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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severitySymptoms: 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severitySymptoms: 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
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.