2017 RAM 2500 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 680 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 12 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2017 RAM 2500 receives a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 680 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 12 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports with a median failure point at 36,750 miles (IQR: 24,000 – 58,902 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $350 – $1,100 .
56.7 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
12 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the messages "Service ABS” a...”
“Reported issue regarding recall for at least 2 years NHTSA #1850535. When we contacted McHugh Dodge in Zanesville, Ohio and they had no idea when issue will be fixed with ABS system nor when parts are scheduled to come in. I was told they should have something to repair by end...”
“This is in regard to safety recall C4B. I have been contacting RAM dealers for almost 5 years on this issue and they have not had parts the whole time. I am sure they are mandated to build vehicles with ABS and this is obviously a common issue if you finally required the recal...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“truck is experiencing the active recall symptoms daily, but the manufacturer is denying a repair due to parts availability. I pull a trailer everyday and I been having break issues the ABS light goes on and off all day, driving on the freeway, streets and even when the truck i...”
“It’s been to the dealer several times and they claim the recall part is unavailable and Safety Risk The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning”
“At 31,000 mile my horn is no longer working along with my steering wheel controls on the left side of the wheel. Upon researching online it seems these truck have a common issue with clock spring fail. This is concerning because not only does the clock spring provide power to ...”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and check engine w...”
“My 2017 Ram 2500, 6.4L Hemi experiences warning lights which I'm told is caused by intermittent PCM failure. I'm told this can cause the truck to stall while in motion, refuse to start, or enter "limp mode". This amounts to a possible unsafe condition that can put myself and p...”
“While driving the anti-skid anti-lock failure light flashes with an audible warning. This has routinely been happening since early 2025, with the only local dealer advise is to rapidly depress the gas pedal with the key on (engine off). There’s been zero advancement to provide...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“At 31,000 mile my horn is no longer working along with my steering wheel controls on the left side of the wheel. Upon researching online it seems these truck have a common issue with clock spring fail. This is concerning because not only does the clock spring provide power to ...”
“This CHEAP fix is abhorrent! It calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage rendering it non- adjustable when having the front end aligned in the future. Not to mention the effect of welding, potentially causing a problem with the integrity of the metal. The c...”
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired on two occasions under warranty and under extended warranty due to the brake failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydr...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“The Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) actuator stuck and failed causing also the turbo fan to heat degradation that needed also to be replace. Cost of damage was $4680.00.”
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and check engine w...”
“My 2017 Ram 2500, 6.4L Hemi experiences warning lights which I'm told is caused by intermittent PCM failure. I'm told this can cause the truck to stall while in motion, refuse to start, or enter "limp mode". This amounts to a possible unsafe condition that can put myself and p...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“At 31,000 mile my horn is no longer working along with my steering wheel controls on the left side of the wheel. Upon researching online it seems these truck have a common issue with clock spring fail. This is concerning because not only does the clock spring provide power to ...”
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired on two occasions under warranty and under extended warranty due to the brake failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydr...”
“As I approached stop sign and applied brakes the ABS and traction control light came on. My truck then started surging up and down As I attempted to proceed thru the red light my truck stalled and shutoff an on coming car had to stop aggressively to avoid hitting me”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“We bought our truck in August 2023. At the end of January 2024 a light came on saying we had 150 miles before the engine shut down to 5 mph. A week later we get a recall letter, and take it to a dealership, they fix the recall they said, but before we got home, the light came ...”
“ABS module and hydraulic control units replaced in 2019, after driving the truck less than 20k miles the exact same issues have returned. Truck is out of warranty now, no cruise control, ABS, or traction control. Very common issue amongst 2017-2018 Rams. Second issue happened ...”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DEF PUMP GAUGE REGISTERED A ZERO (0). THE PUMP WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHO REPLACED THE DEF PUMP HOWEVER, THE FAILURE ...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (12)
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Summary: 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.
STEERING:LINKAGES
Summary: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.
WHEELS
Summary: 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.
EQUIPMENT
Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Summary: 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.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2017 RAM 2500
Before purchasing a used 2017 RAM 2500, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 12 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2017 RAM 2500
Is the 2017 RAM 2500 a reliable used car?
The 2017 RAM 2500 earns a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 680 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2017 RAM 2500?
The leading complaint category is Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports, with a median failure point around 36,750 miles (IQR: 24,000 – 58,902 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2017 RAM 2500?
Yes, the NHTSA records 12 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.