2017 Ram 5500
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2017 Ram 5500 has 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 21. The most common issue is transmission problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: while driving the vehicle on the highway the transfer case exploded, chrysler determined that the repairs would not be covered under warranty. however, we provided proof of service over the time period that the vehicle was in service which was only 6 months. they explained our parts were not properl. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
26
Total Complaints
7
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.2x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
TRANSMISSION
8 complaints- • WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED, CHRYSLER DETERMINED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, WE PROVIDED PROOF OF SERVICE OVER THE TIME PERIOD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN SERVICE WHICH WAS ONLY 6 MONTHS. THEY EXPLAINED OUR PARTS WERE NOT PROPERL
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 5500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR AND WENT INTO NEUTRAL. WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHFORK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (844-350-9615, LOCATED AT 17725 S FREEWAY, MANVEL, TX 77578
- • WHILE DRIVING A VIBRATION WAS NOTICED AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH. DURING TRANSIT THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED CAUSING A MAJOR FAILURE OF MULTIPLE SYSTEMS. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON A STATE HIGHWAY LEAVING WACO TX AT 445 A.M. POLICE WERE DISPATCHED TO BLOCK TRAFFIC FROM FURTHER ACCIDENTS UNTIL A TOW VEHICLE
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED, CHRYSLER DETERMINED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, WE PROVIDED PROOF OF SERVICE OVER THE TIME PERIOD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN SERVICE WHICH WAS ONLY 6 MONTHS. THEY EXPLAINED OUR PARTS WERE NOT PROPERL”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2017 Ram 5500
Based on 20 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 85K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
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 (7)
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.
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.
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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Ram 5500
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Ram 5500 Service Intervals
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
These are the terms for a new Ram. If you're buying a used 2017 5500, 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.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 26 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐TRANSMISSION: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED, CHRYSLER DETERMINED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, WE PROVIDED PROOF OF SERVICE OVER THE TIME PERIOD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN SERVICE WHICH WAS ONLY 6 MONTHS. THEY EXPLAINED OUR PARTS WERE NOT PROPERL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: ABS and traction control light comes on intermittently when driving. Cruise control does not work and chime and warning lights come on as lights come on.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TIRES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 5500 EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN RODIAN TIRES, SIZE: LT235/80R17 (NA). TWO MONTHS AGO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE DEATH WOBBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. LATER, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TATE BRANCH ARTE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 5500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 50-55 MPH, SMOKE EMERGED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE DRIVER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE SERVICE ENGINE AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Ram 5500 — Year Comparison
How does 2017 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 7
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 21
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2017 Ram 5500