2017 Ram 1500 Problems
Shopping for a used 2017 Ram 1500? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2017 Ram 1500 has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2017 Ram 1500 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2017 Ram 1500 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2017 Ram 1500 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program6 variants tested — showing 2017 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Ram 1500 has 500 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 13 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ram
- Model
- 1500
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 22
- Safety recall campaigns
- 13
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2017 Ram 1500 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Engine Problems, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2017 Ram 1500?
The 2017 Ram 1500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2017 Ram 1500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the steering system for any signs of defects or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, engine, and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the steering system for any signs of defects or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, engine, and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Ram 1500, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 500 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 RAM 1500, the data suggests that steering defects and engine problems are the most frequently reported issues. There are 13 recalls and 22 crash-related complaints, but confidence in these patterns is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Steering defects account for 175 complaints, the highest among all components.
- Engine problems are the second most reported issue with 110 complaints.
- Brake system complaints total 78, indicating a potential area of concern.
- Steering Defects
- Engine Problems
- Brake System
Full breakdown
All 2017 Ram 1500 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Ram 1500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 175 | 6 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 110 | — | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 78 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 55 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 47 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 39 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 38 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 31 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 31 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 24 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 10 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Ram 1500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Vehicle reaches 50percent fuel level and drops to zero causing the operator to potentially run out of fuel. And disables remote start functionality. Also potentially run out of fuel at anytime and not being able to move vehicle to a safe location. Even the side of the road. Out …
To Whom It May Concern at NHTSA, I am filing this safety complaint regarding a defective ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2017 Ram 1500 Rebel 4x4 5.7L Hemi, VIN: [XXX] , with approximately 88,000 miles. DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The ABS HCU has failed, resulting in complete los…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Electronic Stability Control" was displayed. While investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. …
There has been a recall on the Dodge Ram 2500 & 3500 series for the faulty ABS module. My 2017 Dodge 1500 is currently having the same issues and I am being charged full price plus labor to replace the same item. My truck has been at the dealership …
Vehicle is having the same issues it had before with soot and sludge build up in the engine that caused the EGR to fail and melt into the engine... I have all the parts that were replaced from the 1st time this happened and was not repaired properly and is now causing a catastrop…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to maintain control of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was c…
Timeline of issues: 04/11/2026 – Vehicle purchased 04/16/2026 – Brakes began grinding 04/18/2026 – Vehicle developed starting issues 04/19/2026 – Brake system parts (pads, rotors, calipers) ordered due to failure 04/23/2026 – Parts received; same day 4WD was tested and confirmed…
Steering has become hard and pulsates at times. Feels unsafe when turning at intersections. Steering issue is unpredictable and dangerous. (many other RAM 1500 drivers seem to have this issue per RAM forums). Fix is to replace entire rack and pinion system which is not acceptable…
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) failure resulting in loss of control of vehicle.
While driving the Electric Power Steering Unit failed. would not steer. maneuvered vehicle to safe area; turned off vehicle; waiter about 5 minutes; vehicle started and steering reset to a usable steering. Drove home and parked. Next day started vehicle; steering would not wo…
EPS rack and pinion failing at 140,000km. Steering gets tight when driving long distances and at higher speeds. Intermittent loss of power steering happening daily. This is super concerning safety wise as this happened when i was on the highway and could have been a serious accid…
Power Steerin EPS went out, causin loss of control of truck
The electric power steering system has now completely failed and the steering is fully locked/stiff at all times. The vehicle cannot be safely driven or operated. The issue began as intermittent loss of power steering assist and progressed to total failure without warning. Steer…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Cam…
Received an error on the dash for Service Electronic Braking System and ABS System. Took to a mechanic and it is a failure of the Anti-Lock Brake Module. This is the same failure they are recalling other Ram trucks for already. I am not sure why the Ram 1500 is not included in…
1Rear end shifted to passenger side 3 in 2. The intermittent shaft made the steering wheel over turn over half a turn. 3 manifold bolts replaced but snapped again. Fuel pump went out. Tailgate has opened multiple times. 120 k seems unfit to drive wheel studs drivers rear broke of…
Electronic Power Steering just stopped all of a sudden while I was going up the mountain into North Carolina that almost caused an accident the only reason it didn’t is because of the pull off right after the curve I was going through when I lost all steering! With the truck alre…
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. While the vehicle was at a dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the fuel system was fractured and rusted. The dealer attributed the failure to corrosion. The vehicle remained at the dealer, and the failure was associated …
My suspension didn't work. It was riding on the frame. The power steering is very difficult to turn. The front control screen is not turning on.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly failed to shift into gear properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, after depressing t…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Ram 1500.
Safety recalls
2017 Ram 1500 recalls
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Ram 1500. 13 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2017 Ram 1500 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Ram 1500 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 13 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Ram 1500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ram 1500?▾
#1: Steering Defects (175 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (110 complaints). #3: Brake System (78 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Ram 1500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Ram 1500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Ram 1500, NHTSA complaints include 22 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 17 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Ram 1500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Ram 1500. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL. 13 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Ram 1500?▾
The 2017 Ram 1500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ram 1500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Ram 1500 based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.