2017 Ram 3500 Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 61 engine complaints for the 2017 Ram 3500, 20% of all 310 complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 31,800. A related recall (17V562000) covers Cummins 6.7L water pumps, plus owners also cite delayed throttle response tied to other campaigns.
- Engine complaints
- 61
- 20% of 310
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 31,800 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe a delayed or 'dead pedal' throttle response, with the truck hesitating two to five seconds after pressing the accelerator before power builds.
- Some drivers report the transmission feeling like it is in neutral momentarily, especially when turning into driveways or parking lots, followed by a hard clunk when throttle is reapplied.
- One owner reported the truck failing to slow down properly after tapping the brake to disengage cruise control while towing a heavy trailer, leading to a crash.
- A separate report describes sudden acceleration that resulted in a crash, with the check engine and throttle control lights on beforehand.
- One owner reported an engine compartment fire with no warning lights beforehand, noticed only when smoke and flames appeared.
- Several owners reported being notified of engine-related recall campaigns but experiencing long waits because replacement parts were not available at dealers.
When 2017 Ram 3500 engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 3, 2018, latest Jul 14, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2017 Ram 3500
- 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 3500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2017 Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 61 engine complaints for the 2017 Ram 3500, which is 20% of the 310 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2017 Ram 3500?
- Yes. Recall 17V562000, reported September 12, 2017, covers 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 3500 engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 31,800 for engine-related complaints on this model year.
- What kind of engine problems do owners describe?
- Owners describe delayed throttle response often called a 'dead pedal,' transmission feeling like it disengages briefly, and in isolated cases sudden acceleration or an engine compartment fire.
- Does the 2017 engine complaint rate compare well to other 3500 years?
- The 20% share for 2017 is lower than 2013's 36% and 2014's 22%, but the 2018 model year had more raw engine complaints, 125, even though its share was 16%.