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ProblemsByVin File / 2017-RAM-1500 NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2017 · RAM

RAM 1500 problems

847 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.0 / 10

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.

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.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
217 reports · fails ~74,136 mi · avg $700
severe
engine
135 reports · fails ~72,374 mi · avg $3,100
severe
powertrain
81 reports · fails ~34,701 mi · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
63 reports · fails ~37,033 mi · avg $850
severe
airbags
49 reports · fails ~38,719 mi · avg $1,100
critical
brakes
44 reports · fails ~56,979 mi · avg $450
severe
suspension
41 reports · fails ~64,525 mi · avg $900
severe
fuel system
30 reports · fails ~82,497 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2017 1500's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2017 1500?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

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…
12/30/2025 · at 80,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11707779.0 · see brakes pattern →
2017 1500 · brakes
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.
2017 1500 · airbags Crash
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…
12/30/2018 · at 59,672 mi · NHTSA ODI #11164140.0 · see airbags pattern →
2017 1500 · steering
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…
12/29/2023 · at 106,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11562533.0 · see steering pattern →
View all 847 owner complaints →
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.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 4

severe NHTSA 18V486000 July 27, 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

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.
severe NHTSA 17V198000 March 23, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks

A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.
severe NHTSA 17V821000 December 20, 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

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.
View all 4 recalls →

Under investigation 2 open at NHTSA

RQ Power Train › Automatic Transmission · opened July 2025

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ25003 on NHTSA →

EA Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery · opened March 2023

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA23001 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2017 RAM 1500 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 847 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: 217 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 27,000–107,000 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's the most common problem on the 2017 RAM 1500?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 217 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 74,136 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 847 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.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours 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. We are not affiliated with RAM. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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