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ProblemsByVinFile / 2017-RAM-1500NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
RAM
2017 RAM 1500 problems
The 2017 RAM 1500 has 860 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns.
The 2017 RAM 1500 has 860 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 220 complaints, typically surfacing around 76,424 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2017 1500?
Avoid — the steering
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
10 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine
Steering: 220 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 27,000–119,000 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2017 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2017 RAM 1500? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 220 owner reports
· tends to show around 76,424 mi · ~$700 to fix
engine — 136 owner reports
· tends to show around 72,374 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 81 owner reports
· tends to show around 34,701 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 65 owner reports
· tends to show around 41,323 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 76,424 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2017 1500· brakes
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with ABS module failure. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the…
ABS system went down on my truck, brakes still work but no ABS system! Received no recall papers even though the truck is a 2017 Dodge Ram and 2017 trucks are under recalls.
I was traveling on an interstate highway when I came upon an accident involving multiple vehicles. I took evasive action and was able to stop completely avoiding the vehicles involved, and just behind one vehicle that was partially blocking the right lane. I was struck from…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel to make a turn, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn in either direction. The…
Had a problem with your 2017 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Ram 1500 trucks
In the event of a rollover crash, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T45.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 860 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 RAM 1500 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2017 RAM 1500?
On the NHTSA data, the 2017 RAM 1500 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 10 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine; Steering: 220 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 27,000–119,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 RAM 1500?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 220 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 76,424 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2017 RAM 1500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 860 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 76,424 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 RAM 1500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 220 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 76,424 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 38,719 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my RAM 1500 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 RAM 1500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 860 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/RAM/1500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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