CSR

Ram · NHTSA safety record

2017 Ram 5500

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

19

Complaints

0

Crashes

2

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2017 Ram 5500 have filed 19 safety complaints with NHTSA between June 2018 and May 2026. The most complained-about system is the power train, named in 8 of them (42%). The typical failure was reported at 86,500 miles, the median across the 14 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 7 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (7)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

24V896000 · November 27, 2024

The defect
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 remedy
Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 317,630 vehicles across all model years covered

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

21V398000 · May 27, 2021

The defect
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 remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 447,985 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

18V332000 · May 17, 2018

The defect
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 remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 4,815,661 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

18V100000 · February 8, 2018

The defect
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 remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 180,462 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT

17V824000 · December 21, 2017

The defect
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 remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 61,791 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

17V821000 · December 20, 2017

The defect
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 remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 1,482,874 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

17V562000 · September 12, 2017

The defect
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 remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 443,874 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (2)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

RQ25003

Still open recall query · opened July 3, 2025

the power train

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Front Driveshaft Failure

PE19017

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened December 12, 2019 · closed October 22, 2023

the power train

On December 12, 2019, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-017 after receiving three Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports alleging failures of the front driveshaft and/or transfer case, resulting in conditions of 1) a loss of engine power, 2) loss of steering assist, 3) loss of foundation brakes, 4) unintended air bag deployment and 5) engine/cab fires from combustible fluids striking hot exhaust components. The VOQs involved model year (MY) 2015 through 2017 RAM 4500 and 5500 vehicles. ODI received information from the vehicle manufacturer [Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)] via information request letters dated February 28, 2020, and April 21,2020. Supplemental information was received on March 17, 2021. A review of the responsive manufacturer information, and related meetings and presentations, showed that the transfer case failures in 97.5% of the claims did not disable the vehicle. Since analysis showed that a failed driveshaft could result in catastrophic damage to the transfer case as well as other safety risks (i.e. steering/brake failures etc.), ODI shifted the investigation to focus only on the front driveshaft failures. The double cardan universal joint design requires maintenance lubrication within every 8000 miles. Despite an under-hood maintenance reminder label and professional servicing at both dealers and independent repair facilities, the driveshafts were often found to be unlubricated due to lack of awareness, difficulty of the operation or the lack of the special tools needed to perform the work. To increase the maintenance lubrication rates, in the summer of 2021, FCA launched a communications campaign, circulating awareness bulletins, training information, special tool options and instructional videos through more than a dozen channels covering both dealer and independent repair facilities. Additionally, in the fall of 2021, FCA mailed a VIN-specific letter to each registered owner reminding them of the maintenance needs, and also sent a special grease gun adapter to every FCA US dealer and fleet operator with an FCA US dealer code. Since January 2022,NHTSA has not received a complaint of front driveshaft failure due to lack of lubrication that can lead to failure conditions such as loss of engine power, loss of steering assist, loss of foundation brakes, unintended air bag deployment and engine/cab fires. This drop in complaints, the communications campaign launched by the manufacturer, and the absence of reports from the manufacturer, support the closing of this Preliminary Evaluation. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 19.

POWER TRAIN 8 42%
TIRES 3 16%
ENGINE 2 11%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2 11%
SERVICE BRAKES 2 11%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 2 11%
STEERING 2 11%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1 5%
PARKING BRAKE 1 5%
SUSPENSION 1 5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 1 5%
WHEELS 1 5%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2019 at 5.

2018 2019 2026
2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ENGINE

fire · towed

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 INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT AND THEN TOWED TO MAC HAIK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FLOWOOD (4000 LAKELAND DR, FLOWOOD, MS 39232, (855) 223-8958) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 35490335. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE WARRANTY AND INSURANCE COMPANIES STATED

NHTSA complaint 11256464, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

fire · 139,000 miles

ON I-40 EASTBOUND MILE MARKER 121 VEHICLE STARTS TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. I HEAR AN EXPLOSION UNDER THE TRUCK WHICH CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER AND HAD TO FIGHT WITH TRUCK TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD ALL WHY AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH. TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED CUTTING WIRE HARNESS IN HALF AND RUPTURING THE FUEL LINE. TRUCK WAS SMOKING BAD AS OIL AND FUEL WAS LEAKING EVERYWHERE. TRUCK IS INOP AT THIS POINT. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS MATTER IN AN EFFORT TO HELP OTHERS FROM THIS EXPERIENCE. I ALMOST WRECKED TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AFTER THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED

NHTSA complaint 11288429. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

towed · 292,000 miles

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, there was a loud banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the transfer case had fractured and the front driveshaft had failed. The vehicle was towed and remained at the towing lot. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure however, the vehicle was not towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the failure was a known failure however, the vehicle was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 292,000.

NHTSA complaint 11485412. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

towed · 310,000 miles

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, there was an abnormally loud banging sound coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled to the side of the roadway and became aware that the transfer case had fractured into several pieces, and the front driveshaft had also fractured in several pieces. The contact stated that the fuel lines and the exhaust pipe were severely damaged. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the fuel lines, brake line, electrical wiring, transfer case, front driveshaft and the entire exhaust system were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 310,000.

NHTSA complaint 11485413. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

88,000 miles

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact stated that an unknown warning light appeared on the instrument panel which stated that the ABS function was not available and that the 4WD was disabled. The vehicle was taken a dealer where they kept the vehicle for over a week where they eventually replaced the brake hydraulic control unit ("HCU"). The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Two local dealers were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. Additionally, the contact was informed that the part that was used to repair the

NHTSA complaint 11735796, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several local dealers were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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.

NHTSA complaint 11720686. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
ABS Pump Faulty and needed replacement at 10, 866 miles in 2022 when vehicle was just 5 years old. Cost at this time was $1459. Now just 2 years later and only 3000 additional miles ABS Pump is again faulty and unable to replace but no module is available at this time.

NHTSA complaint 11609644. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

85,000 miles

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact stated that on several occasions while turned on the vehicle shut off and would not restart. The contact stated that the fuel fuse was replaced at the residence by an independent mechanic but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the TIPM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA complaint 11606760. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

WHEELS
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint 11486725. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ram 5500

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2022 26 4
2020 8 9
2019 12 9
2018 37 8
2016 17 7
2015 13 8
2014 11 10

Other 2017 Ram models

Every Ram on this site — 67 vehicles, 202 recall campaigns and 6 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst