2017 Ram 3500 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 250 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ram 3500, most often about brakes. There are 12 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
250
Recalls
12
Crashes
4
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Median mileage
60,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 184 of 250 complaints (74%).
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (27) and electrical system (27) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 60,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries.
  • The 2017 Ram 3500 has 12 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 4th of 16 Ram 3500 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 421% more complaints than the 2016 model year (48).

2017 Ram 3500 problems by category

  • Brakes · 3 crashes
    184 complaints
  • 27 complaints
  • 27 complaints
  • 24 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    16 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    15 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    14 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    11 complaints
  • Steering
    11 complaints
  • Suspension
    7 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Service brakes136
Service brakes, hydraulic39
Vehicle speed control26
Electrical system25
Engine20
Power train14
Unknown or other11
Steering11

When problems happen (mileage)

2Under 10k1510k–30k1330k–60k1460k–100k9100k–150k9150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 Ram 3500 complaints that list mileage.

2017 Ram 3500 recalls (12)

  • Recall 25V010000Jan 16, 20256,066 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 24V896000Nov 27, 2024317,630 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    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.

    Risk: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.

  • Recall 21V398000May 27, 2021447,985 vehicles
    WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 19V347000May 9, 20191,103,209 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 19V021000Jan 25, 2019795,575 vehicles
    STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 18V486000Jul 27, 20181,149,223 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH · STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 18V332000May 17, 20184,815,661 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 18V100000Feb 8, 2018180,462 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 17V824000Dec 21, 201761,791 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT

    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

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 17V821000Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 17V562000Sep 12, 2017443,874 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 17V499000Aug 10, 20171,765 vehicles
    WHEELS

    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.

    Risk: 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 defect investigations

  • RQ25003Opened Jul 3, 2025Open

    Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

    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 of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can ca…

  • PE22012Opened Nov 28, 2022Closed Mar 3, 2025

    Loss of Brake Performance

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on November 28, 2022, after receiving 134 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance in certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The alleged failures continued to occur at a steady rate across both models, at all speeds, with limited detectability.  Consumers complained that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated on their vehicles.  The ABS module works in conjunction with the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), …

  • EA19004Opened Dec 1, 2019Closed Nov 20, 2025

    Steering loss due to linkage separation

    On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA).  The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.   The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, …

  • PE18016Opened Dec 17, 2018Closed Dec 12, 2019led to recall 19V021000

    Steering loss due to linkage separation

    On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Onc…

Recent 2017 Ram 3500 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 7, 2026206,000 miGABody & StructureSuspension
    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle drove over a small pothole in the road and suddenly experienced the death wobble, causing the vehicle to violently shake and vibrate, which caused the weld on the track bar mount to separate from the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was undrivable. A Police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of…
    NHTSA complaint #11769543 · source
  2. Filed Sep 28, 2026120,000 miORBrakes
    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a failure, causing the ESC and ABS…
    NHTSA complaint #11767488 · source
  3. Filed Sep 16, 2026CABrakes
    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm upon depression, causing the braking distance to be extended. The dealer was made…
    NHTSA complaint #11764788 · source
  4. Filed Sep 8, 2026WIBrakes
    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that with the warning lights illuminated, the 4WD feature was inoperable. The contact researched and found several recalls and warranties associated with the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was determined that the vehicle had experienced a hydraulic brake failure; however, the VIN was not under…
    NHTSA complaint #11762724 · source
  5. Filed Aug 21, 2026ORBrakes
    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 had not experienced a failure.
    NHTSA complaint #11758605 · source
  6. Filed Aug 20, 2026TXBrakes
    I own a 2017 Ram Laramie Longhorn dual-rear-wheel truck with an open recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V896000, Chrysler code C4B) that was issued in November 2024. The dealership has no parts available and RAM Customer Care recommends a "service part" which is also not available. Confirmation from the dealership involves leaving my truck at the service center for several days with no loaner car, which I can not afford to do for work. I am having intermittent warning lights for my…
    NHTSA complaint #11758306 · source
  7. Filed Aug 19, 2026135,000 miLABrakes
    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on rough terrain, the cruise control failed to remain engaged, and the brake pedal was shuddering abnormally. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…
    NHTSA complaint #11757925 · source
  8. Filed Aug 17, 2026118,000 miMOBrakes
    The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that there were persistent failures with the ABS and traction control. While driving at various speeds, there was an audible chime coming from the vehicle, and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. Additionally, the cruise control feature was inoperable whenever the warning lights were illuminated. The owner previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000…
    NHTSA complaint #11757419 · source

Compare the 2017 Ram 3500 with another vehicle →

Other 2017 Ram models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology