YearToAvoid

2017 Ram 2500 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 117 engine complaints for the 2017 Ram 2500, 17% of all complaints filed for the model year, with a median mileage at failure of 49,315 miles. A related recall (17V562000) covers water pump failures on the Cummins 6.7L diesel engine.

Engine complaints
117
17% of 693
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
49,315 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of power or engine dying without warning while driving, sometimes accompanied by loss of brakes and steering.
  • Several complaints describe uncommanded acceleration or the cruise control failing to disengage, with the engine staying at high RPM even after releasing the throttle.
  • Owners report coolant loss and fan shroud contact with the fan causing radiator damage while towing, triggering warning alarms and engine shutdown.
  • Multiple owners describe engine oil leaking from the rear main seal shortly after purchase.
  • Some owners report smoke or fire coming from under the hood after remote-starting the vehicle.
  • Water pump replacements tied to the recall are mentioned, with some owners questioning whether the part was actually replaced.

When 2017 Ram 2500 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 16, 2017, latest Aug 25, 2026.

2017 Ram 2500 engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter142017 Q32019 Q32020 Q42022 Q12023 Q32024 Q42026 Q1
117 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q4 (14).

Engine recalls for the 2017 Ram 2500

  1. NHTSA 17V562000Sep 12, 2017Engine443,874 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Engine complaints by 2500 model year

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

  1. 201354 (30%)
  2. 201487 (26%)
  3. 201553 (25%)
  4. 201671 (28%)
  5. 2017117 (17%)
  6. 2018380 (15%)
  7. 201941 (21%)
  8. 202036 (22%)
  9. 202129 (27%)
  10. 202238 (21%)
  11. 202312 (25%)
  12. 202410 (17%)
  13. 202511 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Ram 2500?
NHTSA lists 117 engine complaints for the 2017 Ram 2500, which is 17% of the 693 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Ram 2500 engine?
Yes. Recall 17V562000 covers 2013-2017 Ram 2500, 3500, and cab chassis trucks with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines with Concentric-brand water pumps; dealers replace the water pump free of charge.
At what mileage do 2017 Ram 2500 engine problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 49,315 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2017 Ram 2500.
Did the 2017 Ram 2500 engine issues cause fires or crashes?
NHTSA records 3 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to engine complaints on the 2017 Ram 2500.
How does the 2017 Ram 2500 compare to other years for engine complaints?
The 2017 model's engine complaints are 17% of its total complaints, lower than the 2013 model year's 30% share and the 2016 model year's 28% share.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.