2017 Ram 2500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
690 owner complaints analyzed
11 distinct recall campaigns
46,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2017 model year. Data snapshot: . 198 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 408 of 690 complaints (59.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 520 | 75.4% |
| Steering behavior | 40 | 5.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 35 | 5.1% |
| Transmission and shifting | 24 | 3.5% |
| Engine operation | 7 | 1.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 3 | 0.4% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 408 |
| Electrical System | 117 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 84 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 72 |
| Steering | 49 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 46 |
| Power Train | 40 |
| Engine | 39 |
Service Brakes: 408; Electrical System: 117; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 84; Vehicle Speed Control: 72; Steering: 49; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 46; Power Train: 40; Engine: 39
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 52 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 53 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 34 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 18 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 30 |
| 150,000 and above | 11 |
Under 25,000: 52; 25,000 to 49,999: 53; 50,000 to 74,999: 34; 75,000 to 99,999: 18; 100,000 to 149,999: 30; 150,000 and above: 11
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (53). 492 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 | 13 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2019 | 38 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2023 | 194 |
| 2024 | 162 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 72 |
2017: 13; 2018: 24; 2019: 38; 2020: 26; 2021: 31; 2022: 43; 2023: 194; 2024: 162; 2025: 87; 2026: 72
Pattern summary
Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 520 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 40 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 35 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 10949964 · 2017-02-07 (February 7, 2017)
PURCHASED 2017 MODEL RAM 4WDTRUCK ON 20 JAN 17. ON 21 JAN 17 NOTICED GREASE STREAM MARKS ON RIGHT FRONT TIRE. DROVE ANOTHER 420 MILES ON HIGHWAY. NOTICED HEAVIER GREASE STREAM MARKS ON SAME TIRE, WITH SPRAY-ON TO THE FRONT RIGHT REAR INNER FENDER. DROVE ANOTHER 420 HIGHWAY MILES. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BACKSIDE OF SAID TIRE I NOTICED BLACK GREASE LEAKING FROM THE INNER HUB. ON 06 FEB 17 DEALER INSPECTED SAID HUB. FIRST TOLD ME " YOU PICKED UP SOME DIRT FROM THE ROAD"? THEN TO MY SURPRISE, DEALER'S CHIEF MECHANIC SAID THAT NOT ONLY THE FRONT RIG…
Owner-reported narrative. 209 miles reported. Look up ODI 10949964 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10970330 · 2017-04-03 (April 3, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE AND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER. ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS, THE GAUGE SHOWED THAT THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE WAS OVER 300 DEGREES. THE CONTACT AND HIS TWO CHILDREN EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE BAY THEN EMITTED FIRE AND SMOKE, WHICH CAME THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10970330 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10993277 · 2017-06-05 (June 5, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS INFLATED ABOVE THE RECOMMENDED PSI. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A SET OF RAILROAD TRACKS AND THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT IT OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE DEFLATED TO 63 PSI, WHICH PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM FISHTAILING WHEN TRAVELING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DEFLATING THE TIRE PRODUCED A FAULT CODE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER T…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10993277 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10993378 · 2017-06-06 (June 6, 2017)
HAS VENT FOR FROUNT DRIVE AXEL IN WHEEL WELL HE CATCHES RAINWATER AND GET YOU INTO THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL ON FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE SAYS DRIVE AXLE IS NOT PART OF DRIVETRAIN AND WILL NOT COVER WARRANTY ALL DODGE RAM FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE'S 2017 MODELS WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ENOUGH WATER GETS IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL IT WILL BURN UP THE GEAR NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEBODY HAS A FRONT IN LOCK UP AND CAUSES
Owner-reported narrative. 42,860 miles reported. Look up ODI 10993378 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11002838 · 2017-07-03 (July 3, 2017)
"DEAD ACCELERATOR PEDAL" SITUATION: FROM A STOP, THERE IS ABOUT A 1-2 SECOND DELAY BEFORE FULL POWER IS GIVEN. SITUATION 2: WHEN ON THE THROTTLE, AND YOU LET OFF THE THROTTLE COMPLETELY, AND THEN RAPIDLY GET BACK ON THE THROTTLE; THE ENGINE DOES NOT RESPOND FOR ALMOST 2 SECONDS. THIS IS *HIGHLY* DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN MERGING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC; OR IN AN INSTANCE WHERE SOMEONE MAKES AN UNEXPECTED MOVE (PULLING OUT, CHANGING LANES, ETC) IN FRONT OF YOU AND YOU WANT THE POWER BACK QUICKLY. IT HAPPENS TO ME AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK; AND IT…
Owner-reported narrative. 28,960 miles reported. Look up ODI 11002838 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11005391 · 2017-07-14 (July 14, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (SOUTH COUNTY RAM IN GILROY 455 AUTOMALL DRIVE, GILROY, CA 95020) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CASTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED OR A BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE APPLIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT NO KNOWN SOLUTION WAS AVAILABLE. THE …
Owner-reported narrative. 326 miles reported. Look up ODI 11005391 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11018956 · 2017-08-22 (August 22, 2017)
STOPPED AND PLACED MY RAM 2500 IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. GOT OUT AND PUSHED A VEHICLE OFF A CAR DOLLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUCK! THE TRUCK JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND STARTED GOING BACKWARDS. I RAN TO STOP IT AS THE TRUCK AND CAR DOLLY JACK KNIFED HITTING ME AND KNOCKING BACKWARDS. THE DOLLY WEDGED UNDER THE SIDE OF THE TRUCK DAMAGING IT! SINCE THEN SEVERAL TIMES IT HAS NOT WANTED TO GO INTO REVERSE. YOU WILL HAVE TO SHIFT IT BACK INTO PARK THEN BACK INTO REVERSE FOR IT TO WORK! *DT *DT *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 14,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11018956 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11019941 · 2017-08-27 (August 27, 2017)
TRUCK HAS MAJOR VIBRATION BETWEEN 60 TO 80 MPH. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX 3 TIMES WITH 2 TIRE REBALANCING AND 1 LOAD FORCE REBALANCE. NONE HAVE IMPACTED VIBRATION. NOW VIBRATION IS WORSE AND IS IMPACTING DRIVABILITY. COMPLAINT TICKET IS IN WITH FCA # 32159244. DEALER HAS ENTERED STAR TICKET 8/24/17. TRUCK CURRENT MELANGE IS 3223, AND WAS JUST PURCHASED IN JUNE 2017.
Owner-reported narrative. 400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11019941 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
11 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
17V499000 · Wheels
Reported: 2017-08-10 (August 10, 2017)
Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
Consequence: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V562000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
Reported: 2017-09-12 (September 12, 2017)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Consequence: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 T51.
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 ↗17V824000 · Equipment
Reported: 2017-12-21 (December 21, 2017)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
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 ↗19V021000 · Steering:Linkages:Drag:Link:Connection
Reported: 2019-01-25 (January 25, 2019)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Consequence: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
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 ↗24V896000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Reported: 2024-11-27 (November 27, 2024)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
Consequence: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
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 ↗