Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v818000 (engine and engine cooling, equipment). The vehicle was taken to bob frensley Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat (888-910-6926, located at 2210 gallatin pike n, madison, tn 37115) where it was confirmed that the parts were not available; however, the technician performed an oil change. The…
2017 RAM 3500 engine problems
moderate 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 18 engine complaints filed for the 2017 RAM 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Among the 11 model years of RAM 3500 in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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 3500 diesel has documented engine failures linked to a grid heater bolt melting and falling into the intake, causing catastrophic damage costing $15,000+. Multiple recall repairs have been stuck with unavailable parts for extended periods, leaving owners with unfixed defects and unresolved issues like transmission throttle lag and recurrent fan clutch failure.
The 2017 RAM 3500 diesel exhibits multiple engine and cooling system failures. Most serious is the grid heater bolt—a component that melts or breaks from heat and vibration, then falls into the intake or cylinder, destroying the engine. Several owners report discovering the P2609 check engine code before catastrophic failure; others found engines blown after brief operation following dealer service. One owner faced a $15,000–$20,000 repair bill; another's engine failed completely at 31,600 miles just 24 miles after a dealer oil change, when a knocking sound was dismissed.
The 19V818000 recall for cooling fan defects shows a pattern of parts remaining unavailable at multiple dealerships for over a year, leaving owners unable to complete repairs. Fan clutch failures occur with belts detaching and fluid spraying, sometimes recurring within 30 days of replacement. EGR cooler and valve failures cause stalling and loss of restart capability. One owner also reports fuel filter housing leaks—identical to an earlier RAM recall issue (P65). A separate complaint documents throttle lag of 2–5 seconds with the AISIN transmission, creating hazardous merging situations. Owners express frustration that RAM has not issued a comprehensive recall for the grid heater bolt problem despite complaints spanning 2007–2024 model years.
Same RAM 3500 engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Grid Heater Bolt Failure
The intake air heater grid bolt/nut receives voltage to heat incoming air. It can melt or wear from heat and vibration, then detach and fall into the intake plenum or directly into a cylinder, causing catastrophic engine damage or stoppage while driving.
When: Multiple owners report encountering this across model years 2007-2024; one owner at 31,600 miles had engine failure shortly after dealer service; others discovered issue before failure occurred (warning light P2609)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (P2609 code); Loud knocking from engine compartment; Engine blown/total engine loss; Loss of power on roadway; Bolt melting and breaking off inside intake
Codes mentioned: P2609
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report $15,000–$20,000+ engine replacement costs. Aftermarket heater replacements exist. One owner at 31,600 miles had engine blow up 24 miles after an oil change at dealer when knocking was dismissed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No factory recall on grid heater bolt specifically despite complaints spanning 2007–2023 models. Related recalls exist (19V818000 for cooling fan; 17V562000; 20V036000) but parts unavailable at dealers. Owner research found no factory solution since 2007.
Fan Clutch Failure
Fan clutch malfunctions, causing belt detachment, fluid spray, and loss of cooling. Failures recur shortly after dealer replacement, indicating a systemic or root-cause issue not being addressed.
When: At 322,542 miles; failure reoccurred within 30 days of initial replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud sound; Low coolant warning light; Fluids spraying from engine bay; Fan belt detachment; Repeated failure after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Fan clutch replaced twice but failed again within 30 days of first repair. Vehicle not repaired on second attempt. Owner reports dealer gave 'run-around' on repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of failure
EGR Cooler and EGR Valve Failure
Emission control system failure, specifically EGR cooler and valve malfunction, causing engine stall and inability to restart while driving uphill.
When: Unknown mileage; owner had received unknown recall notification related to failure
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuddering at 40–45 mph; Unknown warning light illumination; Engine stalling; Failure to restart
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler and EGR valve replaced, plus other unknown repairs. Repaired out-of-pocket; reimbursement claim denied by manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied reimbursement claim. Owner had received recall notification but details not specified.
Cylinder Head Defect
Number 2 cylinder head became defective, triggering check engine light and requiring head replacement.
When: At 89,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of failure
Fuel Filter Housing Leakage
Fuel filter housing leaks around fuel heater elements. Owner notes this is the same problem and same housing that prompted RAM recall P65 previously.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel leak in engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel filter housing replaced. Owner retained failed part and filed report with RAM.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Same housing previously recalled under RAM recall P65 for same issue
Throttle Lag / Transmission Response Delay
Significant delay in throttle response with AISIN transmission, causing 2–5 second hesitation after pressing accelerator, creating hazardous traffic situations.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: 2–5 second throttle hesitation after pedal depression; Dangerous delay when merging or crossing traffic
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted. Owner states RAM will not address issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not taking action per owner report
Cooling Fan Defect (Recall 19V818000)
Defective engine cooling fan subject to recall 19V818000. Abnormally loud noise when AC activated; fan can cause engine fires. Recall parts repeatedly unavailable at dealers, leaving vehicles unable to be repaired for extended periods.
When: As early as 21,000 miles; failures discovered at 21,000–31,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud sound when AC activated; Fan failure risk causing engine fire
Repairs/costs cited: Manufacturer suggested replacing defective fan with another fan temporarily until remedy available, but replacement not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V818000 issued for engine cooling fan (Equipment, Engine and Engine Cooling). Parts on back-order or unavailable at multiple dealers (Lafayette, LA; Modesto, CA; Cape Coral, FL; Lee's Summit, MO; Walnut Creek, CA) for extended periods, delaying repair beyond reasonable timeframe.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2017 RAM 3500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 18 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 102,852 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 $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/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.