2017 Ram 3500 Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 33 electrical system complaints for the 2017 Ram 3500, 11% of its 310 total complaints for the year, with median failure mileage of 42,500. One related recall (18V332000) addressed a software issue tied to the electrical system.
- Electrical System complaints
- 33
- 11% of 310
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 42,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners describe a hesitation of two to three seconds when accelerating from a stop, sometimes called a 'dead pedal,' before the truck suddenly takes off.
- Some owners report the electric cooling fan failing around 55,000 miles, with dealers reportedly misdiagnosing the radiator instead.
- Front turn signals, a headlight, and a fog light have gone out simultaneously on some trucks, traced by owners to loose connectors in a wiring harness plug under the fuse box.
- Owners report intermittent ABS and traction control warning lights turning on and off, which disables cruise control and antilock braking when active.
- One owner described a loss of ABS and traction control that led to the truck spinning out.
When 2017 Ram 3500 electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 10, 2018, latest Jan 8, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2017 Ram 3500
- NHTSA 18V332000May 17, 2018Electrical System4,815,661 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Electrical System complaints by 3500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does the 2017 Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 33 electrical system complaints for the 2017 Ram 3500, making up 11% of all 310 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2017 Ram 3500 electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 18V332000, reported on 2018-05-17, covers a software issue affecting the engine or powertrain control on certain 2014-2018 Ram 3500 trucks and related vehicles; it does not carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2017 Ram 3500?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2017 Ram 3500 is 42,500 miles.
- Did the electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires linked to electrical system complaints on the 2017 Ram 3500, with 0 injuries reported.