2017 RAM 1500 cruise control problems
severe 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 28 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2017 Ram 1500 with cruise-control issues presents real hazards—failures range from simple button unresponsiveness to uncontrolled acceleration that owners couldn't stop with brakes, resulting in off-road crashes and one rollover. The root cause often ties to the ABS control module, which sits on indefinite national backorder; identical failures in heavier Ram models triggered a recall that inexplicably excluded the 1500, leaving owners stranded with disabled safety systems and repair times measured in months to years.
Owners report cruise-control failures split into two distinct problems. First, the cruise control disengages or fails to activate entirely, with buttons becoming unresponsive. Some owners say the system won't turn off using the steering-wheel button and requires brake pedal input; others report it turning itself on without warning. One owner experienced cruise control that resumesnormal operation but overshoots set speed by up to 10 mph on all road grades with rpms climbing to 4,000 before disengagement.
Second, and more serious, owners describe uncontrollable acceleration events correlated with cruise-control activation or failure. Several report setting cruise control on the highway, then experiencing sudden engine revving and loss of braking authority—depressing the brake pedal had no stopping effect. One owner shifted to neutral to regain control; another missed a collision by mere feet after going off-road at 50–55 mph. A third incident involved a vehicle flipping after uncontrolled acceleration.
Many of these failures pair with illuminated ABS, traction-control, and electronic-stability-control warning lights. Owners note the ABS control module sits on indefinite national backorder—some dealers report waiting two or three years for parts. One dealership had nearly twenty Ram 1500s queued for the same repair. Owners point out that heavier Ram models (2500–5500) were recalled for identical ABS/HCU failures under 24V-896, yet the 2017 Ram 1500 was excluded despite identical hardware.
Same RAM 1500 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Cruise control disengagement and unresponsive buttons
Cruise control fails to activate, disengages spontaneously during highway operation, or becomes intermittent. Steering-wheel buttons stop responding. In one case, cruise control would not deactivate using the button and required brake pedal application.
When: Throughout vehicle life; some owners report failure within first 10 hours of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: cruise control won't turn on; cruise control buttons unresponsive; cruise control disengages during freeway operation; cruise control turns itself on without warning; cruise control won't turn off using steering-wheel button
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported FCA US LLC stated the overshoot behavior (10 mph over set speed at 4k rpms) is 'as designed'.
Uncontrolled acceleration with cruise control engaged or failed
Engine revs and vehicle accelerates independently when cruise control is active or has failed. Brake pedal becomes ineffective or overpowered. Owners report loss of vehicle control, near-collisions, off-road excursions, and one vehicle rollover.
When: During cruise-control use on highway; one incident at 978 miles; others at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: sudden uncontrolled acceleration; rpms increase to 4,000+ without foot on pedal; brake pedal ineffective against acceleration; engine revs and maintains speed despite brake application; vehicle accelerates 10+ mph over set speed; cruise control button press has no effect on stopping acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: One owner shifted vehicle to neutral to regain control. One incident resulted in approximately $14,000 in damage.
ABS control module failure with cruise control disabled
ABS control module or hydraulic control unit (HCU) fails, disabling anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, and cruise control. Dashboard illuminates multiple warning lights (ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, brake system, trailer brake). Part remains on national indefinite backorder with no estimated repair timeline. Identical failure addressed under NHTSA Recall 24V-896 for 2017–2018 Ram 2500–5500 models.
When: At various mileages: 978 miles, 82,000–125,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminated; traction control light illuminated; electronic stability control warning; service trailer brake system warning; brake warning light on dash; cruise control inoperable; warning bell dinging incessantly; loss of anti-lock braking function; loss of traction control; loss of electronic stability control
Codes mentioned: C0020-1C, C0020-16
Repairs/costs cited: Repair estimates $1,200–$2,000. Part (OEM #68295368AC) on indefinite national backorder; one dealer reported 100+ vehicles waiting for part; another reported close to 20 trucks at same location. One owner was told part out of stock for 3 years; reconditioning attempted but redesign chip no longer available. One dealer estimated rebuild time of one month after initial estimate of 3–4 days.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V-896 issued for 2017–2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, 5500 but excludes 2017 Ram 1500 despite identical components. Ram Customer Service acknowledged backorder status and stated manufacturer had to redesign part due to original defect. One owner reported manufacturer opened case but provided no further assistance.
Cold-weather electronic throttle and stability control malfunction
When ambient temperature drops below 30 degrees, vehicle exhibits erratic idle, electronic throttle body errors, and electronic stability control issues. Problems recur seasonally or resolve when weather warms.
When: Cold weather; one owner reports 92,003 miles
Symptoms owners cite: rpms increase to approximately 1,100 without warning when cold; service electronic stability control warning; ABS and traction control lights; throttle body malfunction in cold conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed throttle-body replacement and ambient-temperature-sensor installation; failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer opened case number but provided no resolution.
Electronic throttle control sensor failure with unintended acceleration
Electric throttle-control sensor illuminates and vehicle suddenly accelerates to significantly higher speed. RPMs rev extremely high. Brake pedal depression has no effect on slowing vehicle.
When: At 978 miles and other low mileages
Symptoms owners cite: electric throttle control sensor indicator illuminates; sudden acceleration from 35 mph to 55 mph; rpms rev extremely high; brake pedal ineffective; vehicle continues to accelerate despite braking
Repairs/costs cited: Tow truck driver experienced same failure when driving vehicle onto flatbed. Cause not determined at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure.
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2017 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 17,000 and 82,000 miles, with the median around 27,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,000; a quarter make it past 82,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.