Home · 2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis · Complaints

What 302 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (302)Crash / fire / injury (10)Brakes (179)Electrical system (33)Speed control (29)Engine (28)Transmission & drivetrain (27)Wheels (21)Steering (18)Suspension (14)Driver assistance (12)Fuel system (8)

Newest first · 302 complaints · page 9 of 13

Dec 14, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder until January 2023. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE22012 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11497394

Dec 13, 2022Brakes

Brakes not functioning properly intermittently getting warning “Service electronic braking system” “Service ABS System”. The warning comes on then goes away. No consistency on when the message comes on and when it goes away.

NHTSA ODI 11497215

Dec 13, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The contact was able to use the gears and parking brake to slow the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the master cylinder, ABS control module, and hydraulic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11497284

Dec 12, 2022Brakes

Braking ability is very diminished while driving, particularly dangerous while pulling a trailer or load in bed. Brake pads are good. Google search showed many complaints on this particular Brocken with these trucks. This one is doing the same thing. This has done this since purchased in October 2021.

NHTSA ODI 11497137

Nov 17, 2022Wheels

Driving on highway back right side wheel studs broke off, wheel separated from vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11494042

Nov 8, 2022Wheels

5 of the 8 wheel studs on the left rear tire suddenly sheared off while my husband was driving the vehicle. This occurred without warning and with no provoking event - just driving normally. My husband was able to safely pull over and was not hurt but it could have potentially caused a crash and/or serious bodily harm to him or others on the roadway. I contacted the dealer knowing that a recall had been issued for similar year trucks (we received a recall for this on our Ram 4500) and they rudely told me that there was not a recall on this truck and they would not fix it. I do have a picture and the shears were all fresh suggesting that it occurred all at once. The dealer will not look at it for 30 days so we are making other arrangements to have the repair done but I worry about the other tires. If there are multiple year recalls in RAM trucks of varying models for the same thing that would suggest that this event has occurred from a similar manufacturing defect. Dodge needs to take responsibility and offer a solution before someone else is hurt or killed. I don't care about the money. I care about the lives of the people driving RAM trucks and the manufacturer says it is not on them.

NHTSA ODI 11492722

Aug 16, 2022

Unknown. The vehicle while driving will violently start shaking in the front. End. The vehicle shakes approximately 10" or more side to side. I have heard it called the Ram death shake. Had vehicle towed to the dealership. Dealer said they could not find anything wrong. It happened again several time after leaving the dealership. Now I can only drive less than 65 mph.max for fear I it is going to get me killed.

NHTSA ODI 11479517

Aug 3, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light would intermittently illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where a diagnostic test confirmed that there was an electrical short between the ABS hydraulic control unit and the electronic module which rendered the ABS defective. The contact was informed that both parts to repair the failure were on backorder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11477295

Aug 1, 2022Speed controlDriver assistanceCrash

The vehicle had a sudden acceleration problem and the driver ended up in a big crash. The driver is in the hospital with many injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer before, at the beginning of March, because the check engine light was on and the throttle control light on and the truck didn't shift properly and dealer said that he doesn't have a transmission mechanic for about a month. They worked on the recalls and the oil and fuel filters change. Afterwards I took the truck to another shop. They changed the oil at the transmission, but the truck showed the same messages on the cluster almost immediately. I took the truck to another mechanic and they changed the solenoids in the transmission, but in a short time the same messages (Check engine light and throttle control light) came on the cluster. When these light came on the truck didn't shift properly so I spoke with another mechanic about the problem and he programmed me for an appointment on August 4th. This date is too late now, because on July 25th I lost the truck in a terrible accident due to sudden acceleration of the truck and the driver could not stop it. The brakes failed and he tried to slow it down driving it against the concrete curve but he couldn't, the truck kept on speeding then he hit a big tree in order not to crash other cars on the road or the people in the driveway close to the place of the accident.

NHTSA ODI 11476916

Jun 27, 2022Service Brakes, Air

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several ABS related warning lights appeared on the instrument panel with a warning chime coming from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the cruise control failed to operate as needed. The contact continued driving and the warning lights disappeared and the vehicle resumed normal driving function. The dealer was notified of the failure and a diagnostic test revealed a defective ABS control module. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11471094

Jan 19, 2022Suspension

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic for an alignment check; however, the dealer and the independent mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11448007

Jan 17, 2022Wheels

I made appointment with Ram dealership. The letter said 2 or so hours. The advisor stated, it will take all day because I was a recall and they will not have the diesel mechanic stop working on other vehicles for a recall. Which makes no sense since it's not my fault The truck not safe to drive. In addition, I depend on my truck because I use it for my work - hot shot (delivery). I been waiting at dealership for over 3 hours and they still have not even looked at it. The dealership is not prioritizing my vehicle, although it should since I am a customer after all and this is a recall from the manufacturer. Dealerships should be made aware that a vehicle should be fixed as they come in, not based on whether you are paying or not. This dealership always does this when warranty or recalls and it's frustrating. It's not fair for us to lose this much time because we are not paying. How is it my fault the vehicle is defective? After all it was not caused because of my driving but because it was not manufactured correctly. I like Ram but the dealership need to better understand the customer whether paying or not. This is not fair and is annoying.

NHTSA ODI 11447741

Oct 15, 2021Wheels

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for the recall repair. The contact had experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11436923

Oct 4, 2021Seat belts

Driver's seatbelt comes un-latched while driving. Driver's seatbelt does not latch.

NHTSA ODI 11435447

Jul 2, 2021Electrical systemLights

Front turn signals, driver side headlight, passenger side fog light all went out at the same time. Tested bulbs and all are good. Message on dash said they were out and yes they were. Checked grounds all good. Found the big plug under fuse box moved it around and lights came back on. Connectors are very lose in the plug we will we need to change harness?

NHTSA ODI 11423208

Jun 7, 2021Electrical system

2017 Dodge Ram 3500. Consumer stated they have experienced numerous issues with vehicle from, power steering, electrical and fuel pump issues. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A HARD TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE LIFTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR THE ENGINE REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI 11419871

May 10, 2021Wheels

MY 2017 RAM 3500 6.7L DUALLY WITH ONLY 18,312 MILES ON IT HAD A TREAD SEPARATION ON A FACTORY NEXEN ROADIAN REAR TIRE. HAD ANOTHER ONE PREVIOUSLY LATE LAST YEAR ON A FACTORY FRONT TIRE AT 14,412 MILES. LUCKILY I DISCOVERED BOTH WITH CUPPING OF THE TIER AND ROAD VIBRATION BEFORE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE FACTORY NEXEN ROADIAN 10 PLY TIRES ON THE RAM TRUCKS ARE CRAP AND DANGEROUS AND I'VE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE SAME FACTORY TIRES, SOME WITH CATASTROPHIC RESULTS. RAM SHOULD HAVE RECALLED AND REPLACED THESE TIRES AFTER SEEING ALL THE COMPLAINTS! I USE THIS TRUCK TO PULL A 34 FT HORSE TRAILER WITH $50,000 HORSES, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, MY WIFE IS USUALLY OUT ON THE ROAD WITH IT ALONE AND IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC TO HAVE A FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH A HEAVY TRAILER. RAM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS POOR CHOICE OF TIRES.

NHTSA ODI 11416035

Mar 8, 2021

BOUGHT TRUCK IN 10-10-2020 AND I STILL YET TO HAVE MY LICENSE PLATE. DEALERSHIP STILL HASN'T RETURNED MY CALLS. AND DMV SHOWS THAT MY VIN ISN'T VALID.

NHTSA ODI 11399678

Mar 8, 2021Transmission & drivetrainEngine

PART NUMBER 68310865AB ENGINE OIL FILTER ADAPTER THIS IS THE THIRD PART FOR THIS VEHICLE THAT SEEMS UNAVAILABLE OVER 16,000 ON BACK ORDER AND THEY HAVE YET TO ISSUE A RECALL

NHTSA ODI 11399830

Jan 19, 2021Steering

THE ADJUSTER ON MY DRAGLINK WAS LOOSE AND THE NUTS WERE WELDED TO THE ADJUSTER AND I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A TEMPOARY REPAIR. TODAY I CONTACTED RAM ABOUT A PERMANENT REPAIR FOR MY TRUCK AND WAS INFORMED THAT WEDING WAS A PERMANENT FIX. HOW CAN YOU ALLOW THIS. MY FRONT END IS NO LONGER ADJUSTABLE AND NOW I AM FORCED TO GO TO DEALER FOR FRONT END WORK INDEPENDENT SHOPS DO NOT WANT THE LIBIALTY. WELDING NUTS AND CUTTING THEM LOOSE WEAKENS THE METAL ARE YOU REQUIRING WELDING CERTIFICATION FOR REPAIRS. THIS REPAIR IS NOT SATISFACTORY PLEASE ADVISE THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI 11388871

Jan 5, 2021Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainEquipment

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 19V818000 (EQUIPMENT, ENGINE, AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 20V036000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CENTRAL VALLEY CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (4460 MCHENRY AVE, MODESTO, CA 95356) WAS CONTACTED AND HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE ORDERED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER RECENTLY INFORMED HIM THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACK-ORDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ## VIN PASSED ## RAM 2017 ##

NHTSA ODI 11386651

Nov 30, 2020Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

OCCASIONALLY WHEN YOU STEP ON THE CLUTCH TO STOP THE VEHICLE OR CHANGE GEARS, THE CLUTCH PEDAL JUST GOES STRAIGHT TO FLOOR AND DOES NOT DISENGAGE THE CLUTCH. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF TO STOP THE VEHICLE, AND SOMETIMES WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO BACK INTO A GEAR. ALSO WHILE DRIVING, SOMETIMES YOU CANNOT CHANGE GEARS. AFTER THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE I CHECKED ALL OF THE FLUID LEVELS AND FOUND THAT THE HYDRAULIC RESERVOIR FOR THE CLUTCH CONTROL ASSEMBLY WAS LOW ON FLUID. I'VE HAD TO REFILL THIS RESERVOIR SEVERAL TIMES NOW, WHICH HELPS THE ISSUE OF CHANGING GEARS HOWEVER THE FLUID STILL SEEMS TO BE LEAKING OUT FROM SOMEWHERE, AND I'M CONCERNED THAT IT IS LEAKING SOMEWHERE INTERNALLY IN THE TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH AREA.

NHTSA ODI 11377070

Nov 11, 2020Transmission & drivetrain

THERE ARE TWO OUTSTANDING RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE; VB2, ENGINE COOLING FAN & W00 SHIFTER CABLE. I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO DEALERS & FCA ABOUT GETTING THE VEHICLE FIXED SINCE AUGUST & AM TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE RECALL NOTICES STATE THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE, YET THE MANUFACTURER IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE PARTS TO MAKE IT SAFE. SO I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT CANNOT BE USED IN ITS CURRENT STATE.

NHTSA ODI 11374169

Nov 1, 2020Fuel system

MY RAM 3500 2017 LOST SHIFTING IN AN INTERSECTION. IT WAS TOWED TO HERMISTON CHRYSLER IN OREGON 9/21/2020. THEY SAY WARRANTY REQUIRES THEM TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. PARTS WERE SENT TO FIX IT. NOW WARRANTY SAYS SEND PICTURES. MIGHT SEND NEW TRANSMISSION. I MADE A 1400 MILE TRIP THERE THIS WEEK AND CAME HOME IN ANOTHER RENTAL. MY PICKUP CAMPER IS STRANDED THERE.

NHTSA ODI 11372562

Oct 22, 2020EngineFuel system

FUEL LEAK IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FUEL FILTER HOUSING WAS REPLACED DUE TO LEAKAGE AROUND FUEL HEATER ELEMENTS IN HOUSING. THIS IS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM AND SAME FUEL FILTER HOUSING THAT BROUGHT ABOUT RAM RECALL P65. I HAVE CONTACTED RAM AND FILED A REPORT AS WELL AS RETAINED THE FAILED PART.

NHTSA ODI 11365778

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Working with the data? Download all 302 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 23, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis verdict →