2017 Ram 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 98 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ram 1500, 11% of all complaints for the year, with 9 crashes and 2 injuries at a median failure mileage of 21,000. Three related recalls cover the rotary/column shifter and differential retaining pin.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 98
- 11% of 878
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 21,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles equipped with the rotary shift knob reportedly rolled away after being placed in park, in several cases while the driver was outside the vehicle.
- Some owners describe the transmission independently shifting into reverse or drive while the vehicle was parked and unattended.
- Others report the truck jumping into an unintended gear or refusing to shift out of park, in one case leading to loss of control into a pond.
- Some owners describe the vehicle rolling backward or striking objects, including a building, a trailer, a parked car, or a person standing near the vehicle.
- A few owners report the truck failing to move at all after shifting from neutral to drive, requiring it to be towed.
When 2017 Ram 1500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 18, 2017, latest Sep 22, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Ram 1500
- NHTSA 18V100000Feb 8, 2018Transmission & Powertrain180,462 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 17V821000Dec 20, 2017Transmission & Powertrain1,482,874 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 17V198000Mar 23, 2017Transmission & Powertrain30 vehicles
Power train:driveline:differential unit
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
Risk: A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2017 Ram 1500 have a transmission recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three related recalls: 18V100000 and 17V821000, both addressing the shifter and Brake Transmission Shift Interlock system, and 17V198000, covering a differential retaining pin that could loosen and cause the differential to lock up.
- How common are transmission complaints on the 2017 Ram 1500?
- NHTSA shows 98 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ram 1500, making up 11% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do 2017 Ram 1500 transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 21,000 miles.
- Were there any injuries linked to these transmission issues?
- NHTSA records 2 injuries and 9 crashes tied to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ram 1500, no fires were reported.