Brakes locked up in busy pedestrian area when it was wet. Message popped up on dash that stated to service electronic braking system and a second to service the ABS brake system. I almost hit someone because they did not perform as they have in hard braking scenarios in the past. The truck is at the dealership with no parts available in the nation and no aftermarket availability until an…
2017 RAM 1500 electrical problems
severe 63 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
63
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3crashes
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 63 electrical 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: The 2017 Ram 1500 has widespread electrical gremlins—especially ABS module failures that can be impossible to repair due to parts unavailability and high costs ($600–$900+). Buyers should budget for potential fuel sender, door lock, ignition, and throttle control issues; test all electrical functions thoroughly before purchase, and be aware that dealer service may be slow or ineffective.
Electrical problems plague this 2017 Ram 1500 across multiple systems. The most serious recurring complaint is ABS module failure—owners report warning lights, loss of braking authority, traction control shutdown, and cruise control lockout. Many dealerships have ABS modules on extended backorder or unavailable nationwide, leaving owners stranded for months. Replacement costs run $600–$900 in parts plus labor, and modules are reportedly VIN-specific OEM-only units that cannot be rebuilt.
Beyond the ABS, owners document intermittent start failures tied to ignition modules, door locks that engage randomly or fail completely, fuel senders that go bad and leave drivers uncertain of fuel level, and throttle control modules that kill power on the highway. Backup cameras malfunction, infotainment screens freeze and disable safety features, and parking assist sensors fail in cold weather. One truck caught fire from electrical wiring in the RamBox; another from a taillight short. Electronic tailgate latches fail to secure, allowing the bed to open at speed.
Multiple owners took vehicles to dealers who either could not replicate the faults or told them parts were unavailable. Software updates and reprogramming sometimes work temporarily but often don't stick. Recalls exist for some issues (electronic throttle control, shifter), but parts delays or incomplete repairs mean the problem returns.
This is plainly a case of immature electrical architecture meeting poor parts logistics. Buyers should expect recurring electrical visits and budget accordingly—or consider a different year or brand.
Same RAM 1500 electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Module Failure
Complete or partial failure of the antilock brake module, rendering ABS, traction control, cruise control, and in some cases trailer braking inoperable. Multiple owners report warning lights and loss of critical braking functions.
When: Varies: one owner at 14,900 miles, others report onset after several years of ownership; some intermittent, others permanent
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated (stay on or flash intermittently); Loss of ABS function; Loss of traction control function; Loss of cruise control function; Vehicle brakes lock up or perform erratically in wet conditions; Unintended brake application while driving; SERVICE ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM and SERVICE ABS SYSTEM messages on dashboard
Codes mentioned: ABS module failure detected via OBD-II scan
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quotes: $483–$758 for ABS module (part #68295368AC) plus $75–$285 labor. Parts frequently on backorder for months or unavailable nationwide. One owner paid $612.82 for prepaid part that was then backordered 45+ days. Dealers report modules cannot be rebuilt; replacement only remedy. Multiple owners unable to obtain parts for over a year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2017 model year (recalls only cover 2018 and later 1500s). Dealers acknowledge known problem but cite parts unavailability. One owner advised part is VIN-specific and OEM-only.
Electronic Controlled Tailgate Failure
Power tailgate latch fails to secure when vehicle is in motion, causing tailgate to open unexpectedly while driving or parked. Owners suspect faulty tailgate actuator assembly where metal locking tab breaks off.
When: One owner: 9 occurrences over 6 months (14k to 23k miles); another: intermittent at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate falls open unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion; Tailgate opens independently while parked; Electronic latch fails to engage fully; Intermittent failure pattern
Repairs/costs cited: Tailgate actuator assembly replacement reported to resolve issue in some cases under manufacturer warranty. Owners found online reports of successful dealer repairs (locking tailgate actuator assembly replacement).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fiat-Chrysler customer service confirmed no TSBs or recalls as of January 2018, despite numerous online complaints. One owner was advised to file with NHTSA.
Electronic Gear Selector / Transmission Shift Issue
Electronic shift selector fails to properly engage selected gear, causing unintended vehicle motion or shift-to-reverse errors. Vehicle may move unexpectedly in park or fail to hold selected gear.
When: Varies: one owner at low mileage during initial use; another at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts into reverse when park is selected; Vehicle continues moving when foot off brake despite park selection; Vehicle rolls backward while parked with engine running; Gear selector does not respond reliably to input
Repairs/costs cited: One owner sustained $2000–$3000 damage to rear end after unintended reverse motion. Dealers have reported inability to duplicate fault or find diagnostic codes. No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall information provided in narratives. Dealers unable to diagnose or replicate.
Ignition Module / Key Fob Detection Failure
Electronic ignition system fails to detect key fob presence, preventing engine start. Intermittent problem requiring repeated attempts or removal/reinsertion of key.
When: Intermittent; one owner reports issue ongoing at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start despite key fob present; Ignition does not detect key fob; Intermittent start failures requiring key reinsertion; Engine shuts off shortly after starting (key returns too far after release)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer-recommended fix: replace ignition module (RAM/Mopar OEM-specific part). One owner's part on backorder four weeks with no ETA. Another owner needed to remove key, open/close driver door, then retry start.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Internal Ram service advisory exists for ignition problem per one dealer. No recall cited.
Headlight / Taillight Electrical Failure
Front and rear lights fail to illuminate or illuminate intermittently. Recurring failures even after repeated repairs. May involve loose fasteners, connector issues, or deeper electrical wiring problems.
When: One owner: 14,900 miles; another: early in ownership; another: multiple occasions over truck's life
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights fail to illuminate; Rear passenger-side tail lights fail to illuminate; Light failures recur despite repair; Bolts/fasteners of headlight assemblies require repeated replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis: headlight bolts required replacement (Elmwood Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram). Repair performed but failure recurred numerous times; customer returned multiple times to same dealer. Suggests loose fastener design flaw or deeper wiring issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls mentioned. Dealers handled repairs without consulting manufacturer.
Battery Failure / Charging System Defect
Battery fails prematurely or charging system malfunction causes stalling and start failures. One incident of engine stall without warning; another of no-start condition after overnight sit.
When: One owner: 14,900 miles; another: after overnight parking
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning while driving; Battery fails to hold charge; Vehicle will not start or turn over after sitting; No click or crank response on ignition attempt
Codes mentioned: P1DF3 (reported by one owner; multiple online complaints of same code)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement performed; one owner found P1DF3 code common among same model year. Another owner with P1DF3 was unable to restart even after 12-hour charge; start was intermittent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case; case number 57196259 issued. No recall information provided.
Electronic Throttle Control Failure
Electronic throttle control module fails, causing loss of engine power, stalling, delayed throttle response, or unintended acceleration. Problems persist despite software updates and reprogram attempts.
When: One owner: began at 1,500 miles; another: recurring issues over years; another: two episodes one year apart
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power while driving; Stalling on highway; SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL message on dashboard; Delayed throttle response creating safety hazard during merging; Unintended acceleration at low speed (1–2 mph); Vehicle continues pulling forward even with foot on brake and in park
Codes mentioned: SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer solution: reprogram/update throttle control computer. Software update performed on one owner's truck; same error code returned ~one year later. One owner suspects accelerator control module failure and reprogram. No permanent fix documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 66-A issued for electric throttle control system update (one owner repaired November 2023). However, issue recurred in same vehicle, suggesting incomplete resolution.
Unintended Acceleration / Loss of Braking Authority
Vehicle accelerates or loses braking power unexpectedly, creating immediate collision risk. Incidents include acceleration while in park or reverse, and brakes being ineffective.
When: Varies: parking situations, city driving, highway; no specific mileage pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver input; Vehicle rolls backward while in park; Brakes fail to stop vehicle or provide reduced braking authority; Vehicle slides in wet conditions despite brake application
Repairs/costs cited: Two incidents with $2000–$3000+ damage. One owner involved collision with water pipe; another hit garage wall. No successful repairs documented; dealers unable to diagnose or replicate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for unintended acceleration events.
Fuel Level Sender / Gauge Failure
Fuel level sensor or sender unit fails, causing fuel gauge to display inaccurate readings (typically empty when tank is 1/2–3/4 full, or functioning only at low fuel levels). Creates risk of running out of fuel unexpectedly.
When: One owner: 30,000 miles; another: 45,824 miles; another: at half-tank threshold regardless of actual fuel level
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge reads empty when tank is half full or 3/4 full; Fuel gauge develops dead spot (stops sending signal in mid-range); CHECK ENGINE light illuminates with fuel gauge malfunction; Fuel light comes on frequently; gauge drops past empty
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel sender unit replacement required. One owner diagnosed with fuel sensor failure but not repaired. Multiple owners report this as widespread issue affecting dozens of 2017 Ram 1500 trucks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred one owner to NHTSA Hotline. No recall mentioned. Dealers have not provided solutions in some cases.
Door Lock / Keyless Entry Failure
Power door locks and keyless entry system fail intermittently or permanently. Doors may not lock or unlock via fob or manual switches; some doors lock while others unlock.
When: Intermittent; one owner: onset after 36,000 miles; others: early and multiple times over ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks fail to engage via key fob; Door locks fail to engage via interior power buttons; Only driver door unlocks when fob pressed; other doors remain locked; Doors lock and unlock erratically while driving; Doors unlock after several-minute delay despite fob command; Tailgate lock fails to unlatch
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple visits to dealer unable to replicate issue or diagnose cause. One owner documented on video but dealer still unable to solve. No successful repair strategy documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall noted for shifter knob in one narrative, but not for door locks. Dealer unable to assist for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Backup Camera Malfunction
Backup camera fails to display or produces blurry/distorted image. Failures recur after replacement, indicating possible deeper electrical or control module issue.
When: One owner: ~5,200 miles; another: intermittent at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display blurry; Backup camera pointed at ground instead of road; Backup camera failure recurs after replacement; Camera malfunction coincides with tailgate opening independently
Repairs/costs cited: Camera replaced at dealer but failure recurred. Dealer unable to determine root cause. One owner advised to file 'STAR report' with manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred one owner to dealer and STAR report process. No recall issued; root cause not identified.
Infotainment System Freezing
8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display freezes at random intervals. Freezing disables safety features such as backup camera and climate control functions.
When: Intermittent, recurring issue at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: 8.4" infotainment screen freezes randomly; Backup camera disabled when screen frozen; Windshield defrosting (climate control) disabled; No warning lights or malfunction indicators before freezing occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has not taken vehicle for service. No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reached out to manufacturer but received no documented guidance. No recall or TSB mentioned.
Transmission / Shift Control Electronic Failure
Electronic shift control system fails to properly register or maintain selected gear, causing unexpected gear changes, no response to shift commands, or vehicle motion in unintended directions.
When: Intermittent failures; one owner early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Shift selector not responding to input; Inability to select neutral despite command; Vehicle will not move when in drive with foot off brake; Random loss of power transmission
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's vehicle required shift selector computer reprogram. One sustained vehicle damage before successful diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or recall documented.
Electrical Fire / Wiring Short
Electrical wiring failure causing fire or severe burning in vehicle. One incident: fire began in rear passenger taillight area; another: fire in RamBox wiring. Both resulted in total or near-total loss.
When: One owner: vehicle parked in driveway with ignition off; another: while traveling on road
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fire originating in rear passenger taillight area; Fire in RamBox wiring causing complete burnthrough; RamBox door warping from heat; Plastic melting and wiring destruction
Repairs/costs cited: One truck total loss after complete engulfment. Fire captain identified rear passenger taillight as hot spot/origin. Another RamBox wiring burned through due to short; plastic warped.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or manufacturer action documented. Fire department investigation indicated taillight origin.
Climate Control / HVAC Malfunction
Climate control system fails to operate normally, including windshield defrosting function.
When: Intermittent; often coincides with infotainment freezing
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield defrosting disabled; Climate control system unresponsive when infotainment frozen
Repairs/costs cited: No independent repair documented; issue tied to infotainment system freeze.
Navigation System Malfunction
Navigation system freezes, displays incorrect location, or goes blank intermittently. Issue specific to certain geographic regions (New York Metro area).
When: Intermittent, recurring whenever vehicle enters New York Metro region
Symptoms owners cite: Navigation system freezes or goes blank; GPS shows incorrect location (e.g., walkway, river instead of actual road); Radio and climate control unaffected; only navigation fails; Owner nearly crashed multiple times attempting to correct navigation while driving
Repairs/costs cited: No repair strategy provided. Owner attempted to contact Dodge and Sirius; both blamed each other.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge blamed Sirius; Sirius blamed Dodge (per owner contact). No resolution documented.
Windshield Wiper Malfunction
Windshield wipers activate independently or fail to operate. One instance: wipers activated on their own while driving over road bump.
When: Intermittent; one owner: while driving over bump at 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers activate independently without driver input; Wipers activate in response to road bumps or other triggers
Repairs/costs cited: Owner did not have vehicle serviced for this issue.
Power Window / Sliding Rear Window Failure
Power windows or rear sliding window fail to operate or become stuck in open position.
When: Unknown mileage; one owner: rear sliding window stuck open
Symptoms owners cite: Rear sliding window stuck open; Unable to close window; Power window inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted due to vehicle being out of warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge declined assistance for out-of-warranty vehicle. Owner found multiple online reports of same issue and believes it warrants recall.
Parking Assist Sensor Failure
Reverse and/or front parking assist sensors fail, particularly in freezing weather. Sensors accumulate moisture or false-trigger conditions.
When: Intermittent; failures in freezing weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Reverse parking assist sensor inoperable; Front parking assist sensor inoperable; Sensors fail when moisture present in freezing conditions; Almost hit person while backing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer cleaned sensors but did not resolve issue. Dealer blamed moisture intrusion, but owner states sensors were clean.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented. Dealer unable to duplicate concern.
Cruise Control Failure
Cruise control system inoperative due to ABS/traction control module failures or other electronic issues.
When: Coincides with ABS module failure or other electrical failures
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control disabled; Cruise control will not engage or activate
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners report loss of cruise control tied to ABS module failure. Repair of ABS module would restore function.
Trailer Brake Control Failure
Trailer braking system inoperative, typically due to ABS module failure.
When: Coincides with ABS module failure onset
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brake control disabled or inoperative; SERVICE TRAILER BRAKING SYSTEM message on dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: Repair of ABS module required to restore trailer brake function.
Gas Pedal / Accelerator Control Module Failure
Accelerator pedal or electronic control module fails intermittently or completely. One owner replaced throttle pedal three times in two years without permanent resolution.
When: One owner: within two years, recurring failures
Symptoms owners cite: ABS, traction control, and ETC warning lights illuminate; Vehicle will not accelerate or shift; Lightning bolt (ETC) warning light illuminates; Throttle response delayed or non-existent
Codes mentioned: ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced gas pedal three times at ~$400 per unit within two years; issue recurred. Temporary fix: unplugging pedal overnight provides 1–2 days of functionality.
Vehicle Self-Starting / Unintended Ignition Activation
Vehicle starts on its own while parked and unoccupied, with no key fob present or user action. Creates safety hazard in attached garages.
When: One incident: June 28, 2022; another: parked at residence
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts without key fob or user action; Self-start occurs in garage with key fob inside home; Door locks engage and lights flash while parked
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner noted hazard of carbon monoxide accumulation in attached garage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case. Dealer (Dishman Dodge, Spokane) stated issue had never happened before.
Crankshaft Position Sensor / Tonewheel Magnetic Strip Failure
Crankshaft position sensor or tonewheel magnetic strip fails after electronic throttle control recall work performed. Causes stalling and loss of power.
When: After November 2023 recall repair (Recall 66-A); same VIN shortly thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling and loss of engine power; SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL message (related recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner claims tonewheel magnetic strip broke after initial throttle control system update. Repair cost: $1,837.82. Owner requests coverage under recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 66-A (electric throttle control) performed November 21, 2023. Owner claims subsequent tonewheel failure should be covered under same recall but dealership has not acknowledged.
Exhaust Manifold Leak / Fastener Failure
Exhaust manifold or exhaust manifold bolts fail, causing exhaust leak. Known issue reported multiple times; ticking sound on cold startup.
When: Unknown specific mileage; reported as recurring issue on 2017 model year
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust leak from manifold area; Ticking sound on cold startup until engine warms; Risk of exhaust fumes entering passenger cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states issue reproduced and diagnosed at dealership; repair not performed in narrative. Well-known issue reported multiple times online.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states issue ignored despite multiple reports.
Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) System Failure
EVAP system malfunction causes check engine light and potential emissions leak.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: EVAP system code triggered; CHECK ENGINE light illumination
Codes mentioned: EVAP system code
Repairs/costs cited: Issue noted but not fully detailed in narrative.
Recall Parts Availability Delay
Manufacturers and dealers unable to supply parts for issued recalls, leaving vehicles unfixed for months or indefinitely. Recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) cited.
When: Recall issued June 2018 (Recall 18V332000); parts unavailable at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unfixed months after recall notice received
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer (Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Boise) informed customer parts not available despite recall issuance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V332000 issued for electrical system, vehicle speed control; however, parts distribution disconnect prevented repair.
Intermittent Engine Stall / Shutdown
Engine shuts down unexpectedly while driving, forcing vehicle to coast to shoulder. Multiple restart attempts may be required.
When: Intermittent; one owner: three occasions; another: ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down without warning while driving; Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate after shutdown; Vehicle requires key removal and reinsertion to restart; Stalling recurs shortly after restart
Codes mentioned: Multiple warnings (SERVICE ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM, SERVICE SHIFTER, and others)
Repairs/costs cited: Disconnecting battery temporarily resolves issue for short time before recurring. Dealer unable to duplicate. Multiple restarts required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case. No resolution documented.
Synthesized from 63 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2017 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 63 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 16,000 and 38,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,000; a quarter make it past 38,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/RAM/1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.