FaultScore

2017 RAM 1500 electrical problems

106 of the 1,181 complaints about the 2017 RAM 1500 are about the electrical system — 9% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 23,000 miles.

B

106

Complaints

6

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 102 96.2%
Speedometer/Odometer 3 2.8%
Fuel Level Float/Sensor/Sending Unit 1 0.9%

Electrical System across every RAM 1500 year

2013 227 9.9%
2014 243 10.6%
2015 157 6.9%
2016 191 8.3%
2017 106 4.6%
2018 157 6.9%
2019 378 16.5%
2020 159 6.9%
2021 194 8.5%
2022 184 8.0%
2023 64 2.8%
2024 29 1.3%
2025 163 7.1%
2026 37 1.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 166,000 miles Louisville, KY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ram 1500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale in a parking lot with an interpreter. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 117,777; it was discovered that the mileage was 166,000 on the Carfax report. The contact filed a complaint with the Attorney General online.

NHTSA complaint #11757359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

River Falls, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Per my dealer, Hudson Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Hudson, WI the ABS Module in my 2017 Ram 1500 has failed, and needs to be replaced. The part is on permanent backorder with no eta on production or shipping. There are thousands of complaints online regarding this issue, that Ram is not correcting. My dealer told me they may never receive the part, and there is no solution for it. The part number is 68295368AC

NHTSA complaint #11744933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Atascadero, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle is a 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn EcoDiesel 4x4 that I bought new in 2018. The backup camera has been a constant intermittent problem since the second year of ownership. It will go dark, have a green screen, or display scrambled lines. The camera has been replaced by the local Ram dealer (Mullahey Jeep/Dodge/Ram in Paso Robles, CA) at least once under warranty, but the problem recurred. It has been there at other times for the issue, but the problem had rectified itself by the time I got it there. After researching this on the internet the problem appears to be in the backup camera wiring harness in the tailgate, possibly in the electrical connectors. Many people complain about the issue on various forums, and there are quite a few videos on You Tube with homegrown fixes which I have tried, but they are a temporary at best. The best temporary remedy I have found is to open and then slam the tailgate shut. The problem appears to be quite common. I informed the dealer about the wiring harness possibly being the source of the problem the last time I brought it in a few years ago, but they seemed to ignore my advice. I know that there have been safety recalls of RAM pickups for backup camera issues from model years 2019 onwards, so why not other affected years? The problem most recently recurred today as I was backing out of my driveway. It has occurred numerous times over the years. RAM appears to have no permanent fix for this safety hazard. Luckily, I have not yet had an accident, but no one should have to wait for an accident, injury, or a fatality to order a recall. I hope my complaint does not fall on deaf ears as it has with RAM. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11742861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Fort Worth, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ram 1500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact called the dealer but there was no response due to the location being bankrupt. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 120,000. A Carfax report was obtained. it was discovered that the mileage was 140,000.There was no other agency contacted.

NHTSA complaint #11742014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,200 miles Elkton, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Traction Control, ABS, Electric Trailer Brake, and Brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was purchased, and it was scanned with an OBD2 scanner; however, it was cleared for error codes and diagnosed safe to drive. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occasionally reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,200.

NHTSA complaint #11740304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sarasota, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4-28-2026 - Service ABS illuminated, Emergency Brake Warning Light Stays Illuminated, and Electronic Stability Control Warning stays Illuminated. Had it at dealer on 4-30-2026. They tested system and said ABS CONTROL MODULE was working but sensor was bad and there was a backlog or over 20,000 customers waiting for replacement OEM parts. Engineers developed a replacement in 2023 but the replacement had a faulty chip and is not serviceable. As a result, there are over 20,000 RAM and Jeep owners driving around with unsafe vehicles. There is a safety recall for this issue but only calls out RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks.

NHTSA complaint #11736818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Haysi, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Timeline of issues: 04/11/2026 – Vehicle purchased 04/16/2026 – Brakes began grinding 04/18/2026 – Vehicle developed starting issues 04/19/2026 – Brake system parts (pads, rotors, calipers) ordered due to failure 04/23/2026 – Parts received; same day 4WD was tested and confirmed not functioning properly (dashboard indicates engagement but front wheels do not engage) 04/24/2026 – Complete brake failure occurred due to caliper failure These issues occurred immediately after purchase and indicate the vehicle had significant pre-existing mechanical defects at the time of sale. The 4WD system also does not function correctly despite indicating engagement, and the braking system failed completely shortly after purchase.

NHTSA complaint #11733804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Johnson City, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electronic Power Steering just stopped all of a sudden while I was going up the mountain into North Carolina that almost caused an accident the only reason it didn’t is because of the pull off right after the curve I was going through when I lost all steering! With the truck already in the pull off I stopped to see if I had lost a serpentine belt unaware this Ram is equipped with the EPS System. I had no phone service luckily someone came by when they did because of the snow storm seeing vehicles was few and far between! After letting the truck sit for about 20mins with the positive cable unhooked I started the truck and had steering again. So the nice gentleman that stopped said he would follow me to the nearest cell service area so I could call someone, No warning light the first time at all the second time the only warning light was service ABS system which shouldn’t affect having power steering. So I repeated the steps as I did the first time and had steering again the service ABS System light was gone and we made it 11 Minutes up the mountain before it happened again only this time all kinds of service lights came on all at once, Service Electronic brake system,Service ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, SERVICE ELECTRONIC SHIFTER, SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM, traction control was disabled which isn’t good in snowy weather conditions and i had no choice but to continue 3mins to the next town with no power steering no traction control and all these other warning lights because it wouldn’t fix it anymore temporarily by in hooking the positive battery cable and waiting 20 minutes which I attempted 3 times with no success once we reached the town I was able to call and have someone come pick me and my truck up and brought a scan tool I cleared the codes only for them to come right back as soon as I would crank the truck! Had it professionally scanned with same results! Very dangerous issue! Yes it can be inspected yes professionally inspected $2300part only not labor to!

NHTSA complaint #11725472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Granada Hills, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My suspension didn't work. It was riding on the frame. The power steering is very difficult to turn. The front control screen is not turning on.

NHTSA complaint #11725150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Russiaville, IN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11714667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tucson, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11714700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jennings, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11711999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Roanoke, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11707779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

National City, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11706435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carthage, NC

ELECTRICAL 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.

NHTSA complaint #11703824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Little Rock, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11703405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Douglas, WY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11699333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Priorlake, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 up while I was driving with my 5 year old daughter in the truck on Christmas Day no less. It could have been much worse.

NHTSA complaint #11696908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warwick, RI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Loss of power steering in cold temperatures with electronic power steering.

NHTSA complaint #11693739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lakeland, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 to find a resolution. If it cant be fixed, then I believe the dealer should have to buy the vehicle back as they are federally mandated to provide ABS and traction control on vehicles. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA complaint #11691018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hopkinsville, KY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11689972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vineland, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 AND GIVES THE QUOTE TO PARTS COUNTER REP EXPLAINING TO PLACE ORDER AND PROVIDE INFO BACK TO HER SO THAT SHE CAN EXPEDITE. RECEIVED BILL AND PAID A TOTAL OF $612.82 FOR PARTS, CORE CHARGE, TAXES, AND CONVIENENCE FEE FOR USING MY CREDIT CARD. NOTE THIS CHARGE DOES NOT INCLUDE THE $285.00 LABOR FEE TO INSTALL AND PROGRAM MODULE ( WILL BE BILLED AT TIME OF SERVICE.) WHEN I GET THE PAID INVOICE BACK I AM TOLD THE PART IS BACKORDERED DUE TO A RECALL, AND THAT THE PART MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR AT LEAST 45 DAYS. ONLY WAY TO GUARANTEE BEING A RECIPIENT OF THE PART WITH MANAGER PLACING EXPEDITE REQUEST WAS TO PREPAY AS I WAS TOLD. INCLUDED ARE COPIES OF OBD II REPORT FROM DEALER, QUOTE PROVIDED, AND RECEIPT OF PAYMENT. I WILL NEED TO KNOW HOW TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THIS RECALLED PART. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11681158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vineland, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11679643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 181,000 miles Schertz, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 RAM 1500 from a private seller. The contact stated that the sales advertisement and the odometer indicated that the mileage was 89,400. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle had been in one previous accident. The contact purchased the Carfax report, which indicated that on December 26, 2024, the vehicle received a transfer case replacement, and the mileage was reported at 181,000. The contact stated for confirmation of the information, the contact purchased a second car fax report, which shared the same information. The contact stated that the seller declined contact.

NHTSA complaint #11676743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Niagara Falls, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical problems with the power steering. Shifting and RPM’s transmission

NHTSA complaint #11671320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ridgeway, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11664167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 21,000 miles West Allis, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11656530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newark, DE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11648527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waterville, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11643230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Halifax, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11636358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2017 RAM 1500 problems

← Full 2017 RAM 1500 report