2017 Ram 2500 Problems

What owners report

Most 2017 RAM 2500 owner complaints in this sample center on the anti-lock brake and stability-control system: ABS, traction-control and ESC warning lights, loss of cruise control, and in some cases reduced or delayed braking. Complaints appear from very low mileage up to well past 150,000 miles, and a large share reference recall 24V896000 with parts reported as unavailable. A smaller number describe steering-linkage, cruise-control, and cold-start engine concerns.

1. 1
   Brakes

   ABS / ESC warning lights and hydraulic control unit failure

   • 484 complaints (69%)
   • median 61,000 mi at 7.7 yrs old (93 state mileage)
   • 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $1,100 (median of 31 quotes)
   • filed 2018–2026

   Owners describe the ABS, traction-control and ESC warning lights coming on together, sometimes with a chime, and cruise control dropping out when they appear. Many say a dealer diagnosed the hydraulic control unit or ABS module as failed and quoted replacement, with some reporting repeated failures after repair and parts on backorder. Several complaints are from owners notified of recall 24V896000 who say the repair part was not yet available. Reported from roughly 3,000 miles up to about 165,000 miles, with many under 60,000 miles; often intermittent at first, then more persistent.

   Recall 24V8960001 related service bulletin

   What to check: Ask whether recall 24V896000 has been completed on the VIN and keep the paperwork. Before buying, switch on the ignition and confirm no ABS or traction-control lamp stays lit, and have a scan tool check for stored ABS module codes.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “My 2017 Ram 2500 had 55k miles when I got a dashboard warning indicating that service of my electronic braking system was needed. I also got warning indicators for ABS and traction control. I had poor braking, no traction control and no cruise control when these warning lights were lit. The dealer diagnosed and replaced the ABS hydraulic control unit (hcu), costing me $750. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11374563, filed 2020-11, 55,000 miles

   “After approximately 8k miles my 2017 Ram 2500 intermittently had the traction control light and ABS light illuminate. At first it would only temporarily flicker and chime, bventually the code/lights remained in the system. When this occurs cruise control is not available. I'm not sure if the ABS or traction control systems operate. After multiple visits to the dealership the issue was located and the ABS module and hydraulic motor control were replaced. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11397817, filed 2021-02, 8,000 miles
2. 2
   Brakes

   Brake pedal goes to the floor or braking feels weak

   • 145 complaints (21%)
   • median 78,000 mi at 7.7 yrs old (29 state mileage)
   • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 11 quotes)
   • filed 2019–2026

   Some owners report the brake pedal dropping toward the floor with little resistance, longer stopping distances, or the pedal feeling seized and then returning after a restart. Complaints describe brake fluid leaks, grinding noises and messages such as 'Service Electronic Brake System' appearing alongside the warning lights. Dealers are reported to have replaced the hydraulic control unit, ABS pump or module in some cases. Spread across the mileage range, from around 5,000 to more than 135,000 miles; several mentions of wet or snowy roads.

   Recall 24V896000

   What to check: Test the brake pedal for firmness at a stop and listen for grinding or hissing; check under the truck and around the wheels for brake fluid. Ask for service records showing whether the hydraulic control unit has been replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Driving 2017 dodge Ram 2500 4x4 on paved rural roadway traveling 50mph when steering wheel lost tension and would not steer appropriately. Vehicle began to lose traction and correction was not possible. While when driver attempted to brake, brake pedal was pressed firmly and did not brake. Vehicle maintained speed due to brake failure and steering, vehicle went into side skid for 100 yards before hitting deep ditch and rolling vertically into ditch landing on wheels. Accident resulted in injuries to both driver and passenger.”

   NHTSA complaint #11351131, filed 2020-08, 70,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal went to the floor while stopping the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,844.”

   NHTSA complaint #11497413, filed 2022-12, 135,844 miles
3. 3
   Vehicle speed control

   Cruise control engages or disengages unexpectedly

   • 145 complaints (21%)
   • median 50,697 mi at 6.9 yrs old (29 state mileage)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $1,100 (median of 11 quotes)
   • filed 2018–2026

   Owners report cruise control failing to engage, refusing to shut off when the button is pressed, or dropping out on its own while driving. In several complaints the cruise control loss is tied to the ABS or traction-control warning lights coming on, and in one case the truck continued accelerating after the pedal was released. Some dealers have replaced the ABS module or hydraulic control unit when the two symptoms appeared together. Reported from about 8,000 to 140,000 miles, typically at highway speeds with cruise or adaptive cruise engaged.

   1 related service bulletin

   What to check: On a test drive, engage cruise control and cancel it with both the button and the brake pedal, and confirm it holds a steady speed. If the ABS or traction lamp comes on, treat cruise-control faults as part of the same diagnosis.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS and hydraulic control unit modules needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred and that the cruise control also failed to activate as needed. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11512353, filed 2023-03, 60,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light intermittently illuminated, and the message Must Park Vehicle was displayed. Additionally, during the failure the cruise control and trailer brake control features were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the part for the repair was on backorder. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11603958, filed 2024-07, 68,000 miles
4. 4
   Electrical system

   Electrical faults and battery/charging warnings

   • 84 complaints (12%)
   • median 44,020 mi at 4.5 yrs old (29 state mileage)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $1,050 (median of 6 quotes)
   • filed 2017–2026

   Owners describe assorted electrical symptoms: doors that will not lock or unlock, brake lights staying on after shutdown, a speedometer dropping to zero, sensors reported as disconnected, and moisture inside the cab from leaking rear cab vents. Some report charging or battery warning messages, which a service bulletin links to the intelligent battery sensor. Several note the same warning-light cluster as the brake complaints. Reported from roughly 3,000 to 140,000 miles, with no clear pattern in weather or driving conditions.

   Recall 18V3320004 related service bulletins

   What to check: Check that all doors lock and unlock from the fob and that brake lights go out after shutdown. Look for damp carpet or water stains behind the rear seats, and ask whether any battery or charging-related software updates have been applied.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Odometer Fraud. The contact attempted to purchase a 2017 RAM 2500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 116,493, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 113,000.”

   NHTSA complaint #11689445, filed 2025-09, 113,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway, there was a message stating that the sensors were not connected. Additionally, the ABS warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 78,000.”

   NHTSA complaint #11524676, filed 2023-05, 78,000 miles
5. 5
   Steering

   Drag link and steering-linkage looseness

   • 40 complaints (6%)
   • median 35,000 mi at 3.0 yrs old (17 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2019–2026

   Owners describe a pop or clunk when turning, then play in the steering where the wheel turns noticeably before the truck responds, sometimes with the track bar moving before the wheels do. Some complaints focus on the recall repair itself, saying the drag link was welded at the adjustment collar, which left them unable to get a proper alignment afterward. Others report power steering fluid loss from a hose. Mostly reported between about 9,000 and 85,000 miles, often noticed while turning or on the highway.

   Recall 19V0210001 related service bulletin

   What to check: Ask whether recall 19V021000 was performed and how it was done. With the truck parked, have someone rock the steering wheel while you watch the drag link and track bar for movement before the tires react, and check the power steering fluid level.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I sent your organization an email regarding this issue, request 259479 and received a reply . The issue is the FCA mandated drag link recall in effect for my truck. The FCA recall fix which they say was approved by you, involves welding the jamb nuts to the adjustment collar on the drag link, which locks the entire assembly together. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11301233, filed 2020-01, 9,000 miles

   “While driving down the highway, on a right hand corner I turned and could hear and feel a 'pop'. Then had slop in the steering, nearly causing me to catastrophically crash . I controlled it enough off the roadway into a field and stopped, if there was a guardrail or drop off, I would have majorly crashed. I could turn left, go straight. But going right I'd turn the wheel 1 full turn before it 'engaged' steering. After inspecting the truck, I noticed the track bar would move 4-6 inches before the wheels would ever move. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11373215, filed 2020-11, 57,000 miles

Buying note. This model year is dominated in the complaint data by anti-lock brake and stability-control problems, so confirm recall 24V896000 and 19V021000 status by VIN and inspect the brake pedal feel and warning lamps before purchase. Service records showing whether the hydraulic control unit or ABS module has already been replaced are worth asking for.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.