2017 RAM 3500 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 3500, 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
- Brakes19747.0%
- Driver assistance4410.5%
- Electrical327.6%
- Engine327.6%
- Powertrain (other)266.2%
- Other / unspecified266.2%
- Steering184.3%
- Suspension153.6%
- Fuel system92.1%
- Tires & wheels71.7%
- Body & structure41.0%
- Airbags30.7%
- Seat belts20.5%
- Interior & seats20.5%
- Transmission10.2%
- Exterior lighting10.2%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
[XXX] Chrysler Dodge Ram at [XXX] REFUSED to fix the hcu/abs recall due to truck being too tall. The truck sits at 8'5" tall. They seem to have a habit of doing this based on their reviews and talk from other shops. This is unacceptable and are required by law to fix these trucks. The truck is currently at another dealer without issue getting the recall repaired. Truck has never been "too tall" for any other shops in the area. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ABS System Component Failure: My 2017 RAM 3500 truck was diagnosed with a failed ABS pump motor on XXX, the pump was replaced per dealer procedure and since the code did not clear the procedure was to replace the ABS Control Module. I was advised at the time that ABS Module was not availble at any of the RAM dealers in the [XXX] and a warranty recall was pending. On XXX I was advised the recalled part was in stock for installation. On XXX, the HCU (Hydraulic Contol Unit) pump was installed, however the ABS system still has an active fault code C2200-49, indicating a defective ABS control module, which is bolted directly to the HCU. The dealer will not replace the ABS module under the terms of the recall, and the replacement part is still on restriction through the STAR Center. It is my opinion that driving for 2 years with a failed HCU caused damage to the ABS module and needs to be included in the C4B recall. Bottom line the truck is still not safe to drive without Traction Control and ABS Brake Control. I have a case pending with a FCA Level 2 manager to get this part expedited and cost coverd by FCA. Your help would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS System Component Failure: My 2017 RAM 3500 truck was diagnosed with a failed ABS pump motor on XXX, the pump was replaced per dealer procedure and since the code did not clear the procedure was to replace the ABS Control Module. I was advised at the time that ABS Module was not availble at any of the RAM dealers in the [XXX] and a warranty recall was pending. On XXX I was advised the recalled part was in stock for installation. On XXX, the HCU (Hydraulic Contol Unit) pump was installed, however the ABS system still has an active fault code C2200-49, indicating a defective ABS control module, which is bolted directly to the HCU. The dealer will not replace the ABS module under the terms of the recall, and the replacement part is still on restriction through the STAR Center. It is my opinion that driving for 2 years with a failed HCU caused damage to the ABS module and needs to be included in the C4B recall. Bottom line the truck is still not safe to drive without Traction Control and ABS Brake Control. I have a case pending with a FCA Level 2 manager to get this part expedited and cost coverd by FCA. Your help would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale from Facebook. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 234,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 380,000. A Police report was filed.
FAILURE OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MODULE (ABM). FAILURE OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU). BOTH HAVE FAILED AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED *TWICE* AT DEALERSHIP IN UNDER 40,000 MILES. WARNING LIGHT AND AUDIBLE WARNING INDICATED PROBLEM. BRAKE RESPONSE DANGEROUSLY INADEQUATE. THIS PROBLEM IS UNDER NHTSA 24V-896 / FCA C4B. HOWEVER THIS VIN APPARENTLY EXCLUDED AND/OR NOT RECOGNIZED AS INCLUDED IN RECALL BY FCA/NHTSA. THIS IS IN ERROR AND MUST BE REMEDIATED.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Grid heater bolt broke while towing our camper and destroyed our engine while traveling through Virginia!
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Grid heater bolt broke while towing our camper and destroyed our engine while traveling through Virginia!
While test driving a 2017 RAM 3500 6.7L Cummins diesel at Cherry Hill Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, both the check engine light and the regen warning light came on simultaneously. I returned to the dealership, looked up the regen warning, then retrieved my BlueDriver OBD2 scanner from my own vehicle. I scanned the truck on-site and ran live data. The scan confirmed the diesel particulate filter (DPF) was 100% full, and the regeneration system was not functioning. Permanent fault code P242F was stored, and the exhaust backpressure reading was over 25 PSI at idle — indicating a severely blocked system. These faults were not disclosed by the dealership, and no inspection or documentation from a diesel technician was available. I later discovered the truck also has an open safety recall (Manufacturer Recall Number: C4B / NHTSA Recall Number: 24V-896) for a potential failure of the Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). This recall involves the loss of ABS, Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control, and the recall status is listed as incomplete with no remedy available as of the test date. I offered to purchase the truck for $35,000 out-the-door on the condition that the emissions system was repaired and certified. The salesperson spoke with the manager, then returned and told me the vehicle was no longer for sale. I then overheard the manager say they planned to wholesale the vehicle, likely without disclosing these active safety and emissions system failures. I am filing this report to ensure the vehicle is flagged for unresolved safety and emissions violations before it is sold or auctioned in its current condition. I have full diagnostic scan data, photographs, and written communication from the visit available upon request.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH through a Construction Zone, the front passenger’s side tire independently detached. No warning light was illuminated. On another occasion, while the contact’s husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's husband noticed that the gear shifter was loose, and the vehicle was stuck in park. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, it failed to prevent a failure. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with 4 loosened lug nuts on the driver’s side rear wheel. Additionally, there were 7 stretched front driver’s side lug nuts, and 2 stretched lug nuts on the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the same local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet identified. The vehicle was repaired partially at the consumer's expense. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
V06 Recall was attempted, but welding could not be done correctly - was told that was the "best they could do" truck continued to steer poorly (constantly have to hold the steering wheel to one side or the truck will veer out of the lane) bc steer ahead wrong, and to wear outer edge of the tires to an unsafe level in less than half the normal mileage. Now Dodge dealership/Stellantis claims the drag link assembly was permanently damaged by their prior recall work, and that truck cannot be aligned or driven safely but also won't fix it. They have been telling me they will action the case "today" or "one businesses day" since 27 Aug. I found out that the alignment and steering problem I had been spending money to fix since 2019 was a result of their poor recall repair and trying to get a response from Dodge Stellantis since AUG 06, and I have been without the use of the truck and unable to care for my horses since then. I have spent more than 14 hours directly on the phone with them without any action - my truck remains essentially impounded at the dealership. Est 20k miles at initial recall V06 failed repair attempt but their records should say. Current document is currently dealership that admitted the initial recall repair attempt damaged the draglink assembly beyond any hope of salvage/alignment.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause this vehicle to crash . Warning lights are present, I have a horse trailer and can not use this truck to pull it due to this danger. I have waited over a year for the remedy to be offered but there is no remedy from the manufacturer for these failures of the ABS/ESC/Traction Control.. This happens EVERY TIME I attempt to drive this truck. It has LOW Mileage due to not being able to drive it.
V06 Recall was attempted, but welding could not be done correctly - was told that was the "best they could do" truck continued to steer poorly (constantly have to hold the steering wheel to one side or the truck will veer out of the lane) bc steer ahead wrong, and to wear outer edge of the tires to an unsafe level in less than half the normal mileage. Now Dodge dealership/Stellantis claims the drag link assembly was permanently damaged by their prior recall work, and that truck cannot be aligned or driven safely but also won't fix it. They have been telling me they will action the case "today" or "one businesses day" since 27 Aug. I found out that the alignment and steering problem I had been spending money to fix since 2019 was a result of their poor recall repair and trying to get a response from Dodge Stellantis since AUG 06, and I have been without the use of the truck and unable to care for my horses since then. I have spent more than 14 hours directly on the phone with them without any action - my truck remains essentially impounded at the dealership. Est 20k miles at initial recall V06 failed repair attempt but their records should say. Current document is currently dealership that admitted the initial recall repair attempt damaged the draglink assembly beyond any hope of salvage/alignment.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle drove over a small pothole in the road and suddenly experienced the death wobble, causing the vehicle to violently shake and vibrate, which caused the weld on the track bar mount to separate from the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was undrivable. A Police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,000.
V06 Recall was attempted, but welding could not be done correctly - was told that was the "best they could do" truck continued to steer poorly (constantly have to hold the steering wheel to one side or the truck will veer out of the lane) bc steer ahead wrong, and to wear outer edge of the tires to an unsafe level in less than half the normal mileage. Now Dodge dealership/Stellantis claims the drag link assembly was permanently damaged by their prior recall work, and that truck cannot be aligned or driven safely but also won't fix it. They have been telling me they will action the case "today" or "one businesses day" since 27 Aug. I found out that the alignment and steering problem I had been spending money to fix since 2019 was a result of their poor recall repair and trying to get a response from Dodge Stellantis since AUG 06, and I have been without the use of the truck and unable to care for my horses since then. I have spent more than 14 hours directly on the phone with them without any action - my truck remains essentially impounded at the dealership. Est 20k miles at initial recall V06 failed repair attempt but their records should say. Current document is currently dealership that admitted the initial recall repair attempt damaged the draglink assembly beyond any hope of salvage/alignment.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle had undergone the regeneration process. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was performing the DPF regeneration cycle constantly while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the SCR catalytic converter was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 272,000.
MY RAM 3500 2017 LOST SHIFTING IN AN INTERSECTION. IT WAS TOWED TO HERMISTON CHRYSLER IN OREGON 9/21/2020. THEY SAY WARRANTY REQUIRES THEM TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. PARTS WERE SENT TO FIX IT. NOW WARRANTY SAYS SEND PICTURES. MIGHT SEND NEW TRANSMISSION. I MADE A 1400 MILE TRIP THERE THIS WEEK AND CAME HOME IN ANOTHER RENTAL. MY PICKUP CAMPER IS STRANDED THERE.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500 equipped with Nexen Tires, Tire size: 235/80/R17, Tire Line: Roadian ATX, DOT Numbers: 8EX6CMDL4517, 8EX6CMLL1616, 8EX6CMDR1017, 8EX6CMDL1017 and 8EX6CMCL1017. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, two of the tires exploded into pieces on different occasions. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop, where the tires were replaced. The contact stated that a third tire exploded while driving. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop, where it was recommended to replace all four tires because the tire brand and line was defective. The contact was informed that the tires were separating from inside out. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred while hauling a camper. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to install a gauge on each tire. The contact followed the manufacturer's instructions; however, the failure persisted. The contact filed a refund claim with the manufacturer and was informed that the claim was approved. The manufacturer advised the contact to destroy the tires and to send a picture of the destroyed tires. The contact followed the manufacturer's instructions but was later informed that the pictures were not received. The contact had not received a refund from the manufacturer. The tires were replaced with a different brand tire. The tires were original tires. The tire failure mileage was approximately 14,000. The vehicle mileage was approximately 14,000. The VIN was not available.
Tire Size: LT235/80R17. Tire installed [XXX]. Tire Dated Stamp: 4619. Mileage on tire: Approx 23K. Vehicle: 2017 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Dually w/6.7L Diesel. Road Surface: Smooth. Hazards: none. Weather Condition: Excellent. Front right tire blow out occurred on [XXX] approx 10 miles east of Leesville LA. No indication of tire failure prior to blow out. Initial tire inflation was 80 PSI. Approx $8k damage to front right fender area. Front tires were rotated and balanced annually. Vehicle was traveling at 65MPH pulling a 20 ft empty cargo trailer. Contacted Goodyear and shipped them the tire for analysis, Goodyear File #[XXX]. Goodyear stated: "Tire condition occurred dure to an impact causing overdeflection of the tire and a fracture of the steel belt package, and/or fabric piles and/or line. No workmanship or material related condition contributed to the initial air loss." I have the tire in question. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle drove over a small pothole in the road and suddenly experienced the death wobble, causing the vehicle to violently shake and vibrate, which caused the weld on the track bar mount to separate from the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was undrivable. A Police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,000.
MY TAILGATE KEEPS OPENING ON IT'S OWN WHENEVER IT WANTS TO. IT OPENS WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED. I TRANSPORT RVS FOR A LIVING AND IF THE TAILGATE FALLS AND I DON'T REALIZE IT, IT CAN DAMAGE THE UNIT AND I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT, WHEN IT IS A CHRYSLER KNOWN ISSUE. THE RECALL THAT JUST CAME OUT IS FOR ONLY SHORT BEDS AND I HAVE A LONG BED. I NEED THIS ISSUED RESOLVED UNDER THE RECALL, BUT CANNOT BECAUSE IT'S SUPPOSEDLY NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *DT*JB *DT*JB *DT*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS, traction control, and stability control warning lights remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC ); however, the parts needed to complete the recall were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 165,000.
WE KEEP GETTING AIRBAG SERVICE LIGHT COME ON EVERY TIME WE CRANK THE TRUCK.. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3X NOW AND THEY HAVE FINALLY FOUND THE ISSUE (OF COURSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AT THIS POINT. BUT IT IS THE ORC SENSOR THAT HAS SHORTED OUT. THIS IS A KNOWN RECALL ON MANY OTHER VEHICLES. BUT MINE HAS NOW SHORTED OUT WITH NO "CURRENT" RECALL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver's seatbelt comes un-latched while driving. Driver's seatbelt does not latch.
CURRENT OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE, VICTOR CIOBANAS, ROLLED BACK ODOMETER TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR, 50000 MILES EACH TIME, AND SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE. I WAS WORKING ON THIS TRUCK AS A DRIVER. OWNER SAID HE DID IT FOR WARRANTY IN DEALERSHIP. NOW ODOMETER SHOWS AROUND 80000 MILES, WHILE THE REAL MILEAGE IS AROUND 300000 MILES. HE DID IT AT 8270 S 86TH CT., JUSTICE, IL, "ANDY'S AUTO ELECTRONICS", 12 JUNE 2019.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Possible grounding issue. Seat heat inoperative, steering wheel buttons inoperative or incorrect response. Interior lights flickering. Hands free function engaged without prompts.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (BLUE BONNET CHRYSLER DODGE, 547 S SEGUIN AVE, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78130) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,125. *TT *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRUCK IN PARK, STATIONARY BUT RUNNING, JUMPED OUT OF GEAR DUE TO FAULTY SHIFTER AND ROLLED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO TRUCK. *TT *DT *BF*JB *DT CONSUMER STATED THERE ARE NO ADDTIONAL PROBLEMS.*JB 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB*DT*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Front turn signals, driver side headlight, passenger side fog light all went out at the same time. Tested bulbs and all are good. Message on dash said they were out and yes they were. Checked grounds all good. Found the big plug under fuse box moved it around and lights came back on. Connectors are very lose in the plug we will we need to change harness?
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 .