The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 RAM 1500 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2017 RAM 1500 have filed 81 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 21,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
81
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 1500 | 80 |
| 2014 1500 | 172 |
| 2015 1500 | 209 |
| 2016 1500 | 188 |
| 2017 1500 (this page) | 81 |
| 2018 1500 | 50 |
| 2019 1500 | 183 |
| 2020 1500 | 59 |
| 2021 1500 | 91 |
9crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 81 powertrain 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 powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2017 RAM 1500s report powertrain failures across multiple systems with catastrophic safety consequences. The most frequent complaint is crankshaft position sensor or tone wheel failure: vehicles lose all propulsion suddenly at highway speed with no warning, then won't restart. Multiple owners report this exact scenario on interstates at 65–75 mph, forcing dangerous roadside stops. Manufacturers have issued recalls (W58, W68, 23V-411) but many owners' VINs are excluded from coverage, leaving them to pay $2,500+ out of pocket for repairs dealers confirm are necessary.
Transmission problems are equally severe. Owners report the 8-speed automatic getting stuck in a single gear (usually 3rd or 4th) and refusing to shift, or failing to engage at all when commanded. One owner reports three years of this happening on nearly every drive, worse in cold weather. Some describe the electronic shifter jumping out of Drive into Reverse while parked, creating collision hazards. Driveshaft and rear differential failures occur at highway speeds with loud banging and loss of propulsion; one owner's rear axle was "chewed up" internally and required $5,600 replacement at 90k miles.
A few owners encounter engine shutdown with no restart and stuck ignition keys, along with throttle lag of 2–6 seconds between pedal and engine response—dangerous when passing or starting from stops. Diesel models report EGR cooler failures triggering limp mode and, in one case, a blown turbo and melted manifold costing $11,971 to repair. Exhaust manifold bolts break on the 5.7L Hemi engine as a known, unrecalled defect. Most concerning: numerous failures occur at relatively low mileage, dealers often cannot replicate issues in their bays, and owners report recall parts unavailable or VINs excluded from coverage designed for identical vehicles and engine types.
Same RAM 1500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Crankshaft position sensor / tone wheel failure
The crankshaft position sensor or tone wheel loses magnetic material or develops a circuit fault, causing loss of crank signal. This triggers limp mode, complete engine stall, and loss of propulsion at highway speeds. Multiple owners report sudden loss of power with no warning. Dealers confirm sensor or tone wheel replacement needed.
When: Occurs randomly, some reports at lower mileage (under 40k), others higher (over 100k). One owner experienced it at 65 mph; another at 75 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly with no warning; Check engine light illuminates; Loss of propulsion / power at highway speeds; Vehicle enters limp mode with restricted power; Multiple engine warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Vehicle will not restart after stalling; Requires stop-and-restart to restore operation
Codes mentioned: P0336, Electronic Throttle Control Service light
Repairs/costs cited: Tone wheel magnetic material replacement, crank sensor assembly repair. One owner's mechanic charged for full repair after RAM denied recall coverage; another owner reports $2500 out-of-pocket repair cost for tone wheel replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall W58, W68, TSB 14-007-21 exist but many VINs excluded. Safety Recall 66A/23V-411 and 73A issued; some owners report only 66A (software) applied, not 73A (tone wheel replacement). RAM initially denied coverage for affected customers not listed under their specific VIN recall.
Transmission stuck in single gear / abnormal shifting behavior
The 8-speed automatic transmission enters abnormal operating state where it becomes stuck in a single gear (often 3rd or 4th gear), refusing to upshift or downshift. Vehicle loses normal acceleration and drivability. Condition occurs more frequently when engine is cold and requires stop-and-restart to resolve.
When: Occurs on almost every use for some owners; more frequent in cold conditions. One owner reports 3-year history of issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in single gear, most often 3rd or 4th; Loss of ability to upshift or downshift; Reduced acceleration and loss of drivability; Requires pull-over, shut-off, and restart to restore operation; Occurs frequently at highway speeds, creating safety hazard; More frequent when vehicle is cold
Codes mentioned: P0814-000
Repairs/costs cited: Repair facilities cite TCM software updates as corrective action. No parts replacement mentioned by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler issued Technical Service Bulletins describing TCM software updates for abnormal shifting behavior. No formal recall issued despite manufacturer knowledge of failure mode.
Transmission fail to shift or shift into unintended gear
Transmission fails to engage properly when shifted, or shifts into unintended gear without driver input. Electronic shifter may jump out of Drive into Reverse while vehicle is in motion or stationary. Transmission dial flashes instead of engaging gear. Gear selector becomes seized or unresponsive.
When: Occurs at various speeds and conditions, including while stationary and while driving. One owner reports multiple incidents over a year.
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter jumps out of Drive into Reverse while stationary; Transmission fails to shift into requested gear; Gear selector seizes in place; Key fails to release from ignition; Transmission dial flashes instead of engaging; Vehicle revs without moving forward when placed in Drive; Requires resifting to engage gear; Vehicle rolls backward or forward unexpectedly
Codes mentioned: Electrical failure, Control module not communicating with TCM
Repairs/costs cited: One owner indicates need for brake and accelerator assembly replacement (possibly misdiagnosed). Another owner reports transmission replacement required but not performed due to warranty expiration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state issue is electrical failure. One owner reports RAM response that recalls are VIN-specific with no coverage for their vehicle.
Throttle lag / delayed acceleration response
Engine exhibits 2–6 second delay between accelerator pedal depression and vehicle response. Lag is inconsistent and unpredictable. When lag catches up, vehicle jerks or kicks into higher gear abruptly. Makes vehicle unsafe for passing and starting from stops.
When: Occurs at low mileage (6,500 miles reported) and persists. One owner reports issue for 13 months with no resolution.
Symptoms owners cite: 2–6 second delay from accelerator pedal press to engine response; Abrupt jerking or hard acceleration when lag catches up; Difficulty and danger when starting from stopped position; Danger when passing at highway speed; Loss of traction and speed on hills in snow / cold; Requires slow, deliberate acceleration to avoid worst behavior
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes thrown per owner report
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealer advised problem will resolve with more driving; it did not.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated issue 'operates as designed' because no codes thrown. Chrysler said problem is within design specification despite owner safety concerns.
EGR cooler failure and limp mode from electronic throttle control
EGR cooler develops leak or catastrophic failure, allowing hot oil into turbo system. Triggers Electronic Throttle Control Service light and limp mode restricting power to under 10 mph. One owner reports turbo blown and manifold melted after undetected EGR gasket failure.
When: Reported at 37k miles (limp mode event), 108k miles (turbo failure). One dealer reports six EGR failures in same week on similar vehicles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and Service ETC light illuminate; Vehicle enters limp mode, max speed restricted to 10 mph; Oil leaking from EGR into turbo; Turbo blown; Manifold melted; Catastrophic engine damage
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control Service light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports $11,971.62 repair cost for turbo replacement and manifold repair. Another owner reports FCA replaced truck on 'good will' after owner paid deductible; replacement truck later had same EGR issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple recalls issued for EGR cooler (mentioned in complaint #7). FCA replaced one vehicle under 'good will' after pressure. No widespread mandatory repair program mentioned. Owner notes FCA refuses to address EGR issues despite class action lawsuit for 2014–2016 models.
Driveshaft failure and breakage
Driveshaft breaks or loses major pieces while vehicle is in motion, usually at highway speeds. Owner hears clicking noise then loud bang as driveshaft fractures. Rear differential or drive components can also fail. Vehicle loses propulsion and rear wheels may lock.
When: Reported at 65 mph and 75 mph on highway. One owner reports large detached metal pieces flying from vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise followed by loud bang while driving at highway speed; Large pieces of driveshaft/drive components detach and fall from vehicle; Loss of propulsion; Rear wheels lock up; Transmission severe shuddering; Smoke from vehicle (no fire reported)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports RAM dealer confirmed it is common issue on single-cab 1500 with 3.92 gears and 8-speed transmission but will not replace under warranty. Another reports rear differential, rear axle, and transfer case required replacement at owner cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM dealer acknowledged driveshaft failure is common known issue but declined to provide warranty coverage. Reference to NHTSA Campaign 17V198000 made by owners but VINs not included in recall.
Rear differential / rear axle failure
Rear differential gears deteriorate, 'chewed up' internal casing, or pinion seal fails. Rear axle locks up or develops loud whining noise. Multiple internal components fail, requiring full rear axle replacement.
When: Reported at 53k miles, 90k miles, 100k miles, and over 150k miles. Whining noise progressively worsens.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise from rear axle that increases with driving; Rear differential internal gears 'chewed up'; Severe shuddering while driving; Loss of power after abrupt stop; Rear axle locks up; Brake lockup; Vehicle stalls
Repairs/costs cited: Full rear differential or rear axle replacement required. Costs reported: one owner $5600+ for new axle, another chose used axle for ~$2800. One owner reports rear axle, transfer case, and other components needed replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Reference to NHTSA Campaign 17V198000 (Power Train) made by multiple owners but many VINs not included in recall. Manufacturer offered no assistance in some cases.
Transmission hard clunk / bang on slow stops
While coming to slow, rolling stops (like at a stop sign), a hard bang or clunk is felt and heard as if vehicle is being hit from behind. Same clunk occurs on slow acceleration after stop. Dealer reprogrammed transmission and replaced transmission valve body but issue persists.
When: Occurs on slow stops, not during emergency braking. Reported at low mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard bang or clunk just before coming to complete stop; Felt and heard impact; Bang occurs again on slow acceleration after stop; Does not occur during hard/emergency stops; Unsafe in stop-and-go traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reprogrammed transmission. Transmission valve body replaced. Issue persists after repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed transmission reprogramming and valve body replacement without resolving issue.
Vehicle rolls away or shifts unexpectedly while parked
Vehicle equipped with auto park feature or electronic shifter unexpectedly shifts out of Park or rolls away while parked and parked brake engaged. Vehicle may shift from Park to Neutral to Reverse while stationary. Occurs on inclines more frequently.
When: Occurs with vehicle parked on inclines. One report at 2,500 miles, another at 40k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts out of Park to Neutral/Reverse without driver input; Vehicle rolls away while parked on incline; Parking brake engaged but ineffective; Auto park feature disengages unexpectedly; Shifter unresponsive or erratic; Warning light indicates 'not in Park' when vehicle is parked
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Dealers unable to diagnose or replicate in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. One dealer declined to investigate with owner present.
Exhaust manifold bolt breakage and ticking noise
Exhaust manifold bolts break or loosen, causing engine ticking or clattering noise on startup and during operation. Noise becomes more prominent over time. Known issue affecting 5.7L Hemi engine across multiple model years.
When: Reported at 66k miles and at low mileage (30k miles reported at dealer). Ticking noise typically becomes audible after 40k+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clattering or ticking noise on initial startup; Sounds like engine has no oil; Ticking becomes more prominent over time; Warped exhaust manifold detected
Repairs/costs cited: Manifold bolt replacement required. One dealer reports replacing over 20 such manifolds in one year alone on 5.7L Hemi trucks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite known recurring issue across model years 2009 forward. Dealer noted warranty expired at 60k miles/5 years.
Misfire, check engine light, and vehicle vibration
Engine misfires after dealer maintenance, check engine light illuminates. Vehicle shakes and vibrates at all speeds, worsening at higher velocities. Dealer unable to identify cause. Persists after tire rotation, balance, and inspection.
When: Occurred after routine maintenance performed by dealership. Issue persisted for several weeks.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire with uncontrollable shaking; Check engine light illumination; Vibration at all speeds, more pronounced at higher speed; Rattling sounds while making turns; Rear view camera malfunction (possibly unrelated)
Repairs/costs cited: Tires rotated and balanced; shaking persisted. Dealer unable to identify root cause and advised owner to 'continue driving until check engine light comes on.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer could not identify cause of misfire and check engine light after post-maintenance inspection.
Key fob not recognized and transmission shift delay
Vehicle instrument panel continues to display 'Key Fob has left the Vehicle' warning and chime sounds continuously even though driver has key fob in possession. Vehicle can be driven but warning persists. Additionally, transmission exhibits shift delay when resuming speed after cruise control reduction.
When: Reported at 11,400 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel displays 'Key Fob has left the Vehicle' false warning; Chime sounds continuously despite having key fob; Can drive vehicle but warning persists; Transmission shift delay when engaging after cruise control slowdown
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle at dealer; dealer technician and corporate engineers working together to diagnose and resolve key fob electrical issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for cruise control issue in progress. Corporate engineers requested to assist with key fob problem diagnosis.
Complete engine shutdown with no restart and key stuck in ignition
Engine completely shuts off without warning while vehicle is in motion or operating. Vehicle will not restart. Key cannot be removed from ignition. No error codes present in system despite total failure.
When: Reported at low speed (drive-through scenario) at undisclosed mileage. Owner feared it could occur at highway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown with no warning; Engine will not restart; Key cannot be removed from ignition; No error codes in computer system; No warning lights before shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic spent entire day troubleshooting but could not obtain any error codes. Battery tested and confirmed working properly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially blamed battery without diagnostic; battery verified good by tow truck driver and mechanic. No other manufacturer response documented.
Gear shifter malfunction and transmission shift delay
Electronic rotary dial gear shifter seizes, fails to shift into requested gear, or shifts erratically. Transmission occasionally fails to engage properly and exhibits noticeable delay in shifting engagement.
When: Reported at 140k+ miles and low mileage (11.4k miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter/rotary dial seizes in place; Fails to shift into Park; Jumps from Park to Reverse to Drive while parked; Warning lights illuminate for all gears simultaneously; Abnormal revving sound when depressing accelerator; Vehicle hesitates and slow to accelerate; Transmission shift delay when resuming speed
Codes mentioned: Electrical failure, Control module not communicating with TCM
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed electrical failure but did not complete repairs. No transmission replacement occurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted in some cases; in others, no response documented.
Loss of acceleration / power with reduced throttle response
Vehicle exhibits severe lack of acceleration throughout power band. Throttle response is sluggish or non-existent when pedal is depressed. Vehicle cannot cross traffic or accelerate up hills. Issue occurs without triggering diagnostic codes.
When: Reported at very low mileage (6,500 miles) and persists. One owner made initial complaint in December 2017 with truck purchased Oct 31, 2017.
Symptoms owners cite: Severe lack of acceleration; Sluggish throttle response; Cannot cross traffic safely; Cannot accelerate up hills; loses speed; Loss of traction in snow/ice when accelerating; Issue more pronounced in cold climates
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer has inspected three times; no repairs attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated issue 'operates by design' due to absence of diagnostic codes, despite safety concerns and multiple owner complaints.
Synthesized from 81 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
on two occasions the vehicle rolled away while in park and ignition off and on multiple occasions vehicle would not come out of park
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 81 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 45 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,000 and 37,000 miles, with the median around 21,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 37,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.