NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The 2017 RAM 4500 has 7 recalls, the most serious being multiple issues that can allow the transmission to shift out of Park without driver input, creating a rollaway risk that can result in injury or death.
Two related transmission problems affect vehicles with a column shifter: the shift interlock system can fail to require brake pedal pressure before allowing gear changes, and a sticky interlock pin can develop after prolonged brake pedal use while the engine runs in Park. Both conditions allow the truck to be shifted into gear unintentionally. On the engine side, the 6.7L Cummins diesel uses a water pump that can leak coolant into the engine compartment, raising the risk of a fire. There is also a wheel stud concern: incorrect torque specifications in the owner's manual can lead to over-tightened lug nuts, which can break wheel studs and cause a wheel to separate from the truck while driving. A software defect can cause cruise control to maintain or increase speed even when the driver tries to cancel it. The anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control can all fail together if the hydraulic control unit malfunctions. Finally, certain trucks equipped with a Kidde fire extinguisher may find it fails to discharge when needed.
At a glance
What can fail
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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
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.