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2017 Ram 1500: engine failure

14 of the 886 complaints about the 2017 Ram 1500 describe engine failure.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
104,000
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 68 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Steering · 200,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact called a tire retailer and was informed to disconnect the battery to reset the vehicle. The contact disconnected the battery, which corrected the failure temporarily, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19E077000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Jun 1, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · VA

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

Filed Feb 25, 2025 · Engine · MN

Driving truck down the road heard a loud pop, engine stalled. Found oil leaking under truck. Dealer said it’s a known issue with the engine and would not cover replacement cost. Truck only has 90k miles. Engine failure while driving could have resulted in a major accident.

Filed Nov 1, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · 140,829 miles · NC

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 (280 Hyatt Creek Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786), and Crossroads Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Henderson (120 US-158, Henderson, NC 27536). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,829.

Filed Apr 12, 2024 · Steering · OH

I was driving down the road at 30 mph and my steering wheel seized, I got a check steering alarm on my dash.

Filed Jan 23, 2024 · Engine · TN

In January 2024, my 2017 Dodge 1500 leaked a large amount of oil in a short period of time. If it had gone unnoticed, this could have led to engine failure while driving. The truck has 61,000 miles on it. I took it to my local Dodge dealership for diagnosis. When I explained the problem to the Assistant Service Manager, he said; "I'll bet I know what it is... the oil cooler. It's not uncommon". In fact, it WAS the oil cooler. Specifically, the gaskets in these trucks degrade, fail, and oil quickly leaks out. I "Googled" this issue online and found that there are MANY complaints regarding this exact issue from all over the country. Many of the trucks, like mine, had relatively low mileage. In order to make the repair, the mechanic must remove the intake manifold to access the oil cooler. As the gasket is incorporated into the cooler, the entire unit must be replaced. The cost for this repair was $1324. In further discussion with the Assistant Manager, he noted again that this is not an uncommon problem and has been a problem since about 2010. The cause is inferior (plastic) parts. He said that Dodge has done nothing to rectify the issue. They have not upgraded the part, offered to fix defective oil coolers, or done a recall since they don't consider it a "safety" issue. He referred me to Dodge's "Customer Care" number but also added that he didn't think it would do much good. On January 23, 2024, I called Dodge Customer Care. The representative said he would forward my complaint "for review". When I asked him how I would follow up on my complaint, he said that he did not know if anyone from Dodge would actually call me back. It felt like a waste of time. He also said I should file a complaint with the federal safety agency. Dodge needs to acknowledge that the oil cooler units on their 1500 pickups are defective and make restitution to the owners.

Filed Jan 18, 2024 · Engine · 104,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH with traffic slowing, the contact slowed down, and at 10 MPH, the engine seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact coasted to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic could not identify the cause of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tone wheel had failed causing the engine to seize. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which provided a remedy of a software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the mechanic denied the replacement of the tone wheel. The failure mileage was 104,000.

Filed Jun 27, 2023 · Engine · MI

While idling in line at a fuel station, my vehicle suddenly started shuddering and quickly followed up with a strange squeak that sounded like metal on metal contact from the lower portion of the engine. This happened on June 5th 2023 around noon timeframe. I was able to pull the vehicle into a parking spot where I turned the engine off and called for a tow truck. There were no visible lights or codes stored during this period. After getting the vehicle home, I removed the oil filter and discovered metal flakes throughout the filter and oil system. The vehicle has just under 70k miles on it and has been maintained regularly with quality lubricants and filters. Thankfully I was not on the highway with my family to include two children under the age of 5. Chrysler/Fiat has been aware of engine failure issues on this particular engine and continues to ignore the fact that their power plant is faulty and continues to put owners and bystanders at risk.

Filed May 21, 2023 · Engine · CA

RAM ENGINE FAILURE May 7, 2023 SUBJECT: Engine failure RAM 2017 ECO Diesel TO: whom it may concern: Tuesday April 25, 2023 while driving to Riverside California with my wife, daughter and two grandchildren in my 2017 ECO diesel, it began to overheat leading to my engine oil pressure immediately dropping to zero. The loss in performance and lack of drivability forced me to hastily veer off highway 91, on to Adams Street/Auto Center Drive. I immediately pulled to the side of the road and shut off my truck’s engine. After the panic subsided I called Redlands Dodge Redland and was redirected to MOSS BROS. Riverside, California. The history regarding my purchase of RAM eco diesel: I’m a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran who utilizes a service trained mobility dog. This was the primary reason for the purchase a RAM full size pickup truck that is licensed with military disability veteran plates and equipped with K-9 support equipment. See attached photos. I suffer from severe neural back injuries requiring both lower back and leg prosthesis. My service dog is the only way I’m able to be mobile and not bed ridden. My RAM truck is my chosen vehicle to allow me some resemblance of a normal life. At 73 year old, I depend on my RAM truck. Today I’m confronted with multiple recalls and premature engine failure on this truck which had been waiting for over a year to have corrections made to critical equipment defects which could result in fire, loss of vehicle control and possible vehicle crash endangering my life and the lives of my family. My RAM case number is GOOD-WILL # 86043416, The contact stated the first case appears to have gone unresolved and speaking with another specialist/mechanic from FCA would inspect my vehicle's engine and authorize it's repair/replacement.

Filed Sep 10, 2022 · Steering · AZ

The electronic power steering completely failed. After we had been driving and it had been raining we were going about 55 mph down the state highway when the electronic power steering completely failed and we lost control of the steering. The dashboard warning light came on and on the notification screen stated to “service power steering“. Even though it shows absolutely no recalls just a simple search online shows that we are not the only ones with a 2017 ram 1500 with electronic power steering with the same issue. I have called around to many auto parts stores and even dealers and nobody has the part in stock. And of course our vehicle having been outside of the five years and mileage it is not under warranty. The steering is 100% locked up and will not move whatsoever. It has been inspected by a authorized ram service mechanic who has verify that it has seized up and needs replaced.

Filed Jul 21, 2022 · Steering · 63,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at slower speeds, the steering wheel seized with the wheels turned to the left. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2022 · Engine · MN

Engine blew up with no warning indicators on the dash. Engine oil was full and from what the dealer found it was a bearing either the crankshaft or rod. I've been without my truck for over 2 months and fiat chrysler doesn't know when a motor will be available.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported June 8, 2023 · 80,629 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V‑475.

Recall number 23V411000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported August 13, 2020 · 58,016 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 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.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.

Recall number 20V475000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported October 24, 2019 · 107,980 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.

Recall number 19V757000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2017 Ram 1500 engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2017 Ram 1500?

14 of 886 owner complaints about the 2017 Ram 1500 (2%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2015.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Ram 1500?

There are 3 recalls and 68 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2017 Ram 1500

Power steering loss 95ABS 75Loss of power 63Check engine light 57Adaptive cruise 46No deployment 31Knocking 28Stalling 26Fuel gauge 23Fuel pump 23Fire or smoke 18Jerking 14Steering lock-up 14Key fob 11Won't start 11Hesitation 10Won't shift 10Tire blowout 9Airbag light 8Backup camera 8Fuel smell 8Headlights 8Pulling 7Ball joint 6Shudder 6Water leak 6Brake failure 5Door locks 5Wipers 5

All model years of the Ram 1500

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