NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 15 recalls, 841 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Ram 1500.
15–22 mpg combined
10.7–15.7 L/100km
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2017 Ram 1500 generates a high volume of owner complaints, with steering and engine issues leading the pack, but the most concentrated pattern involves the anti-lock brake system's hydraulic control unit and related sensors. Owners frequently report warning lights for ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control illuminating together, often traced to a failed ABS module or wheel speed sensor. Several owners note that replacement parts have been difficult or impossible to source, leaving trucks running without those safety systems for extended periods. Steering complaints center on sudden, intermittent loss of power steering, typically accompanied by a warning light, with function often returning after a restart. Engine complaints round out the top concerns. A smaller cluster of owners reports the fuel gauge dropping to empty at around the half-tank mark, with some saying dealers replaced the fuel level sensor more than once without fully resolving the issue.
841
Total Complaints
79
Crash-Related
16
Fire-Related
48
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 RAM 1500 has 15 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk on 3.0L diesel models where a cracked EGR cooler can allow coolant vapor to combust inside the intake manifold.
Several other recalls also apply only to diesel-equipped trucks. A crankshaft position sensor component can delaminate and cause the engine to stall without warning, and a high-pressure fuel pump can shed debris into the fuel system and cut fuel delivery, both of which can cause sudden power loss while driving. There is also a fuel tank control valve that may be broken and can leak fuel in a rollover, raising the risk of fire if an ignition source is present.
On the transmission side, two related issues affect column-shifter-equipped trucks: the brake-transmission shift interlock can fail to prevent gear changes without the brake pressed or the key present, allowing the truck to roll away unintended. A separate recall covers a rear differential pin that can back out while driving, potentially locking up the axle and causing a loss of control.
The curtain airbags carry two recalls: inflator end caps can detach and be thrown into the cabin, and inflator housings can rupture and send metal fragments toward occupants. Cruise control software can also fail to respond to deactivation commands, keeping the truck at speed or accelerating when the driver expects it to slow.
The tailgate carries two recalls for power locking gates on certain bed lengths, where a latch component can fracture and allow the gate to swing open while driving, spilling cargo into traffic.
At a glance
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The right and left side curtain air bags may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected side curtain air bags at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may separate into layers, causing the engine to lose synchronization of fuel injector timing and camshaft operation, which can result in engine stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module software to restore proper engine operation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pump can fail and release debris into the fuel system, which may block fuel flow and cause the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump and inspect and replace other fuel system parts if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side air bag inflatable curtain inflator may have a detached end cap or a ruptured sidewall, potentially preventing proper air bag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the side air bag inflatable curtain assemblies at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may separate into layers, causing the engine to lose synchronization between fuel injector timing and camshaft timing, which can result in engine stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software to read the camshaft position signal if the crankshaft position signal is lost, maintaining engine operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The EGR cooler can crack, allowing hot vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may ignite inside the intake manifold.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it if needed. Both services are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate latch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab can fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is moving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate actuator limiter tab at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake transmission shift interlock may stop working, allowing the gear shifter to move out of PARK without pressing the brake pedal or turning on the ignition, risking unintended vehicle movement.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake transmission shift interlock as needed and update the Body Control Module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while the engine is running and the vehicle is in PARK can cause the brake transmission shift interlock pin to stick open. This allows the transmission to shift out of PARK into any gear without pressing the brake pedal or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software, test the shift interlock system, and replace the solenoid if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while parked may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick open, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank control valve may be broken. In a rollover crash, this could cause fuel to leak, and if ignited, create a fire.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace your fuel tank.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank control valve may be broken, allowing fuel to leak if the vehicle tips over.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The screw that holds the differential pin in place may loosen while driving, which could cause the differential to break or become locked.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
