NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls and 884 owner complaints for the 2017 Ram 1500. Most complaints involve steering (230) and engine (156). The EPA rates it 15–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each 1500 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2011 | 689 |
| 2013 | 1,282 |
| 2014 | 1,780 |
| 2015 | 1,460 |
| 2016 | 1,554 |
| 2017 | 884 |
| 2018 | 667 |
| 2019 | 1,496 |
| 2020 | 642 |
| 2021 | 685 |
| 2022 | 637 |
| 2023 | 205 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“On Approx. July 15 2026, I was driving down the highway 65 mph and my power steering locked up, I could no longer drive I finally got the truck to turn a little bit so I can get off the highway and pull over and I had to be towed the rest of the way home. . After this incident it became sporadic sometimes it would start to lock up and sometimes it wouldn't there's a loud noise when I turn the steering wheel either way.”
“The crank tone wheel failed and created a no start scenario. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer and they are advising quoting me a repair when there is a related open recall for this exact situation.”
“To Whom It May Concern at NHTSA, I am filing this safety complaint regarding a defective ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2017 Ram 1500 TRADESMAN CREW CAB 4x4 5.7L Hemi with approximately 92,000 miles. DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The ABS HCU has failed, resulting in complete loss of anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, 4WD and cruise control. This is an identical failure mode to the defect addressed under NHTSA Recall 24V-896, which covered 2017-2018 Ram 2500-5500 trucks. My 2017 Ram 1500 uses the same or substantially similar HCU component and is experiencing the identical failure. SAFETY RISK: The loss of ABS, ESC, 4WD and traction control significantly increases the risk of a crash, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This is not a minor inconvenience — it is a serious safety hazard that FCA/Stellantis has already acknowledged in heavier-duty Ram platforms. MANUFACTURER KNOWLEDGE: FCA was aware of this defect as early as 2016 based on warranty claims and customer complaints. Despite issuing Recall 24V-896 for heavier Ram trucks with the same HCU failure, FCA has failed to extend recall coverage to the 2017 Ram 1500,…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $4,100 | 448 |
| 1500 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $4,300 | 465 |
| 1500 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 450 |
| 1500 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 475 |
| 1500 2WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,350 | 512 |
| 1500 4WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,350 | 527 |
| 1500 4WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,900 | 580 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
13 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 884 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (230), engine (156), electrical system (110). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2017 Ram 1500 at 15–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Ram 1500 4 out of 5 stars overall.