Owners consistently report three major body-related problems in 2017 RAM 1500s: water intrusion, tailgate latch failure, and paint/rust defects.
Water leaks occur through failed window gaskets, pillar seals, and overhead consoles, pooling under seats and in storage compartments. The resulting wet carpet causes mold and odor. Some owners replaced gaskets multiple times with no permanent fix.
Tailgate latches fail unexpectedly while driving, with the tailgate dropping open at highway speeds. Owners describe a broken tab in the latch mechanism that engages when automatic door locks activate. One owner had a lawn mower fly onto the interstate; another's tailgate crushed a trailer jack. A recall campaign (NHTSA 18V486000) addressed this, but multiple owners report the repair failed and the warning light still comes on.
Paint and rust appear prematurely on new trucks—some right at delivery. Surface rust bleeds through paint, blisters appear after days of ownership, and structural posts (A/B-posts) show internal corrosion. Full repaints were performed at extremely low mileage (3,332 miles), yet rust returned within months. One owner received a replacement vehicle that also arrived with rust and paint problems.
Secondary issues include thin body metal that dents from minimal pressure, fogged headlights with condensation, and misaligned lights at installation. One owner reported unexplained vehicle swerve at speed. Dealership service responsiveness and repair quality vary widely across locations.
Failure modes owners describe
Tailgate latch failure
Tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving due to failed lock latch mechanism. Owners report the latch tab breaks when automatic door locks engage, causing the actuator to open the tailgate randomly. Incidents occur multiple times over short periods.
When: Typically occurs after automatic door lock engages at 5-15 mph; can happen daily while in motion. Mileage range 13,000 miles or earlier.
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate falls open while driving; Tailgate opens at random intervals during motion; Load shifts or spills on highway; Tailgate warning indicator illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: NHTSA campaign 18V486000 addressing tailgate latch; some repairs failed to resolve the issue. Dealers have replaced tailgate actuators. Some owners charged $350 at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 18V486000 (Structure, latches/locks/linkages) issued; however, remedies have failed on some vehicles. Owners report unresponsive communication from RAM/MOPAR.
Water leaks into cabin
Water enters the interior through multiple points, pooling in storage compartments, under seats, on dashboards, and headliners. Leaks traced to failed window gaskets, pillar seals, and overhead console. Standing water causes mold, wet carpet smell, and corrosion.
When: Occurs after rain; reported on vehicles with 12,169 miles and newer trucks at 3,332 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Wet, moldy carpet smell; Stagnant water puddling under back seats; Water on front windshield and dash; Water under back fold-up seat storage; Condensation in driving lights; Mold growth on interior carpets and headliners
Repairs/costs cited: Rear glass operable window gasket replacement performed. Third rear brake light gasket replaced but water continued leaking. Some goodwill repairs authorized by manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Goodwill warranty repairs authorized on some vehicles; however, owners report multiple failed repair attempts on same vehicles. No recall issued despite numerous complaints.
Paint and rust defects
New trucks arrive with rust breaking through paint, paint bubbles, rust blistering, and uneven paint finish. Premature surface rust appears on structural posts (A/B posts and C-posts) visible both inside and outside the vehicle.
When: Present on vehicles at purchase or within first few months; rust on structural components at 3,332 miles and beyond.
Symptoms owners cite: Rust bleeding through paint; Paint bubbles and blistering under finish; Rust blisters popping through paint; Surface rust on inner A/B-post structure; Uneven paint appearance depending on lighting; Rust on bolts and fasteners
Repairs/costs cited: Full truck repaints performed at 3,332 miles; subsequent repainting of bolts at 5,894 miles. Some rust on structural posts only partially coated. Paint repair shops unable to fully hide previous damage marks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Full repaints authorized under warranty; multiple trips to dealer required for repeated rust issues on same vehicle. One replacement vehicle issued for paint and rust defects, but replacement also had defects.
Body panel construction defects and denting
Truck bed, cab roof, and metal body panels are excessively thin and soft, denting from minimal impact or pressure. Cap and metal flexes under light hand pressure. Owners report resemblance to tin can construction.
When: Observed within days of purchase; can occur during dealership car wash or normal handling.
Symptoms owners cite: Dents from light pressure or air pressure during car wash; Metal flexes under hand pressure on cab top; Large dents appearing in top of truck within days of purchase; Flimsy feeling to metal components
Repairs/costs cited: Dent repair attempts unsuccessful—damage visible when viewed from certain angles even after professional dent removal. Owners feel repair is inadequate.
Tailgate and cargo box structural failures
Tailgate crashed onto trailer jack, causing significant damage. Cargo box lid cracking in latch area. New box assemblies unavailable after collision damage, with extended shop times.
When: Tailgate incident after Feb 2019 collision; cargo box cracking observed while traveling.
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate damage from collision with trailer jack; Cargo box lid cracking on left side near latch
Repairs/costs cited: Brand new box assembly ordered from Dodge after collision; part unavailable for nearly two months. Owner incurred rental car costs.
Lighting defects and installation issues
Driving lights arrive fogged with condensation; front passenger side light misaligned with body and installed with gap. Owners report headlight problems on multiple replacement vehicles.
When: Present at purchase or within weeks of taking possession.
Symptoms owners cite: Fogged driving lights with condensation inside; Light misaligned with body creating gap; Headlight problems
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler ordered replacement lights; passenger side light required reinstallation for proper alignment. Some owners report repeated headlight issues across multiple vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Replacement parts ordered immediately by Chrysler.
Suspension or tracking issue
Vehicle independently swerved left while driving at 30 mph, causing load in rear to shift. Issue required body shop evaluation.
When: Occurred at approximately 13,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moved left at 30 mph without driver input; Rear load shifted
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle referred to body shop for repairs; status pending at time of complaint.
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.