2017 Ram 3500 Safety Report

The 2017 RAM 3500 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a high volume of complaints related to its braking system and a significant number of recalls. With 296 total complaints, 9 crashes, and 2 injuries reported to NHTSA, there are clear areas of concern. The most prominent issue revolves around the 'SERVICE BRAKES' and 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC' components, accounting for 80 and 37 complaints respectively, often leading to a loss of ABS, traction control, and cruise control functionality. This is directly linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 concerning the hydraulic control unit (HCU), where many owners report prolonged waits for parts, leaving them driving with compromised braking systems. This specific recall is critical as a loss of these systems can increase the risk of a crash, as explicitly stated in the recall details. Beyond the braking system, the vehicle has been subject to 13 recalls, addressing a range of serious safety defects. These include potential side curtain air bag inflator ruptures (affecting 2016-2019 models), which could cause sharp metal fragments to strike occupants. Other significant recalls cover issues like incorrect wheel lug nut information leading to potential wheel separation, tailgate latches failing and causing cargo to fall out, and steering linkage problems that could result in a loss of steering control. The sheer number and severity of these recalls indicate a vehicle that has had multiple design or manufacturing flaws requiring corrective action. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2017 RAM 3500 are not available (N/A) for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories, which means there is no independent government data on its crashworthiness. This lack of data makes it difficult to assess its performance in collision scenarios. However, the high number of complaints, particularly concerning critical safety systems like brakes and steering, coupled with the extensive recall history, suggests that owners should exercise caution and ensure all outstanding recalls are addressed promptly, especially the persistent HCU issue.

Our recommendation: Given the extensive recall history and numerous critical safety complaints, particularly regarding the braking system, potential buyers should proceed with caution and ensure all 13 recalls have been addressed, especially the HCU issue, before purchase.