2017 Dodge Ram. Consumer writes in regards to fire hazard recall. *ld *js
2017 RAM 1500 engine problems
severe 135 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
135
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
10fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 135 engine complaints filed for the 2017 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 135 engine 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.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2017 RAM 1500 carries significant engine reliability risk across multiple systems: oil coolers leak at low mileage; EGR coolers fail with fire potential and recall parts remain unavailable; exhaust manifold bolts chronically snap; fuel system components fail unexpectedly; and tone wheels seize engines without warning. Even under active recalls, owners report months-long waits for parts and dealers unable to complete repairs.
The 135 complaints on this 2017 RAM 1500 describe four major categories of engine problems.
Oil cooler failures are widespread, with degraded plastic gaskets leaking oil rapidly at low mileage (around 61,000 miles reported). Dealers acknowledge this as a known issue going back to 2010. The entire cooler unit must be replaced after removing the intake manifold, costing $1,324 in one case. No recall or parts upgrade has been issued despite the pattern.
EGR and cooling system failures appear across 19 complaints mentioning NHTSA Campaign 19V757000. Owners report low coolant levels, overheating, and fires. Many dealers and FCA told owners recall parts were unavailable for months or longer, blocking repairs on a safety-related recall. Several vehicles caught fire—two parked vehicles burned while owners were inside or nearby; one burned at 43,539 miles after overheating while driving; another experienced flames around engine wires at 58,000 miles during a stall. One owner with a disabled veteran service dog waited over a year for recall repairs while driving a vehicle FCA admitted carried fire risk.
Exhaust manifold bolt failures are chronic across multiple complaints. Bolts break at low mileage (47,000–95,000 miles reported), causing ticking, exhaust leaks into cabins, and failed emissions tests. Owners report repair costs exceeding $1,000–$1,200 and cite thousands of forum posts on the issue, yet no recall has been issued despite manifold redesigns in newer models.
Fuel system and power loss include high-pressure fuel pump failures, fuel injector issues, stalling (sometimes without warning at highway speeds), tone wheel/crankshaft position sensor failures causing engine seizure, and loss of oil pressure. Some owners reported excessive cold-start hesitation (3–4 seconds delay) tied to emissions controls. Recall parts for Campaigns 22V406000 and 23V411000 remained unavailable for many months.
Same RAM 1500 engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Oil cooler gasket failure and leaking
Plastic gaskets in the oil cooler degrade and fail, causing rapid oil leaks that can lead to engine seizure if undetected. The entire cooler unit must be replaced after removing the intake manifold.
When: Low mileage (61,000 miles reported); issue documented since approximately 2010
Symptoms owners cite: Large amount of oil leaking in short period; potential engine failure if leak goes unnoticed
Repairs/costs cited: Full oil cooler replacement required; intake manifold removal necessary. Reported cost: $1,324
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; dealers confirm issue is known but manufacturer has not upgraded the part, offered warranty coverage, or issued recall per dealers' accounts
EGR cooler failure with coolant leaks and fire risk
EGR cooler failures cause coolant loss and overheating. Multiple vehicles caught fire during operation or while parked. NHTSA Campaign 19V757000 issued but parts were unavailable for extended periods, leaving owners unable to complete recalls.
When: 22,000–103,000 miles; fires occurred at 22,000 miles (parked), 43,539 miles (overheating while driving), and 58,000 miles (stall and fire)
Symptoms owners cite: Low coolant levels; abnormal coolant consumption; overheating; engine fires (in cabin and parked); check engine light; loss of motive power; smoke from engine compartment
Codes mentioned: P0402, P20EE
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler replacement; one owner had cooler and intake replaced but coolant loss recurred. Recall parts unavailable at multiple dealers for 6+ months after recall issued.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V757000 issued; however, multiple dealers and FCA stated replacement parts were not available. One disabled veteran owner waited over a year for parts. FCA admitted in at least one case that vehicle fire could occur.
Exhaust manifold bolt fractures
Bolts holding exhaust manifold to engine fracture and snap, causing exhaust leaks into engine compartment and cabin. Failures are chronic and recurring; drivers report broken bolts on both driver and passenger sides, sometimes requiring repair twice. Thermal expansion and contraction cited as cause.
When: 47,000–125,000 miles; failures reported as recurring after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking noise at startup or during idle; exhaust fumes entering cabin; failed emissions test; drowsiness during long drives (possible CO exposure); exhaust leak in engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Exhaust manifold, gasket, and bolts replaced at one dealer; owner later experienced failure on opposite side. Repair costs: $500–$1,200+. Multiple owners cited forum posts and YouTube videos documenting the issue as chronic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite acknowledged chronic nature. Manufacturer has redesigned manifolds in newer models, indicating design flaw was recognized. Dealers confirm issue is 'common' and 'normal occurrence' with HEMI engine.
Tone wheel and crankshaft position sensor delamination and failure
Tone wheel magnetic material delaminates, causing crankshaft position sensor failure and complete engine shutdown. Engines seize without warning at highway and city speeds. NHTSA Campaign 23V411000 and 20V475000 issued but software-only update does not address hardware defect.
When: 83,000–160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning at highway or city speeds (10–70 mph); inability to restart vehicle; gear shifter stuck in park; engine seizure; multiple unknown warning lights illuminated; check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Tone wheel and crankshaft position sensor replacement required ($2,000+ per owner report); dealers charged repair fees. Software update alone (Campaign 23V411000) does not resolve hardware failure but allows vehicle to limp at 40 mph.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 20V475000 and 23V411000 issued (software update only). Dealers informed owners repair not covered under campaign. Manufacturer advised owners parts replacement was not warranty-covered.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
High-pressure fuel pump fails, causing complete loss of engine function and inability to restart. Occurs at low mileage.
When: 55,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving; check engine light illuminated; unable to restart vehicle; loss of motive power
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement needed; parts unavailable at dealer for extended period
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) issued; parts not available at time of complaint
Fuel system hesitation and acceleration loss under recall
Vehicle hesitates during acceleration or loses power during driving. Owners report repeated failures despite repeated dealer visits and reset of diagnostic codes.
When: 60,000 and 155,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power while driving at 60–70 mph; check engine light; check electronic throttle sensor message; vehicle fails to accelerate above 30–40 mph; hesitation during acceleration; stalling
Codes mentioned: P0299 (Supercharger Underboost), P2459 (Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Frequency)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had hose reseated on air filter; dealer recommended fuel injector replacement if failure recurred. Master air sensor replaced at second dealer with no resolution. One owner's vehicle remained at dealer unrepaired after multiple diagnostic attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 22V406000 and 23V411000 issued; recall parts unavailable. Manufacturer made aware and assigned case numbers but repairs remained incomplete.
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns or leaks oil at abnormally high rate, requiring frequent topping off. One owner reported consuming 4 quarts within 3 days of highway driving on a new truck.
When: Low mileage (new vehicle and 39,850 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Rapidly dropping oil level; check engine light; low oil pressure warning
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported oil pump not receiving adequate oil; costs quoted at $9/quart to maintain. Another owner reported 1 gallon of oil consumed within 400 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or remedy mentioned in narratives
Engine knock, lifter failure, and internal damage
Engine develops knocking noise from internal component failure, including lifter issues and metal debris in oil system indicating internal engine damage.
When: 29,650 miles (lifter) and 70,000 miles (metal debris)
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise from front of engine; knocking at idle; metal flakes in oil filter and oil system; shuddering while idling; squeak from lower engine
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter replacement at 29,650 miles. Metal debris recovery required inspection; owner noted regular maintenance and quality lubricants had been used.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; manufacturer unaware of lifter failure at time of complaint
Plastic engine fan explosion and damage
Plastic cooling fan fails catastrophically and disintegrates at high speed while towing, sending blade fragments through transmission cooling lines and damaging surrounding engine components.
When: 46,000 miles (previous service for noise); 46,000 miles for explosion while towing
Symptoms owners cite: Fan noise at 46,000 miles; fan explosion and blade separation while towing; damage to paint, heat shield, and transmission cooling lines; transmission line rupture; loss of vehicle mobility; vehicle hesitation then complete loss of drive
Repairs/costs cited: Fan clutch replaced during earlier service (46,000 miles) for noise. After explosion, transmission required drop, pan replacement, hose replacement, and new fan installed. Dealer initially blamed customer, warranty denied. Insurance required to authorize repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage; dealer attributed failure to customer cause
Cold-start fuel throttling and acceleration delay
Engine inhibits fuel flow and acceleration until reaching specific temperature (157°F), causing dangerous 3–4 second delay in acceleration from complete stop. Issue tied to excessive emissions control strategy.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; addressed in 1.5-year-old truck at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: No acceleration for 3–4 seconds from complete stop when engine cold; vehicle appears to ignore driver accelerator input; pulling into traffic becomes unsafe; near rear-end collisions
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler corporate and dealer confirmed this is a known issue with no solution available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler and serving dealer acknowledged issue as intentional emissions control strategy; no remedy provided after 1.5 years
Radiator leaks
Radiator develops slow leak causing rapid coolant loss without visible external leaks.
When: 38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator leak; coolant level drops quickly; no warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer found no external leaks; independent mechanic and second dealer each found slow radiator leak but vehicle not repaired at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented
Vehicle fire during operation (with unknown cause)
Vehicle experienced engine fire while driving at highway speed with loss of power and abnormal engine sounds, then again while idling. Another vehicle caught fire while parked.
When: 95,000 miles (one incident); parked conditions (one incident)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfiring and loud abnormal sounds; loss of motive power; Service DEF System message; visible fire under engine cover; smoke from exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: One fire extinguished by owner with water bottles; vehicle towed but not diagnosed. Vehicle remained unrepaired and undrivable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in at least one case
DPF/SCR mounting bolt failures
Three bolts holding diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system together have all failed on one truck, creating risk of exhaust component separation during driving.
When: Unknown mileage at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; warning message that vehicle will not restart in 200 miles; no confirmed dealer or independent inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not drivable for 4 days at time of complaint; waiting for dealer diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case opened with FCA/RAM; no response documented
Synthesized from 135 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2017 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 135 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 38,000 and 104,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 104,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.