2017 Ram 1500 problems: every known failure
All 7 documented failure points for this exact year — what goes wrong, when,
what it costs, and how to spot it on a test drive. Free, from Milo's research on this model.
7known failure points
865NHTSA owner complaints
13safety recalls
$8,000worst-case single repair
A hugely capable, comfortable truck dragged down by an electric power steering system that fails and a frame that rusts faster than it should — buy the gas V8, budget for steering, and inspect the frame religiously if you're in salt country.
Every documented failure, earliest first
Ordered by the mileage the problem typically appears. VERY HIGH
confidence means it's tied to a documented NHTSA recall, and 3 of these are rated Critical.
0k–36k mi● Critical$0–$1,600HIGH
Electric power steering (EPS) intermittent assist loss
How to catch it: Test steering thoroughly on a cold start and while turning at parking-lot speed before buying; check for the steering-related recall completion in the VIN lookup.
Source: owner-reported (170 NHTSA complaints)
30k–80k mi● Critical$3,000–$8,000VERY HIGH
EcoDiesel 3.0L high-pressure fuel pump failure (metal debris contaminating fuel system)
How to catch it: Confirm the Z46/high-pressure fuel pump recall was completed and use only top-tier diesel fuel with frequent filter changes.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
40k–90k mi● Watch$150–$400VERY HIGH
Rear tailgate power lock actuator failure / unexpected opening
How to catch it: Cycle the power tailgate lock repeatedly during inspection and confirm the tailgate latch recall was performed.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
50k–100k mi● Plan$200–$2,500VERY HIGH
8-speed 8HP70 transmission shift shudder / torque converter judder
How to catch it: Do a proactive ZF-spec fluid and filter change at 60k regardless of dealer schedule — cheap insurance against shudder complaints.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
60k–120k mi● Critical$200–$4,000VERY HIGH
Frame rust/rot around fuel tank strap mounts (especially rust-belt trucks)
How to catch it: Get the truck on a lift and inspect the frame rails and fuel tank strap area directly — walk away from anything with visible flaking rust there.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
70k–130k mi● Watch$0–$1,200VERY HIGH
Front differential pin retaining screw coming loose (4x4 trucks, recall-related)
How to catch it: Verify differential recall completion via VIN and listen for clunking from the front axle on 4x4 models.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
80k–150k mi● Watch$150–$500MODERATE
Backup camera intermittent failure (green screen, static, blackout)
How to catch it: Test the backup camera cold and warm, and wiggle the tailgate handle/camera housing while watching the screen for dropout.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
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Findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with patterns
synthesized from owner communities. Confidence is labeled on every item; an inference is
never presented as documented fact. Always inspect the specific vehicle and verify open
recalls by VIN before buying.