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2017 RAM 1500 fuel system problems

moderate 30 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,200 · see fuel system across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$1,200
1fire

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 17V434000 July 7, 2017

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

In the event of a rollover crash, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T45.

The failure pattern owners describe

Buyer takeaway: Avoid 2017 Ram 1500s with diesel engines until 22V406000 recall parts become available; owners report engine fires, loss of power, and complete engine failure with no parts in stock. Watch for rust and corrosion in the fuel tank and strap system across all 2017 models—some failures aren't covered by existing recalls despite being present.

Owners report three main problems with 2017 Ram 1500 fuel systems.

The most common issue involves NHTSA Campaign 22V406000 (diesel fuel system). Affected owners describe loss of power while driving, hesitation and jerking during acceleration, surging without warning, failure to restart, and loss of motive power at highway speeds. One owner reported black smoke from under the hood followed by engine fire at 44,000 miles. Another experienced complete engine failure requiring replacement at 64,322 miles. Owners cite low fuel and oil pressure warning lights, service electronic throttle control warnings, and check engine lights. Most report that recall parts remained unavailable for extended periods—dealers repeatedly told owners the parts weren't available and owners complained the manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframes for the repair.

Fuel tank strap and bracket corrosion is a second pattern. Owners report fuel tank straps detaching from brackets, fuel tank corrosion with rusting, and abnormal rattling sounds from fuel tanks. These failures occurred across various mileages (57,969 to 89,643 miles). Some owners found their VINs were not included in related recalls despite the failure being present.

A third group reports fuel system sensor and pump issues: inaccurate fuel gauge readings, defective fuel pump sensors, fuel pump check valve malfunction, fuel odors detected through vents, and fuel nozzle continuously shutting off during refueling. One owner's fuel filter replacement failed to correct the problem. Many of these failures occurred without warning lights or appeared alongside check engine lights.

Same RAM 1500 fuel system reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019

Failure modes owners describe

Diesel Fuel System - Loss of Power and Drivability

Engine loses power while driving, hesitates and jerks during acceleration, surges without warning, fails to restart, or loses motive power at highway speeds. One catastrophic case involved black smoke and engine fire.

When: 44,000 to 180,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power while driving; Hesitation and jerking upon acceleration; Unintended surging without warning; Vehicle will not restart; Warning messages advising to stop driving; Black smoke from engine hood; Engine fire; Low fuel and oil pressure warning lights illuminated; Service electronic throttle control warning light; Check engine light

Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Low fuel pressure warning, Low oil pressure warning, Service electronic throttle control

Repairs/costs cited: One owner required complete engine replacement. Some owners had fuel injector replaced but failure recurred. Most vehicles not yet repaired due to parts unavailability.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel). Parts not yet available as of complaint dates. Manufacturer advised contact would be notified once parts became available. No reimbursement offered in cases where engine replacement was required.

Fuel Tank Strap and Bracket Corrosion

Fuel tank strap detaches from corroded fuel tank strap bracket or fuel tank exhibits corrosion and rust. Some owners discovered the failure during routine maintenance.

When: 57,969 to 89,643 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal rattling sound from fuel tank area; Fuel tank strap detached or hanging; Corrosion and rust on fuel tank; Fuel tank detaching

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles were not repaired. Dealers and owners noted corrosion was the root cause.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers 17V434 and 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but some affected VINs or model years were not included in the recall coverage despite having the failure. Warranty extension offered in at least one case, which one owner disapproved of as a solution.

Fuel Pump Sensor and Check Valve Defects

Fuel pump sensor is defective, fuel pump check valve malfunctions, or fuel gauge displays inaccurate fuel level. Fuel filter replacement did not resolve fuel odor issues in one case.

When: 44,000 to 110,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Inaccurate fuel gauge reading (full tank reads empty); Defective fuel pump sensor; Fuel pump check valve malfunction; Abnormal fuel odor detected through vents; Check engine warning light; Fuel nozzle shuts off prematurely during refueling

Codes mentioned: Check engine light

Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump sensor replacement needed. Fuel filter was replaced in one case but failure recurred. Fuel pump replacement needed in another case. Vehicles not yet repaired in most reports.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified but provided no further assistance or warranty coverage.

Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had fuel system 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 fuel system problem on the 2017 RAM 1500?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 30 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,200 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?

Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most fuel system failures cluster between 57,969 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 80,332. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,969; a quarter make it past 98,000. 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 $1,200 for fuel system 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 fuel system?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover fuel system issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

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.
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