YearToAvoid

2017 Ram 3500 Brakes Problems

NHTSA has 190 brake complaints for the 2017 Ram 3500, 61% of its 310 total complaints, including 4 crashes. A related recall (24V896000) covers a brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) that can fail and disable ABS, with median failure mileage at 54,000 miles.

Brakes complaints
190
61% of 310
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
54,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Complete loss of braking power while driving, including pedal going to the floor after a popping sound, sometimes leading to a crash.
  • ABS warning lights and chimes appear intermittently, later diagnosed as an electrical short between the ABS hydraulic control unit and the electronic module.
  • Integrated trailer brake controller provides little or no braking to a towed trailer even at max settings, especially at low speeds.
  • Parking brake pads reported as fully worn at low mileage, causing the parking brake to lock up unexpectedly.
  • Sudden brake failure combined with the engine unable to shut off and inability to steer, forcing the vehicle off the road.

When 2017 Ram 3500 brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 1, 2017, latest Sep 16, 2026.

2017 Ram 3500 brakes complaints: complaints filed per quarter232017 Q22019 Q22022 Q32023 Q32024 Q32025 Q32026 Q3
190 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q3 (23).

Brakes recalls for the 2017 Ram 3500

  1. NHTSA 24V896000Nov 27, 2024Brakes317,630 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.

    Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.

Brakes complaints by 3500 model year

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

  1. 20070 (0%)
  2. 20081 (25%)
  3. 20091 (33%)
  4. 20136 (5%)
  5. 201417 (8%)
  6. 201526 (19%)
  7. 201612 (9%)
  8. 2017190 (61%)
  9. 2018664 (83%)
  10. 201910 (7%)
  11. 20208 (7%)
  12. 20216 (10%)
  13. 202212 (6%)
  14. 20231 (6%)
  15. 202411 (25%)
  16. 202519 (45%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2017 Ram 3500 have?
NHTSA lists 190 brake complaints for the 2017 Ram 3500, which is 61% of the 310 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2017 Ram 3500?
Yes. Recall 24V896000 covers 2017-2018 Ram 2500/3,500 and Cab Chassis models for a brake hydraulic control unit (HCU) that may fail and cause ABS problems. Dealers replace the HCU or its motor free of charge.
At what mileage do brake problems show up on the 2017 Ram 3500?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on this model year is 54,000 miles.
Did the brake issues cause any crashes?
NHTSA data shows 4 crashes linked to brake complaints on the 2017 Ram 3500, with no reported fires or injuries.
What kind of brake failures do owners describe most?
Owners describe total loss of stopping power, ABS warning lights tied to a faulty hydraulic control unit, and integrated trailer brake controllers that provide little or no braking force while towing.

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.