Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was undergoing DOT inspection, the DOT inspector advised the contact to shift in neutral (N), and to activate and squeeze the brake controller manually. The contact was then advised to shift into drive (D) and to release the brake pedal while squeezing the brake controller. The contact stated that upon following the instructions, the vehicle moved forward. The DOT inspector determined that the brake controller was malfunctioning because the trailer brakes failed to prevent vehicle movement when manually activated. The contact stated that the company's mechanic replaced the 7-way pins, the 7-way pin trailer cable, the 7-way pin wiring harness box, and module, the brake controller assembly, the wiring on the front and rear axles, the brake assemblies; however, the failure persisted. …
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.
Random occurrences of an audible bell along with error messages stating, "Service Electronic Braking System" and "Service Antilock Brake System" flash momentarily on the dash. They may also stay on for prolonged periods of time. Cruise control is inoperable when the error messages flash, or stay on. The ABS trouble indicator light is also on during these events. The abrupt cancellation of cruise control in traffic is dangerous, especially when towing a trailer. The problem started (for me) just after purchasing the vehicle, used, with 27,428 miles on March 9, 2023. I suspect the pervious owner traded this vehicle on another vehicle because of this problem. I tried to get out of the purchase of this truck because of this problem. Dealer would not allow that without much expense on my end. So, I'm stuck with the problem. It has the potential to be very dangerous. …
On two separate occasions I had total brake loss , the truck has under 21,000 miles on it and while driving and trying to stop I have total brake loss , today I almost rear end a car due to the failure, luckily for them I have relatively good reflexes and I don't panic , if either of those were not true I possibly could of killed the two occupants of the car in front of me , I was traveling approximately 70 miles an hour on the interstate had had to apply my brakes. When I did I had absolutely no brakes at all, no idiot lights or anything warning me of the problem, this was the second time this occurred , the first time I was on my way home at night and went to stop at a stop sign at an intersection and again total brake loss , both these times I limped home , hoping I would make it home safely. This needs to be investigated before some dies
While driving the vehicles message display center says "service emergency braking system", the traction control indication light turns on and off, the abs indicator light turns on and off, the park sense indicators turn on and off, and if cruise control is on it is deactivated and turns on and off. An audible chime indication is also sounded when the message center displays a message. With the traction control and abs turning on and off creates an extreme safety problem especially with the winter months ahead. The vehicle has not yet been looked at by a anyone but an appointment has been made with the local dealership. This first started while driving on 11/11/2023. However, the indicator lights and chime still occur while the vehicle is in park and motor running.
On 32600miles abs and traction control start glitching. Happened to me on the highway pulling a rv and using cruise control, all of the sudden I lost cruise control on 70 mph and ABS with traction lights came on and off several times and end up go away, I stopped in the safe area and check all related parts on the vehicle that related brakes and abs, fluid was up to level all parts, brakes, wiring was good where I was able to see. After I continued to drive, abs did same thing several times, end up abs and traction lights came on and stayed for a while and all of the sudden for no reason came off for several miles. Sims like bad connection or abs module failure.
Service Electronic Braking System and Service Anit-Lock Braking System alarm lights. Code C0020-01 ABS Pump Motor Control- General Electric Failure. This issue is related to Anti-Lock braking that can cause injury to my safety and family safety. Problem is very well know and fully reproducible at dealers. Vehicle has been at dealer for long term waiting for dealer to find/repair issue .Dealer is at loss for repair. Dealer repair for this was change HCU and ABS Module. This repair has shown to not work in many scenarios and multiple repair and replace of the same units are not fixing the issues.
Abs and traction control lights come on, simultaneously canceling cruise control. Vehicle speed immediately slows, and traffic behind me catches up quickly as it takes a few seconds to react and get the vehicle back up to speed. Also, no abs in wet condition, etc. Bumps in the road cause the system to go out and come back on. It's become such a problem that I've had to pull the fuse for abs, which means no more cruise control. But also activates the red brake warning light. So if another problem comes up, I won't know as the brake light is already on.
ABS warning has been going on and off for 2 years This is the same problem that the current class action lawsuits make reference to. I have had this problem for a long time and parts to repair it have not been available. Recently my wife ran into a bullard in a wet parking lot that she felt was a result of the antilock brake system. I only use the truck when it is absolutely necessary due to this problem. It scares me to think that I might not be able to stop this heavy vehicle. I hope this gets resolved soon.
I've been waiting for replacement parts for Technical Service Bulletin S2005000004 for over 8 months. It's my understanding from the dealer I visited that I could have a complete failure of electronics and/or brakes. Many warning lights and warning messages are displayed on the dashboard. Dodge has not issued a recall. I've been towing an 18,000lb RV around the country off and on for a number of years and was never made aware of this danger.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Software
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.
Electrical complaints in other 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2017 Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Ram 3500, 10% of the model year's 315 complaints. The component named most often is software (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Ram 3500 electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-332 (software, May 17, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2017 Ram 3500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.