The electric fan went out after 1year just over 50,000 miles and it seems it happening on enough vehicles that the fan is on back order. The daytona Dodge dealership misdiagnosed radiator and replaced it, and refused to reimburse after it was checked and found to be good. This might have made installing fan easier. I mentioned this in case it's a on going practice.
2017 RAM 3500 electrical problems
moderate 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 33 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 RAM 3500, 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 33 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.
Among the 12 model years of RAM 3500 in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2017 Ram 3500's electrical system has chronic issues centered on ABS/electronic braking failures that disable cruise control, make trailer braking unreliable, and create serious safety risks—particularly problematic for a towing vehicle. Brake system problems have spawned class-action lawsuits and parts shortages, with dealers often unable to fix the issues permanently.
The dominant failure in this cluster is intermittent or continuous ABS and electronic braking system warnings tied to cruise control dropout and—in critical cases—loss of braking function entirely. Owners describe "Service Electronic Braking System" and "Service Antilock Brake System" messages flashing or staying on the dash, often with an audible chime. ABS and traction control lights cycle on and off unpredictably, sometimes triggered by bumps in the road. When active, the warnings disable cruise control and can cause sudden power loss or aggressive engine slowdown. One owner experienced complete brake failure twice under 21,000 miles with zero warning. Repeated dealership repairs—replacing ABS modules, hydraulic control units, connectors, and wiring—have not resolved the problem for multiple owners. Parts (particularly ABS control module 68347098AA) have been on back order for months to over a year, leaving vehicles unsafe to operate. The trailer brake controller fails to apply brakes adequately, even at maximum settings, posing obvious towing hazards. Other electrical issues reported include TPMS malfunction, cooling fan failure, loose connectors in the main power harness, and throttle hesitation. Owners reference Technical Service Bulletin S2005000004 and NHTSA recalls 24V-896 and C4B, noting that some VINs appear excluded from coverage despite having identical symptoms.
Same RAM 3500 electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
ABS and Electronic Braking System Warning Messages with Cruise Control Dropout
Intermittent or continuous 'Service Electronic Braking System' and 'Service Antilock Brake System' messages appear on the dash accompanied by an audible chime. ABS and traction control lights flash on and off. When these warnings are active, cruise control becomes inoperable and the vehicle may experience sudden power loss or aggressive engine slowdown. The issue occurs randomly during normal driving, often triggered by bumps in the road or rough pavement. Multiple owners report this as a recurring problem lasting months or years.
When: 27,428 miles to 162,388 miles; recurring intermittently for periods of 2+ years in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Audible bell or chime when warnings appear; 'Service Electronic Braking System' and 'Service Antilock Brake System' messages flash or remain on dashboard; ABS warning light illuminated; Traction control light on/off; Cruise control disabled when warnings are active; Sudden loss of power during cruise control operation; Aggressive engine slowdown causing vehicle shake; Lights and chime persist even in park with engine running; Bumps in road trigger the system to cycle on and off
Codes mentioned: C0020-01 ABS Pump Motor Control - General Electric Failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced ABS module, hydraulic control unit (HCU), 7-way connector pins, 7-way pin trailer cable, 7-way pin wiring harness box, brake assemblies, and front/rear axle wiring. Multiple owners report repeated replacement of ABS controller and hydraulic unit (twice in under 40,000 miles in one case) with no permanent resolution. ABS control module (part number 68347098AA) has been on back order for extended periods (over 8 months to over 1 year reported).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin S2005000004 exists but parts have been unavailable. NHTSA recalls 24V-896 / FCA C4B reportedly exclude some VINs. No official recall issued by Ram/Dodge. Dealers report being 'at a loss for repair.' Owners report dealerships as unhelpful and unable to provide permanent fixes.
Trailer Brake Controller Malfunction - Inadequate Stopping Power
Factory-integrated brake controller fails to properly apply trailer brakes. When activated, the trailer brakes do not prevent vehicle movement at any speed. One owner documented that at maximum setting (10), the brake wire connector displayed only 6.5 Volts when it should display 13.2 Volts. Another owner reports the system will not stop a 15,000 lb camper at low speeds even at maximum settings. The issue poses a critical towing safety hazard.
When: Under 30 mph towing speeds; issues reported on vehicles with under 21,000 miles and at 162,388 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brakes fail to engage when brake controller is activated; Vehicle moves forward even when brake controller is manually squeezed at maximum setting; Inadequate or little to no stopping power with integrated brake controller; Low voltage output from brake wire connector (6.5V instead of 13.2V reported)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's vehicle had brake controller assembly replaced along with 7-way pins, 7-way pin trailer cable, 7-way pin wiring harness box, module, wiring on front and rear axles, and brake assemblies, but failure persisted. Ram service advised another owner the system was 'working as designed.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in one documented case. Ram/dealer told owner system is functioning as designed. No official remedy provided.
Total Brake Loss
Complete loss of braking function while driving at highway speeds with no warning lights or messages preceding the failure. Two separate incidents reported on a single vehicle under 21,000 miles. Owner experienced total brake loss at 70 mph on interstate and at a stop sign, both times requiring the vehicle to limp home with no effective brakes.
When: Under 21,000 miles; two separate occasions
Symptoms owners cite: Absolute loss of brake pedal response; No warning lights or indicators before failure; No brakes available at highway speed (70 mph); No brakes available at low speed (stop sign)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided in complaint.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Indicator Malfunction
TPMS indicator light remains illuminated and displays incorrect tire pressure readings. Independent mechanics replaced the TPMS sensor, and tire store reset the system, but the indicator remained lit in both cases.
When: 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS indicator light remains illuminated; Incorrect tire pressure reading displayed
Repairs/costs cited: TPMS sensor replaced by independent mechanics; TPMS system reset by tire store. Neither repair corrected the failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted. Vehicle scheduled to return to dealer for repair.
Electrical Lighting System Connector Issue
Front turn signals, driver side headlight, and passenger side fog light all went out simultaneously. Bulbs tested good, grounds checked good. Found issue was loose connectors in large plug under fuse box.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Front turn signals out; Driver side headlight out; Passenger side fog light out; Dashboard message indicating lights are out
Repairs/costs cited: Large plug under fuse box had loose connectors; moving the connector restored lights. Question raised about whether harness replacement needed.
Electric Cooling Fan Failure
Electric cooling fan failed after just over 1 year of ownership. Dealership initially misdiagnosed and replaced radiator (which tested good afterward), then refused to reimburse for unnecessary radiator replacement.
When: Just over 50,000 miles (approximately 1 year)
Symptoms owners cite: Electric fan non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Fan replacement needed. Part was on back order at dealership. Daytona Dodge Dealership replaced radiator in error and refused reimbursement.
Engine Throttle Hesitation ('Dead Pedal')
2 to 3 second hesitation or complete loss of power when accelerating from a dead stop or merging in traffic, then sudden engagement. Owner identifies this as a 'dead pedal' issue and reports observing similar complaints from multiple other owners online.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: 2 to 3 second delay when pressing accelerator from stop; No power response during hesitation period; Sudden engagement after delay
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
ABS control module has been back order since June 2023. Abs light flashes and bing on regular bases. Cruise will not work when the ABS light is on. I’ve been on a wait list since June 2023, truck is very annoying trying to drive with constant binging. Towing my 5th wheel is very concerning with on going ABS module problems.
Random occurrences of an audible bell along with error messages stating, "Service Electronic Braking System" and "Service Antilock Brake System" flash momentarily on the dash. They may also stay on for prolonged periods of time. Cruise control is inoperable when the error messages flash, or stay on. The ABS trouble indicator light is also on during these events. The abrupt cancellation of cruise…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2017 RAM 3500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 33 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 128,478 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 $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/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.