2017 Ram 2500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 42 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ram 2500, 6% of its 693 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 47,517. Two recalls (18V100000 and 17V821000) address column-shifter and brake-transmission shift interlock software problems tied to unintended rollaway.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 42
- 6% of 693
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 47,518 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles unexpectedly roll or shift out of park on their own, sometimes while the driver is outside the truck, leading to rollaway or jack-knifing with attached equipment.
- A gear shifter left in an unmonitored position can be bumped into drive and the truck accelerates without brake input, according to one report involving a child in the cabin.
- Owners describe a delay of one to two seconds in throttle response from a stop or after releasing and reapplying the accelerator, which they call dangerous when merging.
- The transmission or brake system fails to hold the vehicle when the brake pedal is applied, with the truck continuing to coast despite braking.
- Loud banging or grinding noises come from the driveline and front or rear differential during acceleration or deceleration, with owners reporting water intrusion into the front differential and bearing damage.
- One driver reported the transmission overheating past 300 degrees and emitting smoke and fire through the dashboard while driving at highway speed.
When 2017 Ram 2500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 3, 2017, latest Aug 25, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Ram 2500
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 2500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2017 Ram 2500 have?
- NHTSA lists 42 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain category for the 2017 Ram 2500, making up 6% of the 693 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Ram 2500?
- Yes. Recall 18V100000 covers Body Control Module software affecting the brake transmission shift interlock on column-shifter trucks, and recall 17V821000 covers a related BTSI software and inspection issue on 2016-2017 Ram models.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2017 Ram 2500?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 Ram 2500 is 47,517 miles.
- Did the 2017 Ram 2500 transmission issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2017 Ram 2500 lists 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the reported complaints.