The 2017 Ram 2500 is a workhorse split into two personalities: the 6.4L Hemi runs strong but drinks fuel, while the 6.7L Cummins is legendary for torque but comes with significant diesel-specific repair costs. Both share a problematic transmission cooler design and some electrical gremlins, but the Cummins engines from this era face serious piston and crankshaft failures that can grenade the bottom end.
6.7L Cummins Piston and Crankshaft Failure (Catastrophic Engine Damage)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1+ quart per 1,000 miles), Metallic knocking or rattling from bottom end, especially cold start, Loss of power under load, white or blue smoke from exhaust, Metal shavings in oil filter or pan during oil change
Fix: Complete bottom-end rebuild or short block replacement required. Pistons crack at the wrist pin boss, rods fail, crankshaft bearings spin. Full teardown, machine work, reassembly runs 40-60 labor hours at a diesel shop. Many opt for upgraded aftermarket pistons during rebuild to prevent repeat failure.
Estimated cost: $12,000-18,000
68RFE Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping, hard shifts, or delayed engagement, Milky or discolored transmission fluid (coolant mixing with ATF), Overheating transmission, burnt smell, Loss of forward gears or limp mode
Fix: The factory transmission cooler inside the radiator fails internally, allowing coolant and ATF to cross-contaminate. Requires cooler replacement, full trans flush with solvent cleaning, torque converter replacement, and often a full transmission rebuild if driven after contamination starts. Expect 12-20 hours labor depending on damage extent. Always replace cooler with external aftermarket unit during repair.
Estimated cost: $3,500-7,500
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Electrical Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start, crank but no fuel delivery, Gauges going haywire, speedometer dropping to zero while driving, Wipers, windows, or lights operating on their own or not at all, Multiple seemingly-unrelated electrical faults with no clear pattern
Fix: The TIPM is the central fuse/relay box and it develops internal corrosion or failed relays (especially fuel pump relay). Diagnosis takes 2-3 hours of intermittent fault chasing. Replacement is straightforward once confirmed: 1.5 hours labor. Some owners attempt relay-level repair but replacement is more reliable long-term.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Fuel Filter Housing and Water-in-Fuel Sensor Issues (Diesel)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Water-in-fuel light stays on or comes on intermittently, Hard starting or extended cranking when cold, Rough idle, loss of power, or stalling, Fuel leaks visible under driver side of engine bay
Fix: The filter housing cracks at the heater element, and the water sensor fails frequently. Requires filter housing replacement, new sensor, and full fuel system bleed. Labor is 2-3 hours. Critical to address before contaminated fuel reaches the high-pressure fuel system and destroys the CP4 injection pump (a $6K+ nightmare).
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Exhaust Manifold Bolts Breaking (6.4L Hemi)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking or tapping from engine bay on cold start, Exhaust leak smell in cabin or under hood, Visible soot staining around manifold flange, Loss of low-end torque or rough acceleration
Fix: The exhaust manifold bolts are undersized and break due to heat cycling. Requires manifold removal, drilling/extracting broken studs, retapping block threads. Plan on 6-8 hours per side if studs break flush or into the head. Many techs install upgraded studs and high-temp locking compound during repair.
Estimated cost: $800-1,600
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking under the truck when shifting from park to drive/reverse, Excessive driveline vibration at highway speed, Visible sagging or torn rubber in crossmember mount, Transmission shifter feels loose or sloppy
Fix: The rear transmission mount deteriorates from heat and weight, especially on diesels. Requires raising transmission slightly with jack, unbolting crossmember. Straightforward 1.5-2 hour job. Use OEM or upgraded polyurethane mount for longevity.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Tailgate Latch Recall and Continued Failure
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Tailgate won't latch or close securely, Tailgate opens while driving, warning light on dash, Handle feels loose or requires excessive force to open, Visible corrosion or binding in latch mechanism
Fix: Despite recall repairs, the tailgate latch actuator and striker continue to fail from corrosion and wear. Replacement is simple: 1 hour labor for actuator and adjustment. Check if recall was completed; if not, dealer should cover under recall campaign.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Owner tips
On Cummins trucks, send oil samples to Blackstone Labs every 5,000 miles after 60K to catch bearing wear and piston deterioration early—rebuilds caught early save $10K+
Replace the factory transmission cooler with an external auxiliary unit BEFORE it fails; preventive upgrade costs $600-800 vs $5K+ contamination repair
If you tow heavy with the diesel, install an aftermarket lift pump to feed the CP4 injection pump—starvation kills these pumps and costs $6,000-8,000 to replace
Check TIPM connectors for corrosion annually and apply dielectric grease; many electrical issues start with water intrusion at this module
Buy the Cummins if you need towing capacity and can budget $2K/year for diesel-specific repairs; avoid high-mileage examples without oil analysis history, and skip the Hemi unless you're okay with 10 MPG and manifold work—both need that cooler upgrade immediately.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 24V896000
2024-11-27
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
Consequence: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH · 19V347000
2019-05-09
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Consequence: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Consequence: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
STEERING:LINKAGES · 18E096000
2018-10-16
Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
Consequence: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE · 18V486000
2018-07-27
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Consequence: If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 18V332000
2018-05-17
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 18V100000
2018-02-08
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
EQUIPMENT · 17V824000
2017-12-21
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT · 17V821000
2017-12-20
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL · 17V562000
2017-09-12
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Consequence: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.
WHEELS · 17V499000
2017-08-10
Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
Consequence: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
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