2017 Ram 2500

Above average

Owners filed 692 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes. It has been recalled 12 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

198 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 30,00040,000 miles; the median is 46,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes398
612
Service Brakes, Hydraulic81
100
Steering41
100
Engine31
010
Electrical System27
010
Power Train22
211
Unknown or Other15
115
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light10
000
Wheels6
000
Vehicle Speed Control6
000

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator25V010000
Filed Jan 16, 20256,066 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module24V896000
Filed Nov 27, 2024317,630 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch19V347000
Filed May 9, 20191,103,209 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

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.

Steering › Linkages › Drag › Link › Connection19V021000
Filed Jan 25, 2019795,575 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

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.

Steering › Linkages18E096000
Filed Oct 16, 2018847 vehiclesStreetcar Orv Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch18V486000
Filed Jul 27, 20181,149,223 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Electrical System › Software18V332000
Filed May 17, 20184,815,661 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission18V100000
Filed Feb 8, 2018180,462 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

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
Filed Dec 21, 201761,791 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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

Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift17V821000
Filed Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

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.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 14, 2026AR

Recall C4B The Antilock Braking System in a constant On-Off state of failure. I've been told by multiple dealers and Ram Customer Service folks that there are no parts available. I have also been told that they will be available next quarters and that was multiple quarters ago. This has been going on since December 2024. I'm not sure if the braking system will function as designed if put in an emergency situation at this point. I also am unable to use my cruise control, because every time it goes into a failure mode, it kicks off the cruise control. I'm not talking about alarming once in a while, it's constantly every few seconds sometimes. I just want my truck fixed, this is ridiculous.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 13, 2026WV

This problem was finally acknowledged by Chrysler in November 2024 but so far there is no repair offered by Ram. That, to me, is an unacceptable situation. The defect was generally know on my 2019 Ram 2500 several years before finally be acknowledged by them. And now after finally acknowledging the obvious they are still not offering a fix. As a practical matter, the actual defect is in the brush holders used in the small DC powered motor attached to the anti-lock control module. Replacement of the motor takes less than an hour but Chrysler is not even offering a suitable redesigned motor. I am not sure which is worse: Ram's refusal to offer a simple motor replacement or the lack of enforcement of a simple fix by NHTSA. I wore out a set of rear tires in under 3000 miles of use because of this problem.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2026OK

While traveling approximately 65 mph on a two-lane highway, I crested a hill and encountered a vehicle stopped in the roadway waiting to make a left turn. When I applied the brakes to avoid a collision, the vehicle's Anti-Lock Braking System failed to function properly, causing the wheels to lock and the truck to skid uncontrollably. To avoid striking the stopped vehicle, I was forced to take evasive action and steer into the ditch. Fortunately, I was able to avoid a collision, but the incident demonstrates a serious safety hazard associated with this recall condition. The vehicle is currently subject to an open recall related to the ABS system; however, the local dealership has informed me that the necessary replacement parts are unavailable and cannot provide a timeframe for the repair. As a result, I am left with a vehicle that is unsafe to operate and poses an ongoing risk to myself and other motorists. Additionally, the unresolved recall has significantly diminished the vehicle's value. With multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard and a known safety defect that cannot be repaired due to the lack of available parts, I am unable to sell or trade the vehicle at its fair market value. I am requesting immediate action to address this safety issue and provide a remedy for owners who are unable to have their recalled vehicles repaired in a timely manner.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2026OH

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 2, 202635,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the cruise control was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the HCU was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 2, 2026115,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was shifted into 4WD and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted several times before the brake pedal operated as needed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 28, 202697,000 milesNY

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 28, 2026126,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and cruise control warning lights illuminated. On one occasion, while approaching a traffic light and attempting to brake, a total brake failure occurred, causing the vehicle to travel through the intersection. The failure was not preceded by a warning light; however, the ABS and cruise control warning lights had previously illuminated on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer, where the ABS module was replaced. The contact later received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 26, 2026ME

My heavy-duty Ram truck has a verified C4B HCU braking defect that occurred right after completing Emissions Recall 67A on 07/17/2024. The manufacturer has a severe parts backlog. The truck cannot pass state inspection and is legally grounded. Stellantis is refusing to provide direct-bill alternate transportation, effectively forcing me to front thousands of dollars or drive an unsafe vehicle with failing critical safety features.

Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2026MS

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.

Power Train
Filed Aug 25, 2026MO

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.

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2026CO

My turbo actuator failed and was replaced in February of 2026. This is the same part, manufactured the same year as the recall: LOP#09440301 Both the manufacturer and NHTSA knew of this problem for years, but only fixed a small portion of the impacted vehicles. Please make me whole and refund my expenses for this known faulty actuator and repair work. Let me know if there is anything more you need from me.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 10, 2026VA

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the messages "Service ABS” and “Service Traction Control" were displayed. The contact added that while the cruise control was activated, the vehicle lunged forward while decelerating and the cruise control inadvertently deactivated. The contact stated that while driving over a bump in the roadway, the failure reoccurred, and the ABS warning light was flickering on and off with an audible chime. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 9, 2026OH

Reported issue regarding recall for at least 2 years NHTSA #1850535. When we contacted McHugh Dodge in Zanesville, Ohio and they had no idea when issue will be fixed with ABS system nor when parts are scheduled to come in. I was told they should have something to repair by end of July, 2026 by NHTSA agent.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 6, 2026CT

This is in regard to safety recall C4B. I have been contacting RAM dealers for almost 5 years on this issue and they have not had parts the whole time. I am sure they are mandated to build vehicles with ABS and this is obviously a common issue if you finally required the recall. I see they had the parts available for the CAB/ CHASSIS models which is the same part. How can there be a recall and no action this is not a new issue that was sprung on them. When I complain to the dealer they tell me to simply park the truck if I am worried about it. This is pure frustration as I paid for the traction control and cruise control and ABS but none of this has been available for 5 years and it seems like there is zero recourse.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 5, 2026TN

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 29, 2026TX

Truck is experiencing the active recall symptoms daily, but the manufacturer is denying a repair due to parts availability. I pull a trailer everyday and I been having break issues the ABS light goes on and off all day, driving on the freeway, streets and even when the truck is on park noise is annoying. Service electronic braking systems is on as well I been almost had accidents and loosing control with my trailer that I don’t feel safe anymore for me and my passengers.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 23, 2026NY

See attached document for complaint.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 21, 20263,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the Traction Control and ABS warning lights were illuminated, and the alarm sounded constantly. The failure caused the vehicle to slide while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the HCU had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed the failure and stated that the part was not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Don Miller Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram FIAT (5802 Odana Rd, Madison, WI 53719); and diagnosed with HCU failure and that the HCU needed to be replaced but the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 20, 2026115,460 milesFL

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an audible warning chime sounded, and the ABS control module and the traction control system failed. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 115,460.

20 of 692 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202624700Routine
202561620Routine
202458520Routine
202348810Routine
20221791250Routine
2021107880Routine
20201621040Routine
20191931290Routine
20182,5741051Fatalities reported
2017 — this page6921260Above average
20162581431Fatalities reported
20152141530Above average
20143411640Above average
20131781670Routine
20095100Do not drive

Compare every 2500 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 16, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.