- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
Vehicle safety record
2017 Ram 4500 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2017 Ram 4500 with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (3) and the transmission & drivetrain (2). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 3 injuries. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in November 2024 for the control unit / module. For comparison, the 2016 has 1 and the 2018 has 9.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 4500 year, for its age
#254 most complained-about 2017 vehicle
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2017 Ram 4500 problems
Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2017 Ram 4500 recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
- The problem
- 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 within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- The risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
- The problem
- 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. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
- The risk
- If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
- The fix
- Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
- The problem
- 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 pickup trucks, 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
- The problem
- 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. These water pumps may leak coolant.
- The risk
- The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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5 complaints about the 2017 Ram 4500
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Manufacturer Recall NumberC4B NHTSA Recall Number24V-896 there is a abs module recall on this truck we rear ended a city bus three people seriously injured . and hurt we have been calling for 5 years no help please help [[redacted]] blackjack towing and recovery [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2017 RAM 4500. The contact stated while towing 3 vehicles and driving 60 mph, when the front of the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but began to change to the right lane when he heard a loud abnormal noise coming from under the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the ditch. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no one was injured or sought medical attention. No police...
Read the full complaint
report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transfer case to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 ram 4500. While driving various speeds, the transmission erroneously switched into neutral and the vehicle decelerated. During the failure, the service engine indicator illuminated and the display indicated that the transmission was still in the drive position. After shifting into neutral and back into drive, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to spitzer dodge (30101 s. Dixie hwy, homestead, fl) to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was...
Read the full complaint
not repaired and the failure continued. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 20,000. ..*Bf determined it was a relay and spitzer fixed it under warranty. No issues since january 2019.*Jb
Ram 4500: every year compared
All 4500 years2017 Ram 4500 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ram 4500 | 5 | 7 | C | |
| 2017 Ram 1500 | 887 | 13 | D | Compare |
| 2017 Ram 2500 | 699 | 12 | F | Compare |
| 2017 Ram 3500 | 317 | 13 | D | Compare |
| 2017 Ram Promaster City | 76 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2017 Ram 5500 | 21 | 7 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2017 Ram 4500
Does the 2017 Ram 4500 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2017 Ram 4500: control unit / module (November 2024); lugs / nuts / bolts / studs (May 2021); wiring (May 2018); automatic transmission (February 2018) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ram 4500?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (3), transmission & drivetrain (2), airbags (1).
How many complaints has the 2017 Ram 4500 had?
5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 18, 2019 and the latest on September 2, 2026. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2017 Ram 4500 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 43 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Ram 4500 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ram 4500 years have the most complaints?
2018 (9), 2014 (8), 2015 (7). See every Ram 4500 year compared.
What should I do if my 2017 Ram 4500 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data