NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 13 recalls and 300 owner complaints for the 2017 Ram 3500.
Brake-related complaints dominate the 2017 Ram 3500 owner report picture, accounting for the largest share of filings by a wide margin. The most commonly described problem centers on the ABS hydraulic control unit, with owners reporting loss of braking performance and ABS pump motor failure, often while towing heavy loads like fifth-wheel trailers. Several owners note that replacement parts have been difficult or impossible to source, leaving vehicles unrepaired for extended periods. Hydraulic brake issues make up a second, related cluster, with similar loss-of-braking symptoms described during towing situations. Electrical system complaints are reported at a lower volume and include issues like a backup camera displaying a blue or distorted image traced to the camera or its wiring harness.
300
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 RAM 3500 has 13 recalls, the most serious involving wheel fractures, rollaway risks, a potential engine compartment fire, and curtain airbag inflators that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin.
Two separate recalls address the column shifter: in both cases, the transmission can be shifted out of park without the brake pedal pressed or a key in the ignition, allowing the truck to roll away unexpectedly. On the engine side, certain trucks with a Cummins 6.7L diesel can develop a coolant leak from the water pump that raises the risk of an underhood fire. Steering and wheels present additional hazards: the drag link can separate and cause a sudden loss of steering control, over-tightened lug nuts can crack wheel studs and cause a wheel to detach, and on trucks modified with AEV cast aluminum Katla wheels, the wheel itself can fracture and deflate rapidly.
Cruise control software on certain trims can fail to respond when the driver tries to deactivate it, leaving the truck holding speed or accelerating. A hydraulic control unit can fail and disable the anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control together. Two tailgate recalls cover power locking tailgates that can unlatch while driving and drop cargo onto the road. Some vehicles also came equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers that may not function when needed.
At a glance
What can fail
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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 →
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 brake hydraulic control unit may fail over time, which could disable the antilock braking system, electronic stability control system, and traction control.
What the fix does
Replace the brake hydraulic control unit at a dealership.
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 owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
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.
