2017 RAM 3500 engine problems

ENGINE

Grid heater bolt broke while towing our camper and destroyed our engine while traveling through Virginia!

NHTSA complaint #11732828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle had undergone the regeneration process. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was performing the DPF regeneration cycle constantly while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the SCR catalytic converter was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 272,000.

NHTSA complaint #11699454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The low coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact unlatched the hood and noticed fluids spraying and that the fan belt had detached. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with fan clutch failure. The contact was informed that the fan clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer a second time and was diagnosed with fan clutch failure. The contact was informed that the fan clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred within 30 days prior to the repair. The contact stated that the dealer was giving him the run-around about repairing the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 322,542.

NHTSA complaint #11692495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Recently I was informed about a possible engine failure involving a "Grid Heater Bolt". Upon my query, I learned the following: The RAM grid heater bolt failure can lead to serious engine damage. Here are some key points: 1. The grid heater nut can melt and fall off inside the intake plenum, often due to the grid heater relay sticking "on". Or fall off due to vibration. 2. A bolt in the 2007-2023 RAM 6.7L intake air heater can cause severe engine damage, and a warning code (P2609) may indicate this issue. 3. The grid heater bolt/nut can wear from heat or vibration, potentially dropping into the cylinder and destroying the engine. The risk related to this can be minor to catastrophic. Any potential engine failure during operation could cause damage, fire, injury or death. Upon researching this issue, I found the Internet full of warnings, but yet since 2007 to 2023 no factory solution or recall has been made. A recall has been made for simuliar issue. See attached. As a preventive measure, I am replacing mine with a aftermarket device. Something Ram or Cummins engine should have done since 2007. I have not been in a collision or a engine failure. But I am sure since 2007, someone has. There are two or three aftermarket repairs that the manufacturer should have resolved.

NHTSA complaint #11677840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While test driving a 2017 RAM 3500 6.7L Cummins diesel at Cherry Hill Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, both the check engine light and the regen warning light came on simultaneously. I returned to the dealership, looked up the regen warning, then retrieved my BlueDriver OBD2 scanner from my own vehicle. I scanned the truck on-site and ran live data. The scan confirmed the diesel particulate filter (DPF) was 100% full, and the regeneration system was not functioning. Permanent fault code P242F was stored, and the exhaust backpressure reading was over 25 PSI at idle — indicating a severely blocked system. These faults were not disclosed by the dealership, and no inspection or documentation from a diesel technician was available. I later discovered the truck also has an open safety recall (Manufacturer Recall Number: C4B / NHTSA Recall Number: 24V-896) for a potential failure of the Brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). This recall involves the loss of ABS, Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control, and the recall status is listed as incomplete with no remedy available as of the test date. I offered to purchase the truck for $35,000 out-the-door on the condition that the emissions system was repaired and certified. The salesperson spoke with the manager, then returned and told me the vehicle was no longer for sale. I then overheard the manager say they planned to wholesale the vehicle, likely without disclosing these active safety and emissions system failures. I am filing this report to ensure the vehicle is flagged for unresolved safety and emissions violations before it is sold or auctioned in its current condition. I have full diagnostic scan data, photographs, and written communication from the visit available upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11674103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

P2609 check engine code for a component in the diesel fuel intake chamber. The relay failed, melted a bolt and attached nut that fell into the intake manifold. The part then traveled into piston cylinder destroying the valves and the engine. The truck then is powerless on the roadway. This is a known issue for all Ram diesel’s manufactured 2007-2024. This should be a major recall and Ram has done nothing for vehicles out of warranty. Please help.

NHTSA complaint #11645067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving uphill and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it diagnosed that the emission control system had failed. The mechanic replaced the EGR cooler, the EGR valve and the temperature sensor. Additionally, the mechanic performed other unknow repairs. The vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that she had received an unknown recall notification related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement; however, the reimbursement claim was denied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11600141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

on Cummins Diesel Engine installed on this vehicle, On the Intake Air Heater assembly, there is a nut/bolt that has voltage applied to it to heat incoming air, this bolt/nut can melt and then eventually drop into #6 cylinder which will damage engine and possibly freeze/stop engine while driving thereby creates a safety hazard while driving. In my case engine warning light came on before the bolt dropped into cylinder and was repaired before damage occurred. Also see the following Utube link for video on issue. [XXX] Dodge Ram needs to recall these vehicles to check and repair this, also to redesign it so that it can't happen INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11578107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Potential Grid Heater defect that can cause major engine failure and/or fire. The bolt connecting the Heater Grid to the intake plenum can heat up and break off, fall into the intake, and get pulled into a cylinder causing major damage.

NHTSA complaint #11573578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Truck broke engine while driving in downtown Atlanta, GA towing a trailer. After having a certified diesel mechanic diagnose the problem, it was discovered that the grid heater has malfunctioned causing it to melt a bolt and break off into the engine thus causing a total engine loss. After researching online and speaking with the mechanic, this is apparently a common problem that we were unaware of. Had we been informed, we could have been proactive in preserving the engine. What could have been a pretty cheap fix has turned into a $15-$20k dollar repair job and could’ve ended with us in a wreck had we not been able to exit the road in time. I’m aware that there are no current recalls on this particular VIN. However, I would like for you to investigate the problem further because it could save consumers a lot of money and possibly their life.

NHTSA complaint #11570297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Grid heater bolt failure. Vehicle is currently located at the dealership and the is labeled “Do not start”. Part of the grid heater bolt can fall into vehicle intake and cause catastrophic engine failure. Check engine light came on after bolt failure. This has been a known issue but nothing has been done to resolve it.

NHTSA complaint #11563689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The grid heater in my engine overheated causing a bolt to lose integrity and snap off being sucked into the # 6 cylinder causing catastrophic damage to the motor while I was towing a trailer up hill. Losing all power on a hill with a trailer seems like a pretty dangerous situation to me. It’s a known issue dating back too 2014 and still hasn’t been fixed my 2017 suffered from the issue and now I’m 2021-2023 models there catching fire and being recalled but my 2017 is not. There’s only 48,000 miles on my truck it’s not old at all and should be in the same recall as the newer models.

NHTSA complaint #11525741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

PART NUMBER 68310865AB ENGINE OIL FILTER ADAPTER THIS IS THE THIRD PART FOR THIS VEHICLE THAT SEEMS UNAVAILABLE OVER 16,000 ON BACK ORDER AND THEY HAVE YET TO ISSUE A RECALL

NHTSA complaint #11399830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 19V818000 (EQUIPMENT, ENGINE, AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 20V036000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CENTRAL VALLEY CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (4460 MCHENRY AVE, MODESTO, CA 95356) WAS CONTACTED AND HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE ORDERED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER RECENTLY INFORMED HIM THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACK-ORDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ## VIN PASSED ## RAM 2017 ##

NHTSA complaint #11386651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

FUEL LEAK IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FUEL FILTER HOUSING WAS REPLACED DUE TO LEAKAGE AROUND FUEL HEATER ELEMENTS IN HOUSING. THIS IS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM AND SAME FUEL FILTER HOUSING THAT BROUGHT ABOUT RAM RECALL P65. I HAVE CONTACTED RAM AND FILED A REPORT AS WELL AS RETAINED THE FAILED PART.

NHTSA complaint #11365778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (NHTSA 19V-818000) IN NOVEMBER, 2019 FOR DEFECTIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN WHICH HAS CAUSED ENGINE FIRES. IT'S BEEN NEARLY ONE YEAR AND REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES. THIS LONG DELAY IS UNREASONABLE AND REPRESENTS GROSS NEGLIGENCE.

NHTSA complaint #11364821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY FROM THE FEEDER, MY TRUCK HAD A DELAY (2-3 SECOND) IN ACCELERATION.

NHTSA complaint #11360036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DAYTONA DODGE RAM JEEP CHRYSLER AND FIAT LOCATED AT 1450 N TOMOKA FARMS RD SUITE A, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32124, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER HEAD WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA complaint #11330504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V818000 (EQUIPMENT, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. ACADIANA DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM FIAT (1700 SW EVANGELINE TRWY, LAFAYETTE, LA 70508, (337) 232-7361) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY LOUD SOUND WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS ACTIVATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND SUGGESTED THAT THE DEFECTIVE FAN BE REPLACED WITH ANOTHER FAN UNTIL THE REMEDY WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAN WAS NOT REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11329196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V818000 (EQUIPMENT, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. CAPE CORAL CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2200 NE PINE ISLAND RD, CAPE CORAL, FL 33909, (239) 500-0000) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT

NHTSA complaint #11326930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V818000 (EQUIPMENT, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED TO DADELAND DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (16501 S DIXIE HWY, MIAMI, FL 33157, (305) 278-9994) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11326478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 19V818000 (EQUIPMENT, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 20V036000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11321720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V818000 (EQUIPMENT, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WALNUT CREEK CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (LOCATED AT 2404 N MAIN ST, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #11307506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V818000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, EQUIPMENT). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB FRENSLEY CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM FIAT (888-910-6926, LOCATED AT 2210 GALLATIN PIKE N, MADISON, TN 37115) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A KNOCKING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE KNOCKING WAS AS A RESULT OF THE OIL CHANGE AND SHOULD GO AWAY AFTER SOME DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE BLEW UP AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 24 MILES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SAME DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,600. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11292301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

THIS IS ABOUT MY DEAD PEDAL WHEN LETTING OF THE ACCELERATOR TO MERGE ECT THERE IS LIKE A 2 TO 3 SECOND DELAY IN POWER. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT SEVERAL TIMES. I DO NOT TRUST THE TRUCK. SEEMS LIKE A ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA complaint #11203240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

VERY SLOW TO RESPOND THROTTLE PEDAL, ITS TO A POINT OF NOT SAFE TO PULLOUT IN TRAFFIC OR MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY. THERE IS 2-4 SECONDS OF IDLE WHILE PEDAL IS TO THE FLOOR, THEN THE ENGINE WILL START TO INCREASE RPM AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION WILL SEEM TO BE IN NEUTRAL AT TIMES WHEN TURNING INTO AN ELEVATED PARKING LOT OR DRIVEWAY. APPLY MORE THROTTLE AND CLUNKS BACK INTO GEAR THEN WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD. AT TIMES COMING TO A STOP, THE TRANSMISSION WILL STAY IN A HIGHER GEAR OR THE LOCKUP CONVERTER IS STAYING LOCKED UP. TRYING TO STOP WITH TYPICAL BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE WILL NOT STOP THE TRUCK WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING. YOU REALLY NEED TO APPLY PEDAL PRESSURE UNTIL IT COMPLETELY STOPS ROLLING THEN IT SEEMS TO RESET OR GO BACK TO NORMAL. RAM DEALERS CLAIM ITS CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRUCK AND THEY SAY THAT RAM STAR SAYS ITS NORMAL. A LITTLE RESEARCH ONLINE AND YOU WILL FIND THIS TO BE A MAJOR ISSUE. I AM LOOKING INTO LEMON LAW OR GETTING AN ATTORNEY. $60K TRUCK AND ITS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. COMPLETELY UNSATISFIED WITH MY PURCHASE

NHTSA complaint #11084842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I HAVE A 2017 RAM 3500 WITH AN AISIN TRANSMISSION. THE THROTTLE LAG IN THIS TRUCK IS VERY DANGEROUS. I REALLY HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHEN CROSSING ROADS OR PULLING INTO TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE TRUCK HESITATES 2-5 SECONDS AFTER I PRESS ON THE THROTTLE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND MUST BE LOOKED INTO. I HAVE FOUND MANY, MANY OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THIS PROBLEM AND HOW SERIOUS IT IS. RAM WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. PLEASE LOOK INTO BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED, IF THEY HAVENT BEEN ALREADY.

NHTSA complaint #11080888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

LATER DODGE TRUCKS SEEM TO HAVE A BUILT IN DESIGN FLAW WHEREIN TORQUE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMING IS PREVENTING THE TRUCK FROM TAKING OFF NORMALLY, CREATING SECONDS OF DELAYED THROTTLE RESPONSE AND VERY DANGEROUS CROSS TRAFFIC ISSUES COMMONLY REFERRED TO ON MANY DODGE FORUMS AS THE DEAD PEDAL. REPEATED EFFORTS WITH DEALER FAILED ALTHOUGH THEY RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11075533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 17V821000 (POWER TRAIN), AND 17V824000 (EQUIPMENT). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (GREENWAY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM ORLANDO, 9051 E COLONIAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32817, (888) 292-3985) WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY WHEN THE REMEDY AND PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT UPDATED 10/1/18

NHTSA complaint #11067420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.