2017 Ram 3500
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 4 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 114 |
| 2014 | 202 |
| 2015 | 136 |
| 2016 | 133 |
| 2017 | 301 |
| 2018 | 775 |
| 2019 | 134 |
| 2020 | 112 |
| 2021 | 62 |
| 2022 | 184 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
46% of complaints: service brakes — 139 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2017 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brakes activated, and the vehicle slid and crashed into a deer. The contact stated that the deer appeared instantly.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251211
Needed to use brakes but unexpectedly the pedal did not work or stop the vehicle. Had to swerve into a ditch to avoid a collision with another vehicle. Abs, traction lights then activated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250106
11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 34 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: electrical system — 30 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS HAULING A 15,000 LB FIFTH WHEEL WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT ABOUT 45MPH COMING UP TO THE LIGHT ON HWY. 35 AND HWY. 20 INTERSECTION NORTHBOUND IN INDIANA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180626
9% of complaints: engine — 27 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels.
Remedy: AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
Campaign 17V499000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Campaign 17V824000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.
Campaign 17V562000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500...
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 17V821000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018.
Campaign 18V100000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM...
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018.
Campaign 18V332000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
Campaign 18V486000 — check if this car was fixed
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks.
Remedy: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
Campaign 18E096000 — check if this car was fixed
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019.
Campaign 19V021000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019.
Campaign 19V347000 — check if this car was fixed
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge.
Campaign 21V398000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Brake Performance
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025.
Campaign 24V896000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 25V010000 — check if this car was fixed
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Ram 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (139 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V499000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V824000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V562000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V821000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V100000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V486000 (latches/locks/linkages, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18E096000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V021000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V347000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V398000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V896000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V010000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2017 Ram 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Ram 3500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ram 3500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Ram 3500 have?
13 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.