2017 RAM 3500

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 depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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.  Consumers complained that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated on their vehicles.  The ABS module works in conjunction with the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), an electromechanical device that controls hydraulic pressure to the individual wheel brake assemblies, to manage braking forces during emergency stops. During this investigation, ODI received over 2,500 consumer complaints concerning ABS or HCU warning lights that illuminated on the dashboards of their vehicles.  Many consumers described also having trouble with cruise control, traction control, or electronic stability control.  Of the complaints received, over 50% mentioned that the ABS or HCU warning light was intermittent in nature. ODI learned that in January 2021, FCA was aware of a problem with the ABS pump motors on the subject vehicles.  FCA had been working with the supplier, ZF, on an issue concerning swelling of the brushes inside the motor.  According to a briefing given by ZF to FCA on January 15, 2021, the ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TSC) and other functions utilizing the motor would be disabled in the event of a problem with an ABS pump motor.  ZF also informed FCA that Slip Control would be inhibited with the driver warning lamp illuminated, base braking would not be affected, and FMVSS stopping distance requirements would still be met. In order to better understand the potential consequences of the brushes swelling and the disablement of the ABS, ESC, TSC and other functions, ODI requested that NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct testing on a subject vehicle with a faulty pump motor installed. During the testing, VRTC found that as the brushes started to swell in the motor, the warning lamp could illuminate intermittently, causing confusion to drivers.  Although the warning light illuminated intermittently, VRTC discovered that the pump was not working properly regardless of the warning light status.  In this condition drivers might think that their vehicle is operating normally when the warning light is off, but instead, the ABS, ESC, TSC and other functions supported by the pump will not work. Following a series of meetings with FCA to demonstrate the findings ofVRTC's testing, FCA conducted an internal review and on November 27, 2024, FCA submitted safety recalls 24V-896 and 24E-100. In view of the recalls being conducted by FCA, ODI has closed this Preliminary Evaluation.  The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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).  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.   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.  During the course of PE18016, it was found that two styles of drag link were used by FCA on the subject vehicles.  The subject vehicles consist of two drivetrain types including four-wheel drive (4WD) and two-wheel drive (2WD).  The 4WD and 2WD trucks used drag links of differing design but both incorporated the same threaded connector.  In January 2019 FCA issued recall 19V-021 to address a potential loss of steering control in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 4WD RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks.  The trucks using the 2WD style drag link were not included in the scope of recall 19V-021. ODI upgraded PE18016 to an Engineering Analysis EA19004 on December 12, 2019.  The purpose of EA19004 was to investigate if the root cause of the safety defect addressed by recall 19V-201 also affected the 2WD trucks and evaluate FCA’s rationale for not including them. ODI also monitored incoming consumer complaints regarding the remedy associated with 19V-021 and evaluated the suitability and long-term effectiveness of the prescribed repair. In the Defect Information Report submitted for recall 19V-021, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut could loosen and result in damage to the threading of the steering drag link connector.  This could cause a separation in the drag link resulting in a loss of steering control.  FCA determined that only the 4WD style drag link was affected and did not recall trucks with the 2WD style drag link due to design differences that made it unsusceptible to this failure mode.  The repair remedy called for the steering coupler to be tightened to the proper torque prior to the jam nut being spot welded to the coupler body. If the coupler has already become detached or correct torque cannot be obtained, the drag link is to be replaced with an updated unit that went into production on the MY2019 RAM trucks.This updated unit uses a clamp to secure the coupler in place of the jam nuts used on original style components. In order to determine if the 2WD drag link was susceptible to the same defect found on the 4WD vehicles, ODI requested that our Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct testing on both RAM 2500 4WD and 2WD trucks.  This testing was to determine operating conditions that might lead to loosened jam nuts of the recalled 4WD design and recreate these conditions on the 2WD vehicles to discover whether the 2WD design would also experience the loosening defect.  Results from VRTC’s dynamic testing indicated that when the jam nuts are significantly under-torqued, they may loosen further from regular vehicle operation on the 4WD vehicles.  Further, VRTC testing does not refute FCA’s assertion that the failure mechanism does not exist in the 2WD steering system. At the time of this closing resume, ODI has only received two allegations of drag link separation on 2WDvehicles.Neither could be validated as resulting from loose jam nuts. Since the release of recall 19V-021 ODI has received consumer complaints regarding the appearance of the spot weld applied to the defective drag link and the inability to have the steering properly aligned after welding of the jam nut.  In September 2023, FCA provided owners with a supplemental Vehicle Alignment Clarification notification that provided information on an updated alignment procedure. Regarding the spot weld remedy used on the 4WD vehicles, ODI is concerned about the remedy in that during an alignment by a non-dealer repair facility, the spot weld might not be replaced after the alignment.   To date there is no complaint trend of post alignment drag link separations, weld failures or other safety related incidents on remedied vehicles. This investigation is being closed with no further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

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 control or maintain the direction of the vehicle. During the investigation, it was determined that the same threaded coupler was used on two different drag link designs FCA manufactured on MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. FCA refers to the designs as either 4x2 or 4x4 style. In both designs, the coupler is prevented from turning on the drag link via two jam nuts that are tightened against the coupler. In its response to NHTSA's March 15, 2019, Information Request (IR) letter, FCA identified 48 incidents alleging separation of the steering linkage at the coupler resulting in a loss of steering control. Of those, 13 involved a crash, one of which resulted in an injury. All of the separations involved the 4x4 style drag link. Additionally, FCA's IR response refers to over 300 4x4 style equipped vehicles that experienced, or may have experienced loosening of one or more coupler jam nuts. On January 25, 2019, FCA submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) initiating NHTSA Recall No. 19V-021. In its DIR, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut in certain MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 could loosen potentially resulting in damage to the coupler and/or drag link threading allowing one end of the drag link to separate. The DIR notes that drag link separation results in loss of steering control, which in turn can cause a crash without warning. FCA's DIR did not identify a root cause for the defect, however it posits that an improperly torqued outboard jam nut could loosen, and with long-term vehicle use, cause damage to the outer link bar and/or coupler threads due to relative motion between the two components. The scope of Recall 19V-021 included vehicles with the 4x4 style drag link only. Also discussed in its IR response, FCA noted that the 4x2 style drag link contains a design difference (the outboard portion of the drag link is straight while the 4x4 style contains a bend) which it suggests may result in differences in the mechanical (bending) loads presented at the coupler and jam nut interface. Moreover, the DIR states that While root cause of the 4x4 style defect has not been established, FCA US believes that bending loads on the drag link is, at least, a causal contributing factor. FCA notes it did not identify any reports alleging 4x2 style separation as well as only three reports of loosening of jam nuts, two of which resulted in loosening that provided obvious warning to the vehicle operator, indicating a different failure mode.NHTSA is upgrading this investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 19-004 in order to continue to monitor the subject 4x2 style vehicles for evidence of field failures. Additionally, in conjunction with NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center, ODI intends to more thoroughly study potential root cause(s) of the 4x4 style defect mechanism, and if identified, will seek to determine if the 4x2 drag link is susceptible to the same mechanism(s). NHTSA will also evaluate the long-term suitability of the recall

Recall on anti lock brake system been on wait list for over a year and Ram is not even attempting to fix my truck I have called and talk to Jessica with Ram back in October of 2025 was told part would be available in February of 2026 still no part I have no cruise control and my auto start won’t work with the lights on the dash I don’t know what else to do I just want my truck fixed

NHTSA ID

11755878

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Subject: Safety Recall Remedy Unavailable Due to Lack of Parts I am submitting this complaint regarding my Ram truck, VIN [XXX], which is subject to a Stellantis safety recall involving the C4B Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). Although Stellantis has acknowledged this as a safety-related defect and issued a recall, I have been unable to obtain the required repair because replacement parts are not available. After multiple attempts of inquiring for a repair, my dealership has informed me that there is no estimated date when the hydraulic control unit will be available. This situation leaves me with a vehicle that is subject to an unresolved safety recall, yet neither the manufacturer nor the dealer can provide the required remedy within a reasonable timeframe. The recall involves a critical braking system component that affects the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control System. These are essential safety systems designed to help maintain vehicle control during emergency braking and adverse driving conditions. I tow a 16K lb fifth wheel and the risk is unacceptable for the past 18 months-not to mention the constant dinging of the warning, light, inability to use cruise control, and the inability to trade in or sell the vehicle. I am concerned that Stellantis has initiated this recall without ensuring that an adequate supply of replacement parts is available to promptly repair affected vehicles. Owners are left waiting indefinitely while continuing to own and, in many cases, operate vehicles with an acknowledged safety defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether Stellantis is meeting its obligations under federal recall requirements by providing an effective and timely remedy. I also request that NHTSA require Stellantis to improve parts availability and communication with affected owners so that recalled vehicles can be repaired within a reasonable period. Thanks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.

NHTSA ID

11752876

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

The contact owned a 2017 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that an employee parked the vehicle in front of an apartment complex, went inside the building to finish working; when the employee returned outside the building, the vehicle was on fire. No warning lights illuminated prior to the fire. The employee saw smoke and flames coming from the engine compartment. The Fire Department was contacted, arrived on scene, and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11750400

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

Mileage

109,000 mi

The HCU ABS is malfunctioning causing the cruise control to not work along with anti lock brake functions. This could cause a brake malfunction leading to a crash. We have received the recall notice, C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 over a year ago. We have contacted the local dealer several times during that year, including May 21, 2026. No effort has been made by the dealer to change the defective part and we have been told no parts are available and no delivery date can be given to change the part. Meanwhile we are forced to drive a vehicle with the potential to cause a crash. Please take action to help us.

NHTSA ID

11739571

Incident

Jan 2, 2025

Grid heater bolt broke while towing our camper and destroyed our engine while traveling through Virginia!

NHTSA ID

11732828

Incident

Apr 8, 2026

The issue involves the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and hydraulic control unit on our 2017 Ram 3500. The recall states that the ABS module/hydraulic control unit may fail, which can impact braking performance and disable safety systems. The component has not been repaired because parts have been unavailable for over three years. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This defect creates a serious safety risk. The vehicle is primarily used to tow livestock, including horses, and loss or reduction of braking capability while towing could result in loss of control, increased stopping distance, or an accident involving occupants, other drivers, or transported animals. The problem has been confirmed by authorized Ram dealerships in Chehalis, Washington and Eureka, California. Both dealerships, as well as Ram customer care, have acknowledged the open recall and stated that no parts are available to complete the repair. The vehicle has not been physically inspected by the manufacturer for repair because no remedy has been available. It has not been involved in an accident related to this issue. Prior to the recall, there were no known warning messages or confirmed failures observed. However, the recall itself indicates a potential failure of the ABS system and braking components, which may occur without warning. The recall has remained unresolved for an unreasonable amount of time. The manufacturer has failed to provide a remedy for this safety-related defect within a reasonable time.

NHTSA ID

11732756

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera image was blue. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear-view camera or the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V398000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11731335

Incident

Apr 15, 2023

Mileage

50,000 mi

My ABS hydraulic control unit pump motor is not working properly. This has been affecting me since Oct 2024 when we were pulling our 5th wheel and losing braking and power. I learned later that It is part of a NHTSA Recall 24V-896000. Code C4B I was told by the Dodge dealer Jack Powell in [XXX] that I was on waitlist when I reported it to them 12/19/2024. During the next several months I always got the same answer so then filed a case on 7/7/2025 with the FCA. Case #XXX. During many calls after, and including the last call on 3/27/26 that the part was not available, that this was a National backorder with no ETA. I filed another case on 8/17/25 for a rental vehicle - case #XXX. After several calls I got that approved. The Dodge dealer diagnosed my truck with that active code in place. Also to be clear, the dealer has confirmed failure of the ABS system, which disables safety features Due to this defect, the truck can lose ABS braking, tractional control and electronic stability control. The dash warning lights come on all the time, with the sound too. Although I was approved for a rental vehicle, that is for $60 per day and only for a non-tow vehicle. The problem is that this vehicle is primarily used for towing. I have a 5th wheel hitch and use it for towing our 5th wheel trailer, that we purchase early 2024. We tow our boat as well. The bigger problem is that I am near retirement and we are not able to use our 5th wheel for the trips to prepare for that and the plan to travel once I retire later this year. I need to have a functionally comparable vehicle that is equipped for 5th wheel towing as a rental or reimbursement. I would also like a review for alternative remedies due to the unreasonable delay in completing the safety recall. When I contacted Stellantis on 3/27/26 I was told her was no buyback option and they would escalate to the rental dept for my concerns The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA ID

11727783

Incident

Oct 11, 2024

Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning

BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT

BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.