2017 RAM 1500 Electrical System Problems
95 NHTSA complaints on file
Electrical System Issues in the 2017 RAM 1500
95 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2017 RAM 1500. Of these, 6 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.
95
Complaints
6
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Electrical System Complaints
Replaced the frozen suspension last year. Now that it’s cold again, similar codes are being thrown with new ones: Service Trailer Brake System, Service Air Suspension System, Service Electronic Braking System. To note, I’ve had a “Check Fuel Cap” code for years. It’s tied to 3 sensors along the fuel tank and absolutely nothing to do with the fuel cap itself. For the air suspension sensors (WHICH I’VE ALREADY REPLACED ONCE), and the fuel cap sensors— they all run nearly $300 a pop and that isn’t including labor. I personally cannot financially keep up with the vehicle’s maintenance costs. The fact that Canada had a class action lawsuit against FCA for the air suspension but we don’t is baffling. I pray nothing comes from these defective parts because I will be suing.
Electric power steering failure. (EPS) the Eapas system has failed and now it’s causing my steering to be extremely rough and almost impossible to drive. I have now taken it to a Dodge/Ram dealership and they have confirmed EPS failure on my truck. This happened while I was driving trying to make a turn, almost caused me to get hit but luckily that did not happen.
Anti lock brake module went out on my 2017 ram 1500. Dealerships do not have them in stock. From research it is a common problem for these years but only 2018 and up 1500's are recalled. Even if ai pay for the part the dealerships say they can't even get one. This is an enormous safety issue
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with ABS module failure. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle recently, the vehicle failed to move after several attempts. The contact used a vehicle scanner and retrieved a DTC code related to the interlock safety switch solenoid. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
As I was driving onto the highway, my battery low voltage indicator came on and shortly after my power steering failed. I had this issue earlier this year in April 2025 and replaced the old battery with a new one but after this incident, I don’t think it’s the battery anymore. I believe it’s the Electric Power Steering system.
ABS module failure, dealer has tried to reprogram computer but didn’t work. They also tried to send out to rebuild the ABS module and it couldn’t be rebuilt. Dodge has no part to replace as of yet because this part was made vin specific. Brake traction control, trailer brakes and cruise control do not work. I have had this issue over a year now.
I was driving the vehicle and suddenly the power steering became difficult to steer. It has happened to me on several occasions often in situations where an accident could have been caused with my family in tow.
My truck doesn’t display a light and the steering doesn’t work. I can’t move the wheel. I have not had inspection done yet as I need to find a way to tow it.
My 2017 Ram 1500 suffered a complete failure of the electronic power steering (EPS). The truck became unsafe to drive — steering assist cut out suddenly, and warning lights appeared. A professional mechanic removed the rack-and-pinion and found it completely filled with water and mud, despite no external damage. This is a sealed electronic unit — contamination like this points directly to a manufacturing defect. FCA issued Recall S19 (NHTSA 16V-167) for this same EPS failure in 2015–2016 models, yet they refuse to help because my VIN isn’t “covered.” This is unacceptable. Same part, same failure, same safety risk. The truck only has 63k miles, and an active NHTSA investigation (2023) and recent class actions (2024–2025) confirm this is a widespread problem. I’m asking NHTSA to push for a full recall expansion and hold FCA accountable. This is a serious safety issue with real consequences. My steering wheel completely locked...
Loss of power steering in cold temperatures with electronic power steering.
I have a bad ABS Module. Due to this, I dont not have ABS, traction control, or cruise control. I have been trying to get one for years, since roughly 2021... Again, I do not have ABS or tractions control, which are federally mandated to have. I have been told that the chips on this module is bad and that nothing that can be done. This is just wrong, and is a major safety concern on the road that I would hold the dealer liable for. Safety is a major concern here if I have to brake abruptly, or it is raining without traction control I fear for myself and others lives are at risk ... There were no warning, the light indicators just went off and started flashing... I feel this needs to be fixed asap, and I just recently learned that I could reach out here in hopes...
The anti lock brakes warning light is illuminated and dealership has no repair parts to fix the defect resulting in an unsafe condition. this also results in an inability to operate the cruise control function of the automobile . The condition has existed for over one year with no ability to obtain the needed repair parts to remedy the situation. obviously RAM/DODGE has no interest in resolving this issue without the intervention of some regulatory authority.
ADDENDUM TO COMPLAINT #11679643, SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO NHTSA ON 8/10/2025 10:10:09 AAAM - ADDENDUM READS AS FOLLOWS: ON 08/16/2025 WENT TO VINELAND DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM DEALERSHIP LOCATED AT 899 S. DELSEA DRIVE, VINELAND NJ 08360. PHONE (856) 794-9700 AND SPOKE WITH MARTHA THE MANAGER. MARTHA HAD ONE OF HER TECHS SCAN VEHICLE FOR FREE AFTER PRESENTING HER WITH MY COMPLAINT FORM. TEST CAME BACK CONFIRMING ABS BRAKE MODULE DEFECTIVE / FAILED TEST. BECAUSE MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW ON ANY RECALL LIST I WAS PROVIDED A QUOTE # [XXX] IN WHICH PART #68295368AC ABS BRAKE MODULE WILL COST $483.00 PLUS A $75.00 CORE CHARGE. LABOR TO REPLACE WAS WRITTEN IN RED INK AS $285.00 TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE ABS MODULE PLUS REPROGRAM TO VEHICLE. IN RECEIVING THE QUOTE I AGREED TO PURCHASE AS I NEED MY VEHICLE TO DRIVE FAMILY AND FOR WORK. MANAGER GOES TO PARTS DEPARTMENT...
ON FRIDAY JUNE 13, 2025 ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ELLUMINATED AND WOULD STAY ON MOMENTARILY THEN TURN OFF. ON AUG082025 THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ELLUMINATED AND STAYED LIT. ON AUG102025 DROVE TO AUTOZONE BUENA NJ AND HAD THEM SCAN MY VEHICLE USING THEIR FIXFINDER OBDII SCAN TOOL AND APPLICATION. CHECK ENGINE PASSED, ABS FAILED, EMMISSION READY, SERVICE INTERVAL PASS. THERE FIXFINDER APPLICATION INDICATED THAT FOR ABS THE SOLUTION WOULD BE TO REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. NO OTHER PARTS LISTED. ATTACHED IS COPY OF REPORT.
Electrical problems with the power steering. Shifting and RPM’s transmission
Hemi 5.7 lifters and ate up crank had to replace engine with 79000 miles and now I keep getting random misfire ordered ecm and it want let alt charge they say it’s in our wiring
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied at the residence, the vehicle locked and started independently. The contact stated that a dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.
My fuel level sensor has failed twice now. Once at 60k miles and again at 106k miles. It’s expensive to fix is a dangerous problem. This needs to be recalled
Electronic power steering just shut off randomly a year after my extended warranty was up costing 3-4000 $ in repair bills this is absurd that this has not been recalled yet
ABS and traction control lights consistently light shortly after starting the truck. ABS, traction control and 4 wheel drive are disabled when this happens. This issue has been ongoing for many months with several attemps to repair that have not worked.
While driving several times since purchasing it the vehicles steering had completely locked and I've had to slam on brakes in middle of traffic before i crash several times, very close to causing serious injuriesto myself or others and possibly death. This has happened numerous times since i bought it. I took it to the dealership where I purchased it, they said they fix it in 2021 it has happend several times since then also, im scared to drive it. Or it will get super lose like a joy stick, but won't turn at all. Ive taken it to several other dealerships for diagnosis with similar results. Now when i brought it to the dealership where i purchased they're saying they have to charge to diagnosis it again when I have several other diagnosis stating same problem plus i brought it here in 2021 same problem. so there own diagnosis...
experiencing total power steering loss, and intermittent loss of power steering
Experiencing intermittent loss of power steering making it difficult to turn or maneuver the vehicle, which is more prevalent during colder temperatures. A safety issue is created by the inability to react quickly or control the vehicle in certain situations, such as icy or snowy road conditions where loss of traction occurs. A diagnostic scan has been performed and a code was recorded for a short circuit, or low voltage, to the power steering. Code for power steering was first noticed in July, 2024. Intermittent loss of power steering was first noticed in October, 2024. Code was cleared and has not returned. However, the most recent diagnostic run is now showing a code for, “Battery Voltage - circuit voltage below threshold” (C2129-16). Other codes are present for open/short circuit for the passenger door module as well. Between July and October other electrical related issues were experienced. This includes incorrect reading...
Rear Sliding window stuck open and unable to get window to close. Checked online and found that this is an issue that multiple people are reporting. Contacted Dodge and they inform since vehicle is out of warranty that they cant assist. This vehicle is garage kept and is very well taken care of. Non-working windows are a safety issue. There could be multiple reasons that the window is non-functional. This should be a recall for Ram.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated the gear shift/rotary dial had seized in place. The vehicle failed to shift into park, and the key failed to release from the ignition switch. While driving, the vehicle jumped from park to reverse and then drive. The drive, reverse, park, and neutral warning lights were illuminated. While at a stop, the vehicle locked. While depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal revving sound detected. The vehicle was hesitating and was slow to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as an electrical failure. The dealer informed the contact that the control module was not communicating with the TCM. The dealer scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also called Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 44 Worley Rd., Marion, NC 28752, Auto Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Waynesville...
There is a recall 66-A for this vehicle that was repaired Nov.21,2023. This recall for this Vin truck is a system update on the electric throttle control. There is another part of this recall that some vehicles have then had the crankshaft position to be off due to the tonewheel magnetic strip to break. This happened after the initial system update was done last year. This vin should also be covered under the recall for the tonewheel breaking. I am requesting it to be covered under the recall and reimbursement for the 1837.82 cost.
Loss of dash display engine shuts down and no control of anything including steering very dangerous
The car has hit the brakes multiple times by itself on the highway. The car also does not have traction control anymore and I almost lost control with both of my kids in the car when I went to speed up and pass someone. Since the car is rear wheel drive, I almost spun out but I let go of the gas and kept my wheel straight and it aligned itself back to normal. I’ve been in contact with the dealership about the abs problems and they said it’s a computer that is on back order for someone reason. This is very dangerous and I’ve read many reports online of how it’s happened to many folks. I constantly have an abs, brake, and traction light on. In addition, the problem Can’t even Be fixed since they don’t have the computer at the dealership. Dodge needs to fix this dangerous problem....
1) Exhaust Manifold and exhaust bolts. Cause exhaust leak and puts me at risk of exhaust coming into passenger area. Ticking on cold start up til warms up. It's been reproduced and diagnosed at dealership. Exhaust manifold and exhaust manifold bolts are a well known issue that's has been reported multiple times and seems to be ignored. 2) Ignition Lock Cylinder on start up intermittently it sounds as if gets stuck turning over and will power up for 1-2 secs and shut off. Been reproduced at dealership. 3)Evap system code.
The electronic power steering (EPS) system failed while driving down the road. Lost the ability to steer the vechical and came close to having a accident head on.we had to cost down the road way until we reached the shoulder. The truck has 80,000 miles . Yes the warning lamp lit up once the system stopped operating properly not before we lost the ability to steer, the warning was a steering wheel and ! Point. There was no pre warning. Had to have the truck trailered back home.
I pulled in a parking spot came back an hour later started my truck put it in reverse I had no steering, I pulled forward put in park then reverse. My steering was not there. Turning the trick off and back on no warning lights. After sitting for 2 hrs I turned the truck on a red light started flashing. Service power steering . I just bought the truck so I took it back to the dealership big Joe's auto. My dad attempted to drive it and put it in the ditch because he could not steering. The dealership would not send a tow truck.
Power steering suddenly stopped working. Same description as the other model years involved in the recall. Electric power steering goes out randomly, replacement part is extremely expensive, and nearly impossible to find available. This truck was this truck was produced in 2016 although model year 2017. Electric power steering is the same for the 13’-16’ model years. 2017 should be included in the recall.
The power steering went out while driving. I don’t know why. All I know is it’s not safe for that to happen. I guess that why the recall was about. This truck did not get the steering issue fixed.now it definitely should be taking care of since I’m unable to drive without it. I’ve had shops look at it and they found the recalls
Out driving and power steering stopped working making it very difficult to turn the steering wheel especially on slow turns. Having it in the repair shop tomorrow to see what issues and cost to fix.
On [XXX], I received a "SERVICE ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM" error on my 2017 Ram 1500 and then "CHECK ENGINE" light came on. I did not drive the truck after that except to bring it to my dealer at first available appointment on [XXX]. I brought the truck to my dealer for repair and after system inspection was told the ABS module and HCU (hydraulic control unit) are faulty and need replacement. The parts are on backorder and not expected for months. This seems to be a known problem with the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. I am told I can operate the truck at my own risk without the repair. I live in Iowa with winter snow and should not have to be concerned with braking issues which put myself and my family at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving, the truck started shuttering and as I was able to stop where I was, the D light was flashing and the truck died. It would not start, it would not let me put it in N to be able to try and get off the road.
Brakes locked up in busy pedestrian area when it was wet. Message popped up on dash that stated to service electronic braking system and a second to service the ABS brake system. I almost hit someone because they did not perform as they have in hard braking scenarios in the past. The truck is at the dealership with no parts available in the nation and no aftermarket availability until an engineering solution is found at FCA. There is much to read on the issue at various online forum sites. When I slammed on my brakes my truck slid all over the place and that has never happpend before .
While driving on a busy Highway my 2017 Ram 1500 will lose power causing me to abruptly slow down in the middle of the road. Suddenly my check engine light and every other light appears and I get many warnings in the dash: service electronic braking system, service shifter, and many more. Restarting the vehicle or disconnecting the battery will resolve the issue for a short amount of time. It’s not long before the same thing happens again.
Vehicle was brought in several times for loose headlights. Each time fastners were replaced. By dealership. Larry Miller boise, ID. Called ram cares they stated nothing was reported to them nor were there any recall. This is a major safety issue and on forums many people state they cannot pass state inspection because the headlights are falling out.
Fuel sensor failure causing check engine light to activate
Me and my girlfriend were driving down a 2 lane highway and my ram 1500 suddenly lost power steering ability and spun out of control because the steering was very hard to steer at 55 mph. Lucky I was able to start the truck back up and slowly try to drive to a pullout with no steering help.. My girlfriend and I were very scared but grateful that our lives spared. Prior to this incident there were no warnings or signs of electronic power steering failure. After pulling away from the road shoulder we were able to drive slowly home as we we’re about a mile from home warming lights on the instrument cluster and chiming “Service Power Steering!” The truck is out of warranty so I could not afford to have the dealership repair the power steering problem.
ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COME ON FOR NO REASON. WITH MESSAGE OF SERVCICE ABS SYSTEM AND SERVICE TRAILER BRAKING SYSTEM. ALSO LIGHTNING BOLT LIGHT- (ETC CONTROL) COMES ON WONT LET YOUR TRUCK ACCELORATE OR SHIFT. YOU CAN UNPLUG THE PEDAL OVER NIGHT AND YOU WILL GET A DAY OR TWO BEFORE IT COMES BACK ON. I HAVE REPLACED THREE DIFFERENT $400.00 GAS PEDALS WITHIN TWO YEARS
Shortly after starting the engine it suddenly shut off. This has happened on three occasions, and each time I noticed the key fob was between the ON and ACC positions. I think the key fob sometimes returns too far after I release it from the start position. The first two times I had to turn it to the off position, remove the key fob, then restart the engine. This time nothing happened when I tried to restart the engine. I removed the key fob and opened and closed the driver door, then was able to restart the engine.
While parking my truck, it had an unintended acceleration and my foot was not on the gas peddle. I was going about 1-2mph and the truck picked up speed unexpectedly and collided with my garage wall. I am unsure what component malfunctioned and it has not yet been inspected. Myself and my baby were in the car and luckily I was able to stop by hitting the brakes and putting the car in park. It continued to pull forward even with my foot on the brake. There was no warning or codes prior to or after the incident.
The 8.4" infotainment screen freezes up at random times. This is an ongoing recurring issue. This is not only a comfort/convenience/entertainment annoyance. This also disables safety equipment, for example the back-up camera and the windshield defrosting via the climate control system. While I have reached out to the manufacturer for guidance, I have not taken it in for service. There are no warning lamps or indicators of malfunction. This has not resulted in any accidents yet, although I can plainly see the potential.
Every time I travel thru the New York Metro region my Navigations starts "updating" and going blank, or starting telling me I am located in an area I am not even near like a walkway or a river. Have contacted Dodge and Sirius multiple times on the issue and both point the finger at each other. No other component of the system are having a problem, like the radio, climate control, etc only the navigation system and only when I am in the New York Metro area. I have picture to show the issue and have almost crash a number of times trying to fix the navigation while driving in the area.
On 26 June 2022 while driving home the truck doors stated locking and the lights flashed every time I came to a stop. On 28 June 2022 the truck self started while inside the garage. The key fob was inside the home on a shelf with no one around and nobody was touching the truck. This is very unsafe since we have an attached garage and we sleep about 12 feet away from the tail pipe. On 29 June 2022 I took it to Dishman Dodge in Spokane WA where I was told that this has never happened. I am the original owner and this truck has had many previous electrical issues (Back up camera, cruise control, fail to start due to security chip pickup, wiper control, power window). It now has 62,000 miles.
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system went out while turning. Making the turn hazardous as the wheels were impossible to rotate. This has happened multiple times and without warning. Happens both turning left and turning right and will occur when tires are straight as well. My safety and the safety of others were put as risk and continue to be at risk with this vehicle and others like it on the roads. The problem has been stored in the trucks CPM and pulled by the dealer to verify the accident occurred. I was informed nothing can be done since no recalls pull up with my particular VIN number. It has not yet been inspected by police or insurance. The "EPS!" message occurred as the steering was out.
On Sunday March 27, 2022 my daughter and I were in my 2017 Ram 1500 Bighorn 5.7 liter Hemi, driving east bound on a major road leading from my neighborhood. We were going about 50 mph when the entire dash board lit up like a Christmas tree, windshield wipers, radio volume going up and down, all sensors going off, and the entire speedometer went black, all of this happened going full speed, oh, and the gear shift knob turned off!!!! I couldn’t control my vehicle at all. All of this happened and then it just went black, no speedometer, no gear shifter, and no steering control!! I want to remind you that I was driving with my child in the truck!! It is now at my local mechanic with the truck completely bricked. No power whatsoever, gear is stuck, and the key fob is stuck in ACC and they cannot...
My electronic power steering failed. Makes it next to impossible to steer. Thankfully low speed, so no crash. No warning prior to failure.
Other 2017 RAM 1500 Problem Areas
Steering
192 complaints
Engine
152 complaints
Power Train
85 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
82 complaints
Service Brakes
73 complaints
Unknown Or Other
65 complaints
Air Bags
52 complaints
Suspension
43 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
37 complaints
Fuel System Diesel
31 complaints
Structurebody
30 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
29 complaints
Exterior Lighting
12 complaints
Wheels
12 complaints
Seat Belts
11 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
10 complaints
Visibilitywiper
8 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
7 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
6 complaints
Seats
6 complaints
Steeringrack And Pinion
5 complaints
Tires
5 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
4 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
3 complaints
Structure
3 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
2 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
2 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
2 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
2 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
2 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
2 complaints
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera
1 complaint
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelfuel Gaugefuel Level Floatsensorsending Unit
1 complaint
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
1 complaint
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assembly
1 complaint
Lane Departure Assist
1 complaint
Lane Departure Warning
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
1 complaint
Parking Brake
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
1 complaint
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
1 complaint
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
1 complaint
Steeringsteering Control Module
1 complaint
Structurebodydoor
1 complaint
Structurebodytailgate
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
1 complaint
Suspensionmultiple Axle
1 complaint
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
1 complaint
Tiressidewall
1 complaint
Trailer Hitches
1 complaint
Visibility
1 complaint
Visibilitywindshield
1 complaint
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
1 complaint