10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
7,660 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2017 Ram 1500 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2017 Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #27

May 182023

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving the vehicle, the cruise control disengages, the traction control light comes on, and the ABS light comes on along with a warning bell dinging incessantly! It may stay like this for hundreds of miles or may be intermittent. Sometimes I can restart the vehicle and it will reset and sometimes it won-??t. I haven-??t been able to replicate it for the dealership-??although it-??s been occurring for over a year now. Driving conditions don-??t seem to make any difference as a cause. Wet, dry, smooth, or bumpy roads-??it-??s all the same.

- North Richland Hills, TX, USA

problem #26

Feb 012024

1500

  • miles
Approximately [XXX] the ABS and traction control warning lights came on. I took it to the Ram dealer in Benton AR. They informed me the ABS control module would need replacing and was on back order for approximately 12 months. As a result I do not have ABS or cruise control. In my research I-??ve learned that other issue have been reported with this problem including loss of 4 wheel drive. The dealership (Campbell) requires full payment of $700 before ordering the part! I can still drive the truck but I-??m not comfortable especially in bad weather. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Scott, AR, USA

problem #25

Mar 082024

1500

  • miles
On [XXX], I received a "SERVICE ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM" error on my 2017 Ram 1500 and then "CHECK ENGINE" light came on. I did not drive the truck after that except to bring it to my dealer at first available appointment on [XXX]. I brought the truck to my dealer for repair and after system inspection was told the ABS module and HCU (hydraulic control unit) are faulty and need replacement. The parts are on backorder and not expected for months. This seems to be a known problem with the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. I am told I can operate the truck at my own risk without the repair. I live in Iowa with winter snow and should not have to be concerned with braking issues which put myself and my family at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

problem #24

Dec 242023

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Brakes locked up in busy pedestrian area when it was wet. Message popped up on dash that stated to service electronic braking system and a second to service the ABS brake system. I almost hit someone because they did not perform as they have in hard braking scenarios in the past. The truck is at the dealership with no parts available in the nation and no aftermarket availability until an engineering solution is found at FCA. There is much to read on the issue at various online forum sites. When I slammed on my brakes my truck slid all over the place and that has never happpend before.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #23

Dec 202023

1500

  • miles
While driving on a busy Highway my 2017 Ram 1500 will lose power causing me to abruptly slow down in the middle of the road. Suddenly my check engine light and every other light appears and I get many warnings in the dash: service electronic braking system, service shifter, and many more. Restarting the vehicle or disconnecting the battery will resolve the issue for a short amount of time. It-??s not long before the same thing happens again.

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #22

Sep 052023

1500

  • miles
On a irregular basis, would get warning messages and dash warning lights about " Service Anti-lock Brake system", and " Service Electronic Brake System", and vehicle would start to immediately lose power and in some locations, would be on an open highway at highway speeds. Would have to pull off road to try and cycle truck off and on to regain operation. Getting rear-ended on the highway is NOT an option due to a faulty module or braking system...!! NO pre warning lights or symtpons, it just happens.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #21

Nov 212023

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Brake, ABS and traction control lights all came on and according to Dodge Dealer the cause is the ABS ECU control module and /or ABS hydraulic system. Dodge indicated ECU Control Module is on backorder pending engineering review so it does not make sense to replace only the hydraulic unit without replacing the ECU Module., They say it is safe to drive, however ABS, traction control, and cruise control will not operate.

- Weeki Wachee, FL, USA

problem #20

Aug 152023

1500

  • miles
Part# 68295368AC ABS control module failed about 3 months ago. Took to dealership to repair and they said no eta on when part will arrive and that there is a national shortage on the part and 100's of these are waiting to come in for repairs. Contact Dodge/Ram and basically told the same thing. Was told to just be careful and when part is available (no estimated ETA), they would let me know. This is same components being used in new vehicles currently being built but RAM is okay with "just being careful" on not having a government mandated safety feature since 2011. I offered to go and get the part on my own and no response to that option either. Ram knows this is a safety issue and is burying their head in the sand. My family safety and safety of others on the road is important to me. This lets just use them to build new vehicles and let's not worry about the safety of the public worries me.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #19

Aug 152023

1500

  • miles
Driving approx. 45 mph when truck lost acceleration. Truck began making clanking sound and check engine light came on and electronic throttle control light. Almost got into an accident due to someone almost rear ending me and then had to coast into a parking lot when I lost total control of all steering and almost hit a parked car. Truck would not restart, had to call for a tow back home that was 150+ miles because no dealerships close by would accept vehicle or had availability. Truck taken to local Dodge dealership and diagnosed with high pressure fuel pump failure and the eta for parts for a fix are unknown at the time. Have been without a truck or car for 2 weeks now, have 4 kids and both me and my wife work full time and now only have 1 car to get around in because the truck had to be diagnosed first before a rental could be granted, if they even give me one. Still waiting to hear back about getting a rental and been 2 weeks without a truck.

- Oakley, CA, USA

problem #18

Apr 152023

1500 8-cyl

  • miles
When we bought the truck we drove to Virginia beach, va. The cruise control was locked on at 72mph and had to turn truck off to keep from rear ending many vehicles stopped on Interstate. Brake failure has almost caused wreck 5 or 6 times. I did have accident in June. I don't drive it anymore have a 38,000 vehicle we cant drive because brakes fail. Two different occasions the wheel on drivers side has broke lugs and wheel came off once and second time I heard noise and parked it. I had 1 lug left that time. As we lost my mom and sister in wrong way crash this has brought unnecessary stress and emotional distress. So we have no vehicle and out of 38,000. The contact wants to add the Hemi tick defect as well.

- Loudon, TN, USA

problem #17

Aug 032023

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2017 Ram 1500 V6 3.6L (VIN [XXX] ). When I used my parking break I have noticed that there are certain issue with the steering (hard to steer) and also that the parking brake cable hanging loose. When I checked the e-brake the cable is hanging down under the truck. It looks like parking brake is engaged and stuck and doesn't provide enough tension to the cable (doesn't retract). However, I have also noticed when going at around 65 mph that there the wheel is shaking like e-brake is engaged, and it is also hard to steer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Utica, NY, USA

problem #16

Jul 012021

1500

  • miles
ABS and traction control light come on for no reason. With message of servcice ABS system and service trailer braking system. Also lightning bolt light- (etc control) comes on wont let your truck accelorate or shift. You can unplug the pedal over night and you will get a day or two before it comes back on. I have replaced three different $400 gas pedals within two years

- Farmington, NM, USA

problem #15

Jul 012023

1500

  • miles
1-ABS PUMP MOTOR CONTROL- GENERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE anti-lock brake code C0020-01 came on at 44185 miles. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they are telling me that The ABS unit needs to be replaced and that it is not covered under the warranty. this repair is going to cost me between $1200 and $2000. 2- At @ 30000 miles the FUEL INDICATOR LEVEL UNIT located inside the fuel tank went bad, showing that the tank was empty when the fuel tank was full. That part for the repair cost me $275 just for the part plus the installment pay. This vehicle is driven very little for All of these problems to be present. I think Dodge /Ram should stand behind their products and do the right thing and honor these repairs. Thank you.

- Beacon, NY, USA

problem #14

May 242023

1500

  • miles
Repeated alert to service electronic braking system. Had code read it said right front wheel erratic response from wheel speed sensor. Had sensor changed no change to error code, now the traction control light and passenger seat airbag light has come on. This is a 2017 ram tradesmen with approximately 70k mileage

- Richards, TX, USA

problem #13

Oct 132022

1500

  • miles
I was driving my vehicle and the back tire from the driver side the tire blew out and make my vehicle roll over and the vehicle got total loss the vehicle was unsafe the brakes locked on me when the tire blow out

- Garden Grove, CA, USA

problem #12

Mar 032022

1500

  • miles
Brake clip failed. Clip to brake pad on driver side front came loose and caused the brake pad to slip and caliper drop down onto the top of the rotor. Upon braking NO PRESSURE was being applied to the side of the rotor. All the pressure was only on the TOP OF THE ROTOR. There was no wear or etching on the side of the rotor at all, however the top of the rotor had a great deal of pitted and gouged metal. This created a very dangerous situation!

- Goodrich, MI, USA

problem #11

Mar 142022

1500

  • miles
While in gear the throttle has accelerated uncontrollably without a foot on the pedal. It has happened twice now and both times resulted in significant damage. Applying the brake made no difference they were just overpowered by the motor. The vehicle is going to be towed to a body shop to get a repair estimate. Last time the damage was about $14,000. The vehicle is not safe if you cannot control the speed. They thought last time my foot slipped of the brake onto the throttle but I said no it had not. I was to busy trying to control the truck to notice if any warning lights went on. However earlier in the day the cruise control would not turn on.

- Ripon, WI, USA

problem #10

Jun 162021

1500

  • 26,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while reversing and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle went into overdrive and crashed into a building. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was not reported. The contact did not call the local dealer and made them aware of this failure. On June 21, 2021, the contact stated that when approaching an intersection and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle went into overdrive again. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he depressed the brake pedal to the floor to stop the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the brake and accelerator assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

- Geneva, NY, USA

problem #9

Nov 092020

1500

  • 29,189 miles
The vehicle was bought new by me, and only used for personal use on public roads. The truck has not been used for work nor used in dirt etc. The brakes and everything else on the vehicle are the original components that came with the vehicle when new. The brake pads on the vehicle at only 29,000 miles are "crumbling" (those were the words from the Dodge/Ram dealership service dept), and the outer edges of the front brake rotors are flaking apart. The dealership said they see this a lot with Ram trucks, and some that are only a year old with low mileage. The dealer service dept said Chrysler knows about this, but won't do anything. The dealership said the brakes are dangerous and the vehicles with this problem cannot be driven safely, so the brakes (pads and rotors) must be replaced. The dealer told me to call Chrysler at 800-992-1997. The Chrysler "customer care" people refused to acknowledge that they know about this problem, but they said that they know that their brakes don't last long, which is why they only provide a warranty of 12-months/12,000 miles, despite the advertised 36-month "bumper-to-bumper" warranty. This problem with the brakes is due to very low quality materials, and is a major safety hazard for anyone with a Ram truck, as well as a safety hazard to the general public who could be injured by Ram trucks that have these brakes. Chrysler (Ram) is knowingly putting vehicles on the roads with unsafe brake components. Brakes are the most important safety items on vehicles, and the brakes should be made of quality materials, and not be falling apart and failing so soon. Regardless of whether brake pads are wear items, this is not a wear issue. Those brake pads have a lot of thickness, but they're crumbling, which is premature failure. And the brake rotors should not be falling apart.

- Downingtown, PA, USA

problem #8

Jan 012018

1500

  • 10,000 miles
While driving vehicle when coming to a stop at speeds of 15-65 mph. The steering wheel shakes and it seems as if the truck doesn't want to stop. I was told this is due to the rotors warping. If this happens to a Dodge / Ram pickups they should probably upgrade the discs and pads for better stopping and stabilizing.

- La Porte, TX, USA

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