How common are structure and body complaints on the 2017 Ram 1500?

NHTSA lists 46 Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Ram 1500, which is about 5% of the 878 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Ram 1500 tailgate?

Yes. NHTSA recall 18V486000 covers power tailgate actuator tabs that can break, and recall 19V347000 covers tailgate latch repairs on trucks with 8-foot beds and power locking tailgates.

At what mileage do structure and body problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2017 Ram 1500 is 26,660 miles.

Have structure and body issues caused crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to these complaints shows 9 crashes, 3 fires, and 20 injuries reported for the 2017 Ram 1500's Structure & Body category.

2017 Ram 1500 Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 46 Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Ram 1500, about 5% of that year's 878 complaints. These complaints are linked to 9 crashes and 3 fires, and two related recalls (18V486000, 19V347000) cover tailgate latch failures.

Structure & Body complaints: 46; 5% of 878
Crashes reported: 9
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 20
Median mileage: 26,660 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Tailgates open unexpectedly while driving because the power lock actuator tab breaks, sometimes spilling cargo onto the highway.
Owners report unexpected body rust and paint bubbling appearing shortly after purchase, in some cases on brand-new trucks.
After collisions, owners describe unexpected surface rust found inside the structural posts and rocker panels when body shops opened the frame for repair.
Some owners report difficulty getting replacement body parts such as the truck bed box assembly, leaving vehicles in repair shops for extended periods.
A vibration in the floor, gas pedal, and steering wheel was reported starting around 1,000 miles under acceleration between 2000 and 2500 rpm.

When 2017 Ram 1500 body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 25, 2017, latest Jul 30, 2026.

46 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2017 to Jul 2026; peak Apr 2018 (3).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2017 Ram 1500

NHTSA 19V347000May 9, 2019Structure & Body1,103,209 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA 18V486000Jul 27, 2018Structure & Body1,149,223 vehicles
Structure:body:tailgate
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.
Risk: 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.

Structure & Body complaints by 1500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201352 (4%)
201452 (3%)
201559 (4%)
201644 (3%)
201746 (5%)
201826 (4%)
201995 (6%)
202047 (7%)
202133 (5%)
202222 (4%)
202312 (6%)
20243 (4%)
20254 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are structure and body complaints on the 2017 Ram 1500?: NHTSA lists 46 Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Ram 1500, which is about 5% of the 878 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Ram 1500 tailgate?: Yes. NHTSA recall 18V486000 covers power tailgate actuator tabs that can break, and recall 19V347000 covers tailgate latch repairs on trucks with 8-foot beds and power locking tailgates.
At what mileage do structure and body problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2017 Ram 1500 is 26,660 miles.
Have structure and body issues caused crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to these complaints shows 9 crashes, 3 fires, and 20 injuries reported for the 2017 Ram 1500's Structure & Body category.