2017 RAM 2500 Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The diagnostic test determined that there was a failure with the ECM. The ECM was replaced; however, soon after the repair, the warning lights returned with the vehicle going into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken back to dealer, where the vehicle remained for months while attempting to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was then informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test indicated a failure with the hydraulic control unit (HCU). Several repairs were performed, but failed to correct the failure. The mechanic replaced the transmission twice; however, the failure returned after each repair. The manufacturer was notified about the failure, and the contact was provided with two case numbers. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was 82,792.

NHTSA ID

11731664

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Mileage

82,792 mi

My 2017 Ram 2500, 6.4L Hemi experiences warning lights which I'm told is caused by intermittent PCM failure. I'm told this can cause the truck to stall while in motion, refuse to start, or enter "limp mode". This amounts to a possible unsafe condition that can put myself and passengers at risk of property damage, bodily injury or worse. I brought the truck to Priority Automotive of Westerly, LLC on March 9, 2026 for diagnosis. Their diagnosis (attached) recommended replacing the PCM to correct (possibly), "...intermittent internal short(s)". Cost of the repair is $2,012.42. Subsequently, I contacted customer care at Stellantis (866-726-4636) and was given Case #[XXX]. I was told to make an appointment at the aforementioned dealership and call them the day before the appointment, so they could send a representative to the dealership for examination. I did exactly that to no avail. No one from Stellantis even contacted the dealership on the appointment date. I called them to find out what happened, only to find out (from a supervisor) that they are not offering assistance in the matter. Additionally, the truck is currently under recall #C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 (PCM related) and, to-date, I'm told the part is still not available after more than a year since the recall. I've owned Dodge Rams for over 27 years and find the situation unsafe and totally unacceptable. I'm also aware that many other owners of the 2017 Ram 2500 6.4L experience PCM/ECM issues, causing no-start conditions or stalling, and have reported them alongside braking system complaints. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11726039

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

It is a known issue that 2017 ram 2500 diesels experience turbo or actuator failures at low mileage costing upwards of 8-10000 dollars in repairs. My ram only has 61000 miles and due to exhaust fluid requirements etc, premature failure is common. Owners should be able to extend the warranty to 15 years as Chrysler has known this issue and has failed to address it. The code is in the attached screenshot.

NHTSA ID

11679998

Incident

Aug 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The “Low Coolant” warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the EGR system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained at the local dealer for further tests. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ID

11677783

Incident

Jul 5, 2025

Mileage

93,000 mi

When I have gone to slow down and try to stop, the vehicle has slide forward a fee times. I thought it was a little weird, but didn't think to much of it. After a while, my transmission started acting up as well. I will be driving down the road about 50-60mph and it will shift to 4th gear and not come out of 4th gear until stopped and shut off and restarted. I recently heard about the recall when I took my truck to the dealership that is close to where I am located at the moment. I decided to research about the recall and what could happen if that part fails. It showed me that if the recalled part fails, it will cause all the problems that is going on with my truck. I am a full-time rv'er and trailer the country pulling an rv everywhere I go. I am stuck where I am until my truck can be fixed of these problems. This is a major setback and a major financial burden to have to stay where I am until it is fixed. I am near Thomson, GA where I am waiting to have my vehicle fixed.

NHTSA ID

11668302

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

I got a p2609 code when the check engine light came on. After researching the code it has been determined it is the bolt holding the grid heater in place has deteriorated and now my engine needs to be dismantled to repair the problem. These repairs are roughly $3000.00. Ram has been aware of this problem in their vehicles since 2007 models and it is still a problem they are not being held responsible for.

NHTSA ID

11657202

Incident

Apr 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the check engine, traction, and ABS warning lights illuminated. Once the warning lights had appeared, the speedometer, odometer, and cruise control functions failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the transmission failed to shift out park(P). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a code reader determined that the failure was linked to the ABS control module. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer. The failure mileage was 153,777. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11651248

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

Mileage

153,777 mi

The heater grid bolt busted loose ultimately resulting in total engine failure. The bolt went through the intake, beat cylinder 6 all to heck resulting in the piston going through the block and wrapping around the cam shaft. Over $20,000 in repairs later and I have a working truck again. This is a known issue. My mechanic has fixed several of these in the last year. If you own one of these trucks, it is only a matter of time before it happens to you.

NHTSA ID

11647529

Incident

Jan 3, 2025

The grid heater bolt failed and fell into the intake runner. The bolt then fell into the number 6 cylinder causing engine failure. The vehicle has 73554 miles on it. The grid heater bolt failure is a known problem and has been recalled on other vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11643462

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

Grid Heater bolt failure. Grid heater bolt is secured by a nut below intake area. The nut on bolt melts and causes pieces and shards into cylinder #6 if not fixed immediately. This is a terrible design and expensive fix. I am 3rd person to have this problem recently amongst my friends. Metal in side motors should not be melting and or rotting into cylinders. Please see attached pictures showing melted bolt and shards in the intake area. If this is a part that needs maintenance it should be listed in the scheduled maintenance somewhere

NHTSA ID

11643203

Incident

Feb 17, 2025

Lost diesel exhaust brake transmission down shifts trying to slow vehicle bolt in cold start heater plate dropped into engine via intake manifold causing extensive internal damage

NHTSA ID

11639202

Incident

Dec 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that a diagnostic scanner was used to retrieve DTC: P2609; which indicated a failure in the intake air heater system. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealers were contacted and indicated that the part was not available to order. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure or parts availability. The failure mileage was 123,200.

NHTSA ID

11637713

Incident

Jan 3, 2025

Mileage

123,200 mi

Cam shaft lobe rounded off, causing sudden loss of power and misfire on cylinder 7. The first time this happened there was no warning or signs of trouble. I was traveling at highway speeds and the vehicle violently shook and speed unexpectedly dropped. Had to limp the truck off the highway with choppy acceleration while the steering wheel shook. This could of easily caused a serious accident at highway speeds. The damaged cam shaft caused damage to cylinder 7. Cylinder 7 now has low compression. The check engine light is now on and the engine makes a ticking noise. The mechanic, Homestead Auto, ordered a rebuilt engine to replace the engine in my truck. Estimated delivery is several months. Estimated costs of repair is $8500. The truck with the damaged engine is available for inspection at my house. The vehicle has only been inspected by my mechanic at Homestead Auto. The mechanic said this is a well known and common problem with Hemi engines.

NHTSA ID

11608213

Incident

Aug 8, 2024

This is preventative for myself but multiple others have been affected by this manufacturing issue. The factory grid heater has a bolt and stud on the bottom side of it. From heat and deterioration the bolt has a tendency to fall off, which then sends it through the intake manifold where it winds up inside cylinder #6. See these links for more information: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11606099

Incident

Aug 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbocharger and that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission and cooling lines, and it was determined that the transmission and the cooling lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 135,800.

NHTSA ID

11588551

Incident

Apr 7, 2024

Mileage

135,800 mi

We bought our truck in August 2023. At the end of January 2024 a light came on saying we had 150 miles before the engine shut down to 5 mph. A week later we get a recall letter, and take it to a dealership, they fix the recall they said, but before we got home, the light came on again. They told us to drive it a few days and it might go off. It stayed on we took it back to dealership. The recall apparently says to reprogram the def system. That is not the problem. The dealership said they did their part. Carmax said they don’t cover anything. We did buy an extended warranty. They came in an inspector looked at the truck and approved to only replace the def injector, one nut and a sensor. The problem that we face is that when they go to replace the deaf injector it possibly is going to damage the STR or SCR pipe no one will cover that. So we are now facing four to $8000 for repairs to a truck we just bought. we’ve only had it four months. Someone should be liable. We are now without transportation, no way for my husband to get to work so we will probably end up losing his job and the truck and have to move all over a defective truck that was sold to us.

NHTSA ID

11572101

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

Failed part is the turbo actuator. I was towing an approximately 6000lb trailer when the turbo actuator failed. I lost both boost to control power and loss of the exhaust brake. I was driving in an area of steep inclines and declines, loss of the exhaust brake is the safety issue. The actuator issue caused the check engine light to come on and codes were thrown regarding the failed actuator.There were no codes or any advanced warning of the failed actuator. The codes came up when the actuator failed, no exhaust braking while driving down the mountain. I have replaced the actuator and the vehicle is now running fine with adequate acceleration and the exhaust break also works.

NHTSA ID

11555148

Incident

Oct 2, 2023

An oil leak has formed at 46k miles and it is dripping all over the engine and the entire under carriage of the truck. This is common in the 6.7 cummins. The truck is under warranty but mopar refused to fix the truck. The oil gets on things that cause smoking snd burning smells. This has caused the engine to lose oil pressure and shut off on the highway.

NHTSA ID

11518335

Incident

Sep 10, 2022

My 2017 RAM 2500 (VIN-HG607103) at 83,015 miles began throwing a code of P2609 which is an air intake heater issue. I found my air intake relay was not working. I replaced it and all good, until the code returned a little over a week later. I then tested the relay and found it good and began to research more to learn that I had the "Bolt of Death" occurring. The bolt on my grid heater plate was broken, however it had not dropped into my engine cylinder. Luckly it was fused to the heater grid plate still. If it had fell off, it would fallen into a cyclinder damaging it and the piston, blowing the engine. There are recalls on new trucks with this engine however not the 2017s yet.

NHTSA ID

11516357

Incident

Feb 4, 2023

Recently there has been a number of reports stating the Engine Pre-heater electrical connector has become corroded causing the connector to overheat, rust, and eventually dropping the bolt nut to fall into the intake manifold where the lose nut is succeed into one of the cylinders causing major mechanical damage to the diesel engine. One article was mentioned and posted on Bank Power website, article: RAM Insider Talks Bolt Failure, regarding the intake manifold part# 12B1023A163.

NHTSA ID

11507953

Incident

Feb 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated while jump starting another vehicle, the contact noticed that the oil dip stick was not secured. The contact pushed the dip stick back into place. On another occasion, the contact was having the battery changed and the oil dip stick was not secured again. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11495644

Incident

Oct 4, 2022

Mileage

95,000 mi

The contact's husband owned a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the dealer replaced the crankcase filter and performed other unknown maintenance services. The contact stated that after her husband remotely started the vehicle, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and smoke entered the cabin of the vehicle. The contact's husband opened the hood and noticed there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The contact's husband extinguished the fire with a hose. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was received. No police or fire department reports were filed. The contact related the failure to a faulty solid-state intake heater grid relay located in the engine compartment; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle remained in the driveway and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ID

11490672

Incident

Oct 23, 2022

Mileage

94,000 mi

We were told by a car dealer the head gasket might be bad. So, we had it towed to a mechanic, where it was repaired.

NHTSA ID

11435200

Incident

Jul 30, 2021

The contact's son owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss motive power without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not replicate the failure after test driving the vehicle for 75 miles. The failure recurred after the contact's son received the vehicle back from the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired and was waiting for an unknown part to arrive in December for the dealer to replace. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened and the manufacturer provided a rental vehicle for the contact's son. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11432120

Incident

Sep 8, 2021

Mileage

35,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DEF PUMP GAUGE REGISTERED A ZERO (0). THE PUMP WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHO REPLACED THE DEF PUMP HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11408365

Incident

Mar 1, 2021

Mileage

50,000 mi