2017 RAM 3500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 313 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 3500 years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 20 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 313 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 RAM 3500. That ranks 2nd out of 20 3500 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes (143 complaints, 46%), typically at around 15,000 miles. Complaints mention 9 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries. There are 12 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2017 RAM 3500 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Service Brakes143 · ~15,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic47 · ~65,000 mi
Electrical System33 · ~42,500 mi
Vehicle Speed Control29 · ~76,757 mi
Engine28 · ~31,600 mi
Power Train27 · ~15,300 mi
Wheels21 · ~17,450 mi
Steering18 · ~35,181 mi
Unknown or Other16 · ~31,500 mi
Suspension15 · ~8,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes problems14346%15,000“traction control” (36%)$1,050
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4715%65,000——
Electrical System3311%42,500——
Vehicle Speed Control299%76,757——
Engine289%31,600——
Power Train279%15,300——
Wheels217%17,450——
Steering186%35,181——
Unknown or Other165%31,500——
Suspension155%8,500——
Forward Collision Avoidance124%———
Fuel/propulsion System83%8,540——
Tires72%15,500——
Equipment52%21,000——
Back Over Prevention41%50,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling41%21,000——
Structure41%89,500——
Air Bags31%69,000——
Service Brakes, Air31%29,000——
Seat Belts21%———
Seats21%17,125——
Exterior Lighting10%———
Fuel System, Diesel10%272,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2023, with 67 complaints
2016: 1201612017: 8201782018: 232018232019: 312019312020: 182020182021: 9202192022: 132022132023: 672023672024: 602024602025: 512025512026: 32202632

n = 313 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 RAM 3500 recalls (12)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:side/window:curtain:inflatorJan 16, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V010000 · 6,066 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/moduleNov 27, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V896000 · 317,630 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studsMay 27, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V398000 · 447,985 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latchMay 9, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · 1,103,209 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Steering:linkages:drag:link:connectionJan 25, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V021000 · 795,575 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Structure:body:tailgate; latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latchJul 27, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V486000 · 1,149,223 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:software; vehicle speed control:cruise control; electrical system:wiringMay 17, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Power train:automatic transmissionFeb 8, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V100000 · 180,462 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

EquipmentDec 21, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shiftDec 20, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:dieselSep 12, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V562000 · 443,874 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

WheelsAug 10, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V499000 · 1,765 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure (RQ25003) — opened Jul 3, 2025, still open.
  • Loss of Brake Performance (PE22012) — opened Nov 28, 2022, closed Mar 3, 2025.
  • Steering loss due to linkage separation (EA19004) — opened Dec 1, 2019, closed Nov 20, 2025.
  • Steering loss due to linkage separation (PE18016) — opened Dec 17, 2018, closed Dec 12, 2019, led to recall 19V021000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Structure · received Oct 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769543

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…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Sep 28, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767488

HCU failure, ABS failure, stability control affected

Service Brakes · received Sep 25, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766853

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…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Sep 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764788

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…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Sep 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11762724

Other RAM 3500 years

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See all RAM 3500 problems by year, every RAM model, or the RAM VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 RAM 3500?

Owners most often report service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system problems. The top one, service brakes, accounts for 143 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 RAM 3500?

Yes, 12 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2017 RAM 3500 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 3500 model years, the 2017 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.