NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The right and left side curtain air bags may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
This page covers 11 recalls, 657 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2017 Ram 2500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake system complaints dominate the 2017 Ram 2500 owner reports, with brakes accounting for the largest share of filings by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe the ABS warning light illuminating unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by the traction control light and a message indicating four-wheel drive is unavailable. When the ABS light is on, owners report losing cruise control functionality as a side effect, since the systems are linked. Some owners describe brakes locking up during hard stops, which they say makes towing feel unsafe. The electrical system draws the next highest volume of complaints, though at a significantly lower rate than brakes. A recurring thread across brake complaints is difficulty getting repairs completed, with some owners noting extended waits for parts. The ABS warning light triggering a cascade of disabled features, cruise control, traction control, four-wheel drive availability, is the most consistent symptom pattern owners describe.
657
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 RAM 2500 has 11 recalls, the most serious involving a transmission shift interlock that can stick and allow the truck to be shifted out of park without the brake pedal pressed, creating a rollaway risk.
A related steering concern involves the drag link jam nut, which can loosen and allow the drag link to separate, causing a sudden loss of steering control. On diesel-equipped trucks, a coolant leak from the water pump can raise the risk of an engine compartment fire. Certain trucks modified by American Expedition Vehicles with cast aluminum Katla wheels face a separate risk: the wheel's outer surface can fracture and cause rapid air loss, leading to loss of vehicle control. The curtain airbag inflators on some vehicles can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. A software defect can cause the cruise control to maintain or increase speed even when the driver tries to cancel it.
On the braking side, the hydraulic control unit can fail and take down the anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control together. Two tailgate recalls cover trucks with power locking tailgates across various bed lengths: the latch can release while driving and allow cargo to fall into the road. There is also a recall covering an included fire extinguisher that may not function when needed.
At a glance
What can fail
The right and left side curtain air bags may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
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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 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 hydraulic control unit that manages braking systems may fail, disabling anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the hydraulic control unit or its motor 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 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 nut securing the outboard steering linkage may loosen, causing the drag link to separate from one end.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering linkage nut tightness and either replace the drag link assembly or weld the nut to the adjuster sleeve.
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
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
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
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 water pump may leak coolant because it lacks a vent hole, potentially causing engine overheating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water pump at no cost to restore proper cooling system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels on your truck's outer surface may crack, causing the tire to lose air rapidly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your wheels with new wheels of similar value at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.