Carlexica

2017 Ram 2500: problems, recalls and reliability

12 recalls and 697 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (44% of complaints); the 2015 and 2016 and 2019 model years look more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · 9 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jan 2025

12
recalls
697
owner complaints
6
fire reports
49,107
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
4-star NHTSA overall safety ratingOne of the most complained-about 2500 years (#2 of 11, age-adjusted)Weak spot: service brakes (44%)6 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 697 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Service Brakes (brakes)44% · 296 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)13% · 89 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)10% · 65 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)5% · 37 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)5% · 34 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)4% · 29 complaints
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, there was a squeaking sound coming from the coolant pump. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2026
“The HCU is failing. it is a current recall and has been apparently before i even purchased my truck. The abs light is coming on and off. I use this truck everyday but most importantly i use it to transport my kids in what i assumed was a safe vehicle. I spoke with the dealer AND a representative in the recall department for FCA and both told me that there is no remedy and there may never be on. this is 100% UNACCEPTABLE. I dont understand why theres no RUSH to fix an issue that can cause an injury. I have text messages from the dealer service advisor”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2026
“The recall for the HCU is not being taken seriously. My "service ABS" alert is constantly on, as well as my service 4 wheel drive (which is part of the HCU). My brake pedal will randomly shake when applying. I am worried that this will cause an incident and don't understand why we can't get this fixed under the warranty. It has been 2 years and nothing has been done.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Transmission can be put into gear without pressing the brake pedal. A child was placed in truck with no key in ignition. The child pulled shift lever and truck started rolling. Driver quickly pressed brake and stopped truck. This truck had the T79/NHTSA 17V-821 recall fix in 2017. The fix did not correct the problem. Filing this report to inform NHTSA that the recall fix did not work. Dealer won't repair as recall had been performed. I bought this truck used and It had this problem when purchased.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
“Motor completely over heated causing the hose to rupture underneath the intake manifold. Engine is unrepairable. Had to order new engine and a new intake manifold because it melted the current one. Also approximately 2 years ago, I also had to replace the transmission. This truck only has 155,000 miles in it and has had 2 major break downs. WHY? This truck is unsafe.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2026
“The recall C4B/NHTSB 24v-893 came out in January of 2025. The parts are still not available for this recall (per Chrysler/RAM). I have been driving my truck with a possible non-working ABS system for a year and a half, often pulling a 10,000 lb trailer. I feel that this is ridiculous that the part is still not available. If I had a wreck during this time, I guarantee that I would sue the crap out of Chrysler.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2026
“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”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jul 2026
“Truck has ABS and Traction Control warning lights alerting. Itermittent failure of brake system. Responsible for an accident 4/13/2026. Dealership has not notified but are sending out recall letters for July 2026. I have a video that illustrates the issues with ABS.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2026
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control, ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure worsened, and the vehicle would not stop properly when depressing the brake pedal. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2026

When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 12 campaigns

Diesel (engine and engine cooling)17V562000 · Sep 2017

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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.

Linkages (steering)18E096000 · Oct 2018

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.

Remedy: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.

Control unit/module (service brakes, hydraulic)24V896000 · Nov 2024

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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.

Latch (latches/locks/linkages)19V347000 · May 2019

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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

Wiring (electrical system)18V332000 · May 2018

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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Latch (latches/locks/linkages)18V486000 · Jul 2018

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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.

Inflator (air bags)25V010000 · Jan 2025

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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

Connection (steering)19V021000 · Jan 2019

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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

Automatic transmission (power train)18V100000 · Feb 2018

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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.

Equipment17V824000 · Dec 2017

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

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Column shift (power train)17V821000 · Dec 2017

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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Wheels17V499000 · Aug 2017

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.

Remedy: AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.

Trouble codes owners mention

OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2017 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Engines2.8L
Cylinders4
FuelDiesel

How other years compare

Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all 2500 years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.

Check your exact 2500 by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Ram 2500 reliable?

NHTSA has 697 owner complaints and 12 recall campaigns on record for the 2017 Ram 2500. The most complained-about area is service brakes (44% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2017 Ram 2500 problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 49,107 miles or less.

Does the 2017 Ram 2500 have open recalls?

12 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.