BestCarRank
Ram

2017 Ram 1500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Ram 1500 has 1164 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 1093. The most common issue is steering problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2017 ram 1500. while driving 30 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the power steering indicator illuminated after the failure occurred and remained lit. the steering wheel resumed normal operation after the engine was restarted. the vehicle was taken to brunswic. There are 13 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 16 fire reports filed.

16 fire reports 82 crash reports 74 injuries

1164

Total Complaints

13

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

222 complaints
19%
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND REMAINED LIT. THE STEERING WHEEL RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRUNSWIC
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND REMAINED LIT. THE STEERING WHEEL RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRUNSWIC
  • HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS BUT ENGINE DIDN'T PRODUCE ANY CODES.I TOOK TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND THEY SAID NOTHING WE COULD DO ABOUT SENSOR PROBLEMS UNTIL CODE APPEARS. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ABOUT A HALF MILE FROM HOME MY TRUCK SHUT DOWN. MY ENGINE TURNED OFF AND LOST MY S
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 9 crashes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND REMAINED LIT. THE STEERING WHEEL RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRUNSWIC

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Ram 1500

Based on 486 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 35K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
211
30-60K
139
60-100K
59
100-150K
49
150-200K
20
200K+
8

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 63K mi · 63 reports
0-30K
18
30-60K
10
60-100K
15
100-150K
12
150-200K
6
200K+
2

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 59 reports
0-30K
36
30-60K
11
60-100K
2
100-150K
7
150-200K
2
200K+
1

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 23K mi · 38 reports
0-30K
21
30-60K
10
60-100K
2
100-150K
4
150-200K
1
200K+
0

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 35K mi · 36 reports
0-30K
16
30-60K
12
60-100K
6
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 34 reports
0-30K
19
30-60K
15
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 25K mi · 26 reports
0-30K
16
30-60K
8
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
1

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (13)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL13/08/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.

Above-average theft risk

#15 most stolen in 2025

The Ram 1500 was the #15 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 6,900 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Full-size truck; catalytic converters

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2017 Ram 1500

Live EIA prices
Per year
$3,807
Per month
$317
Per mile
31.7¢
kWh/mi
1.69

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Ram 1500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,094
Full coverage / month
$175
Liability only / year
$679
vs US avg
+25%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x
× theft risk1.06x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$2094

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ram 1500 Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
36 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
100K mi
Cabin air filter
24K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
30K mi

5.7L HEMI: 8,000 mile oil intervals; EcoDiesel: shorter intervals for DEF and fuel filter. Towing usage requires severe service intervals.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ram New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ram. If you're buying a used 2017 1500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ram dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2017 Ram 1500

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000
Clean Cars 4 All
ColoradoUp to $5,000
Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit
ConnecticutUp to $4,250
CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)
DelawareUp to $2,500
Clean Vehicle Rebate
IllinoisUp to $4,000
Illinois EV Rebate Program
MarylandUp to $3,000
Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles
MassachusettsUp to $3,500
MOR-EV
New JerseyUp to $4,000
Charge Up New Jersey
New YorkUp to $2,000
Drive Clean Rebate
OregonUp to $7,500
Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate
PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program
Rhode IslandUp to $2,500
DRIVEEV
TexasUp to $2,500
Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive
VermontUp to $5,000
Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles
See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1164 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND REMAINED LIT. THE STEERING WHEEL RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRUNSWIC

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: DISSAPOINTED WITH THE PURCHASE OF 17 RAM 1500, TRUCK LOOKS GOOD AND HAS GREAT LOOKS . IT HAS A TAPPING/TICKING NOISE WHEN ITS AT IDLE AT A STANDSTILL, ITS CALLED THE DREADED HEMI TICK, I HAVE A 5.7 MOTOR WITH MDS, THERE IS MANY THREADS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE INTERNET. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 500

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • FUEL SYSTEM: I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL GUAGE AND THE FUEL SYSTEM LIGHTS ON THE TRUCK. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THEY ARE SAYING THE PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER. THE FUEL GUAGE IS SHOWING NO FUEL IN THE CAR AND I AM CONCERNED THE CAR COULD CUT OFF AND I COULD LOSE CONTROL OF IT. THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE P

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: BUMPER PARKING DISTANCE SENSORS READ FALSE DISTANCE ISSUES WHEN WET, SHUTTING SYSTEM OFF AUTOMATICALLY, GIVING DRIVER FALSE SENSE OF SAFE DISTANCE

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 13 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
1164
Recalls
13
Fire reports
16
Crash reports
82
Injury reports
74
Segment avg
1093

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2017 Ram 1500