Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2017 Ram 3500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019
The most reported issue is service brakes problems (80 complaints). 9 complaints involved crashes.
Open Safety Recalls (13)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V021000
Component: 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18E096000
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V347000
Component: 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V486000
Component: 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V332000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V398000
Component: 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V821000
Component: 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V499000
Component: 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V824000
Component: 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V100000
Component: 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V562000
Component: 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 24V896000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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 July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V010000
Component: 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.
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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 296)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic →10 issues
While driving at 40 mph, your ABS and ESC warning lights came on and your brakes stopped working—you had to lower your snowplow to stop the vehicle. Your dealer is aware of a recall (Campaign 24V896000) for this exact brake system issue, but the replacement parts aren't available yet, so they can only offer a temporary fix for now. The repair will likely involve replacing hydraulic brake system components once parts become available.
Parts you may need:
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Your truck displays a "Check Brake System" warning and traction control light while driving at highway speeds (50-75 MPH), causing cruise control to shut off unexpectedly and creating a dangerous situation where you were nearly rear-ended. The dealer identified this as a known safety recall issue, but the repair parts aren't available yet and the manufacturer hasn't provided assistance despite the extended wait time.
Parts you may need:
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Your truck's anti-lock brake system has a known defect that causes the alarm to sound and warning light to flash at unpredictable times, which can be dangerous in winter driving conditions. You had repairs done over two years ago, but the replacement part was the old defective version. You're still waiting for the improved part that Chrysler has developed for 2017 and 2018 Ram pickups. This will likely require replacement of the anti-lock brake control module with the updated version.
Parts you may need:
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While driving into your driveway, the ABS and traction control warning lights came on, and your brakes locked up when you pressed the brake pedal. The dealer checked your vehicle but said it doesn't qualify for a recall campaign and didn't perform any diagnosis or repairs. This happened at around 110,000 miles on your 2017 Ram 3500.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2017 Ram 3500 is subject to a manufacturer recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V896000) for a hydraulic brake system issue. You've noticed an intermittent ABS warning light starting in 2024 and an abnormally loud whirring sound in October 2025 when trying to use 4WD, along with a "Service 4WD" message and the vehicle refusing to shift into 4WD. The dealer has told you the recall repair part isn't available yet, causing a significant delay. The fix will require the dealer to replace the affected hydraulic brake or 4WD system component once the part becomes available.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2017 Ram 3500 is subject to a recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V896000) for the hydraulic brake system. The recall repair part hasn't been made available yet, and your dealer says the manufacturer has taken longer than reasonable to provide it. While you haven't experienced an actual brake failure, this recall should be completed once the part becomes available.
Parts you may need:
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Your ABS (anti-lock brake system) warning light came on, which is part of a safety recall that affects your truck. You took your vehicle to the dealer, who confirmed the recall applies but did not perform the repair. The manufacturer also confirmed the recall status. This issue appeared around 65,000 miles. The fix will likely involve the dealer diagnosing and replacing or repairing brake system components related to the ABS malfunction.
Parts you may need:
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Your traction control, ABS, and other warning lights came on when you started your truck, and you heard intermittent warning chimes while driving. The dealer diagnosed a faulty Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and repaired it, but the same problem happened again about 5,000 miles later. There's an open recall for this issue, but the replacement part wasn't available when you needed it. The manufacturer agreed to reimburse you for the first repair but you haven't received the reimbursement despite multiple attempts to contact them. The fix involves replacing the defective Hydraulic Control Unit that controls your braking and traction systems.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2017 Ram 3500 is subject to a recall for the hydraulic brake system (NHTSA Campaign 24V896000), but the dealer doesn't have the necessary parts available yet. You've been notified of the recall, but the manufacturer hasn't provided replacement parts within what you consider a reasonable timeframe. The fix will likely involve replacing or repairing hydraulic brake components once parts become available at your dealer.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2017 Ram 3500 is subject to a recall (Campaign 24V896000) involving the hydraulic brake system, but the replacement part isn't yet available from your dealer. You've been waiting longer than you feel is reasonable for the recall repair to be completed, and you've notified the manufacturer about the delay. Your brakes haven't actually failed, but the recall work remains pending.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →4 issues
Your brakes failed to stop your truck on two separate occasions, causing crashes with deer. You pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle didn't respond, and your ABS and traction control warning lights came on. A mechanic diagnosed a failed HCU (hydraulic control unit) module that needs replacement, but the part has been on back order for two years and isn't available.
Parts you may need:
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While driving, your ABS and traction control stopped working, and your cruise control also stopped functioning. You heard an audible warning ding with warning messages on the dashboard. These safety and convenience features became unavailable while you were on the road.
Parts you may need:
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Your truck has an open safety recall for the brake control unit (HCU) that's been pending for over a year. The Ram dealer has told you there's no available fix yet, but you're experiencing constant warning buzzers and flashing alarm lights while driving. This situation leaves your vehicle in an unresolved safety recall status without a remedy.
Parts you may need:
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Your ABS (anti-lock brake) module has been faulty since 2019 at 43,000 miles, leaving you without anti-lock brakes, traction control, or cruise control. The dealership identified the problem but couldn't obtain the necessary parts to fix it, and you're still waiting for a solution. Fixing this will likely require replacing the ABS module and potentially reprogramming related brake system components.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes →3 issues
Your cruise control suddenly disengaged while driving on the interstate, causing your truck to lose speed and nearly resulting in a rear-end collision with a commercial vehicle. You're now experiencing a loss of multiple safety systems including the electronic brake system, ABS, traction control, and cruise control. This is the third recall attempt for these systems, and the repeated failures are making you uncomfortable towing your RV.
Parts you may need:
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Your cruise control, traction control, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are all not working. You'll likely hear warning chimes alerting you to these system failures. A mechanic will need to diagnose why these safety and convenience systems have stopped functioning, which could involve checking the vehicle's electrical system, sensors, or control modules.
Parts you may need:
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Your truck's anti-lock brake system has been malfunctioning for over a year without an available fix from Chrysler. Your cruise control and traction control keep disengaging unexpectedly while driving. The dealership hasn't been able to resolve the issue despite multiple service visits. The fix will likely require a software update or replacement of the anti-lock brake system module once Chrysler develops a solution.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →1 issue
You purchased a 2017 Ram 3500 that was advertised with 234,000 miles, but when you registered it, you discovered the actual mileage was 380,000 miles — a difference of 146,000 miles. This discrepancy suggests the odometer may have been tampered with or rolled back. You've already filed a police report about this odometer fraud.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel System, Diesel,engine →1 issue
Your diesel engine is stuck in a constant regeneration cycle while you drive, even though no warning lights are showing. The dealer identified that your SCR catalytic converter needs to be replaced but it's on backorder, leaving your truck unrepaired. The fix will involve installing a new SCR catalytic converter once the part becomes available.
Parts you may need:
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Seats,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your seat heater isn't working, and your steering wheel controls aren't responding properly. You're also noticing your interior lights flickering, and your hands-free system is activating on its own without you triggering it. These symptoms suggest a possible electrical grounding problem in your vehicle's electrical system.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
Other Ram 3500 years:
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