2017 Ram 4500 Safety Report
2017 RAM 4500 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Ram 4500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Ram 4500. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (3) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Compare service brakes, hydraulic issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2016 | Compare against the 2016 Ram 4500 with 1 complaints and 7 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Ram 4500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 4500 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ram 4500 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ram 4500 | 8 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Ram 4500 | 1 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Ram 4500 | 6 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Ram 4500 | 7 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Ram 4500 | 3 | 10 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2022 Ram 4500 | 3 | 4 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
2017 Ram 4500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Ram 4500, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Ram onlySuspension,Power Train,Air Bags
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension,Power Train,Air Bags issues Ram onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ram 4500
Reliability Score
The 2017 Ram 4500 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2017 Ram 4500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ram 4500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic Recalled for potential issues with the control unit/module. Check for recall notices and service as required. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Recalled for issues where the transmission may switch into neutral unexpectedly. Check for recall notices and service as required. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Wiring Recalled for potential issues with the electrical system wiring. Check for recall notices and service as required. |
Low | Common | 20k-40k miles |
| Kidde Equipment Recalled for various vehicles equipped with Kidde equipment. Check for recall notices and service as required. |
Low | Common | Varies |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ram 4500:
Recalled for potential issues with the control unit/module.
Recalled for issues where the transmission may switch into neutral unexpectedly.
Recalled for potential issues with the electrical system wiring.
Recalled for various vehicles equipped with Kidde equipment.
Recall Details for the 2017 Ram 4500
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Ram 4500 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
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 July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA'...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
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 De...
Summary: 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 c...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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 d...
Summary: 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 ...
Consequence: 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.
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.
Summary: 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 v...
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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 i...
Summary: 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 op...
Consequence: 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.
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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Ram 4500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Ram 4500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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...
The contact owns a 2017 RAM 4500. The contact stated while towing 3 vehicles and driving 60 mph, when the front of the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but began to change to the right lane when he heard a loud abnormal noise coming from under the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into ...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 4500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION ERRONEOUSLY SWITCHED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE DISPLAY INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS STILL IN THE DRIVE POSITION. AFTER SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND BACK INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SPITZ...
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Ram 4500
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Opened 2025-07-03
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 b...
Component: Power Train
Opened 2019-12-12 · Closed 2023-10-22
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) 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ram 4500
Has the 2017 RAM 4500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 RAM 4500 has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 RAM 4500 have?
The 2017 RAM 4500 has 3 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 RAM 4500?
The 2017 RAM 4500 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 RAM 4500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 RAM 4500 involve service brakes, hydraulic (1 complaints), suspension,power train,air bags (1 complaints), power train (1 complaints).
How many crash reports does the 2017 RAM 4500 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2017 RAM 4500 out of 3 total complaints (33.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 RAM 4500 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2017 RAM 4500 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 RAM 4500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 RAM 4500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 RAM 4500?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 RAM 4500.
Should I buy a 2017 RAM 4500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 RAM 4500 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 3 complaints, 7 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 RAM 4500?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 RAM 4500 are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (1 complaints), 2. SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS (1 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 RAM 4500?
Ensure your 2017 RAM 4500 is up to date with all recalls and service recommendations. The 2017 RAM 4500 has 3 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2017 RAM 4500?
The 2017 RAM 4500 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 3 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service brakes, hydraulic and Automatic transmission.
What are the known issues with the 2017 RAM 4500?
Known issues with the 2017 RAM 4500 include: Service brakes, hydraulic, Automatic transmission, Wiring, Kidde equipment. These are based on patterns found across 3 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What is the recall for the service brakes, hydraulic?
The recall is for potential issues with the control unit/module.
What issues have been reported with the automatic transmission?
The transmission has been reported to switch into neutral unexpectedly.
Are there any other recalls for the 2017 RAM 4500?
Yes, there are recalls for wiring issues and Kidde equipment.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Ensure your 2017 RAM 4500 is up to date with all recalls and service recommendations.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ram 4500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ram 4500. The data includes 3 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16