2017 RAM 1500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 RAM 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering22620.3%
- Engine18716.8%
- Fuel system12911.6%
- Electrical1099.8%
- Brakes998.9%
- Powertrain (other)948.4%
- Driver assistance595.3%
- Airbags534.8%
- Suspension504.5%
- Body & structure363.2%
- Other / unspecified161.4%
- Exterior lighting121.1%
- Seat belts111.0%
- Interior & seats111.0%
- Visibility100.9%
- Tires & wheels90.8%
- Transmission40.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Egr cooler failed again after it has been recalled/repaired by previous owner. Dealership saying they wont fix it.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Electronic Stability Control" was displayed. While investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and the contact used an OBD reader to diagnose the vehicle. The contact determined that the tone wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was confirmed that the tone wheel and the front passenger’s side axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,520.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Air bag light is on and doesn't disappear. It says service air bags soon.
Was traveling at least 45mph. Car pulled out in front of me. Had impact on passenger front side of my truck.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The problem that I'm having is the front fuel strap where it's hooks in the frame support has rusted out, and now the fuel tank is only held on just with the rear strap where it hooks in I've noticed a lot of frame rot and is really concerning thankfully I've noticed this while the truck was setting in the driveway.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from inside the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the fuel tank strap had detached from the corroded fuel tank strap bracket. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,332.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
1.The components that failed were the entire rear dif. It will be available for inspection and I will make certain that my mechanic takes photos. 2. My brakes completely locked up on me TWICE and the vehicle stalled. I was left in the middle of the road on a downward slope and on a curve, a blind spot. I was extremely fortunate that this didn't take place on the interstate and that there wasn't a tractor trailer following behind me!! 3. My mechanic verified that it was in fact the rear differential that was destroyed. The inside of the casing was "chewed up" by the gears. He called around and was able to locate a slightly used one to attempt to save me money and it was easier for him to complete the task of replacing it. 4. There are no police reports or insurance claims. 5. There were no warning lamps to alert me that anything was wrong. The only thing that took place was the truck lost power TWICE while traveling on the interstate where I was forced to stop in the break down lane. Both situations could have ended MUCH WORSE for me.
I am writing this letter about a vehicle I purchased in November 2023. The vehicle purchased was a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Diesel from Rick Chevrolet in Virginia Beach VA. The truck has many defects. The first month I took it back for a leaking tire, broken windshield, oil leak and because it drove funny and I did not know what was wrong with it, but I knew something was wrong. They kept the truck for approximately a week or two. In April I hit a pothole in Norfolk off [XXX] and I didn’t know what had happened to the truck. I left it in Norfolk until the next morning because I could not get a tow truck to come out that night. I had my truck towed to Dodge, Ram and FIAT in Norfolk VA. They told me the Tie Rod, Axle, had broken. The Dealer then, told me that the truck would not align so they sent it to the Collision Center. The collision center told me that the truck had a bent frame and it did not happen due to the pothole. That the truck was a death trap and I need not to drive it that the dealer should not have sold me that truck. I went and talked to the Manager at Rick Chevrolet named Kerry and he said we could swap the truck, but I had to make a down payment of an excessive amount due to my credit. I did not know that this truck was a nightmare and I feel why should I have to pay for someone selling me a truck that can kill me and whoever is riding with me. I bought the truck because they are supposed to be safe. This is ridiculous and the dealership is not trying to help me out of this by putting me in a safe vehicle. I am paying for something that is going to cause me bodily harm or my life, and they want me to pay more to get into a safe vehicle. This truck should not have been sold and because it was, they need to take responsibility and swap me out of this death trap. Can you please look into this matter. The collision center gave me copies of what they did, and what they found wrong with the truck and a picture of frame being bent. The firewall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Loss of dash display engine shuts down and no control of anything including steering very dangerous
Vehicle was brought in several times for loose headlights. Each time fastners were replaced. By dealership. Larry Miller boise, ID. Called ram cares they stated nothing was reported to them nor were there any recall. This is a major safety issue and on forums many people state they cannot pass state inspection because the headlights are falling out.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unknown
Driver seatbelt not working properly not locking like the way it should, I’m afraid to have an accident and not being protected.. really concerned about it. Thanks!
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied at the residence, the vehicle locked and started independently. The contact stated that a dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH down the driveway, the tailgate door released independently, causing damage to the trailer that was being hauled. The contact stated that the door latch released independently several times while driving. There was no warning prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and notified the contact that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The 8.4" infotainment screen freezes up at random times. This is an ongoing recurring issue. This is not only a comfort/convenience/entertainment annoyance. This also disables safety equipment, for example the back-up camera and the windshield defrosting via the climate control system. While I have reached out to the manufacturer for guidance, I have not taken it in for service. There are no warning lamps or indicators of malfunction. This has not resulted in any accidents yet, although I can plainly see the potential.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while reversing she felt the vehicle jerk with a loud sound coming from the vehicle causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was set to diagnose the vehicle. On another occasion, the vehicle was getting detailed and it was noticed that the rear window was leaking and had white mold. The vehicle was taking to the dealer who stated that no failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 5,000.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Please see attached document Tire size is , lt265/70r17
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated the gear shift/rotary dial had seized in place. The vehicle failed to shift into park, and the key failed to release from the ignition switch. While driving, the vehicle jumped from park to reverse and then drive. The drive, reverse, park, and neutral warning lights were illuminated. While at a stop, the vehicle locked. While depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal revving sound detected. The vehicle was hesitating and was slow to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as an electrical failure. The dealer informed the contact that the control module was not communicating with the TCM. The dealer scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also called Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 44 Worley Rd., Marion, NC 28752, Auto Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Waynesville (280 Hyatt Creek Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786), and Crossroads Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Henderson (120 US-158, Henderson, NC 27536). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,829.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the passenger's side exhaust manifold bolts had fractured, and the passenger's side exhaust manifold, the gasket, and the bolts were replaced by the dealer; however, the failure recurred on the driver's side exhaust manifold. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 35-65 MPH, the vehicle shuddered while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been a recurring failure while driving. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and transmission repair shops, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed and was separating inside the casing. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be charged a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .