2017 RAM 1500 Complaints

My truck doesn’t display a light and the steering doesn’t work. I can’t move the wheel. I have not had inspection done yet as I need to find a way to tow it.

Was traveling at least 45mph. Car pulled out in front of me. Had impact on passenger front side of my truck.

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the contact became aware that the transmission was shuddering. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road, the contact noticed a large piece of detached metal flying, which was part of the drive shaft. The contact stated that the transmission was severely shuddering. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and saw another large piece of metal flying, which was another part of the drive shaft that had detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear wheels locked up, and the shuddering was persistent. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact and the passenger, who was seated in the front passenger's seat, exited the vehicle. The passenger noticed smoke coming from the vehicle ,but there was no fire. AAA was contacted, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the rear differential, rear axle, transfer case, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V198000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the manufacturer to report the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that an inspector would be inspecting the vehicle, however the contact stated that the inspection was not performed. The failure mileage was approximately 53,300.

My 2017 Ram 1500 suffered a complete failure of the electronic power steering (EPS). The truck became unsafe to drive — steering assist cut out suddenly, and warning lights appeared. A professional mechanic removed the rack-and-pinion and found it completely filled with water and mud, despite no external damage. This is a sealed electronic unit — contamination like this points directly to a manufacturing defect. FCA issued Recall S19 (NHTSA 16V-167) for this same EPS failure in 2015–2016 models, yet they refuse to help because my VIN isn’t “covered.” This is unacceptable. Same part, same failure, same safety risk. The truck only has 63k miles, and an active NHTSA investigation (2023) and recent class actions (2024–2025) confirm this is a widespread problem. I’m asking NHTSA to push for a full recall expansion and hold FCA accountable. This is a serious safety issue with real consequences. My steering wheel completely locked up while I was driving with my 5 year old daughter in the truck on Christmas Day no less. It could have been much worse.

Power steering completely lost power and couldn’t control the truck, almost got into a collision

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure occurred while starting the vehicle after the vehicle had not been driven for more than a day. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering column shaft. The contact stated that the steering column shaft would be sprayed with lubricant, which would temporarily correct the failure; however, the failure returned after consistent driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

My 2017 Ram 1500 is experiencing a critical failure of the ABS control module, resulting in persistent brake system warning lights, ABS warning, and electronic stability control (ESC) warning on the dashboard. This failure disables the anti-lock braking system, traction control, and cruise control, posing a significant safety risk, especially in adverse conditions where ABS is essential to prevent wheel lockup. The dashboard warning lights are constantly illuminated, creating distraction and driver fatigue. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty ABS control module but informed me the part is on indefinite backorder with no estimated availability. They provided no interim solution, leaving me to drive an unsafe vehicle without ABS or cruise control, critical for long-distance highway travel. The absence of ABS increases the risk of skidding or loss of control during emergency braking, particularly on wet or slippery surfaces. The disabled ESC further compromises vehicle stability. This failure at 125,000 miles on a well-maintained vehicle is unacceptable and appears to be a widespread issue, as numerous 2015-2018 Ram 1500 owners report identical problems online and in forums. This defect warrants an immediate NHTSA investigation and recall, as it mirrors issues in 2017-2018 Ram HD models already under recall for similar ABS/HCU failures. I should not be forced to drive an unsafe vehicle indefinitely or pay out-of-pocket ($500-$2,000 per dealership estimate) for a manufacturer defect affecting thousands. Please expedite a recall to ensure Ram/Stellantis provides prompt replacements or reimbursements. My truck has been meticulously maintained with regular service and there is no reason this should be happening.

I have a bad ABS Module. Due to this, I dont not have ABS, traction control, or cruise control. I have been trying to get one for years, since roughly 2021... Again, I do not have ABS or tractions control, which are federally mandated to have. I have been told that the chips on this module is bad and that nothing that can be done. This is just wrong, and is a major safety concern on the road that I would hold the dealer liable for. Safety is a major concern here if I have to brake abruptly, or it is raining without traction control I fear for myself and others lives are at risk ... There were no warning, the light indicators just went off and started flashing... I feel this needs to be fixed asap, and I just recently learned that I could reach out here in hopes to find a resolution. If it cant be fixed, then I believe the dealer should have to buy the vehicle back as they are federally mandated to provide ABS and traction control on vehicles. Thank you for your time.

Emergency brake does not hold vehicle when parked. Had dealership look at brake system and everything is fine. When emergency brake is applied, I can drive off not realizing the brake is on until an alarm sounds that I am driving with it engaged. This has been ongoing for years. I checked multiple forums on this problem and I am not the only one that has asked about the particular problem.

The anti lock brakes warning light is illuminated and dealership has no repair parts to fix the defect resulting in an unsafe condition. this also results in an inability to operate the cruise control function of the automobile . The condition has existed for over one year with no ability to obtain the needed repair parts to remedy the situation. obviously RAM/DODGE has no interest in resolving this issue without the intervention of some regulatory authority.