RoadVitals

2017 RAM 1500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
863
Latest Aug 12, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
96

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

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.

221
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11756574 · filed Aug 12, 2026

Intermittent failure of electronic power steering similar to other recalled items.

NHTSA ID 11747295 · filed Jun 29, 2026
All 221 reports naming steering

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

186
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Egr cooler failed again after it has been recalled/repaired by previous owner. Dealership saying they wont fix it.

NHTSA ID 11750308 · filed Jul 14, 2026

Vehicle is having the same issues it had before with soot and sludge build up in the engine that caused the EGR to fail and melt into the engine... I have all the parts that were replaced from the 1st time this happened and was not repaired properly and is now causing a catastrophic failure....

NHTSA ID 11734418 · filed Apr 28, 2026
All 186 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

128
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 10, 2026

While driving on I70 in downtown Indianapolis, I was alerted by a semi driver that something was wrong with my vehicle, or he was attempting to get my attention for something. Once he got my attention, I could see a trail of liquid pouring out from behind me. Thankfully, I was able to get over and get off the highway. I tried to get somewhere safe, but eventually the truck sputtered out. We have now learned that the fuel tank straps failed, and since then we now knoww Chrysler is aware that they are faulty, and that this is something Chrysler is aware of and they have an extension warranty X75 for the 2017. However, they do not have a recall. And I have been attempting to handle things with them directly. They have agreed to take care of the faulty fuel tank straps, but they are not responsible for any consequential damage. I could have been killed that day, if traffic was more severe, or someone flicked a cigarette and it hit the fuel. I could have burnt alive in the truck. Chrysler keeps sending me up the chain, and i'm just told they only owe for the fuel straps. So far I have missed work, had to pay out of pocket for a rental and there is at minimum of $2000 in repair and $200 in out of pocket tows.

NHTSA ID 11748813 · filed Jul 7, 2026
All 128 reports naming fuel system

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

105
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Per my dealer, Hudson Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Hudson, WI the ABS Module in my 2017 Ram 1500 has failed, and needs to be replaced. The part is on permanent backorder with no eta on production or shipping. There are thousands of complaints online regarding this issue, that Ram is not correcting. My dealer told me they may never receive the part, and there is no solution for it. The part number is 68295368AC

NHTSA ID 11744933 · filed Jun 18, 2026

The vehicle is a 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn EcoDiesel 4x4 that I bought new in 2018. The backup camera has been a constant intermittent problem since the second year of ownership. It will go dark, have a green screen, or display scrambled lines. The camera has been replaced by the local Ram dealer (Mullahey Jeep/Dodge/Ram in Paso Robles, CA) at least once under warranty, but the problem recurred. It has been there at other times for the issue, but the problem had rectified itself by the time I got it there. After researching this on the internet the problem appears to be in the backup camera wiring harness in the tailgate, possibly in the electrical connectors. Many people complain about the issue on various forums, and there are quite a few videos on You Tube with homegrown fixes which I have tried, but they are a temporary at best. The best temporary remedy I have found is to open and then slam the tailgate shut. The problem appears to be quite common. I informed the dealer about the wiring harness possibly being the source of the problem the last time I brought it in a few years ago, but they seemed to ignore my advice. I know that there have been safety recalls of RAM pickups for backup camera issues from model years 2019 onwards, so why not other affected years? The problem most recently recurred today as I was backing out of my driveway. It has occurred numerous times over the years. RAM appears to have no permanent fix for this safety hazard. Luckily, I have not yet had an accident, but no one should have to wait for an accident, injury, or a fatality to order a recall. I hope my complaint does not fall on deaf ears as it has with RAM. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11742861 · filed Jun 9, 2026
All 105 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

96
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Front brakes keep sticking, causing it to have hopping sensation, have gone through 12+ set of calipers, 6 or so wheel hub assemblies, and 3 or more cv axels all within a year and half.

NHTSA ID 11750983 · filed Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the ABS, ESC, and cruise control warning lights were illuminated and became inoperable. While depressing the brake pedal, the braking distance became extended. The failure made the vehicle difficult and unsafe to drive in inclement weather. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the hydraulic control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another certified mechanic and confirmed the diagnostic result. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the vehicle could not yet be repaired due to the part being on backorder. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (105 Parker-McGill Dr, Starkville, MS 39759); and it was confirmed that the part for the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The contact was waiting for the response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID 11747969 · filed Jul 2, 2026
All 96 reports naming brakes

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

93
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11734668 · filed Apr 29, 2026

Vehicle is having the same issues it had before with soot and sludge build up in the engine that caused the EGR to fail and melt into the engine... I have all the parts that were replaced from the 1st time this happened and was not repaired properly and is now causing a catastrophic failure....

NHTSA ID 11734418 · filed Apr 28, 2026
All 93 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

57
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the ABS, ESC, and cruise control warning lights were illuminated and became inoperable. While depressing the brake pedal, the braking distance became extended. The failure made the vehicle difficult and unsafe to drive in inclement weather. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the hydraulic control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another certified mechanic and confirmed the diagnostic result. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the vehicle could not yet be repaired due to the part being on backorder. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (105 Parker-McGill Dr, Starkville, MS 39759); and it was confirmed that the part for the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The contact was waiting for the response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID 11747969 · filed Jul 2, 2026

About 5 days ago my ABS and traction control light came on brought it to a auto repair shop and when they hooked up to it to retrieve code it showed abs module failure and no parts are available to repair truck so now having to drive it without these safety features due to lack of parts.

NHTSA ID 11736440 · filed May 7, 2026
All 57 reports naming driver assistance

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

53
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Air bag light is on and doesn't disappear. It says service air bags soon.

NHTSA ID 11721114 · filed Feb 28, 2026

Was traveling at least 45mph. Car pulled out in front of me. Had impact on passenger front side of my truck.

NHTSA ID 11698894 · filed Nov 12, 2025
All 53 reports naming airbags

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

48
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Electronic Power Steering just stopped all of a sudden while I was going up the mountain into North Carolina that almost caused an accident the only reason it didn’t is because of the pull off right after the curve I was going through when I lost all steering! With the truck already in the pull off I stopped to see if I had lost a serpentine belt unaware this Ram is equipped with the EPS System. I had no phone service luckily someone came by when they did because of the snow storm seeing vehicles was few and far between! After letting the truck sit for about 20mins with the positive cable unhooked I started the truck and had steering again. So the nice gentleman that stopped said he would follow me to the nearest cell service area so I could call someone, No warning light the first time at all the second time the only warning light was service ABS system which shouldn’t affect having power steering. So I repeated the steps as I did the first time and had steering again the service ABS System light was gone and we made it 11 Minutes up the mountain before it happened again only this time all kinds of service lights came on all at once, Service Electronic brake system,Service ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, SERVICE ELECTRONIC SHIFTER, SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM, traction control was disabled which isn’t good in snowy weather conditions and i had no choice but to continue 3mins to the next town with no power steering no traction control and all these other warning lights because it wouldn’t fix it anymore temporarily by in hooking the positive battery cable and waiting 20 minutes which I attempted 3 times with no success once we reached the town I was able to call and have someone come pick me and my truck up and brought a scan tool I cleared the codes only for them to come right back as soon as I would crank the truck! Had it professionally scanned with same results! Very dangerous issue! Yes it can be inspected yes professionally inspected $2300part only not labor to!

NHTSA ID 11725472 · filed Mar 19, 2026

My suspension didn't work. It was riding on the frame. The power steering is very difficult to turn. The front control screen is not turning on.

NHTSA ID 11725150 · filed Mar 18, 2026
All 48 reports naming suspension

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

36
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11753898 · filed Jul 30, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11681694 · filed Aug 19, 2025
All 36 reports naming body & structure

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

16
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11610782 · filed Aug 26, 2024

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

NHTSA ID 11608617 · filed Aug 14, 2024
All 16 reports naming other / unspecified

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Loss of dash display engine shuts down and no control of anything including steering very dangerous

NHTSA ID 11619284 · filed Oct 11, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11553012 · filed Nov 1, 2023
All 12 reports naming exterior lighting

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Unknown

NHTSA ID 11629626 · filed Dec 9, 2024

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!

NHTSA ID 11567920 · filed Jan 25, 2024
All 11 reports naming seat belts

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

11
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11656530 · filed Apr 24, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11508402 · filed Feb 21, 2023
All 11 reports naming interior & seats

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

10
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11490938 · filed Oct 26, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 11479939 · filed Aug 18, 2022
All 10 reports naming visibility

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Please see attached document Tire size is , lt265/70r17

NHTSA ID 11722920 · filed Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the drive pinion seal of the rear differential was leaking, and an unknown bolt was bent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact was unsure what repairs needed to be performed. The dealer advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to that NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V198000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

NHTSA ID 11683382 · filed Aug 27, 2025
All 8 reports naming tires & wheels

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

4
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11623050 · filed Nov 1, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11547992 · filed Oct 3, 2023

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

Data on this page last refreshed .