SEAL - OUTPUT SHAFT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 RAM 5500 powertrain problems
severe 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 6 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 RAM 5500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of RAM 5500 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(Rev. A) Power Inverter Load Ratings
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
On I-40 eastbound mile marker 121 vehicle starts to shake and vibrate violently. I hear an explosion under the truck which cause a loss of power and had to fight with truck to get it off the road all why at a speed of 65 MPH. Transfer case exploded cutting wire harness in half and rupturing the fuel line. Truck was smoking bad as oil and fuel was leaking everywhere. Truck is inop at this point.…
While driving a vibration was noticed at speeds above 45 MPH. During transit the transfer case exploded causing a major failure of multiple systems. This failure occurred on a state highway leaving waco tx at 445 a.m. Police were dispatched to block traffic from further accidents until a tow vehicle was dispatched to the scene. Upon further investigation it was very noticeable that the transfer…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, there was a loud banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the transfer case had fractured and the front driveshaft had failed. The vehicle was towed and remained at the towing lot. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure however, the vehicle was not towed to the dealer.…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, there was an abnormally loud banging sound coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled to the side of the roadway and became aware that the transfer case had fractured into several pieces, and the front driveshaft had also fractured in several pieces. The contact stated that the fuel lines and the…
While driving the vehicle on the highway the transfer case exploded, Chrysler determined that the repairs would not be covered under warranty. However, we provided proof of service over the time period that the vehicle was in service which was only 6 months. They explained our parts were not properly greased and maintained. We do know a business associate that had the exact same thing happen to…
Vehicle was driving on interstate at 70mph and started vibrating violently, a few seconds later there was a loud bang that turned into multiple bangs that could be felt at the drivers feet and the truck stalled. We had it towed back to our shop and found that the transfer case had exploded causing the front driveshaft to come apart which ended up tearing through the drivers floorboard, destroyed…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 RAM 5500?
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 5500?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 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?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 173,447 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 $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/5500.
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.