It has been over 1year now and chrysler still doesn't have a fix for the anti lock brake system. How long can this go on? the truck keeps kicking out the cruise control and the traction controls. I have been contacting the dealers but there isn't a fix WTF!
2017 RAM 3500 cruise control problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
2crashes
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of RAM 3500 in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: This 2017 RAM 3500 has a well-documented ABS/cruise control failure pattern that owners report recurs repeatedly, disables critical safety systems, and leaves trucks unfixable when replacement parts become unavailable—some owners have had non-functional vehicles parked for years. Buyers should steer clear unless they can verify the ABS module has been recently replaced with a redesigned part and get written confirmation of parts availability.
The 2017 RAM 3500 has a recurring ABS module failure that owners describe as a known defect. The ABS pump motor control circuit (code C0020-01) fails as early as 13,000 miles and again at 22,000, 36,000, 45,000, 59,000, and 80,000 miles. When the ABS module fails, the traction control and cruise control are simultaneously disabled. Owners hear audible chimes—sometimes 15 times a minute or over 100 times daily—and see flashing warning lights that come and go unpredictably, particularly in humid conditions.
Replacement parts are unavailable or on 9-month backorders. When parts are unavailable, dealers advise owners not to drive the truck, yet brakes may drag and overheat, making even a tow-in unsafe. Dealers have replaced the same module multiple times within a single owner's vehicle history, suggesting no design improvement between replacements. Repair costs run $1,000–$2,000 when parts can be sourced.
Separately, owners report cruise control dropping off during highway driving at highway speeds while towing heavy trailers—in one case the truck accelerated uncontrollably and brakes failed to respond. Multiple collision incidents are alleged. One owner described three separate diagnostic visits that did not resolve check engine and throttle control lights preceding sudden acceleration. The vehicle manufacturer has issued recall C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 related to cruise control loss but has not provided an effective remedy.
Same RAM 3500 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2018
Failure modes owners describe
ABS module/pump failure
ABS module and hydraulic control unit fail repeatedly, sometimes multiple times within warranty and well beyond. Code C0020-01 (ABS Pump Motor Control General Electrical Failure) is cited. Owners report replacement parts unavailable or on extreme backorder.
When: Starts as early as 13,000 miles; recurrence common between 22,000–80,000 miles; some owners report 2–3 failures within vehicle lifespan
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illumination; Audible chime alerts (sometimes 15 times per minute or 100+ times daily); Traction control light on; Cruise control disabled or drops out; Wheel lockup on wet/snowy roads; Brake drag and overheating; Vehicle speed decrease without operator input
Codes mentioned: C0020-01
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replaced 2–3 times in some cases; replacement parts unavailable indefinitely per multiple owners; estimated repair $1,000–$2,000 if parts available; dealer unable to locate root cause on intermittent failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 mentioned by one owner regarding loss of cruise control tied to ABS system; FCA told one owner vehicle is out of warranty and to pay for repairs out-of-pocket; known issue per owners but no comprehensive fix offered; hydraulic control unit on 9-month backorder per one report
Cruise control dropout/unintended speed change
Cruise control suddenly disengages or vehicle fails to respond to braking while cruise is active, resulting in inability to slow down. Multiple owners describe near-miss or actual collision scenarios where cruise malfunction or failure to disengage contributed to accident risk.
When: Occurs at various mileages and during normal highway/interstate driving; incident reported at 45,000 miles while towing
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control drops off during normal operation; Vehicle sudden acceleration or failure to decelerate when cruise control is disengaged; Brakes appear ineffective while cruise control malfunction occurs; Vehicle speed decreases unexpectedly without driver input; Cruise control does not respond to brake pedal tap
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owners unable to stop vehicle in some cases despite brake application; one owner hit tree to avoid hitting other vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall C4B/NHTSA 24V-896 related to cruise control loss; no effective remedy provided per owners
Sudden acceleration/brake failure
Vehicle experiences sudden acceleration and brakes fail to stop truck, resulting in serious crash. Check engine and throttle control lights precede event. Prior visits to dealer and multiple repair shops did not resolve underlying issue.
When: July 25th following repeated check engine and throttle control light warnings over several months (March–July timeframe)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden uncontrolled acceleration; Brake failure (brakes do not slow vehicle); Check engine light on; Throttle control light on; Improper transmission shifting; Vehicle unable to stop despite full brake application and alternative methods (driving against concrete, into tree)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer worked on recalls, oil and fuel filter changes (March); second shop changed transmission oil; third shop replaced solenoids in transmission; check engine and throttle control lights returned immediately after each repair; appointment scheduled for August 4th but accident occurred July 25th; vehicle crashed into tree
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No effective response documented; dealer unable to assign transmission mechanic for a month
Traction control failure
Traction control system fails intermittently or completely, often tied to ABS module failure. Light illuminates and control is lost.
When: Occurs intermittently, some days not at all, other days 100+ times daily per owner; correlated with humid conditions per one report
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light on; Loss of traction control function; Audible chime alerts; System toggles on and off unpredictably
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; linked to ABS module replacement in several cases but does not resolve permanently
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tied to ABS system recall; no independent fix offered
Driver seat movement during acceleration
Driver's seat moves or shifts unexpectedly when accelerator pedal is applied.
When: At 17,125 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's seat moves without warning when accelerator pedal is applied
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed vehicle as working as designed; no repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but did not assist
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2017 RAM 3500?
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 cruise control problem on the 2017 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 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?
Based on the 17 complaints filed, cruise control issues most often appear around 69,320 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.
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/3500.
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.