

Oct 3, 2026

Mileage

138,000 mi

I am filing this safety complaint regarding a defective ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2017 Ram 1500 Laramie CREW CAB 5.7L Hemi with approximately 74,000 miles. DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The ABS HCU has failed, resulting in complete loss of anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, and cruise control. This is an identical failure mode to the defect addressed under NHTSA Recall 24V-896, which covered 2017-2018 Ram 2500-5500 trucks. My 2017 Ram 1500 uses the same or substantially similar HCU component and is experiencing the identical failure. SAFETY RISK: The loss of ABS, ESC, and traction control significantly increases the risk of a crash, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This is not a minor inconvenience — it is a serious safety hazard that FCA/Stellantis has already acknowledged in heavier-duty Ram platforms. MANUFACTURER KNOWLEDGE: FCA was aware of this defect as early as 2016 based on warranty claims and customer complaints. Despite issuing Recall 24V-896 for heavier Ram trucks with the same HCU failure, FCA has failed to extend recall coverage to the 2017 Ram 1500, leaving thousands of owners without remedy. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Repair estimates range from $1,200 to $2,000. The part remains on backorder or engineering hold, making timely repair impossible through normal channels. REQUESTED ACTION: I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Open a formal investigation into the 2017 Ram 1500 ABS HCU failures for thousands of trucks, 2. Compel FCA/Stellantis to expand Recall 24V-896 or issue a new recall to include the 2017 Ram 1500, 3. Require FCA to reimburse owners who have already paid for this repair out of pocket. I am happy to provide any additional documentation, repair invoices, or diagnostic reports upon request, or 4. Compel FCA/Stellantis to purchase defective owner vehicles at fair market value.

NHTSA ID

11767485

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

Steering has become hard to steer and is available for inspection on request. It suddenly went out and surprised me on making a turn. I have not taken it in yet. No components inspection yet But does have a pending lawsuit for this truck between I believe 2013 to 2024 for this issue There was no warning when it became harder and is still harder to steer

NHTSA ID

11767090

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

Rack shudders back and forth Durring professional alignment. No one touching the steering wheel the computer in the rack seems to move the wheels and steering wheel on its own. When hitting any dip in the road the steering goes slack as if there is no resistance at all on the wheel and the tires go wherever they want.. Kindly advise

NHTSA ID

11766555

Incident

Sep 23, 2026

Vehicle experienced a sudden loss and binding of electric power steering (EPS) assist, creating an unreasonable safety hazard requiring excessive manual effort to control. The dashboard power steering warning lamp is now actively illuminated. While this 2017 Ram 1500 is currently excluded from automated VIN recall lists (S19/VB9), physical inspection confirms it contains the identical contaminated circuit board architecture and part design under federal investigation in NHTSA probe RQ 23-003 (covering 2013–2024 Ram power steering failures). Manufacturer is incorrectly denying coverage based strictly on a narrow VIN rollout while identical hardware fails in the field. While no vehicle crash occurred, the sudden loss of power assist and steering binding requires severe physical force to control, directly aggravating driver physical strain and chronic back pain. Component is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11766476

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

My son was driving my truck when the power steering went out and felt like it was locked up. Luckily, he was not near a major road but became stuck on the side of the road. Now being told that this is common with this truck. Told that the entire steering rack now has to be replaced, $4,000.00. This is not right and could have seriously hurt my son or my family.

NHTSA ID

11766375

Incident

Sep 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after reversing out of the driveway and shifting into drive(D, and depressing the accelerator pedal, the rear axle fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the differential pin retaining screw had backed out, causing the rear axle failure. The mechanic determined that the rear axle assembly needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V198000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11766061

Incident

Sep 21, 2026

Mileage

140,000 mi

The power steering completely stopped working during normal driving conditions. It is not a blown fuse, as those have been checked. My safety and the safety of others on the road was impaired by the sudden loss of power steering. The warning of servicing power steering only came on AFTER the power steering was lost. There were no prior symptoms that would have let us know there was any kind of issue with the steering.

NHTSA ID

11766015

Incident

Sep 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started riding very rough and felt very heavy, with the suspension warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly lowered due to the failure, and the contact had to activate the hazard lights. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where the contact was provided with several diagnostic trouble codes and informed that the vehicle had entered PLANT Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle was reset due to the failure. The failure reoccurred shortly after the vehicle was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ID

11765814

Incident

Sep 7, 2026

Mileage

98,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500 equipped with Kenda Tires, Tire Line: Kenda Klever A/T2 (KR628), Tire Size: LT265/70/R17, DOT Number: 02T6RAANA. The contact stated that while inspecting underneath the vehicle, there were cracks on all 4 tires on the inner tread all around the tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The tires were replacement equipment. The tires were installed at 74,000. The tire failure mileage was 20,600. The vehicle failure mileage was 94,653.

NHTSA ID

11765033

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

Mileage

94,653 mi

To Whom It May Concern at NHTSA, I am filing this safety complaint regarding a defective ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2017 Ram 1500 TRADESMAN CREW CAB 4x4 5.7L Hemi with approximately 92,000 miles. DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The ABS HCU has failed, resulting in complete loss of anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, 4WD and cruise control. This is an identical failure mode to the defect addressed under NHTSA Recall 24V-896, which covered 2017-2018 Ram 2500-5500 trucks. My 2017 Ram 1500 uses the same or substantially similar HCU component and is experiencing the identical failure. SAFETY RISK: The loss of ABS, ESC, 4WD and traction control significantly increases the risk of a crash, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This is not a minor inconvenience — it is a serious safety hazard that FCA/Stellantis has already acknowledged in heavier-duty Ram platforms. MANUFACTURER KNOWLEDGE: FCA was aware of this defect as early as 2016 based on warranty claims and customer complaints. Despite issuing Recall 24V-896 for heavier Ram trucks with the same HCU failure, FCA has failed to extend recall coverage to the 2017 Ram 1500, leaving thousands of owners without remedy. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Repair estimates range from $1,200 to $2,000. The part (OEM #XXX) remains on backorder or engineering hold, making timely repair impossible through normal channels. REQUESTED ACTION: I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Open a formal investigation into the 2017 Ram 1500 ABS HCU failures for thousands of trucks, 2. Compel FCA/Stellantis to expand Recall 24V-896 or issue a new recall to include the 2017 Ram 1500 3. Require FCA to reimburse owners who have already paid for this repair out of pocket I am happy to provide any additional documentation, repair invoices, or diagnostic reports upon request, or 4. Compel FCA/Stellantis to purchase defective owner vehicles at fair market value.

NHTSA ID

11764930

Incident

Sep 16, 2026

My truck all of sudden put up the ABS light, traction control light, emergency brake light and loss of cruise control. Had it test at an O'reilly and has a C-2200-49 ABS module failure internal module failure.

NHTSA ID

11763212

Incident

Sep 7, 2026

FUEL TANK STRAPS AND FRAME BRAKET FOR STRAPS CORRODED AND BROKE OFF .NO INCIDENT AT THIS TIME .NOT DRIVING TRUCK UNTIL IT WILL BE REPAIRED .CALLING DEALER 0N 9/7/2026 TO SEE IF IT IS A RECALL.

NHTSA ID

11762435

Incident

Sep 5, 2026

The ABS/brake warning lights illuminated on my 2017 Ram 1500. I have not noticed a difference in normal braking performance. Diagnostic testing identified codes C2200-49 related to an internal ABS module electronic failure and C0020-01, ABS pump motor control/general electrical failure. I was advised that the ABS module and/or hydraulic control unit may require replacement. I am concerned that the ABS system may not function properly when needed. I am also aware that certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 and other heavy-duty Ram models have been recalled under NHTSA Campaign 24V-896 for HCU failure resulting in loss of ABS, stability control and traction control. I have found reports of similar ABS failures involving Ram 1500 vehicles, which are not included in that recall. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this represents a broader safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11761938

Incident

Aug 22, 2026

Power steering loss EPS unit, steering rack and pinion needs replaced, entire rack and pinion, only driven 107,000 miles. Bought off dealership almost 3 years ago with only 83,956 had purchased extended warranty that has expired in March.

NHTSA ID

11761493

Incident

Aug 31, 2026

The crank tone wheel failed and created a no start scenario. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer and they are advising quoting me a repair when there is a related open recall for this exact situation.

NHTSA ID

11759586

Incident

Jul 11, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ram 1500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale in a parking lot with an interpreter. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 117,777; it was discovered that the mileage was 166,000 on the Carfax report. The contact filed a complaint with the Attorney General online.

NHTSA ID

11757359

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

Mileage

166,000 mi

Frame rotted around gas tank strap and caused it to pull out, which left my gas tank hanging by one strap

NHTSA ID

11757158

Incident

Aug 15, 2026

Loss of electric power steering. Hard to steer the truck.

NHTSA ID

11756574

Incident

Aug 9, 2026

while driving on the highway at 75mph, the pickup engine completely lost power and died. we could not restart the engine. Eventually we were able to put it in neutral and pull it off of the highway with another pickup. The Z46 recall for the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced the prior month. the dealer diagnosis is faulty fuel injectors now

NHTSA ID

11755971

Incident

Jun 24, 2026