2017 Ram 1500 Problems & Complaints

Average22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 1500 at the same age

Owners have filed 883 complaints about the 2017 Ram 1500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the 1500 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the steering (229 complaints, typically around 66,000 miles). 13 recalls cover this model year.

883complaints
13recalls
80crashes
16fires
77injuries
1deaths

Most common 2017 Ram 1500 problems

Share of the 883 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Ram 1500 complaints by model year

’09’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26371.3k1.8k1.5k1.6k8836651.5k64068362720377365101
Owner complaints per model year, Ram 1500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best 1500 years: 2024, 2013, 2023. Years to avoid: 2025, 2019, 2022, 2016. Compare all years →

2017 Ram 1500 recalls (13)

Air bags › Side/window › Curtain › Inflator

NHTSA recall 25V-010 · Jan 16, 2025 · 6,066 vehicles

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.

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.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA recall 23V-411 · Jun 8, 2023 · 80,629 vehicles

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…

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.

Fuel system, diesel › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 22V-406 · Jun 9, 2022 · 138,645 vehicles

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.

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.

Air bags › Side/window › Curtain › Inflator

NHTSA recall 21V-632 · Aug 12, 2021 · 212,373 vehicles

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.

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.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel

NHTSA recall 20V-475 · Aug 13, 2020 · 58,016 vehicles

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…

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,…

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)

NHTSA recall 19V-757 · Oct 24, 2019 · 107,980 vehicles

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.

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.

Show 7 more recalls

Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › Latch

NHTSA recall 19V-347 · May 9, 2019 · 1,103,209 vehicles

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.

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.

Structure › Body › Tailgate

NHTSA recall 18V-486 · Jul 27, 2018 · 1,149,223 vehicles

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.

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.

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 18V-332 · May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles

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…

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.

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 18V-100 · Feb 8, 2018 · 180,462 vehicles

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…

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.

Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift

NHTSA recall 17V-821 · Dec 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles

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.

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.

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 17V-434 · Jul 7, 2017 · 4 vehicles

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.

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.

Power train › Driveline › Differential unit

NHTSA recall 17V-198 · Mar 23, 2017 · 30 vehicles

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.

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2017 Ram 1500:

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

NHTSA investigation RQ25003 · opened Jul 3, 2025 · open

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…

Vehicle Rollaway

NHTSA investigation PE16014 · opened Dec 16, 2016 · closed Jan 25, 2024

Basis - On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents. These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design.

High pressure fuel pump failure

NHTSA investigation EA23001 · opened Mar 17, 2023 · open · led to recall 24V-957

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines.

What 2017 Ram 1500 owners say

Steering all 229 →

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact used a portable diagnostic tester to diagnose the vehicle and retrieved DTC: U0001 and U0402. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that an error code had been received, which indicated low voltage. The contact stated that the independent mechanic did not understand what the low voltage meant. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering control module failure. …

Steering control module · 140,000 miles · Feb 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure occurred while starting the vehicle after the vehicle had not been driven for more than a day. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering column shaft. The contact stated that the steering column shaft would be sprayed with lubricant, which would temporarily correct the failure; however, the failure returned after consistent driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. …

100,000 miles · Sep 2025

Engine & cooling all 187 →

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving with the Adaptive Cruise Control engaged and set to 70 MPH, the engine was misfiring and made abnormally loud sounds. Additionally, the vehicle started losing motive power. The message "Service DEF System - See Dealer" was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon opening the hood and lifting the engine cover, she noticed that the engine was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with water bottles. There was no Fire or Police report filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

95,000 miles · Nov 2023 · fire

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the check engine and check electronic throttle sensor messages were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after multiple attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. …

60,000 miles · Jul 2023

Fuel & propulsion system all 129 →

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they were informed that the vehicle could not be seen for a few weeks. The contact's husband drove the vehicle home and called the dealer the next day; he was instructed to bring in the vehicle for an inspection. While driving to the dealer at 35 MPH, her husband noticed black smoke emitting from the hood of the vehicle. As her husband pulled over and opened the hood, flames began to engulf the engine. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. …

44,000 miles · Mar 2023 · fire

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the check engine and check electronic throttle sensor messages were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after multiple attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. …

60,000 miles · Jul 2023

2017 Ram 1500 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel8-speed automaticRWD20 / 27 / 23
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel8-speed automatic4WD19 / 27 / 22
3.6L 6-cyl8-speed automaticRWD17 / 25 / 20
3.6L 6-cyl8-speed automatic4WD16 / 23 / 19
5.7L 8-cyl8-speed automaticRWD15 / 22 / 17
5.7L 8-cyl8-speed automatic4WD15 / 21 / 17
5.7L 8-cyl6-speed automatic4WD13 / 19 / 15

EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Ram 1500 a good car?

Based on 883 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 1500 rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 1500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Ram 1500?

The steering — 229 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rack and pinion. Next are the engine & cooling (187) and fuel & propulsion system (129).

How many recalls does the 2017 Ram 1500 have?

There are 13 recalls for the 2017 Ram 1500, the most recent from January 16, 2025 (inflator). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Ram 1500?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2013 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2019, 2022 and 2016. See the full Ram 1500 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2017 Ram 1500 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 61% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.