What 858 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ram 1500 Crew Cab

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Electronic Stability Control" was displayed. While investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and the contact used an OBD reader to diagnose the vehicle. The contact determined that the tone wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was confirmed that the tone wheel and the front passenger’s side axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,520.

NHTSA ODI 11734668

Vehicle is having the same issues it had before with soot and sludge build up in the engine that caused the EGR to fail and melt into the engine... I have all the parts that were replaced from the 1st time this happened and was not repaired properly and is now causing a catastrophic failure....

NHTSA ODI 11734418

Timeline of issues: 04/11/2026 – Vehicle purchased 04/16/2026 – Brakes began grinding 04/18/2026 – Vehicle developed starting issues 04/19/2026 – Brake system parts (pads, rotors, calipers) ordered due to failure 04/23/2026 – Parts received; same day 4WD was tested and confirmed not functioning properly (dashboard indicates engagement but front wheels do not engage) 04/24/2026 – Complete brake failure occurred due to caliper failure These issues occurred immediately after purchase and indicate the vehicle had significant pre-existing mechanical defects at the time of sale. The 4WD system also does not function correctly despite indicating engagement, and the braking system failed completely shortly after purchase.

NHTSA ODI 11733804

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V198000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.

NHTSA ODI 11729700

1Rear end shifted to passenger side 3 in 2. The intermittent shaft made the steering wheel over turn over half a turn. 3 manifold bolts replaced but snapped again. Fuel pump went out. Tailgate has opened multiple times. 120 k seems unfit to drive wheel studs drivers rear broke off 1 by 1 till there were 2 left

NHTSA ODI 11725740

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly failed to shift into gear properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, after depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle unexpectedly reversed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off, the vehicle unexpectedly started rolling away while parked on a hill at the residence, and the parking brake was engaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and DTC: P0814-000; for transmission failure was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 214,000.

NHTSA ODI 11725187

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, several unknown transmission codes were displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that a transmission flush was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering rack had short-circuited and needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown NHTSA recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,455.

NHTSA ODI 11724765

I was driving on Interstate 20 in the third lane from the right of four total lanes when my truck suddenly lost all propulsion while attempting to pass another vehicle. The engine did not shut off, but it immediately dropped to very low RPM and the accelerator pedal no longer controlled the vehicle’s power. Multiple engine warning lights illuminated at the same time. I immediately activated my hazard lights and attempted to maneuver the vehicle across traffic to reach the shoulder. Because the vehicle had no propulsion, this created a dangerous situation in active interstate traffic. Several vehicles had to take evasive action and I experienced multiple near-collisions while trying to reach the shoulder. After safely stopping, I had the vehicle towed to my home and later towed again to the dealership at my own expense. The day before this incident, I received a recall notice in the mail related to this issue: Safety Recall 66A/23V-411. However, the dealership has informed me that my vehicle is only covered under recall 66A (a software update) and not recall 73A, which involves replacement of the tone wheel component. Based on the symptoms experienced and the dealership’s diagnosis, the tone wheel requires replacement. However, the dealership states that this repair is not covered under the recall currently assigned to my vehicle. Given that this failure caused a sudden and complete loss of propulsion at highway speed, I believe this issue is directly related to the safety concern described in the recall and poses a serious safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the recall coverage for this issue is adequate and whether vehicles experiencing this failure should also be covered for tone wheel replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11722254

I am reporting a persistent safety defect involving loss of intended drivability in my 2017 Ram 1500 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For the past 3 years, on almost every use of the vehicle, the transmission enters an abnormal operating state where it becomes stuck in a single gear (most often 3rd or 4th) and will not upshift or downshift. When this occurs, the vehicle experiences reduced ability to accelerate and loss of normal drivability. The condition does not resolve while driving and requires me to pull over, shut the vehicle off, and restart it to restore operation. This defect has occurred multiple times at freeway speeds, requiring me to pull over onto the highway shoulder due to loss of vehicle function. A vehicle that cannot reliably shift or accelerate at highway speed presents a clear safety hazard to the driver and surrounding traffic. Requiring a stop-and-restart is not a safe or reasonable mitigation strategy in real-world traffic conditions. The issue occurs more frequently when the vehicle is cold, indicating a predictable and repeatable failure mode, not driver error or misuse. I have had to alter normal driving behavior, including extended warm-up periods and avoiding highways, to reduce risk. I was informed by repair facilities that this is a known issue related to transmission control module (TCM) software, and that Chrysler has issued Technical Service Bulletin(s) describing TCM software updates to address abnormal shifting and drivability behavior. The existence of these TSBs demonstrates manufacturer knowledge of the failure mode and a defined corrective action, yet the issue has not been addressed as a safety recall. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be evaluated based on objective safety criteria. A vehicle that routinely loses drivability and requires emergency stops on freeways warrants formal safety investigation.

NHTSA ODI 11718674

The crankshaft tone wheel failed just like the TSB's and recalls. The vehicle would not restart. There are multiple bulletins and recalls along with warranty extensions for this issue but for some reason it does not seem to apply to my truck even thought it falls in the tsb years and details of failure.

NHTSA ODI 11716726

I was driving my truck today. I went to turn on cruise control and as I got to the mileage that I wanted, I hit set and then after I hit set about a half mile down the road a truck after wanted to lose power and then allowed bang from the transmission then it did it again bang I turned the cruise control off. I pulled over and I looked it up and it told me do not use the cruise control again and try to get home safely and that’s exactly what I did.

NHTSA ODI 11714630

DTC P0336 crankcase position sensor A circuit range/performance code truck lost power for several seconds at 50mph in traffic almost causing a collision, then power returned causing fast acceleration almost lost control of vehicle. truck is now in limp mode. there is a recall for DTC P0336 is a known defective reluctor wheel problem on Ran eco-diesel trucks made between 2014-2018. I have a 2017 model which was purchased june 2018. Ram dealership says my vin is not included in recall though my model and year is.

NHTSA ODI 11704590

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the contact became aware that the transmission was shuddering. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road, the contact noticed a large piece of detached metal flying, which was part of the drive shaft. The contact stated that the transmission was severely shuddering. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and saw another large piece of metal flying, which was another part of the drive shaft that had detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear wheels locked up, and the shuddering was persistent. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact and the passenger, who was seated in the front passenger's seat, exited the vehicle. The passenger noticed smoke coming from the vehicle ,but there was no fire. AAA was contacted, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the rear differential, rear axle, transfer case, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V198000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the manufacturer to report the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that an inspector would be inspecting the vehicle, however the contact stated that the inspection was not performed. The failure mileage was approximately 53,300.

NHTSA ODI 11697878

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the drive pinion seal of the rear differential was leaking, and an unknown bolt was bent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact was unsure what repairs needed to be performed. The dealer advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to that NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V198000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

NHTSA ODI 11683382

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle moved forward independently. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30.

NHTSA ODI 11672300

Electrical problems with the power steering. Shifting and RPM’s transmission

NHTSA ODI 11671320

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled in the middle of the road. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to pull over to the side of the road, but the gear shifter failed to shift to neutral. The tow truck operator disassembled the dashboard to shift the vehicle into neutral. The contact then towed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with tone crankshaft failure. Additionally, there were 2 sensors that were damaged due to pressure sensor and battery failure. The vehicle was waiting to be repaired and the parts were ordered. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11644527

Front Drive-Shaft Broke in half. It was rusted on the outside.

NHTSA ODI 11636308

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated the gear shift/rotary dial had seized in place. The vehicle failed to shift into park, and the key failed to release from the ignition switch. While driving, the vehicle jumped from park to reverse and then drive. The drive, reverse, park, and neutral warning lights were illuminated. While at a stop, the vehicle locked. While depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal revving sound detected. The vehicle was hesitating and was slow to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as an electrical failure. The dealer informed the contact that the control module was not communicating with the TCM. The dealer scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also called Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 44 Worley Rd., Marion, NC 28752, Auto Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Waynesville (280 Hyatt Creek Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786), and Crossroads Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Henderson (120 US-158, Henderson, NC 27536). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,829.

NHTSA ODI 11623050

1.The components that failed were the entire rear dif. It will be available for inspection and I will make certain that my mechanic takes photos. 2. My brakes completely locked up on me TWICE and the vehicle stalled. I was left in the middle of the road on a downward slope and on a curve, a blind spot. I was extremely fortunate that this didn't take place on the interstate and that there wasn't a tractor trailer following behind me!! 3. My mechanic verified that it was in fact the rear differential that was destroyed. The inside of the casing was "chewed up" by the gears. He called around and was able to locate a slightly used one to attempt to save me money and it was easier for him to complete the task of replacing it. 4. There are no police reports or insurance claims. 5. There were no warning lamps to alert me that anything was wrong. The only thing that took place was the truck lost power TWICE while traveling on the interstate where I was forced to stop in the break down lane. Both situations could have ended MUCH WORSE for me.

NHTSA ODI 11610782

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11590988

Vehicle is a 2017 RAM 3.0L ECO-DIESEL. Vehicle's electronic throttle control service light came on. Vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnostic. Safety recall 66A/NHTSA 23V-411 was performed for software. Transmission was diagnosed with a bad Tone Wheel (RAM recall X94-Warranty Extension. Applies to RAM vehicles built on or after June 13, 2014 and on or before March 26, 2018 equipped with a 3.0L Turbo Diesel Engine). My vehicle is the make, type, model, and engine specific vehicle, however; it does not meet the VIN specificity for the X94 extended warranty coverage. I would like to know why.

NHTSA ODI 11588161

Rear axle pinion gear broke causing lack of motion could cause me to wreck or get hit

NHTSA ODI 11578904

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after making an abrupt stop, several abnormal popping sounds began to emit from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle then failed to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to the residence and then towed to a dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The contact disagreed with the diagnostic and had the vehicle towed back home. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V198000 (Power Train) which the contact linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11578909

My RAM 1500 Pickup has a NHTSA recall 23V-411 that I never received that is a loss of crank shaft signal and causes engine to stall and loss of power. This happened to my vehicle while I was in the passing lane overtaking another car. It was a very dangerous situation as I had to try and navigate to the shoulder as other cars were now passing me on the right. When I did manage to get to the shoulder of a narrow two lane hi-way, my vehicle would not start. I had to call for a tow truck and wait in a very dangerous location for the tow truck to come for over an hour. I was never notified by RAM of this recall and they are also not covering the cost of the part that was involved with the recall as well. This is a very serious situation as there has already been a class action lawsuit against RAM that was successful for this same part and there are still a lot of cars out there that have not been repaired. I am going to have to pay $2500 out of pocket to fix a problem that RAM has known about for a long time and has a recall (FCA Recall 66A and 73A) for.

NHTSA ODI 11574472