2017 Ram 5500: complaints, problems and recalls

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED, CHRYSLER DETERMINED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, WE PROVIDED PROOF OF SERVICE OVER THE TIME PERIOD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN SERVICE WHICH WAS ONLY 6 MONTHS. THEY EXPLAINED OUR PARTS WERE NOT PROPERLY GREASED AND MAINTAINED. WE DO KNOW A BUSINESS ASSOCIATE THAT HAD THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPEN TO HIS VEHICLE. I DID RESEARCH AND IN THE PAST THIS HAS BEEN A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND RECALLS FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE...PLEASE HELP!!

Owner-reported narrative. 62,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11104270 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 5500 EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN RODIAN TIRES, SIZE: LT235/80R17 (NA). TWO MONTHS AGO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE DEATH WOBBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. LATER, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TATE BRANCH ARTESI CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (919 S 1ST ST, ARTESIA, NM 88210) FOR A MINOR REPAIR. THE DEALER CALLED THE CONTACT AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TWO SPLIT TIRES. THE MECHANIC DID NOT EXPLAIN WHICH TIRES WERE SPLIT. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHIC…

Owner-reported narrative. 28,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11197187 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 5500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 50-55 MPH, SMOKE EMERGED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE DRIVER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE SERVICE ENGINE AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT AND THEN TOWED TO MAC HAIK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FLOWOOD (4000 LAKELAND DR, FLOWOOD, MS 39232, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11256464 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 5500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR AND WENT INTO NEUTRAL. WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHFORK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM [phone removed], LOCATED AT 17725 S FREEWAY, MANVEL, TX 77578) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUSE IN THE FUEL PUMP OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE FUEL PUMP TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN T…

Owner-reported narrative. 37,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11268481 at NHTSA ↗

WHILE DRIVING A VIBRATION WAS NOTICED AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH. DURING TRANSIT THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED CAUSING A MAJOR FAILURE OF MULTIPLE SYSTEMS. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON A STATE HIGHWAY LEAVING WACO TX AT 445 A.M. POLICE WERE DISPATCHED TO BLOCK TRAFFIC FROM FURTHER ACCIDENTS UNTIL A TOW VEHICLE WAS DISPATCHED TO THE SCENE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS VERY NOTICEABLE THAT THE TRANSFER SYSTEM IN THE POWERTRAIN SYSTEM HAD EXPLODED. THIS FAILURE HAS CAUSED MULTIPLE COLLATERAL DAMAGES TO SYSTEMS IN THE VICINITY OF THE FAILURE.

Owner-reported narrative. 134,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11282469 at NHTSA ↗

ON I-40 EASTBOUND MILE MARKER 121 VEHICLE STARTS TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. I HEAR AN EXPLOSION UNDER THE TRUCK WHICH CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER AND HAD TO FIGHT WITH TRUCK TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD ALL WHY AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH. TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED CUTTING WIRE HARNESS IN HALF AND RUPTURING THE FUEL LINE. TRUCK WAS SMOKING BAD AS OIL AND FUEL WAS LEAKING EVERYWHERE. TRUCK IS INOP AT THIS POINT. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS MATTER IN AN EFFORT TO HELP OTHERS FROM THIS EXPERIENCE. I ALMOST WRECKED TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AFTER THE TRANSF…

Owner-reported narrative. 139,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11288429 at NHTSA ↗

LEFT HAND FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT TRAVELING ON A STRAIGHT HWY NO WARNING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE. WAS DRIVING AT THE LEGAL SPEED LIMIT OF 75 MPH. I WAS LUCKY THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES NEXT TO ME OR TRAVELING IN MY DIRECTION AT THE TIME. IT DAMAGED THE FENDER AND INNER LINER, THE TIRE WAS SENT TO GOODYEAR AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY FAULT THE TIRE BLEW OUT. THAT I HAD HIT SOMETHING AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE BELT. THAT IS NOT TRUE. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AND THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE ROAD TO CAUSE ANY DAMAGE TO THE TIRE.

Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11310844 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2017 RAM 5500 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES, TIRE LINE: HDR, TIRE SIZE: 225/70R/19.5, DOT NUMBER WAS A39YLA4V0217. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE ROTATED AND REPLACED 6 TIMES WITHIN 48,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE TIRE WERE WORN-OUT. THE CONTACT STATED FRONT SUSPENSION REPAIRS WERE NEEDED BUT HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LANDERS MCLARTY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM LOCATED AT (6533 UNIVERSITY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35806) AND WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICL…

Owner-reported narrative. 8,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11316387 at NHTSA ↗

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Reported: 2021-05-27 (May 27, 2021)

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.

Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

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.