The Lemon Index2017 Ram 1500.
The 2017 Ram 1500 is about average by owner complaints: 458 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 87, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 19 recalls, and it gets 15 to 23 mpg combined. The best Ram 1500 year is 2000.
Covers the whole Ram pickup line (1500, 2500 and 3500): Ram reports their sales together.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 96 YouTube videos about the 2009–2018 Ram 1500, 22.7M views. The 2017 is the same truck.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical1.5M views
RAM Key fob Not Working / Responding **Quick Fix**- 2016 Ram 1500MJ Altairy · 431K views · 9 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring1.1M views
How to Adjust/Aim Headlights on a 2009–2018 Ram 1500/2500/3500 (DIY)LethalGarage · 484K views · 5 videos - Steering & suspension1.0M views
How to Install a 2012-2014 Ram 1500 4-Inch Suspension Lift KitRough Country · 469K views · 8 videos - Oil changes & service659K views
100k Mile Service Ram 1500 Truck 4th Gen 2008-181A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 579K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Driveshaft, axles & 4x4624K views
How to Replace Front CV Axles 2011-2018 Ram 15001A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 357K views · 5 videos - Lifters, AFM & cam phasers613K views
How to Replace The Lifters and Camshaft on a 2013 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi (Every Step in 30 Minutes!)Jack Fletcher · 613K views - Intake, EGR & engine sensors498K views
How to Replace Camshaft Sensor 2011-2018 RAM 1500TRQ · 219K views · 4 videos - Fuel pump, filter & tank415K views
RAM 1500 Gas Tank REMOVAL - DIY - 2009-2018BoostedMotorsports · 361K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ram Truck 1500 4th Generation 2009-171A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 2.6M views
2010 Ram 1500 250,000 miles - reliability reviewReagan Hughes · 91K views
Top 5 Problems Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup 2003-2009 3rd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 71K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 1,894 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ram 1500 year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 78K miles on the car (678 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 14K–49K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 23K–90K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 15K–75K miles
Recalls 19
- airbags 2025
The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
- brakes 2024
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.
- engine 2023
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.
Show all 19 recalls
- fuel system, diesel 2022
A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
- airbags 2021
The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
- engine 2020
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.
- engine 2019
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system.
- latches/locks/linkages 2019
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
- steering 2019
The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
- steering 2018
Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
- body structure 2018
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
- electrical 2018
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
- transmission & drivetrain 2018
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.
- equipment 2017
A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
- transmission & drivetrain 2017
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.
- engine 2017
These water pumps may leak coolant.
- wheels 2017
The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
- fuel system, gasoline 2017
The fuel tanks in the affected vehicles may have a broken fuel tank control valve which might leak fuel if the vehicle were to become inverted.
- transmission & drivetrain 2017
The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ram told dealers about
Ram sent dealers 582 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Hemi Emblems Installed On Vehicles Equipped with A 3.6L Engine This bulletin involves removing…
- Water Pump For JK Bodies ONLY: If replacing the water pump for a chirp, squeal or NVH, please…
- Hands Free Module - CTM ?
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenPost recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure2025
- OpenHigh pressure fuel pump failure2023
- ClosedLoss of brake performance2022–2025
- ClosedSteering loss due to linkage separation2019–2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–4900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
I put my van in drive an then it started and it started bucking and then the check engine light came on
2017 Ram 1500 owner · NHTSA complaint 11337871
More owner reports
The engine the lifters sound and cancel the cylinders and the radio does not turn on and does not work, the air conditioning, windows, lights etc
NHTSA complaint 11378008
Merging onto the highway from the feeder, my truck had a delay (2-3 second) in acceleration.
NHTSA complaint 11360036
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Ram 1500 reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew 1.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 87; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ram 1500 year by this measure since 2010 is 2023.
What are the most common 2017 Ram 1500 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (19%), engine (19%) and steering (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Ram 1500 have?
19 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Ram 1500 get?
15 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Ram 1500 safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Ram 1500 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,000 and 78,000 miles. The middle report was at 40,000 miles, from 678 complaints.
Does the 2017 Ram 1500 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Ram 1500 cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $4900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Ram 1500 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
What Ram 1500 year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2017 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works