What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2017 RAM 3500

Typical pattern

4.7% of complaints about the 2017 RAM 3500 came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2017 vehicle — around the middle of the 203 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 6.5 yr in service. The most-reported system is service brakes (142 complaints), typically at 7.0 yr or about 15,000 miles.

Complaints
428
Median age at failure
6.5 yr
Median mileage
29,000 n=137
Crash / fire / tow
3.7% of reports
Safety recalls
10

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Service brakes
142 reports · 15,000 mi
7.0 yr
2.8%
Service brakes, hydraulic
45 reports · 65,000 mi
8.0 yr
2.2%
Electrical system
33 reports · 55,000 mi
6.8 yr
3%
Speed control
29 reports · 121,514 mi
6.8 yr
6.9%
Engine
28 reports · 31,600 mi
4.1 yr
7.1%
Power train
26 reports · 15,300 mi
3.7 yr
3.8%
Wheels
21 reports · 17,700 mi
2.8 yr
4.8%
Steering
18 reports · 46,362 mi
3.9 yr
0%
Other
16 reports · 31,500 mi
5.9 yr
6.2%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

25V010000 2025-01-16
Air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator

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.

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

24V896000 2024-11-27
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.

A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.

21V398000 2021-05-27
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.

Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

19V347000 2019-05-09
Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

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. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

19V021000 2019-01-25
Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection

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.

A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

18E096000 2018-10-16
Steering:linkages

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. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.

The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

18V486000 2018-07-27
Structure:body:tailgate

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. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

18V332000 2018-05-17
Electrical system:wiring

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 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit with

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

18V100000 2018-02-08
Power train:automatic transmission

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. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

17V824000 2017-12-21
Equipment

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable.

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

In owners’ own words

Power train 80 mi 2 mo in service
VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A G56 MERCEDES 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHEN IN 5TH GEAR THERE IS A CHATTER ORIGINATING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AMPLIFIED BY THE SHIFT LEVER. NOISE AND VIBRATION OCCURS AT ANY SPEED AND ANY LOAD (UNDER THE FIFTH WHEEL OR NOT) WHILE IN 5TH GEAR. GEARS 1 THRU 4 AND 6 ARE QUIET AS EXPECTED.
Power train 4,500 mi 1.2 yr in service
DRIVING ON I-95 IN GEORGIA, ALL 8 OF THE LUG STUDS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DUAL REAR WHEELS SHEARED OFF, CAUSING THE OUTER WHEEL TO SHOOT PAST THE TRUCK IN TRAFFIC, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A RATE OF 60 MPH WHEN THE ONSET OF SEVERE VIBRATION CAUSED ME TO LOOK FOR A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER, AND SLOW DOWN. THANK GOD THE OTHER REAR WHEEL REMAINED ON THE HUB, THOUGH COMPLETELY UNSECURED. THE TRUCK HAS JUST 4,500 MILES ON IT.
Power train 10 mi 1.4 yr in service
LATER DODGE TRUCKS SEEM TO HAVE A BUILT IN DESIGN FLAW WHEREIN TORQUE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMING IS PREVENTING THE TRUCK FROM TAKING OFF NORMALLY, CREATING SECONDS OF DELAYED THROTTLE RESPONSE AND VERY DANGEROUS CROSS TRAFFIC ISSUES COMMONLY REFERRED TO ON MANY DODGE FORUMS AS THE DEAD PEDAL. REPEATED EFFORTS WITH DEALER FAILED ALTHOUGH THEY RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE.
Service brakes 1,000 mi 1.0 yr in service
THE INTERGRATED TOWING BREAK CONTROLLER IS FAULTY AND WILL NOT STOP MY CAMPER IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION..

Other 3500 model years

202620252022202120202019201820172016201520142013

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