2017 Ram 1500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
869 owner complaints analyzed
13 distinct recall campaigns
37,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2017 model year. Data snapshot: . 359 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 218 of 869 complaints (25.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 219 | 25.2% |
| Braking behavior | 129 | 14.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 55 | 6.3% |
| Engine operation | 45 | 5.2% |
| Transmission and shifting | 42 | 4.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 42 | 4.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 218 |
| Engine | 156 |
| Electrical System | 103 |
| Power Train | 93 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 89 |
| Service Brakes | 88 |
| Unknown Or Other | 67 |
| Air Bags | 53 |
Steering: 218; Engine: 156; Electrical System: 103; Power Train: 93; Fuel/Propulsion System: 89; Service Brakes: 88; Unknown Or Other: 67; Air Bags: 53
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 134 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 88 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 55 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 25 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 34 |
| 150,000 and above | 23 |
Under 25,000: 134; 25,000 to 49,999: 88; 50,000 to 74,999: 55; 75,000 to 99,999: 25; 100,000 to 149,999: 34; 150,000 and above: 23
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (134). 510 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 34 |
| 2018 | 71 |
| 2019 | 94 |
| 2020 | 77 |
| 2021 | 59 |
| 2022 | 75 |
| 2023 | 118 |
| 2024 | 124 |
| 2025 | 123 |
| 2026 | 94 |
2017: 34; 2018: 71; 2019: 94; 2020: 77; 2021: 59; 2022: 75; 2023: 118; 2024: 124; 2025: 123; 2026: 94
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 219 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 129 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 55 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10947499 · 2017-01-25 (January 25, 2017)
ON OCTOBER OF 2016 I PURCHASED A 2016 RAM 1500 AND A MONTH LATER MY TRUCK WAS REPURCHASED BACK BY CHRYSLER BECAUSE OF SEVERAL PAINT DAMAGED INCLUDING RUST .ON DECEMBER OF 2016 I TOOKED POSSESSION OF MY REPLACEMENT VECHILE . AS SOON AS I GOT HOME WITH MY TRUCK I HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT . THE DRIVING LIGHTS WERE FOGGED UP PRETTY BAD WITH A LOT OF CONDENSATION IN IT . I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THEY IMMEDIATELY ORDERED THE LIGHTS AND IAM WAITING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE NEW LIGHTS PUT ON THE TRUCK . FURTHERMORE , I ALSO CALLED RAM CUSTOMER …
Owner-reported narrative. 70 miles reported. Look up ODI 10947499 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10971950 · 2017-04-11 (April 11, 2017)
I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL GUAGE AND THE FUEL SYSTEM LIGHTS ON THE TRUCK. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THEY ARE SAYING THE PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER. THE FUEL GUAGE IS SHOWING NO FUEL IN THE CAR AND I AM CONCERNED THE CAR COULD CUT OFF AND I COULD LOSE CONTROL OF IT. THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE. I AM CONCERNED FOR MYSELF, MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO HELP ME GET INTO THE DEALER SOONER FOR REPAIRS. THEY WANT ME TO WAIT 17 DAYS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM
Owner-reported narrative. 4,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10971950 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10979158 · 2017-04-18 (April 18, 2017)
TRUCK WAS LEFT IN PARK IN MY DRIVEWAY...THE NEXT DAY IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY INTO THE STREETWISE GOT INTO THE TRUCK AND VERIFIED THE SHIFTER WAS INDEED IN THE PARK POSITION 2017 RAM 1500 WITH THE 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION AND ROTARY SHIFTER
Owner-reported narrative. 2,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10979158 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10980939 · 2017-04-26 (April 26, 2017)
DISSAPOINTED WITH THE PURCHASE OF 17 RAM 1500, TRUCK LOOKS GOOD AND HAS GREAT LOOKS . IT HAS A TAPPING/TICKING NOISE WHEN ITS AT IDLE AT A STANDSTILL, ITS CALLED THE DREADED HEMI TICK, I HAVE A 5.7 MOTOR WITH MDS, THERE IS MANY THREADS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE INTERNET. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 500 MILES AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY KIND OF TAPPING/TICKING NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE, MOSTLY NOTICED FROM DRIVERS SIDE FROM THE WHEEL WELL . THE DEALER SAYS ITS NORMAL AND THAT THEY CANT HEAR IT WHEN I BRING IT IN, I SHOULD DRIVE AND WAIT FOR FIRST S…
Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10980939 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10983241 · 2017-05-03 (May 3, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF A FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 06/28/17*LJ *AS
Owner-reported narrative. 82 miles reported. Look up ODI 10983241 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10991326 · 2017-05-24 (May 24, 2017)
I DO NOT FEEL AS THOUGH THE GEAR KNOB IS SAFE. I THOUGHT I HAD TURNED THE KNOB TO PARK & OPENED MY DOOR TO GET OUT & THE TRUCK WAS IN REVERSE. GEAR SHIFT STICKS ARE MUCH MORE ACCURATE. I WOULD SUGGEST GETTING RID OF THE KNOB, OR, HAVING SOME SORT OF SAFETY MECHANISM THAT WOULD NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IF THE DOOR OPENS, OR SOMETHING SIMILAR. HAD I NOT REALIZED THAT I WAS NOT IN PARK SOON ENOUGH, I COULD HAVE RAN MYSELF OVER OR HIT SOMETHING.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10991326 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10991945 · 2017-05-27 (May 27, 2017)
I BOUGHT A NEW 2017 RAM TRUCK.THE TOP OF THE TRUCK IS MADE OF VERY CHEAP METAL IT DENTS VERY EASY DOES NOT TAKE TO MUCH AT ALL TO DENT THE TRUCK. A FEW DAYS AFTER GETTING MY NEW TRUCK IT HAD A DENT THE SIZE OF A BASKET BALL.THE DEALER SENT IT TO A DENT LESS PAINT REPAIR SHOP.AFTER THEY FIXED IT YOU COULD STILL TELL WHERE THE DENT WAS IF THE LIGHTING WAS RIGHT.IF PARKED OUT IN THE SUN LIGHT IT LOOK FINE.PARKED UNDER MY CAR PORT YOU COULD TELL THAT THERE USE TO BE A DENT IN THAT SPOT. RAM IS USING VERY CHEAP METAL TO MAKE THE NEW RAM TRUCKS.MY FR…
Owner-reported narrative. 350 miles reported. Look up ODI 10991945 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10995868 · 2017-06-19 (June 19, 2017)
WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN THE MANNER IN WHICH IS WAS INTENDED, BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING, UNPROVOKED BY ANY VEHICLE UPSET, ETC. THE SUDDEN DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSED THE DRIVER TO BRIEFLY LOSE CONTROL AND HAVE AN ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALED THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, NECK, CHEST AND TORSO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND WAS TRAVELING UNDER 20MPH AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE BUT IS…
Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10995868 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
13 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
17V198000 · Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
Reported: 2017-03-23 (March 23, 2017)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
Consequence: A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V434000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 2017-07-07 (July 7, 2017)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The fuel tanks in the affected vehicles may have a broken fuel tank control valve which might leak fuel if the vehicle were to become inverted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Consequence: In the event of a rollover crash, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T45.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V821000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift
Reported: 2017-12-20 (December 20, 2017)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V100000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2018-02-08 (February 8, 2018)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V332000 · Electrical System:Software | Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2018-05-17 (May 17, 2018)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V486000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch | Structure:Body:Tailgate
Reported: 2018-07-27 (July 27, 2018)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Consequence: If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V347000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch
Reported: 2019-05-09 (May 9, 2019)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Consequence: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V757000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)
Reported: 2019-10-24 (October 24, 2019)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Consequence: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V475000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
Reported: 2020-08-13 (August 13, 2020)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V632000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator | Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain
Reported: 2021-08-12 (August 12, 2021)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Consequence: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V406000 · Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2022-06-09 (June 9, 2022)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Consequence: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V411000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Reported: 2023-06-08 (June 8, 2023)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V010000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator
Reported: 2025-01-16 (January 16, 2025)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
NHTSA campaign record ↗